Editor’s Note: This is the last in a series of stories leading up to the American Diabetes Association’s Tour de Cure on April 20.

It’s the final week before Tour de Cure, and there’s still about $178,000 left to be raised to meet the American Diabetes Association’s goal of $448,000.

As of Saturday afternoon, only 920 riders were registered, short of the goal of 1,100 participants. It’s not too late to sign up until the last bike leaves King’s Fork High School on April 20.

“People can register up to the morning of the ride,” said Amie Holman, Hampton Roads Tour de Cure coordinator. “They just need to be prepared to pay registration and fundraising, which would be $200. Our goal is to get to 1,100, and we firmly believe we can do it with the Suffolk community involved.”

Cyclists of all levels are welcome, from leisure cyclists with beach cruisers to experienced bikers with well-equipped road bikes. The only thing that’s required is a helmet, $25 registration fee and $175 fundraising minimum.

“You can be in Spandex and ride a fast pace and have a road bike, but it’s not required,” Holman said. “You can be on a beach cruiser on the 10-mile and go at your own pace.”

The 100-mile ride leaves King’s Fork at 7:30 a.m., with the 65-mile leaving at 8:30, the 30-mile departing at 9:30 and the 10-mile commencing at 10:30.

Rest stops with refreshment and equipment support will be available at strategic locations along the way, and refreshments along with medical support will be available at the finish line. Entertainment will also be available after the ride, with the Norfolk Southern Lawmen band performing.

Those riders who raised more than $1,000 will be able to attend the Champions Reception Friday evening at the Hilton Garden Inn on East Constance Road from 6 to 8 p.m. They will also get perks, such as preferred parking, on the the morning of the event.

The cycling fundraiser will have cyclists on the road nearly all day. With that in mind, organizers are also urging motorists in the city to stay alert and give the cyclists a wide berth, as many back roads in the King’s Fork, Holland and Whaleyville areas are on the route.

A handful of volunteer positions still are available, particularly for massage therapists and supply-and-gear vehicle drivers.

For more information, visit www.diabetes.org/hamptonroadsvatour.