"Guess what. I still alive."

Those words by my friend Volker Pekar kinda sum it all up. The ride was spectacular and spectacularly challenging. But, the experience exceeded everything I hoped it would be. We, as a group of riders, pushed our bodies and abilities to the limit. Physiologically speaking, I have witnessed the edge, that precipiece where human endurance yields to the systematic failures of metabolic systems, muscles, the nervous system, and our ability to cool through perspiration.

Could explain why this morning I feel a little wiped out, but okay. My bum, for one, hates me :)

It is time to pack, eat breakfast, and catch a shuttle to Vegas. I have bad news for my bum...it's going to be a long day with a lot of sitting!!

Done!!!

Allen called to say that he completed the ride ~45 minutes ago. I wish I could convey his energy. He encountered a few people struggling with the heat and/or dehydration but he himself escaped those dangers.

105 miles, 7 hours pedaling, and $5300 raises for JDRF in the name of Type 1's everywhere.

I love you Allen!

Jessica

Ride Day!

It's that moment when stored energy is ready to explode into something
kinetic. A navy jet, hooked to the catapult. An imminent rockslide
waiting on the smallest vibration. Every fibre stands taut in final
anticipation of something tremendous.

Here we are, everyone with some anxiety and some relief, happy to
welcome this sunrise and starting gun.

But first, breakfast.....

Had a great warm up ride today. I feel more acclimated to the temperature, barometer, and low humidity. Several of us participated in a hike in a nearby canyon. The hike was guided by a park ranger. Very informative and fun! We are having a big pasta dinner later tonight and then turning in early. Although, I might spend a little time taking twilight photos first.

I'm in a Strange Land

It was 100 F when my roommate and I went out for a short shake down
ride. It honestly didn't feel how 100 is supposed to feel. It was more
like standing in front of the oven while holding the door open. I
drank 44 oz of water during the half hour we rode, and that didn't
start to slake my thirst.

The heat may have also been responsible for my first flat of the
trip. We are having to underinflate our tires to compensate for the
temperature of the road surface, which could easily be 150 F. When the
air in the tires heats up, the pressure increases accordingly. POP!

Nightfall brings relief in temperature, thankfully. At 8:30, it is
quite comfy out.

Vegas

From the slots to the indominatable brown landscape, one can tell
this ain't Appalachia. However, it's very awesome!

I've rendesvoused with the Loon-a-Ticks and caught the bus. Were a-
rollin westward. Next stop: Wally World in Pahrump, NV.
Directions: fly west 1500 miles, turn left after departing jetway,
walk 52 paces.

Vegas...here we come!

Sent from my iPhoneBig plane, lots of happy people. I think most of these people are NOT
going to ride in the desert. Might see them at the craps table, tho.

Waiting at the Gate

A friendly, funny TSA staff is working the scanner this morning. Lots
of sleepy passengers wait at the gate. Ticket Agent says there are "a
lot" of Vegas travelers on this flight...looking around for other guys
with shaved legs. ...

Sent from my iPhone

(Only) Hours Away!

My journey to Death Valley will begin very soon.  I am excited.  People have been very kind to remember the trip, and I appreciate the many well wishes I have received here, on the eve of the big ride.  I hope to have some connectivity in Death Valley while at the hotel.  Maybe this will permit me to blog with some frequency.  Check back here occasionally for updates throughout the end of the week and the weekend. 

Braeden had a pep talk with me following my last training ride Sunday.  No doubting it, he's a ham for the camera. 

Thanks again, everyone, for the support and gifts to JDRF this year.  I am grateful for everything, especially this opportunity to help others and participate on behalf of a great cause.  Without each of my donors and the encouragement of so many, ...  Well, I don't have to think about what that would be like.  Let's go do this!!

Make Ready

I made my first list of things to pack 3 days ago just to be thorough.  I imagine it would be hard to replace anything forgotten in the valley of death.  So what goes in my bag when packing for a century?  Here's a look.

The bike, right?  And, gear for cool weather (below).  It isn't always blistering in the desert.  The 10-day forecast is calling for a low of 64 on ride day. 

Protective gear (tater sticker optional). 

Important for motion (above).  Below, the kitchen sink.  And, an ace bandage for icing the sore parts afterwards.

Final Push

The tickets are purchased.  The bikes are being shipped.  In only 11 days, Furnace Creek Ranch in Death Valley, CA will be burgeoning with cyclists, support staff, and a few JDRF representatives who are tasked with pulling off a safe, high-octane ride experience. 

Ride weekend is a four day affair (longer for the staff), and a ton of work goes into making everything successful.  There are meals, each prepared for a small army of REALLY hungry people.  There are activities, banquets, and classes, which cover everything from bike fit adjustment to cycling with diabetes.  There are hundreds of bikes, shipped in from every corner, to assemble.  Of course, all those bikes will have to be disassembled, padded, and boxed following the ride.  And, on ride day, SAG wagons will be mobilized, break stations will be readied, and medical staff will be on patrol.  That's just a sampling of the work to be done.

For the cyclists, it's pretty simple.  Catch a plane, show up for chow on time, put your shorts on the right way, and sweat a little in the good ole California sun. 

I am already getting reminiscent.  The buildup for me has been so long, and the anticipation has been so high.  And, I know the end comes pretty quickly.  This has been a great cycling season. I've been blessed with many safe miles and the opportunity to build a lot of friendships.  The donations and messages of encouragement have been humbling.  I'm soon going to say goodbye to my red bike, which I plan to sell upon my return.  (Since I've already shipped my new bike, I'm riding the red one on a sort of goodbye tour).  To top it off, the weather is changing, and the days are surrendering ever earlier to darkness, marking the close of the cycling season.  73 hours in the saddle seem to have flown by.  No kidding, really.

