Bike Diva

Kovarus Cycling Club Supports Brain Tumor Association

PRESS RELEASE

Pegasus / Kovarus Cycling Club Launches in Danville, Calif. to Help Support American Brain Tumor Association

Opens Call for Members Interested in Cycling and Helping to Promote a Good Cause

DANVILLE, Calif. and SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., April 9 /PRNewswire/ -- Kovarus, Inc., a premier technology consulting firm specializing in data center design, implementation, and optimization, and Pegasus Bike Works, a Danville based cycling store, today jointly announced the launch of a new charitable community cycling club in Danville aimed at promoting cycling at all levels while increasing awareness for the American Brain Tumor Association (ABTA).

More than 200,000 individuals in the U.S. and Canada are diagnosed with a brain tumor each year. The Pegasus / Kovarus Cycling Club (PKCC) is committed to making a difference for these individuals and their families. Over the past several years, PKCC has provided funding and volunteer support through a group of Northern California cyclists with the ABTA as their key philanthropy.

PKCC was founded in 2009 by East Bay residents Peter Castaldi and Patrick Cronin, co-founders of Kovarus, as well as Chris Rodriguez, owner of Pegasus Bike Works.

"In 2000, my nephew was diagnosed with a brain tumor," said Castaldi. "In the years that followed, I have watched my family struggle to come to terms with his diagnosis and have seen first-hand my nephew endure endless surgeries. If it were not for organizations like the ABTA, I'm not sure children like my nephew would have the fighting chance they deserve."

"We are thrilled that Kovarus has partnered with us to promote the fight against brain tumors through PKCC," said Rodriquez. "We are committed to creating a positive cycling experience for our members and encourage local cycling enthusiasts to join us. It's a great way to raise awareness for an important cause."

PKCC is currently looking for members to join in the spirit of sport, fun and charity. A number of events are already in the works for 2010 including a ride and lunch in the scenic Napa Valley, as well as other group rides. Members will be able to help shape the club and use the website and email list to organize their own rides and events.

To sign up for the PKCC, please visit: http://pegasuskovaruscycling.com/pages/join/join.aspx

About The America Brain Tumor Association

The American Brain Tumor Association (ABTA) is a not-for-profit, independent organization. Not affiliated with any one institution, they serve individuals globally and award funds to researchers throughout the United States and Canada. Founded in 1973 out of a desperate need, the American Brain Tumor Association exists to eliminate brain tumors through research and to meet the needs of brain tumor patients and their families. For more information, please visit www.abta.org.

About Pegasus Bicycle Works

Pegasus Bicycle Works is a progressive, fun-loving bike shop owned and operated by avid cyclists, dedicated heart and soul to the great sport of cycling. The goal of the company is simple: Pegasus Bicycle Works is here to help riders get the most enjoyment and performance from cycling by helping them choose the right bike and accessories, and by providing the best service and most knowledgeable information to each and every customer. More information on Pegasus Bicycle Works is available at http://pegasusbicycleworks.blogspot.com/.

About Kovarus

Kovarus, Inc., is a premier technology consulting firm, specializing in data center design, implementation, and optimization. With its extensive integrated expertise and proven methodologies, Kovarus helps companies align IT with strategic business goals and maximize their return on technology investments. Kovarus' unique ability to converge virtualization, storage, and networking technologies gives its clients a distinct operational advantage, enabling them to improve the efficiency, performance, and agility of service delivery. More information on Kovarus is available at www.kovarus.com or 650-392-7848.

Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080708/AQTU138LOGO
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com/

Source: Kovarus, Inc.

CONTACT: Sophia Le of Kovarus, Inc., +1-650-392-8367, sle@kovarus.com

Web Site: http://www.kovarus.com/

Team in Training Beginnings

Members of the 2007 Palm Beach Team in Training cycle team, waiting for the start of the 25th annual El Tour de Tucson.

