Home > Road Rash > Archives > 2009 > June > 26 > Entry
Team Type 1 delivers messsage of hope
Don’t ever let anyone discourage you from achieving your goals because of diabetes. That’s the main message from Joe Eldridge, co-founder of Team Type 1, a team of amateur and professional cyclists living with type 1 diabetes.
Eldridge delivered his words at Camp Bluebonnet on Friday in Killeen. Bluebonnet is a day camp for children with diabetes. His inspirational message isn’t simply an encouraging pep talk from your average guy off the street. He has the experience and accomplishments to back it up.
Eldridge competed in Race Across America in 2006 and 2007. RAAM is one of the most grueling and longest running annual endurance events in the world. It starts in Oceanside, Calif. and ends 3,052 miles later in Annapolis, Md. It is 30% longer than the Tour de France and there are no rest days.
“I basically wanted to have something monumental to talk to people about,” said Eldridge. “When you tell someone your rode a bike across the country in five days, it’s pretty impressive. I just want people with diabetes to know what’s achievable if you manage your disease.”
Recently, Team Type 1 just broke the team record in the eight-team competition RAAM by finishing in 5 days, 9 hours and 5 minutes.
The kids at Camp Bluebonnet were impressed, says Eldridge. “All those kids were pumped up that we won. All the guys who raced in RAAM have diabetes. It just gives people hope that having diabetes shouldn’t stop you from doing anything in life.”
In 2009, Team Type 1 is expanding its roster and fielding five athletic teams: a men’s and women’s pro cycling team, both featuring a mixed roster of riders with and without type 1 diabetes; an elite cycling team for the 2009 RAAM comprised entirely of riders with type 1 diabetes and a triathlon team whose members all have type 1 diabetes. In addition to its type 1 roster in 2009, Team Type 1 will also launch Team Type 2, an amateur cycling team featuring riders with 2 diabetes.
With its expansion in support and teams, expect the inspiration of these riders to touch even more lives of those with diabetes.
Check out the guys in action during a quick decent on a training ride before the 2009 Race Across America.
Comments
Click here to report comment abuse.