FARMINGTON — About 35 bikers braved stormy weather and swarms of tiny, biting bugs called no-see-ums to support a cause they hope others will come to support as well.

Tuesday night’s storm brought light rain but heavy winds as the bikers rode from the newly opened Harmon’s in Farmington, along the Legacy Parkway Bike Path, to bring attention to the need for funding diabetes research.

Andy Holder, an Ironman triathlete, came from Philadelphia to promote both Harmon’s opening and diabetes research.

Though an active, fit and healthy adult, Holder, now known as Iron Andy, was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at the age of 36.

The auto-immune disease hasn't stopped him, he says. In fact, he feels that he is perhaps even more active since then, because the diagnosis has illustrated the importance of healthy decisions.

David Schiff helped coordinate last week’s ride as one of several training rides for riders preparing for the Tour de Cure, which will be held June 11 in Brigham City.

The ride starts and ends in Rees Park. Riders can choose to go 25 miles or 60, 80 or 100 miles.

Organizers already have 1,200 signed up, but hope for hundreds more. Each rider pays $25 to participate, and must raise $150 in sponsorships as well.

To align with the date of the ride, June 11, organizers hope to involve 1,611 participants and raise $611,000.

Last year, over half-a-million dollars was raised.

After the training ride Tuesday, Harmon’s held a “Navigating Diabetes” class, demonstrating how to make lentil soup, a salmon dish and more.

Those interested in supporting the effort to fight diabetes by joining the bike ride or sponsoring individuals, can learn more at tour.diabetes.org.

lshaw@davisclipper.com