Train with Team in Training

My husband, Rob, and I have been involved with the Palm Beach, Florida branch of Team in Training since 2006. Team in Training, which is the main fundraising program for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, helps to train amateur athletes for marathons, triathlons and century bike rides, at various locations throughout the United States. Rob and I have done 4 century rides, so far, through the Team in Training program.

The Bike Diva and her husband Rob riding in the 2007 El Tour de Tucson with Team in Training.

Century Road Bike Ride

A century ride is a one day, 100 mile road bike ride. That’s a lot of riding, especially since we are probably on the wrong side of the young and the restless chart. I’m currently 46 years old, and Rob is a youthful 53. Back in 2006, I thought that joining a cycle team would be a good way for us to increase our road biking skills, while at the same time increase our general level of fitness. You have to understand that we were pretty much the poster child’s for the cult of the couch potato back in 2006.

The Bike Diva trying to draft behind a pickup truck, at the end of the 2007 El Tour de Tucson.

Long Bike Rides

The longest road ride I had done up to that point was around 22 miles, and that took me nearly half a day, with a really long break and an iced coffee at the half way point. So the thought of riding 100 miles in a single day seemed nearly an impossible task to achieve. But I like challenges so I signed us both up for the century ride. I did not consult Rob on his opinion as to whether or not he would like to participate in a 100 mile bike ride. I called him at work and told him he had approximately 4 months to train for the ride. I’m famous for doing stuff like that, and yes, we are still married to this day.

I missed the first 3 training rides with the TNT cycle team. Someone forgot to tell my body that I was in the training stages to becoming an overly zealous amateur athlete. A bought with appendicitis slowed me down for almost two weeks, then we had an already planned vacation to North Carolina that we couldn’t cancel. So my first ride with the team was a 25 mile ride. Did you read the part at the beginning of this article that mentioned my longest ride up until this point had been 22 miles? Yup, 25 miles just about killed me.

The Bike Diva at the 2006 Space Coast Century ride, Cocoa Beach, Florida.

Turtle Power

At the time, I was the slowest person on the team, and could barely average 14 MPH. I think turtles can move faster than that. But I’m not one to get discouraged, in fact, if you ask my husband, I can be quite stubborn at times. I just kept showing up for the weekly team rides and tried to get in a few extra miles in during the week.

We managed to survive all of our training rides, well, okay maybe Blue Heron bridge kicked my butt a couple of times, but in the fall of 2006 we completed our first century ride with TNT as part of the Cocoa Beach cycle team. Not wanting to be called a slacker, and needing more finishers medals to fill in the gaps in my trophy case, we immediately signed up for the next TNT century ride.

Team in Training pasta party, night before the 2007 El Tour de Tucson.

Mirage or Mariachi Band?

In 2007 we co-mentored the team that did the 2007 El Tour de Tucson century ride. That was actually a 109 mile road bike ride, which involved two dry riverbed crossings. There was a mariachi band, in full costume, entertaining the cyclists as they came out of the first dry riverbed crossing. El Tour de Tucson was a particularly special century ride for Rob & I. Cycling legend Greg LeMond was our guest speaker at the TNT pasta dinner which was held the night before the ride. Another notable event, was  Rob being asked if he would be interested in coaching a future TNT cycle team.

Of course he said; “yes, I’d love to coach the Palm Beach Team in Training cycle team”, or something like that. That’s how we got involved with our 3^rd century ride with Team in Training. In 2008 Rob coached, and I mentored the team that was training for the Cocoa Beach century ride. Cocoa Beach is flat as a pancake, so it was a nice change to train for that ride, after training for the hills of Tucson, Arizona.

The Bike Diva bombing down Card Sound bridge on her new Trek Madone 6.5 full carbon road bike. Day 2 of the 2009 MS150 bike ride.

Catch the Bike Bug

I really got the biking bug while we were out in Tucson, and after spending too much time drooling at new bikes at the Bike Expo, decided I wanted to upgrade my road bike. When we got back to Florida, we went to a local bike store and I ordered a Trek Madone 6.5. That’s a full carbon road bike, that weighs about 14.1 pounds and costs a huge pile of money. No one told me I was probably a bit past my prime for getting invited to ride for any pro cycling teams. Who cares, at least my new ride would have me looking fly!

