Team Navy Jax hits the road for a special cause

The group gathered at the crack of dawn Saturday with about 300 other riders to participate in the two-day, round trip ride from downtown Jacksonville to Fernandina Beach and back.

"We are thrilled to be part of the Tour de Cure and help those in our community that are affected by diabetes, especially the young children who will now have the opportunity to attend a special summer camp in part because of our cycling" said Team Captain Miriam Gallet. "Also, we are honored by the trust that the VyStar Federal Credit Union Board of Directors, and our supporters have in us. Every mile we pedal enables us to partake in the rich banquet of life and celebrate the infinite potential of the human spirit."

Since its very successful participation in two MS-150s and last year's Jacksonville Tour de Cure, Team Navy Jax has spent numerous hours holding fund-raising events in the community, participating in spinning classes at the NAS Jax Morale Welfare and Recreation Department's Fitness Source and getting together to ride in local events.

The ride began Saturday morning from downtown Jacksonville where cyclists headed to San Marco over the Acosta Bridge and then north to Fernandina Beach, enjoying beautiful, coastal scenery along the way. At the conclusion of day one, cyclists, volunteers, families and friends enjoyed food, live entertainment and much more.

''My mother was a diabetic and I am a diabetic. So I couldn't find a more reasonable cause to participate in this ride. I like helping people and this is one way I'm able to give back something," stated Navy Exchange Supervisor Patrick Hall. "I've done numerous rides, the MS-150 twice and this ride once. I really am thrilled to be part of Team Navy Jax. It's awesome. We are like a family and are very close. And, our team captain really looks out for us."

From left, Brandon Green of the Seattle Seahawks (formerly a Jacksonville Jaguar), Kimberly Lewis, director of the American Diabetes Association and First Coast News Sports Anchor Dan Hicken kick off the annual ADA Tour de Cure by thanking participants and sponsors prior to the ride. Green, a diabetic for the past 16 years was in town to help promote the event.

Another team member looking forward to the ride was HM2(SW) Ellyse Poole of Naval Hospital Jax who had just returned from a deployment in support of the war on terror. "I've been a cyclist for many, many years, since way before I joined the Navy. Last year, I met a former member of the team and he told me about this ride. We found out about the team and joined. This is the second year I've done the Tour de Cure," she said. "This team is awesome - we have a great bunch of people and have a good time riding together."

After conquering 24-mph headwind and completing the first leg of the ride, the team spent the night in Fernandina Beach and got up the next morning to pedal south over a new route back to Jacksonville where finish-line festivities, lunch and entertainment awaited their arrival.

"We are all glad to have crossed the finish line," exclaimed a jubilant Gallet. "This year's tour was the best yet. Kimberly Lewis and her staff went the extra yard to make this tour the best Jacksonville has ever had. The rest stops were awesome and we had a fantastic celebration in Fernandina and now here at the Tailgater's Park. Next week, we start training for the 2007 MS-150 in September."

Once again, the team achieved its fund raising goals through personal donations and sponsorship. "We could not have done it without the support of companies like our main sponsor, VyStar Credit Union whose patriotism and commitment enabled us to have the best looking jerseys in the event. We'd also like to thank our other supporting sponsors, the NAS Jax Commissary, Navy Exchange, Gustafson's Dairy, M.A. Mortenson Company and Harry Pepper and Associates," Gallet stated.

"Also, we thank our families, friends and co-workers who continue to support our charitable community involvement. We would not be spending a weekend on a bicycle if it weren't for their love and support."

Diabetes is a disease that affects 20.8 million children and adults in the United States, or seven percent of the population. While an estimated 14.6 million have been diagnosed with diabetes, unfortunately, 6.2 million people (or nearly one-third) are unaware that they have the disease.

The Tour de Cure is a series of cycling events held in more than 80 cities nationwide to benefit the ADA. The tour is a ride, not a race, with routes designed for everyone from the occasional rider to the experienced cyclist.

Aaron Ramey takes a break from the ride on board the Mayport Ferry which took the group over to Amelia Island as part of the route. Photo by Brad Hardie

"The ADA is thrilled to have Team Navy Jax on its side in the fight against diabetes! Team Navy Jax, led by its incredible captain, Miriam Gallet, is a great group of cyclists who are not only awesome people, but dedicated fundraisers," said Kimberly Lewis, ADA director. "We truly hope that the friendship we've built with Team Navy Jax will last a lifetime!"

Team Navy Jax members include: Chuck Tamblyn, Nate Davenport, Aaron Ramey, Wes Battle, Shawn Winn, Mark Lassiter, Jeremy Downs, Ellyse Poole, Allen Johnson, Patrick Hall, Ed Kirby, Brad Hardie, Patrick Hardie, Robyn Cicero, Ernie Mattison, Jim Pellot, Tammy Tjaden, Donald Bell, David Santillo, Sean and Cristina Rocheleau, Chris and Hope Bell, Brett Beisker, junior cyclist-in-training Eric Dobson and Team Captain Miriam Gallet.

For more information on Team Navy Jax and the charity rides they participate in, call 635-1654.

Neither the U.S. Navy or any other part of the federal government officially endorses any company, sponsor or its products or services.

About 600 cyclists participated in this year's American Diabetes Association Tour de Cure Saturday morning in downtown Jacksonville.