Gillerlain set to ride
Published 7:53 pm Monday, March 16, 2015
Jimmy Gillerlain is in his third year of participating in the American Diabetes Association’s Tour de Cure, which raises money for research and education about diabetes and advocacy for those with the disease.
But he became diabetic about 11 years ago. Though he has many family members with the disease, it wasn’t until his own diagnosis that he regally understood what they went through.
Jimmy Gillerlain completed 57 miles on his bicycle on his 57th birthday earlier this year. He plans to ride 100 miles in the American Diabetes Association’s Tour de Cure next month. (Submitted Photo)
“People don’t realize it, but it affects every aspect of your life,” he said. “When a true diabetic gets sick, even with just the common cold, it intensifies it. There’s lots of restrictions in what you can eat and what you can and can’t do.”
Gillerlain said he took up cycling about four years ago to help his body fight the disease.
“Exercise is the greatest thing we can do, besides watching your diet,” he said. “We train all year and in all kinds of weather for this one big event. It’s just preparing yourself mentally and physically.”
Gillerlain said he starts ramping up his hydration level on Tuesday for the Saturday ride. He plans to ride the 100-mile distance during the fundraiser — the most popular choice, even though distances of 10, 25 and 65 miles also are offered.
Gillerlain said he believes in raising money for the American Diabetes Association.
“It’s a very worthwhile cause, and people just don’t realize that so many of us are touched by diabetes,” he said. “Unfortunately, most of my family has been riddled with diabetes, so I’m trying to give something back.”
He also compliments the volunteers, who do a “phenomenal job” at the rest stops and along the way, and said the route in Suffolk is a nicer ride than its prior location in Chesapeake.
“It’s a great event, and having it here in Suffolk makes a tremendous difference,” he said. “Back when it was in Chesapeake, it was a little more difficult to maneuver the traffic and the roads out there.”
The 2015 Hampton Roads Tour de Cure will take place on April 25, beginning and ending at King’s Fork High School. There is a $25 registration fee and a $200 fundraising minimum. The fundraising goal is $450,000, and so far about $116,000 has been raised.
Money raised is used for diabetes education, awareness, research and advocacy.
For more information about the Tour de Cure, visit www.diabetes.org/hamptonroadsvatour.