I became a hardcore racer chick in 2009, and competed in over 20 races, including 10 sprint duathlons, so I didn’t feel like I had enough time to invest in being a mentor for the spring 2009 Team in Training cycle team. And I was also busy writing for my Bike Diva blog. I had to invent a legitimate excuse for spending so much time cycling, so starting a bike blog seemed like the logical outcome.  In 2009 Rob coached the Tahoe TNT cycle team, along with coach Nathan Korvosky.

The Bike Diva, along with coach Nathan, and team mate Jeff, trying to stay warm at the 2009 Tahoe century ride, AKA America's Most Beautiful Bike Ride.

Vertically Challenged Florida Cyclists

Elevation for the Tahoe century ride ranges from around 6,000 to 7,000 feet. How does a team based out of Florida train to do a 100 mile bike ride in the mountains around Lake Tahoe? Wind and drawbridges baby, wind and drawbridges. If you are a south Florida cyclist, you know what I’m talking about. The Tahoe century ride, AKA America’s Most Beautiful Bike Ride, circumnavigates Lake Tahoe. Although the ride starts and ends in Nevada, the majority of the ride actually takes place in California. Look at a map, I’m not crazy, Lake Tahoe ain’t your mamma’s fish pond, it’s a really HUGE lake that covers two states.

Later this year Rob and I will be participating in our 5^th century ride with Team in Training. The Palm Beach cycle team has two century ride options scheduled for the fall 2010 season. Cyclists can either sign up for the Space Coast Century ride, which takes place in Cocoa Beach on October 24th, or they can sign up for El Tour de Tucson, which takes place on November 20 in Tucson, Arizona.

Coach Rob and Coach Nathan having a final pow-wow before heading out for the 2009 Tahoe century ride.

Coach Rob Returns

We are hoping that Rob will be asked to coach the Tucson team, since we did that ride with TNT back in 2007. A recent scare with bladder cancer, left Rob temporarily benched on the sides lines in the fall of 2009. But his doctor gave him the all clear on January 7, 2010, so he is trying to get back into cycling and has thrown his hat back into the ring to be a Team in Training cycle coach. I’ll be busy training for my second half Ironman distance duathlon at Miami Man, which takes place the week before El Tour, so I’ll just be a member of the cycle team, and leave mentoring to someone with more time to devote to the fundraising aspects of TNT.

Yes, this is the Bike Diva, AKA former couch potato, in serious racing chick mode.

Couch Potato to Bike Freak

Rob has become a bike wrench in his free time. We own so many bikes at our house, that it just made economical sense for him to start learning how to take care of all the wheels. He mostly doesn’t have any parts leftover after doing his repairs, that’s always a good thing. So basically we went from being regular, ordinary cyclists in the spring of 2006, to being total bike freaks in the spring of 2010, all thanks to the Team in Training program. GO TEAM!

Team in Training Century Rides

To read the details, and see lots of pictures of the various TNT rides I've participated in, check out these articles:

18th Annual America's Most Beautiful Bike Ride

Bike Diva Survives Tahoe Century Ride

Take care,
Lynn Smythe, AKA the Bike Diva

FROGG Everglades Ride

David Heaslip to Ride in National Kid's Cancer Ride

I just received the following press release from a cyclist participating in the 2010 Sears National Kid's Cancer Ride. My husband and I participate in a lot of charity bike rides, so I'm more than happy to post up information to the Bike Diva site on other cyclists participating in charity events.

PRESS RELEASE

David Heaslip of Bracebridge has been selected as one of the 40 riders to ride across Canada in the 2010 Sears National Kids Cancer Ride. If you ask David why he wants to do it he’ll say “If not now….when?” David’s 68 now, and will be 69 during the ride. His other slogan is “…because I think I can!”.

