Bring your friends, families and co-workers to enjoy a fun-filled day enjoying gorgeous landscape of the Eastern Shore, while helping the American Diabetes Association to raise awareness and critical funds for diabetes research, education and advocacy to improve the lives of all people affected by this disease.

Following breakfast, cyclists of all ages, skill levels and walks of life, including Red Riders - participants with type 1 or type 2 diabetes - will set off along 10-mile, 25-mile, 55-mile or 100-mile courses through Talbot County.

All routes will have fully-supported rest stops throughout, and supply and gear vehicles circulating to ensure comfort and safety. For added excitement, a Speed Zone will debut in the century course.

Back at the Talbot County Community Center, the ADA will offer a festive atmosphere, complete with live music, lunch, libations – including beer by Wishing Well, massages and a Health and Wellness Pavilion featuring health professionals and giveaways. Children’s activities will include bounce house and face painting.

What’s more, the ADA is working closely with Talbot County Tourism to launch a Wellness and Tourism Weekend with the Chesapeake Bay Tour de Cure as the signature event. ADA aims to provide additional value to riders, including discounts to dine at select restaurants over the weekend, local farm tours and collaboration with other fitness events such as a new triathlon taking place May 19.

Chesapeake Bay Tour de Cure youth ambassadors are Nick Lewis, a 7th grader from Preston, Md., who was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes, and Allison Holdgreve, a 2nd grader from Centreville, Md., who was diagnosed two years ago with type 1 diabetes. Event chair is Ken Mann, managing partner of Equity Partners, whose daughter has type 1diabetes. 

All registered participants raising the minimum $200 or more will receive a commemorative event T-shirt. Participants raising $250 or more will earn their choice of thank-you gifts.

Those raising $1,000 or more automatically will become a Champion to Stop Diabetes and will receive special recognition at the event, as well as admission to a special VIP Party, May 17, at Cottingham Farm, featuring a live performance by local indie/rock/soul musician, Kentavius Jones, and farm-to-table fare from local restaurants, including Out of the Fire and Brasserie Brightwell.

Anyone who raises $2,600, in honor of the 26 million Americans living with diabetes, will become a Champion on a Mission and will receive the coveted gold Champions jersey.

Cigna is the event’s regional presenting sponsor and Hearthstone is the local presenting sponsor: Additional sponsors include Bravo Health, Kelly Benefit Strategies and McCormick. Community partners include Easton Cycle and Sport and Cross Court Athletic Club.