Want to really enjoy your next cycling or running event? Form a team! Diane Huis and her friends formed Team Cheetah to ride in the Tour de Cure because the Tour raises money for the American Diabetes Association. As a Type 1 diabetic, this cause is something Huis cares passionately about – and getting her friends and friends of friends to take part in the event with her makes it even more special.
Team Cheetah started with three women about six years ago. They found matching jerseys in a Cheetah theme off the shelf, and a male friend who often rode with them started telling other riders (OK, usually men) to “follow the Cheetah” when they passed them. Since then they came up with official jerseys, keeping the “Follow the Cheetah” theme (even though they have slowed down some) – and adding “Stop Diabetes” and their cheetah-and-pawprint logo.
Team Cheetah now has more than 50 members, both men and women, of varying ages and cycling abilities. Many ride and train with other clubs, such as Team CBC and the Tarwheels, but they also do their own training rides and ride as a team in events such as the Raven Rock Ramble. In 2013 there were 14 “Cheetahs” on the Cycle North Carolina Mountains to the Coast ride, where they camped out nightly as they traveled by bike across the state over seven days. But what really brings them together is their quest to find a cure for diabetes. Last year Team Cheetah raised more than $30,000 for the American Diabetes Association through the Tour, and they expect to surpass that this year.
“We have had a great time getting to know each other through training rides and, of course, the Tour itself,” says Huis.
It’s not too late for you to grab some friends, coworkers or family members, form a team and join Team Cheetah this year on May 17 and 18 as they ride in the 2014 Tour de Cure. The two-day ride goes from Cary to Aberdeen on Saturday (80 or 100 miles), then returns to Cary on Sunday. Cyclists will stay in hotels in Aberdeen, and when they ride into town their luggage will be there waiting. There is a big celebration event, including dinner at the headquarters hotel, and even an after-party in downtown Southern Pines, where one of the Team Cheetah members will play with his band, the Lids. There is also a one-day ride option with shorter distances available on Saturday. Go to www.nctourdecure.org to register today.
