With Tour de Cure less than a week away, riders across Hampton Roads are gearing up for the event on Saturday.

The bicycling fundraiser for the American Diabetes Association will set off from King’s Fork High School. About 1,000 riders are expected to participate and will be pedaling along country roads throughout the city.

A pre-celebration on Friday night at the Hilton Garden Inn, 100 E. Constance Road, will honor riders who have raised $1,000 or more.

“It’s really just a night to thank our top fundraisers and get people ready for the ride on Saturday,” said Robin Kantor of the American Diabetes Association.

The champions will get the chance to pick up their packets for the ride, carb-load with a pasta dinner and hear from Dr. Joseph Aloi of Eastern Virginia Medical School.

Champions also will get a flag for their bicycle, VIP parking the day of the race and a gold bib — “so everyone on the route will know they’re a champion,” Kantor said.

This year’s Tour de Cure will take more than 1,000 riders on 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. Last-minute registrations can still be done this week, as long as you can turn in the registration fee and fundraising minimum.

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