Cyclists from around Southeast Virginia and northeastern North Carolina are limbering up their legs, hauling their bicycles out of garages and signing up to participate in one of the biggest rides of the year, set for April 25 in Suffolk.

The annual Tour de Cure, a fundraising event for the American Diabetes Association, may be the premier cycling event in Hampton Roads, and Suffolk once again will be the site for the hundreds of riders expected to participate. The ride features routes of 10, 25, 65 and 100 miles, all beginning and ending at King’s Fork High School.

Suffolk’s comparatively safe roads, bucolic scenery and welcoming attitude toward the event have made the city a popular choice for the ride, and the city gets great exposure in the process.

But the Tour de Cure has a purpose beyond simply giving cyclists a good place to ride. It’s an educational event that also raises a significant amount of money — this year’s goal is $450,000 — to fight diabetes and help those who have been diagnosed with the disease.

That function is especially important in Suffolk, which has one of the highest rates of the disease in all of Virginia, a fact that makes it even more appropriate the diabetes association continues to choose this city for its ride.

There’s still time to register to participate in the Tour de Cure. There is a $25 registration fee and a $200 fundraising minimum. Riders can choose their route, and since this event isn’t a race, they can complete it at whatever pace is appropriate for them.

For more information about the Tour de Cure, or to register, visit www.diabetes.org/hamptonroadsvatour.