Tour de T1D - Cycling Race for Type 1 Diabetes

We are thrilled to announce the 2021 edition of the Tour de T1D is running LIVE!

This year we celebrate history as 2021 marks the 100^th anniversary of the discovery of insulin by the combined efforts of Sir Frederick G. Banting, Charles H. Best and John J.R. Macleod at the University of Toronto.

Many events around the world celebrate "The 100" and we think there’s no better way to highlight this discovery than by riding in the Tour de T1D while increasing awareness of Type 1 Diabetes and improving the lives of those living with T1D. All funds raised are directed to the Youth Diabetic Clinic of the Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre in Barrie.

As we get closer, we are paying attention to government decisions regarding gatherings and vaccination status.
We have made some positive changes to your experience!

We will allow indoor entry and gathering at the beautiful Heights Ski and Country Club chalet! You can come get your morning coffee before heading out on the ride.
We are allowing indoor registration! We had planned on a drive-by system. Since we are now allowed indoors, we are bringing back the Registration Table.
When you have parked your car, come inside to the registration table to register, get your water bottle and your lunch bracelet. Please remember you need a double vaccination status to enter.
After the ride, you can come and relax inside to chat about your ride with friends and enjoy your post-ride meal.

We are doing things differently this year.

This is a bike ride to raise funds for the Youth Diabetic Clinic at the Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre. In honour of the 100^th anniversary of the discovery of insulin, we are eliminating the registration fee and replacing it with a $100.00 entrance fee that will be a direct charitable donation to the Clinic and eligible for a tax receipt. As we are trying to raise funds, this amount is a minimum entry fee and participants can elect to donate more at their discretion. It eliminates the request we have had in the past for participants to fundraise individually.

In 2019, we raised over $47,500.00 dollars for the Clinic. Part of it was used to help build and develop an improved experience for youth patients and their families as they attend the Clinic.

Our goal is to see this number increase to further improve the Clinic services.

Please note there will be no route marshals as in past events. This is to limit the number of individuals associated with the event in case of contact concerns related to Covid-19. Every rider will be responsible for self-guiding by the following options:

- Downloading the above files in their cycling computer.
- Riding with a colleague who has downloaded the files in their cycling computer.
- Printing the directions from ridewithgps.com files and carrying a paper copy.
- Following the well marked signs along the route.

While still respecting social distancing, we will have riders get together at the start line instead of previous indications of "Start Windows". This will still be while being distanced or remain close to known contacts. It is outside therefore masks will be optional.

This will allow the excitement of a "Start" with a big air horn for each route.

We will also get going a little later and allow most riders to return within a tighter timeframe and enjoy the post- ride meal.

- 100K Discovery route: 08:00 am
- 50(+) route: 09:00 am
- 25K: 10:00 am

To decrease a long wait, we recommend arriving for registration about 30-45 minutes before your start time.

This is NOT a race. Riders are obligated to ride respecting traffic rules including stop signs, slowing down for railroad crossings, maximum 2 riders abreast (if more than 3 riders), wearing a helmet. We highly recommend having a white light on the front and a red light on the back of your bike at all time, even if the event takes place during daytime.

Ontario Cycling Association guidelines for sanctioned mass cycling participation events dictates cycling groups should be limited to 8 cyclists.

There will be a sweep vehicle driving behind the last rider of each route in case a rider cannot continue due to physical / health issues or a mechanical problem unable to be fixed on the road.

Odyssey Medical will provide first aid services for the event this year. They will have a crew at the Heights chalet and another to head to an injured rider on course.

As per past years, we are thrilled to have the expertise and services of the staff from Trek Barrie to provide onsite services at the Start/Finish but also be available for route related minor mechanical issues requiring a quick fix. If the mechanical problem is too serious for a rapid fix, please use the Sweep vehicle to bring yourself back to the Heights.

In 2016, Barrie physicians Drs Darlene Newnham and Richard Goudie's son Lukas was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) at the age of 14.

In 2018, Lukas's parents combined their passion for cycling with their desire to raise awareness and funds to improve the lives of youth with T1D. Since no large scale outdoor cycling event existed in Canada, they created the Tour de T1D. To date, their ride has seen over 300 riders and raised over $80,000.00. Their dream is to see this ride become a recognized annual T1D event drawing riders from all over Canada.