THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: FRIDAY, June 10, 1994 TAG: 9406080184
SECTION: VIRGINIA BEACH BEACON PAGE: 06B EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY PAM STARR, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: 940610 LENGTH: Medium
They will be joined by more than 200 other cyclists for the Tour De Cure, a national fund-raising event of the American Diabetes Association.
{REST} Cyclists can ride the 25K, 50K or 100K course, all starting from Kellam High School on Holland Road.
The proceeds from the bike-a-thon will help the association's mission to find a cure for diabetes, a disease affecting nearly 70,000 people in South Hampton Roads.
That's why Hampson and sons Jeffrey, 15, and Danny, 13, are participating.
Jeffrey has been a diabetic since 1991 and has to take two injections of insulin a day.
Diabetes occurs when the pancreas stops producing insulin, which is necessary to convert blood glucose into energy.
The Hampsons raised money in the ADA's walk-a-thon events in 1992 and 1993 and figured they could just as easily ride bikes for 62 miles (100 kilometers) through Pungo and Blackwater.
``We've never done that distance before and never even biked together,'' admitted the elder Hampson, a sales contractor for Lumber City in Chesapeake. ``But it ought to be fun. They've allotted six hours for the event, which is a fairly leisurely pace.''
Hampson isn't concerned about Jeffrey's stamina for the event because his son is in good physical shape and knows when to stop, he said. The diabetes association will set up refreshment stands throughout the courses to combat dehydration and so that no one's blood sugar level drops too low.
``Jeffrey just watches for the low blood sugar attacks - he knows when he doesn't feel right,'' said Hampson.
The Hampsons hope to contribute at least $250 in pledges toward a cure for the illness. Each cyclist is encouraged to get at least $100 in pledges. Preregistration fees are $20 per person or $50 the day of the tour.
by CNB