For Dan McCormack of Mount Joy, the winding, scenic roads of Lancaster County have long been a haven where he's enjoyed riding his bike. But this summer, Dan's rides are taking him much farther afield as he heads to Iowa to compete in the National Senior Games, a biennial event drawing more than 11,000 athletes age 50 and over from across the country.

The journey to this national stage wasn't part of a long-term plan. In fact, Dan hadn't raced competitively in three decades.

What started as a personal challenge to reconnect with racing evolved into a larger mission, one shaped by his military background, recent health challenges and an unyielding drive to keep pushing forward.

Dan began cycling Lancaster's rural roads in the early 1990s, and though he'd stepped away from competition, the desire to test himself never fully disappeared. As a veteran who served 21 years, first in the U.S. Air Force, then as a commissioned officer in the U.S. Army, he saw an opportunity to blend athletic ambition with his lifelong dedication to service.

His goal: qualify for the 2026 National Veterans Games through participating in the 2025 National Senior Games. But with Pennsylvania lacking state cycling qualifiers, he looked south. He traveled to Tennessee, the closest location that allowed out-of-state participants, last September, to compete in a 5K time trial and a 20K road race.

"I had no idea what to expect or how well I would do," Dan recalled. "It has been 30 years since my last race, but I just wanted to experience the event and see if it was worth pursuing or to just quietly go back to enjoying riding my bike."

In the time trial - a solo race against the clock - cyclists start in intervals, aiming to catch those ahead while avoiding being passed from behind. For the road race, Dan competed on a hilly course. To his surprise, he placed in each and earned a spot at the National Senior Games.

He began to train in earnest to become competitive at the national level.

"It's a daily commitment: rides of varying intensities, terrain and distances, coupled with exercises and stretching to counter or supplement long hours in the saddle," he shared. "You also have to believe in the process, even when it hurts or you just don't feel like training."

But just months into his training, a different test emerged, and this one has no finish line.

In January, Dan began experiencing troubling symptoms, including unexplained weight loss, intense thirst and constant hunger. A visit to his doctor led to a trip to the emergency room, where he was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes.

"I asked how that was possible," he said. "I thought Type 1 was a childhood disease."

Unlike the more common Type 2 diabetes, which typically develops due to insulin resistance, Type 1 is a chronic condition in which the body stops producing insulin entirely. It can occur at any age, and there is no cure.

"I tried to return to work immediately but found that was not possible," recalled Dan, a contractor for Leidos supporting the U.S. Army at Aberdeen Proving Grounds in Maryland. "I had a new full-time job learning how to manage diabetes using a combination of insulin injections, exercise, rest and diet. It took a few weeks, and then I started back part time, testing my limits and constantly adjusting."

His wife, Janet, became a crucial partner in the process. The couple dove into the world of diabetes education, attending a diabetes conference at Elizabethtown College.

Despite the diagnosis, Dan refused to give up on his cycling goals. He eventually returned to work full time and continued on his path toward the Senior Games.

"I used the forcing function of diabetes management to stay disciplined," he said. "The Senior Games aren't about winning. While earning a spot on the podium is nice, it's quickly forgotten. It's a time to participate and connect with people from all over the country who share similar interests - and have their own life challenges."

The first "Senior Olympics" was held in Los Angeles in 1969, and the movement soon spread to other states. The first National Senior Games took place in 1987. This year's event is occurring in and around Des Moines, Iowa, over 10 days at the end of July into early August. Dan also plans to participate in the next Veterans Games, held in Florida next year.

Although Janet isn't able to attend the Senior Games with Dan due to a prior commitment, she's an essential supporter in Dan's cycling and health journey. The couple enjoys traveling, taking frequent trips to Quebec City, Quebec, Canada, where Dan is a certified tour guide in the city he spent summers in as a child, tooling around on his bicycle.

Locally, they have found encouragement from their community as Dan has faced his challenges.

"We are members of Proclamation Presbyterian Church and have received tremendous support from friends, neighbors and our church family," he said.

No matter the results of his performance in Iowa, Dan is certain of one thing: He will continue to ride.

"I love riding the roads and trails of Lancaster County. ... We are all blessed to live in the prettiest part of Pennsylvania," he said. "I'm honored to represent Pennsylvania, veterans and people living with diabetes at the National Senior Games."