Why I Ride

I ride for the Tour de Cure because Diabetes sucks. I've seen people close to me suffer from the side effects from Diabetes.

This was my family's Christmas last year. I ride in the hopes that no one else will have to have a Christmas at the hospital. We made the most of it and had a good time. Sometimes you appreciate what you have more when you are at risk of losing it. You also realize what's important and what's not, but I recommend you try appreciating what you have and avoid the whole Diabetes thing if you can.

Diabetes was the 7th leading cause of death according to a 2011 CDC report. However, Diabetes is also the leading cause of heart disease and stroke which makes it the secondary cause of death in a lot more cases (heart disease is the #1 cause of death & stroke is the #4 cause). Diabetes is a leading contributor to 4 of the top 10 leading causes of death.

Total: 25.8 million children and adults in the United States—8.3% of the population—have diabetes.

Diagnosed: 18.8 million people

Undiagnosed: 7.0 million people

Prediabetes: 79 million people

Basically Diabetes sucks big time. Even if you don't contribute to my Tour de Cure campaign, it would make me happy if you would get out and get active. It's one way to give Diabetes the bird.

Livi's page:

http://main.diabetes.org/goto/lriley

Has raised $20 out of $75

Richard's page:

http://main.diabetes.org/site/TR/TourdeCure/UtahArea?px=7524569&pg=personal&fr_id=8080

Has raised $35 out of $75

My page:

http://main.diabetes.org/site/TR/TourdeCure/UtahArea?px=3304181&pg=personal&fr_id=8080

Has raised $25 out of $150

Original painting

My friend Suzie paints these really cool pictures of a close up of a flower. I'm not doing it justice. If I can get a hold of a picture of one of her other works, I'll update the posting.

Opening bid: $20

Hardback copy of The Help, signed by author

This is a fantastic book. It is signed by the author. To Amy. Feel free to cross my name out and put yours in there. I met the author when the book first came out and she is delightful. Then they made the movie, so if you haven't heard of the book now, you've been living under a rock. The book is in mint condition. You really want to own it.

Starting bid: $15

Zumba 6 punch pass

This is good for a gift certificate for a 6 punch pass to Zumba by Kimberly. She teaches in a ballet studio at 10128 S Redwood Road Tuesday & Thursday evenings. Get your latin thing warmed up and put on some comfy clothes. Not only will you have fun sweating to some great music, but you'll be giving Diabetes the bird by staying healthy. And there's nothing I like better than seeing Diabetes get shafted.

Starting bid: $25

(Contact me if you have any questions about the classes, I think they are at 8pm but I needed to double check for sure)

Pat on the back

Maybe you are out of state and won't be around to collect an item. Maybe finances are tight. Then this is the item for you. It's a pat on the back. It can be self applied or applied by someone nearby. It's pretty easy but I can send instructions if you need them. Basically you take your hand, pat your back, and feel awesome about yourself knowing that you contributed to finding a cure to diabetes. You rock! If you are local, stop by and I will apply the pat on the back for you. Or if you prefer the high five, I can give a really good high five as substitute.

There are unlimited amounts for this item and do not need to be bid on. For every $5 you donate, you get one pat on the back. Just post in the comments how many of this item you would like to pledge for.

Cost: $5

Dinner by Amy

Get your stretchy pants ready, cause this item is for one home cooked meal by me. It will be customized to your tastes, but will include such items as entrees, sides, beverage, and dessert. I go all out for my donors. But that's not all. I'm even going to throw in a little something something extra. You can bring a friend/significant other/stranger/celebrity with you. But wait, there's more. We'll even be eating on real plates with real silverware. No paper plates and plastic sporks at this meal. It's the real deal.

Starting bid: $20

Custom made cake plate

Not only is this a one of a kind but there's a very good chance you pick it up/get it delivered it may have some delectable goodies adorning it. I had a friend show me how to make these and I think they are fun to make and super cute. Not only does this beauty hold cakes, but it can also present cupcakes, brownies, cookies, and even savory items piled high. No more serving out of baking pans, it's time to join the grown up world and own a cake plate. You're welcome.

Starting bid: $15

Tour de France cap

This little donated gem actually came from Europe. The price tag is even in Euros. This is like a standard baseball cap and not the tech material. It's super sharp looking though. Fantastic collectors item for any Tour de France fan. The tag says it was 15 Euro which is about $20.

Starting bid: $20

Trek bike seat pack

This is an aerodynamic pack. It's pretty small but it can still fit a spare tire, a few small tools, and a granola bar. It would be great for racing is you want to limit weight or just for any old bike that you might just want to carry some extra stuff. Mother's day is only a couple of months away. Nothing says I love you mother and thank you for giving me life like an aerodynamic bike pack.

Starting bid: $10

Tour de Cure biking cap

This is a never been used biking cap from last year's Tour de Cure. It's made out of a nice comfy technical material so it won't trap in heat. Basically if you are wearing it people will know you are a serious athlete and bow to your prowess and awesomeness.

Starting bid: $10

Tour de Cure

This will be my 5th Tour de Cure. I've ridden the 25 and 65 mile courses, but never the 100 miler. Some day. I am very grateful to my friends and family who have donated over the years and this year I wanted to try and make it so you get something back. Fundraising is not my idea of fun but this particular disease has hit me hard enough that I have overcome my fear of asking for something from people.

I will be holding an online auction for some items that have been donated or homemade stuff from me. There will be a starting amount for each item. Post in the comments what your bid is. If you are the first bidder, you can accept the base price of the item or you can offer more if you want.

When the auction is over, the winner bidder can make their donation for that amount directly to the American Diabetes Association through my Tour de Cure page or send me a check made out to the ADA.

I should also mention that I am riding with my nephew and niece this year (11 & 6 years old). We're doing the 25 miler together. I need to get some pics up to show how ridiculously adorable they are so you'll feel even more generous. Since they are kids, I'm doing most of the fundraising for them. Between the 3 of us, we need to come up with $300 to be able to do the ride.

Also if anyone wants to join the team, you are welcome. If you go to the following webpage, you click on the Join Team link in the box with the team members in it.

main.diabetes.org/site/TR/TourdeCure/UtahArea?pg=team&fr_id=8080&team_id534557