Master the Journey is a Colorado based nonprofit organization focused on supporting those living with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D), their families, and their friends.  Our events complement existing T1D support programs by offering youth cross-country mountain bike racing to inspire participation in the sport and encourage active, healthy lifestyles while at the same time raising funds for our friends at the Children’s Diabetes Foundation.  

People with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) cannot live without continuous insulin therapy, delivered via multiple daily injections or insulin pump.  Out-of-pocket expenses for these patients and their families create disproportionate financial strain that is over 2 times the national average. 

According to the Children’s Diabetes Foundation, 

“Over 40% of Barbara Davis Center patients are uninsured or underinsured. 

“On average, the first year of care for a newly diagnosed type 1 is $20,000. 

“Type 1 diabetes is the only disease where patients and caregivers are making life and death insulin dosing decisions, and they are doing it every hour of every day. 

“Diabetes is expensive. New Onset patients spend about $1,400 on education and appointment fees. Pump Therapy can create better control but can cost up to $1,200 each month. Insulin for children can cost about $300 a month. Testing 6-8 times a day is normal and all those test strips add up to about $300 a month.” 

Additionally, the overall health and quality of life for people with T1D is significantly improved with routine physical activity. 

Action sports, such as mountain biking, promote healthy living while also imbuing a sense of thrill and excitement for the participants. Prior to Master the Journey, there were no mountain biking events focused on supporting the T1D community who could benefit significantly from such a program.

Master the Journey supports the T1D community by:

• Offering family-friendly mountain bike events to complement existing T1D community support events to promote a healthy, active lifestyle. 

• Reducing financial strain on T1D patients and their families by directing event proceeds to the Children’s Diabetes Foundation Helping Hand Program.

We are striving to keep registration costs low by relying on volunteer support and by offsetting operating expenses with charitable donations. If you are interested in supporting Master the Journey, please consider one of the following options:

1. Make a donation through our fundraising page on www.masterthejourney.org/donate.

2. Make a donation to the Children’s Diabetes Foundation to help families affected by T1D. When completing the donation form, please indicate “Master the Journey” in the comments field so that we can track support and interest in this initiative.

3. Visit the Master the Journey store, buy some swag, and help us build excitement for the next event.

Master the Journey will take place on August 15th, 2026 at Fountain Valley School in Colorado Springs, CO. Registration opens March 1st, 2026 on www.bikereg.com.

Thank you for your support!