May 1, 2009 (Guelph, ON) – Head on is exactly how Charlie Barnes, a 71-year-old athlete with a mission, plans to hit the disease this summer when he, along with his Grandson, tandem cycle, in relay format, across the province of Ontario.

The two will take part in the Accu-Chek Cyclebetes Cross Canada bicycle relay to raise money and awareness for Juvenile Diabetes. Charlie’s 13 year-old Grandson, is a Type I Diabetic, diagnosed at the age of 7. They, along with 4 other rider pairs, will wait at the Ontario /Quebec Border for the Quebec relay team to pass the Accu-Chek Nano Blood Glucose Meter (the baton) so they can begin their journey across Canada’s largest province.

Half way across, Ontario, Charlie will say good-bye to his Grandson, and, along with another Type I Youth, will continue the journey with the second Ontario relay team through to the Manitoba border where the baton will be passed to the next provincial team.

At 71, Charlie Barnes is the only rider who will ride the entire province of Ontario.

Since 2003, Charlie Barnes, through his athletic fundraising endeavors, has raised over $100,000 for JDRF.

Accu-Chek Cyclebetes 2009 is the legacy of Team H2V — the 5 man cycling team who in September 2007, cycled across Canada at break neck speed raising close to 1,000,000 for juvenile diabetes and netting a Guinness World Record. The epic ride was spawned by a Vancouver father’s promise to his daughter to help find a cure for her juvenile diabetes before she graduated high school.

Accu-Chek Cyclebetes 2009 promises to be extraordinary. It is a 4-pronged event and builds on themes of community, responsibility, leadership and promise.

The Provincial Relay — (August — September) 10 person provincial teams pass the “˜torch’ — an Accu-Chek Nano blood glucose meter at provincial borders.

The Secondary 24 hour Spin-a-Thon (February — March) student leaders have the opportunity for real world experience by hosting the event in their communities.

The Elementary Lap-a-Thon (April — May) students get active and moving and learn socially responsible values from The Legacy Builders.

CUPPA Stands — (through the year) little ones learn early they can make a difference by hosting their own Accu-Chek Cyclebetes drink stand.

Accu-Chek Cyclebetes 2009 – Delivering on a promise. Cure juvenile diabetes.

For Accu-Chek Cyclebetes visit www.cyclebetes.com
For JDRF visit www.jdrf.ca