COEUR d’ALENE — Almost 500 bike riders will ride through parts of Coeur d’Alene and rural Kootenai County today — all for a great cause.  

Breakthrough T1D, formerly known as the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, is a global nonprofit that leads in funding research on Type 1 diabetes. While Breakthrough T1D has raised money through bike rides for 26 years, this is the first year the organization has hosted a ride in North Idaho.  

“We’ve never had a Pacific Northwest ride before, and we’re excited to establish our presence here,” said Anthony Geraci, the national director of endurance and ride programs.  

Breakthrough T1D hopes to raise $2.8 million through its Coeur d’Alene ride, which is set to be its biggest ride of the year. All funds raised by participants go directly to research and “improving lives both today and tomorrow,” Geraci said.  

Participants had the option of having their bikes shipped to Coeur d’Alene ahead of today’s ride to make traveling to the area easier — for days, hundreds of bikes have been parked in Breakthrough T1D’s “bike room,” which is set up in the marina lot on Sherman Avenue. 

Mechanics are also on hand to help with assembly and any necessary maintenance ahead of the ride, with many wearing Western attire to go along with this year's theme. In previous years, themes have included '70s attire and high school prom looks. 

The Coeur d’Alene Resort is hosting many of the riders, some of whom have been in the city since Thursday. While today’s bike ride is the main event, participants have also been able to attend galas, dinners and celebrations at the Resort put on by Breakthrough T1D.  

Participants can choose to complete the entire 100-mile ride or ride for shorter distances. 

“It’s about the mission, not the miles,” Geraci said.  

    Hundreds of bikes have been housed at the Marina lot on Sherman Avenue ahead of Breakthrough T1D's Coeur d'Alene Ride to Cure.