But in the end, she figured if Cary was a good enough place for her to live, then it was a good place for cyclists looking to help the American Diabetes Association.

"For me, as a resident, I thought it was a great opportunity to bring business development to Cary, along with a chance to show off why we are considered a biker-friendly community and why we have such great trails," said Powell, market manager for the eastern North Carolina office of the American Diabetes Association’s Tour de Cure.

As a result, the sixth Tour de Cure, a two-day, 150-mile cycling ride that benefits the ADA, will roll out of Koka Booth Amphitheatre at Regency Park on Saturday, June 24, and return on Sunday, June 25.

"We just thought the Koka Booth Amphitheatre was just a perfect venue," Powell said. "It's centrally located, so that might entice more riders from out of town to participate, plus we're expecting a big turnout from right here in the Cary area."

A kickoff luncheon for cyclists, captains, volunteers and sponsors will he held Wednesday, March 29, from noon to 1:30 p.m. at Brier Creek Country Club in Raleigh.

One of the featured speakers will be recruitment chairperson Tony Cervati, who is a Type 1 diabetic and an avid cyclist.

"Who better to tell the story about diabetes to a group of riders?" Powell said.

Powell said that as of Monday, 167 riders had registered, more than the same number registered at this point last year when the event was held in April.

A year ago, the Tour de Cure started in Buies Creek and wound its way to the Wilmington area.

Powell believes the kickoff will spark awareness of the event and make realistic goals of 450 cyclists and $205,000 in fundraising achievable.

"I think a good amount of people know [the Tour de Cure] exists, but I don't think a lot of people are aware that it's in Cary this year," Powell said. "We do have 34 teams already this year, which exceeds last year."

The event, which also features a 100-mile ride on the first day, will begin at 8 a.m. on June 24 and, after a police escort out of Cary and through Morrisville, will wind its way to Henderson for an overnight stay in the Kerr Lake area.

The Tour will return to Cary on Sunday and end with a celebratory finish at Regency Park. The ride will include support-and-gear vehicles, bike mechanics, medical support and rest stops every eight to 10 miles.

After the kickoff on March 29, a Turn-In Party will be on Tuesday, June 13, at at Cinelli's Pizza, located at 1305 Kildaire Farm Road.

For information, call 743-5400, ext. 3254.