On Saturday morning and Sunday afternoon, though, the packs will be larger than usual.

That’s because the annual Tour de Cure, a two-day, 150-mile fundraising ride benefitting the American Diabetes Association, pedals out of Cary from the Koka Booth Amphitheatre at Regency Park early Saturday morning.

The ride will return from Henderson early Sunday afternoon.

"Cary is known for being cyclist friendly, so this is a great opportunity for the town to show their support," said Maureen Powell, associate director for the eastern North Carolina office of the ADA.

While Powell would prefer more riders, she says people in the area can still show their support.

"People just need to be made aware that about 400 or so riders will be leaving Cary that morning," she said. "So if people see them on their way out, I encourage them to honk their horns, yell at them to encourage or wave to them. Just show the support I know they can provide."

As of early last week, Powell said approximately 375 riders were registered, but she was expecting a late boost as the ride date approached.

"This is more than about riding though," she said. "This is about helping to find a cure for diabetes. One out of every three Americans born in 2000 will develop either Type 1 or 2 diabetes. Think about that, one out of three."

The event, which also features a 100-mile ride on the first day, will begin at 8 a.m. on Saturday and follow a police escort out of Cary and through Morrisville before heading off 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.

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