 

David’s interest in fitness started back in 1998. An executive on Bay Street in Toronto , time in the office or flying around the country in the back of a 747 airplane had packed on the weight. There was no time for fitness at all.

 

One day a light bulb went off and he decided to join a downtown fitness club. He got up before dawn, headed to the gym and got on the treadmill. Twelve months later he had lost 54 pounds and 11 inches from around his waist. At this point he started strength training, and then dabbled at distance running. That didn’t prove to be too exciting.

 

He retired in 2000 and moved to his lakeside home in Muskoka. He joined the Muskoka Fitness Club in Bracebridge, and kept up his daily routine. A few months later he was invited by a couple of gym members to take the CanFitPro Personal Trainer certification. He did, and he loved it. He went back to Bracebridge and spoke at several service club luncheons about wellness as we age.

 

He then took the CanFitPro Wellness and Nutrition program to bolster his knowledge. At the same time, he completed the Million Metre Row on the indoor rowing machine. He was invited to join a social bike riding club, and caught the bug. He went on to take his indoor cycling certification at Georgian College , and introduced classes to Muskoka Fitness.

 

David believes that just because you are older that you shouldn’t stop being active and fit. He has no illusions about the effects that aging has on our bodies. He understands the naturally diminished system functions, the diminished lung capacities, and the lower heart capabilities, but believes that with aggressive training he will be able to hold his own during such a grueling ride.

 

The Sears National Kids Cancer Ride is believed to be the world’s largest fundraising event for childhood cancer.  Starting on Canada ’s west coast in Vancouver on September 9^th, 2010 and finishing on Canada ’s east coast in Halifax on September 23rd, the event is an epic journey.  As they travel from coast to coast along a well planned route, national cyclists will be joined by local community riders who will cycle for as little as 10 KM or more. They will stop at Sears locations for community support and refreshments, and visit with pediatric oncology centres along the way. A volunteer team will accompany the national team to ensure the safety of all riders, ensure optimum riding conditions, drive support vehicles, and tend to the needs of all the riders.

Each rider is responsible for raising $25,000 in pledges to help meet this year’s goal of $2 million.

If you would like to sponsor David, go to his webpage at www.snkcr.com/davidheaslip or visit the homepage at www.searsnationalkidscancerride.com. He can be reached at heaslip@B2B2C.ca

When he signed up, he was motivated to get behind a cause that had the potential to directly affect the lives of children living with cancer and their families. Each rider pays a $4,000 registration fee to cover their own costs, which means that 100% of the money raised goes directly towards the cause.

As they ride through the cities along the way, they’ll attend numerous community events, where they’ll hear stories of the many ways the money raised by the Sears National Kids Cancer Ride has helped children with cancer and their families.

If you would like to get involved in the fight against children’s cancer, and want to participate in my fundraising efforts, I welcome all the support I can get!

Please check out my link at:
www.snkcr.com/davidheaslip.com

I can be reached at:
heaslip@b2b2c.ca

RadioShack Customers Donate to Livestrong

PRESS RELEASE

RadioShack Customers Donate $1.3 Million to LIVESTRONG

Fundraising contribution presented on World Cancer Day

FORT WORTH, Texas, Feb. 4 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Through the generous contributions of its customers during the holidays, RadioShack has collected more than $1.3 million to benefit LIVESTRONG®, an organization that fights for the 28 million people around the world living with cancer. Today's presentation coincides with World Cancer Day 2010, which promotes cancer prevention, detection and treatment across the globe. Customers who shopped at THE SHACK's 5,500 locations during the holiday season had the opportunity to make a $1 donation with their purchase.

RadioShack also donated $10 for every purchase of an exclusive limited-edition book -- COMEBACK 2.0 by LIVESTRONG's founder and chairman Lance Armstrong -- documenting the return of the seven-time Tour de France winner to professional cycling in 2009. COMEBACK 2.0 continues to sell for $29.99 on www.RadioShack.com and in stores while supplies last.

