The routes are all planned. The support systems are all ready to be put in place. Volunteers are ready to help set up for the party and then tear it down again when everybody’s done for the day.

All that’s left for the 2014 Tour de Cure are the fun parts — the fundraising ride for the fight against diabetes, the pre- and post-ride celebrations and all the excitement for riders and volunteers that is sure to come with putting a thousand bicycles onto Suffolk’s back roads for a day.

The Tour is set for Saturday, and the weather forecast could hardly be better for it — sunny, with high temperatures in the mid-70s. About 1,000 riders are expected to participate in Hampton Roads’ version of the American Diabetes Association’s biggest fundraising effort of the year. This will be the third year in a row the Tour takes place in Suffolk, and organizers are eager for riders to see for themselves what made them choose the rural areas extending from King’s Fork High School as the routes for the 10-, 30-, 65- and 100-mile rides.

It’s not too late to register to take part in the event. Last-minute registrations can still be done this week, as long as you can turn in the registration fee and fundraising minimum.

Participation requires a $25 registration fee and $200 fundraising minimum. Participants can form teams or ride as individuals, and all that’s required is a bicycle and helmet.

On yet another of Suffolk’s big spring weekends, the Tour de Cure promises to be one of the hottest tickets around on Saturday. And if you miss it, you’ll have to wait a whole year for the chance to take part in this worthwhile fundraising opportunity.

For more information on Tour de Cure, visit www.diabetes.org/hamptonroadsvatour or call Amie Holman at 424-6662 ext. 3276.