When Helen Gabriel first started participating in the American Diabetes Association’s Tour de Cure, she was doing so in honor of her mother.

Now, Gabriel rides in memory of her.

“Diabetes took my mother’s life,” Gabriel said, recounting the many complications her mom suffered, including renal failure and a double amputation. “Diabetes is truly the silent killer.”

Gabriel has been a cyclist since before she can remember. Her father has told her that when she received a bicycle with training wheels at 2 years old, she pedaled to the end of the block and then produced a tool from her pocket and removed the training wheels.

“I always love to ride my bike,” she said. “I’ve always ridden my bike for exercise and for comfort.”

Gabriel, who works for the Suffolk Department of Parks and Recreation, was in a local cycle shop in 2004 when she saw an advertisement for the Tour de Cure. She decided right then and there that she would ride in honor of her mother.

“I came home and told her, and she was like, ‘OK, that’s cool,’” Gabriel said.

Though her mother was her main motivation, Gabriel said she also has friends and co-workers who are diabetic. She also knows she and her four siblings are at higher risk because of their family history.

Though her mother has passed away, Gabriel continues to ride in her mother’s memory. That first year, she signed up for the 65-mile ride but followed the wrong route and went 100 miles instead.

“I ended up riding 103 miles the very first time, and I didn’t train or anything,” she said — though, given her frequent cycling, she was probably more prepared than the average person. “I just kept going, and I followed the group. Now, I know every year I’ll do the century.”

Gabriel is part of Team Red, a group of people with diabetes or supporters who love or have loved someone with diabetes.

“We’re real tight-knit,” she said. “We ride together all the time and train together. We’re riding for a great cause, more than anything else.”

Gabriel said she believes the American Diabetes Association is a good cause.

“You’ve got to fight for everything,” she said. “What I like is that I know however much money I raise, it all stays right here. There are many great charities, but this one hits close to home for me.”

Gabriel said she was thrilled when the ride moved to Suffolk three years ago because it offers beautiful routes and rest stops.

“Suffolk is the absolute perfect location for the Tour de Cure,” she said.

This year’s installment will once again leave from King’s Fork High School on April 26 and 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.

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