"We're inspired by the overwhelming response our customers and employees have shown for the LIVESTRONG campaign," said Julian C. Day, chairman and chief executive officer of RadioShack Corp. "We are exploring new and creative ways to raise awareness of the LIVESTRONG mission to our customers this year."

RadioShack announced last year its sponsorship of Armstrong and Team RadioShack to compete in professional cycling and other events worldwide, including the 2010 Tour de France.

About RadioShack Corporation:

RadioShack Corporation (NYSE:RSH) , headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas, is one of the nation's most experienced and trusted consumer electronics specialty retailers, offering innovative products and services from leading brands. Our knowledgeable, helpful sales associates are committed to enhancing the in-store shopping experience by listening to our customers, offering advice, and partnering with them to find the best technology solutions that fit their needs. Operating from convenient and accessible neighborhood and mall locations, the company has approximately 4,470 company-operated stores; almost 1,300 dealer outlets; over 450 wireless phone kiosks throughout the U.S.; and approximately 200 company-operated stores in Mexico. For more information on RadioShack Corporation, or to purchase items online, visit www.RadioShack.com.

LIVESTRONG is a registered trademark of the Lance Armstrong Foundation.

Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20000518/DATH047LOGO
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
PRN Photo Desk photodesk@prnewswire.com

Source: RadioShack Corporation

CONTACT: Wendy Dominguez of RadioShack Corporation, +1-817-415-3300,
media.relations@RadioShack.com

Web Site: http://www.radioshackcorporation.com/

2010 Hospice Ride For Life

 

February 28, 2010 marks the date of the 4th annual Hospice Ride For Life. Visit the event website to register for any of the bike rides: www.hospicecareflorida.org/events-100k-bikerace.php.

Event Details

Sunday, February 28
8am Start- Benefit Road Ride 100k/50k
9am Start- Mountain Bike Race 100k
10am Start- Fun Benefit Ride 5k

Events will start at Markham Park with the Road Ride at 8 am, the Mountain Bike race at 9 am and the Benefit Ride at 10 am. Mountain Bike race teams may consist of solo riders, two, three or four person teams completing the 100K event. Observers and participants can enjoy subs donated by Firehouse accompanied by a silent auction as well as many other bike related vendors and educational booths.

Event Location

• Markham Park
• 16001 West State Road 84
  
• Sunrise, Florida 33326
  

I'm thinking about doing the 100k (62 mile) metric century road bike ride at Hospice Ride For Life.

About Hospice Ride For Life

Join HospiceCare of Southeast Florida for “Ride for Life” on Sunday, February 28. Riders may choose from the 5K road loop, the 50k/100k road ride or the more challenging 100K off-road course. Both courses will be set in the beautiful backdrop of Markham Park in Sunrise, Florida. The money raised directly benefits patients and families on the HospiceCare of Southeast Florida program.

“Ride for Life” was created in memory of Cindy Feeney, an avid mountain bike racer. A dedicated volunteer Dave Williams brought this idea to hospice three years ago in memory of Cindy. He has transformed “Ride for Life” into a popular community and racing enthusiasts event. “I truly enjoy involving the community in having fun biking while contributing to the families and patients of HospiceCare. In the time before Cindy's death, hospice provided her with emotional and physical support. Hospice helped to keep her comfortable so she could spend time with her family in a kind and caring hospice facility. We welcome you to join us so that others may receive this same care in their time of need,” states Dave Williams, founder and chair of “Ride for Life”.

In dedication to Cindy Feeney, and the strength shown through her struggle with cancer, a trophy is awarded each year, in her honor, to the person who most exemplified her spirit.

About Hospice

HospiceCare is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to providing physical, emotional and spiritual care to individuals and their families coping with end of life decisions. Founded in 1981, H.C.S.E. serves Broward, Miami-Dade and Monroe County residents in private homes, nursing homes, assisted living facilities or wherever the patient calls "home".

In addition to patient services, HospiceCare of Southeast Florida, Inc., offers bereavement counseling, programs for children and adolescents and a variety of community outreach and educational programs to the medical community, schools, business groups and organizations.

