Having a Blast

It is time I admit how much fun I am having getting ready for the JDRF ride. Part of it is the better weather. Part of it is my improving comfort and stamina. Whatever the reason, jumping on the bike for training rides has become a blast!

And, I ought to have a contest to see who can come the closest to guessing the number of dogs that will chase me next month without going over. Why the heck do dogs chase bicyclists anyway? It is amazing. I figure I must look like fleeing prey. But, maybe it's something else like the irresistable allure of whirring wheels or a John Travolta/Archangel "Battle" thing like from the movie Michael. What self-respecting terrier could face his mutt friends if he passed on an opportunity to topple the Great Wheeled Biped? I'm sure the dogs in my neighborhood dream about mixing it up at the Tour de France.

Regarding training, the JDRF folks have advised me they are going to put me in touch with the national coach for some expert guidance on the right way to do things. This will coincide nicely with longer days and more frequent suitable riding weather. I should have ample opportunity to get properly conditioned by August for the century ride barring injury or other setbacks. Through now, I have thoroughly checked out my equipment and gotten in better physical form so as to be ready for the serious work.

And, now it's off to the pantry for a snack. You gotta fuel the fire if you want to outrun those dogs. Quoth the canine, "Battle."

First Month of Fundraising

"It is more blessed to give than receive." --Jesus Christ

What an amazing group of people! I've rarely been so touched by generosity. Never have I experienced anything of this magnitude. What we are doing together is among the greatest of thrills. I am grateful for the way you have offered your support at my urging for a cause mostly unknown to many of you only a few weeks ago.

The 19th of February will mark the first month of my fundraising effort. Already, 60% of the goal has been realized. This is, quite simply, WONDERFUL! Benjamin Franklin is purported to have remarked, "...The heaviest debt is that of gratitude, when it is not in our power to repay it." I feel that kind of debt to my team of donors. Though their contributions are not meant for me, my dream is being realized through their generosity. I will keep riding and preparing, taking my goals seriously, and thoroughly enjoying being a part of something so positive.

Thank you, everyone. I am truly grateful for a wonderful start!

Allen

Super Sunday Ride

The weather was awesome for riding today. 54 degrees, mostly sunny, and mildly breezy. From the forecast, I knew it was time to take off the fleece and plan a longer ride. Today I tracked down 33 miles of asphalt and beat the low energy gremlin that plagued me on a 28-mile ride in early January. And, instead of returning home on my route, I met Jessica and the boys at Willow Spring Park, which made the outing even more cool.

Braeden's new pump arrived and his sugars have been better since my last post. Nothing specific about the pump was ever found to be at fault. However, the blood sugar readings say something is not right. When blood sugars start to spiral out of control with a pump, there is a pretty long list of things to check: wobbled up infusion set; air bubbles in the cartridge or tubing; did the 4-year old let the diabetic drink his chocolate milk, etc. So we have to be thorough before we blame the $6,000 pump built like a flight data recorder. Hey, it turns out stuff breaks. It's all part of being dependant on a mechanical device.