Woolwich’s town administrator, Lynette Eastman, became a champion for the second year in row. She did so by raising over $1,000 in pledge donations for the upcoming annual Tour de Cure, the bicycle trek to benefit diabetes research for the American Diabetes Association.

The $1,000 mark gives her champion status in fundraising.

Taking part in the Kennebunks’ Tour de Cure in York County has special meaning for Eastman. Both her mother and sister suffer from diabetes.

According to the ADA, 1.4 million Americans are diagnosed with diabetes every year. ADA’s mission is to help prevent and cure diabetes and also to improve the lives of people who have it.

This will be the fifth straight year Eastman has ridden in the event that features hundreds of bicyclists from across Maine. It includes a 10K, 25K, 50K and 100K competition along with a family fun ride open to all ages. She and her husband George are part of a nine-member team with the Shipyard Brewing Company. They’ll ride together in the 25K race, which is about 16 miles.

The course for the riders begins at the Wells Reserve on the Laudholm Farm Road in Wells.

“It’s a beautiful setting that runs along the beach and goes by Walker’s Point in Kennebunkport where the Bush family lives, and by other estates. The scenery is just breathtaking,” she said.

“George, who bikes a lot more than I do, used to ride in the Tour de Cure’s 50K but since I’ve been riding he’s done the 25K so we can ride together.”

He frequently rides his bike from the Eastmans’ home in Pittston to Woolwich, a distance of 20 miles or so, to attend the Woolwich Selectmen’s meetings. Following the meetings, the Eastmans return home in their SUV.

This year is the 25th anniversary of the Tour de Cure, which will be held rain or shine Sunday morning, June 12. It features 68 bicycling teams and to date has 734 riders. Registration continues until May 31, and includes a $25 fee along with a $200 fundraising minimum. This year’s goal is to raise $450,000.

The routes include rest stops with refreshments, mechanical support and medical volunteers. There’s also a post-ride festival where cyclists can enjoy lunch and entertainment.

To learn more about the Tour de Cure contact Tricia Belden, the event coordinator, at: pbelden@diabetes.org