Take care,

Lynn Smythe AKA the Bike Diva

2010 Florida Tour de Cure Bike Rides

From time to time, my husband and I participate in charity cycling events that benefit organizations such as the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Multiple Sclerosis Society and the Police Athletic League.

Tour de Cure rides, which take place throughout the United States, benefit the American Diabetes Association.The Pembroke Pines ride, which takes place on March 7, is the closest to where I live. The Pembroke Pines ride has 10, 35, 62 and 100 mile options.

Florida Tour de Cure Rides

• Orlando - February 28
• Pembroke Pines - March 7
• Ft. DeSoto - March 7
• Pensacola - April 10
• Jacksonville - May 22-23

Fundraising Details

Participants in the Tour de Cure are asked to raise a minimum of $150 for the American Diabetes Association. Participants can register online and are given a personal page on the ADA website, to help them reach their fundraising goals.

According to the ADA website: "All registered participants raising the minimum fund-raising amount for their event will receive a commemorative 2009 Tour de Cure T-shirt. Reach higher fund-raising levels and you'll earn your choice of thank you gifts!

Our thank you gift program includes name brand cycling gear, popular electronic items and more in addition to our one-of-a-kind Tour de Cure jerseys and cycling jackets."

Additional South Florida Tour de Cure Information

• Katie Hawken
• Manager, Southeast Florida Tour de Cure
• Email: khawken@diabetes.org
• Tel: 305.477.8999 ext. 3117
• For more information, call: 1-888-DIABETES or Contact Us

Take care,
Lynn Smythe AKA the Bike Diva

Bike Diva is Riding 2010 MS150

Dear Friends and Family,

The National MS Society is kicking off the 2010 Zimmerman MS Bike Ride presented by Mack Cycle and Fitness. I am planning to be a part of that event and I am asking you to join me in the fight against MS by making a contribution to support my effort.

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society is dedicated to ending the devastating effects of MS. They simultaneously fund research for a cure while also helping people who currently live with MS lead more fulfilling lives. I believe in the work they do, and I invite you to see for yourself all the good they've done for the MS community.  More than 400,000 Americans live with MS, and your support can and will make changes in their lives.

Please help by making a donation - large or small - to fight MS. Or, why not join me on the day of the event? Become a participant and side by side, as teammates, we can work together to raise the funds to make a difference.

Whatever you can give will help! I greatly appreciate your support and will keep you posted on my progress.

Sincerely,
LynnSmythe

This is a link to my personal page where you can read about why I'm riding and make a secure, online donation.

To send a donation: Make all checks payable to: National MS SocietyMail to: LynnSmythe5312 Cleveland RoadDelray Beach, FL33484-4228

Team in Training Lite

TNTLite

Looking for a lighter side of TNT?  In addition to our endurance training events, the Palm Beach Area Chapter offers fun, short distance events so everyone can join in the fun!

TNT Cycle Lite
The Palm Beaches Marathon Festival Bike Tour - a 26.2 mile ride along the beautiful marathon course!
December 6, 2009

Join us for six weeks of fun Team rides!  On event day, you will join the marathon team for a great event and even better tent party at the finish line!  This is a 26.2 mile tour event and can be done on a road bike, mountain bike or beach cruiser.  No racing? just good team fun! Get your friends involved too? it?s a perfect introduction to TNT for newcomers and a great way to raise money for a very worthy cause!

Cycle Lite time line:

 10.09.09-10.29.09 - sign up and start fund raising to cure blood cancers!  Registration is $25 (waived for alumni) and includes a TNT shirt.

10.29.09 - TNT Cycle Lite kicks off with a get -together from 7-8 pm in West Palm Beach (location TBD)

11.1.09 - First Team Ride and giveaway for everyone who has raised $250.

11.13.09 - Registration cut off and re-commitment.

12.1.09 - $500 goal!  TNT purple Race day T-shirts for Cycle Lite participants.

