Waukesha County Board Supervisor Riding For A Cause

WAUKESHA, WI— A Waukesha County Supervisor continues to bring awareness to type 1 diabetes through the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation's Ride to Cure Diabetes, biking in honor of his 24-year-old son.

On August 15, JDRF Wisconsin Ride Coach Mike Crowley will cycle 100 miles to carry on the tradition and meaning of an event that has turned virtual this year as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The JDRF Ride to Cure Diabetes is a unique and exciting way to fight type 1 diabetes. Participants choose from one of five locations across the country and bike to raise money for the JDRF. Due to
the impact of COVID-19, the traditional JDRF Ride season has shifted from in-person destination events to a virtual JDRF My Ride.

One of the annual sites for the JDRF Ride takes place in La Crosse thanks to Crowley, who has personal ties to the La Crosse community and the tri-state area. When JDRF was looking for new ride sites, he worked with chapter leadership to design the 100-mile course that begins in La Crosse. With many JDRF riders and those in the T1D community missing the in-person gatherings, Crowley will be heading to La Crosse on August 14 and ride the 100 miles solo on August 15.

He will cycle the course from La Crosse, over the Mississippi River to Minnesota, down to Lansing, Iowa, up a 750 foot bluff into rolling Iowa farmland, back down to the Mississippi River, up to La Crescent, Minnesota, and back over the Mississippi River to La Crosse.

Crowley will finish at Riverside Park along the Mississippi. Annually, the JDRF La Crosse Ride draws more than 650 cyclists, raising more than $1.5 million and is a favorite for Wisconsin riders.

Crowley rides in honor of his 24-year old son, Andy, who was diagnosed at age 2. He has raised over $130,000 through the years for JDRF to help fund research for a cure. A tireless advocate for JDRF, he will share his journey via social media with video, photos, and comments along the ride.

As a Waukesha County Board Supervisor, Crowley helps Waukesha County to be a most livable place to work, raise a family and enjoy recreation. As a JDRF Ride Coach, Crowley said he helps others succeed in their fundraising and ride goals.

"As a parent, I continue to do all that I can for our son, Andy, and others," he said.

COVID-19 is not going to prevent him from representing the organization and raising dollars and awareness.

Crowley trained over 1,500 miles so far this year, and pedaled 112 miles two weeks ago and raised over $2,300 to help with fundraising.

"This will be a huge ride. 650+ riders on my shoulders and in my heart as I pedal in three states and cross the Finish Line that afternoon... knowing I've made an impact for the cause," he said.

Through his solo efforts, Mike hopes to inspire others to participate in JDRF My Ride. With no registration fee or minimum fundraising commitment, JDRF hopes to have more riders join than ever before.

Find more information on the organization and its mission.