Cycling to Stop Diabetes in New Jersey [AUDIO]

A popular national fundraising event to raise money and awareness for diabetes gets set to kick off again New Jersey.What's so great about the Garden State to you? Let us know by using the form at the end of this report

The Tour de Cure is a series of cycling events held in 44 states across the country.

"Last year, 65,000 cyclists raised more than $29 million to support the mission of the American Diabetes Association, which is to prevent and cure diabetes, and improve the lives of people that are affected by diabetes," said spokesman Chris Carmichael.

It's a very serious issue with nearly 26 million people living with the disease in the U.S., including 8.3 percent of New Jersey's population.

The Tour de Cure has varying routes of all distances for riders of all different experience levels. All events feature rest stops with food to fuel the journey and finish line festivities with lunch, entertainment and more.

"We need to fight this and we need to organize together. The Tour de Cure is a perfect way," Carmichael said.

New Jersey will host three separate rides this year:

• Basking Ridge - on June 1, starting at the Verizon Corporate Campus
• Princeton - June 8, starting at the ETC campus
• Jersey Shore - September 20, starting at Bradley Park in Asbury Park

"Lifestyle and how you live your life and including exercise is a good way to fight diabetes in itself, and you're also raising money,"

Get more information about this great cause and the upcoming rides by visiting the Tour de Cure website and Facebook page.