12.6.09 - Palm Beaches Marathon Festival and Bike Tour.  Tent party to follow for all TNT marathon and Cycle Lite finishers!

Contact us today to get involved!  (5651) 775-9954 or email teamintraining_flp@lls.org

Gold's Gym Supports Tour de Cure

Team Gold's Gym Continues to Lead the National Fight Against Diabetes

Company Leads The American Diabetes Association's Tour de Cure(R) Fundraising Efforts for Record 5th Year in a Row

DALLAS, July 8 /PRNewswire/ -- Gold's Gym, the world's leading authority on health and fitness, has continued its fight against obesity and the diabetes epidemic by once again supporting the American Diabetes Association's Tour de Cure. For the fifth year in a row, the company is the Tour de Cure's top national fundraiser and, along with its franchisees, employees, members and local communities, has raised more than $350,000.

Since Gold's Gym began its relationship with the American Diabetes Association in 2003, the company has raised more than $2.5 million for the Association in support of their mission: to prevent and cure diabetes and improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes.

"The focus of our relationship with the ADA has always been on raising funds for diabetes research and promoting the importance of exercise in fighting the disease," said Lisa Zoellner, chief marketing officer, Gold's Gym. "The Tour de Cure has become a part of our culture and is something the entire Gold's Gym family has rallied behind. We are thrilled to have raised these much-needed funds for the American Diabetes Association and are proud to serve as a resource to help people affected by the disease manage it through fitness."

The American Diabetes Association's Tour de Cure is a series of cycling events held in 40 states nationwide with proceeds benefiting the Association and its numerous programs designed to prevent, cure and manage diabetes.

Gold's Gym franchise owners, managers and employees assembled members from their local gyms and community to take part in the Tour de Cure events. With over 83 Gold's Gym teams and 2,000 riders participating in this year's events, the company had one of its strongest years to date. The top Gold's Gym fundraising teams across the country include:

 -- Gold's Gym Capital District - $45,539.83
   -- Team captain: Bill Lia

   -- Location: Albany, NY

 -- Gold's Fantastic Five - $34,445.16
   -- Team captain: Kimberly Murphy

   -- Location: Baltimore, MD

 -- Gold's Gym Golden Flyers - $22,186.08
   -- Team captain: Phillip Bruno

   -- Location: St. Louis, MO

 -- Gold's Gym Utah - $17,050.75
   -- Team captain: Stan Swallow

   -- Location: Salt Lake City, UT

 -- Team Gold's-Hamburg - $13,551.00
   -- Team captain: Dennis Witt

   -- Location: Buffalo, NY

Considered one of today's largest health crises, diabetes currently affects nearly 24 million in the U.S. and another 57 million are at risk. Although, there is no cure for diabetes, increased physical activity and proper nutrition can help manage and reduce complications as well as prevent type 2 diabetes.

In addition to supporting the Tour de Cure, Gold's Gym has worked with the ADA to develop a variety of initiatives and resources that support the fight against diabetes. This includes a special guide on how to start an exercise routine, a web site (www.goldsgym.com/adafitness) that features tips on fighting diabetes with fitness and a special discounted gym membership for anyone affected by the disease. The two organizations are also planning a national "Spin-a-thon" this November in honor of National Diabetes Month.

About Gold's Gym

Established in Venice, Calif. in 1965, Gold's Gym is the largest full service gym chain in the world with over 675 locations in 43 states and 28 countries. Gold's Gym offers the latest equipment and services, including group exercise, personal training, cardiovascular equipment, group cycling, Pilates and yoga. With nearly 3.5 million members worldwide, Gold's Gym helps all kinds of people achieve their individual potential through fitness.

Source: Gold's Gym

CONTACT: MWW Group: Lindsey Winkler, +1-201-964-2374, lwinkler@mww.com;
or Gold's Gym International: Dave Reiseman, +1-214-296-5062,
dreiseman@goldsgym.com

Web Site: http://www.goldsgym.com/adafitness