When Suffolk resident Geoffrey Coleman first participated in the American Diabetes Association’s Tour de Cure more than 10 years ago, he was doing it more for the challenge than because he had a personal stake in the fight against diabetes.

“I was into mountain biking,” he said. “I thought it was a good challenge.”

He did the Tour for a few years and then stopped for a few years. But then he was diagnosed with diabetes.

“Getting healthy was important, and I picked up cycling again,” he said.

Coleman’s first ride in 2001 was on a mountain bike. He attempted the 100-mile course but made it only about 75 miles.

“I bought a road bike the next year,” he said. “I’ve always done the century. It really is fun, even thought the first two to three times I was completely numb from head to toe, literally.”

This year’s event, set for April 26, will be the sixth Tour for Coleman, who works in human resources at the Newport News shipyard. He said he believes in the organization’s cause because it helps people.

“American Diabetes Association does a lot for advocacy and helping people that are struggling with diabetes,” he said. “When I was diagnosed, it was a very scary time.”

Coleman’s mother has diabetes, and he said he felt like he was for years, but his blood work always came back normal. But then several years ago, his doctor called after an appointment and told him to come to the office immediately. His sugar was more than 500, while the top of the normal range is around 100.

“Stress and poor habits really got the best of me,” he said.

But Coleman buckled down and took up his old hobby of cycling again, as well as other exercises.

“It took a year and a half, but I lost 50 to 60 pounds and came off the insulin,” he said. “I just use pills now.”

More than 1,000 cyclists will leave from King’s Fork High School on April 26 and ride one of four routes throughout the city — 10, 30, 65 or 100 miles.

Participation requires a $25 registration fee and $200 fundraising minimum. Participants can form teams or ride as individuals, and all that’s required is a bicycle and helmet.

For more information on Tour de Cure, visit www.diabetes.org/hamptonroadsvatour or call Amie Holman at 424-6662 ext. 3276.