I do have two major goals left to achieve.  Reach $5,000 in donations.  Ride 105 miles in the desert.  If you can help me with the money, I'll do the rest. 

Thanks for helping me achieve and for making this great experience possible.  I can't thank you enough.

Allen

Awesome Reponse! Thank you!

Hey, everyone!  Two weeks ago, I issued a plea for donations.  I was trending behind a mid-term fundraising goal.  A whole bunch of you stepped forward and buoyed me with your support, carrying me upward past my fundraising minimum requirement.  You donated $2,000 in 2 weeks!!!!  That's incredible.  The donations actually carried me a good way toward my stretch goal of $5,000!  We have less than $800 to go.  I can't thank you enough for backing me up with your commitments. 

Your help in the search for a cure for type 1 diabetes is awesome and INSPIRING to me.  Thank you very much.  You are all great!

Allen

Asheville Ride Report - Metric Century!

Last year during training for Vermont I dreamt of cycling from my house in Jonesborough to Asheville.  Jessica and the boys would drive down, and we would all meet at one of our favorite pizza joints.  It never happened last year, so I was really excited when it was clear we'd have a chance this Saturday. 

I rolled away from the house while the family was still asleep.  The weather was great: the temperature was 66, and the sun was trying to climb over the mountain tops.  I made my first town--Erwin, TN--in a flash.  A couple of people were setting up for what looked like a farmer's market, but nothing else disturbed the waning repose of this cool little town.  The climbing increased gradually after I left Erwin, and I was soon pedalling nearer Flag Pond, where Jessica and the boys met me with water and snacks.  After my refueling, Jessica, with the boys, played cat-and-mouse with me to snap some pictures.  Each time the boys saw me, they would yell, "Rock on me hearties!"  I love that.

The road between Flag Pond and the NC state line seems to barely hang on to the steep pitch of the mountain.  If the road had fingernails, it would dig them in.  Going was slow for the last 3 miles especially (except for the brief time I was being chased by a dog, when I still couldn't go fast enough).  But, the top soon came and offered me a chance to work with gravity rather than against it.  I hurtled down parts of the NC side at speeds over 40 mph.  The new bike never quivered, and it tracked solidly the whole way. 

Crossing the NC/TN State Line - no chance that trooper was going to ticket me!

The rest of the trip was more navigating exercise than real workout.  Many road signs have been removed from their posts between Mars Hill and Weaverville.  Someone must be doing a little interior decorating with highway hardware.  My strength faded well before I reached this flatter section of the ride, so I piddled up hills and watched my average fall.  Oh, it would have been so nice to have someone to draft!

I rolled into Asheville a few minutes after 12:00 and found my family and in-laws waiting on me at an outdoor table.  That was a good sight!  And just like that, it was over.  A dream finally realized and really enjoyed!

63.41 miles; 4 hours, 23 minutes; 14.4 mph average, 4080 feet of climbing

on his way...

post by Jessica

Allen left here at ~7:20 on his journey to Asheville. You can follow his progress here.

The google app that auto uploads GPS tracking can be finicky so if you refresh and he appears to not have moved, try adding "?2" to the end of the URL. Sometime adding this addendum just once works and you can go back to refreshing normally but sometimes you need to continue by counting up (?3, ?4, ?5....) with each revolution.

The boys and I are off to meet Allen 20 miles into his trip to refresh is drinks and snacks then we're going on to AVL.

JBO to Asheville - Big Mountains and Big Pizza!

I am planning a ride from my home to Asheville, NC tomorrow morning as part of my training. I will post a google link to follow my ride progress on this blog in the morning. Anyone who wishes is invited to join my family for a post-ride lunch at Mellow Mushroom in Asheville at 11:30.

55 Days, $2700 To Go

Hey, folks! It's been a couple of slow training weeks for me due to travel last weekend and a disabled bicycle this weekend. My accrued mileage for this season stands at 791. I'm beginning to feel like A-Rod...only, it's "when am I going to reach 800?" Fortunately, I have a spare bike in Greenville. Oh yeah, and a new bike on order :-)

The ride is approaching very quickly and I need your support! I sincerely appreciate the many folks who have already given JDRF $2300. You all are great! Thanks!

In case it's been some time since you saw the slide show I put together in '09, I have posted it again here. First timers can get a really good sense of how Braeden's life is changed by Type 1 Diabetes and imagine the impact a cure will have.

Please keep those donations rolling in!

I Don't Like It. It's Not Fair

"I don't like it. It's not fair." Braeden

Last Thursday evening was "set change night." This comes around every 3 days and is when we replace the infusion set that allows insulin to be delivered subcutaneously from Braeden's pump. The process involves prepping a site, holding Braeden still, and using an inserter to quickly plunge the cannula of the new set beneath the surface of the skin. The large gauge needle that supported the flexible cannula is removed from the tissue, and the cannula is held in place by an adhesive pad. Tubing connects the cannula to Braeden's pump.

We typically install the sets on Braeden's butt. However, after a couple of years of pokes, his cheeks are scarred, and some of the more recent wounds remain inflamed. It seems that, only 32 months into this, Braeden is already healing slower. This particular night, we decided to install the set on one of Braeden's thighs to give his butt a rest. Braeden didn't cotton to the idea. Set changes are painful, and he only politely tolerates the pokes in his butt. Braeden cried through the whole thing. Jessica and I were nearly in tears, too.

I hate this disease.

Whew, Hot

It's mid summer, but it seems as though it's been decades since the mercury first boiled over the 90 mark, the bugs began singing all night, and the dog got her new summer coat. I can no longer recall the cold of winter. Nor can I imagine sledding in the back yard or ever needing four wheel drive to get to work. Unless the asphalt melts and gets to slick for my "old man" sedan.

The heat is a big challenge for me right now. I'm often fighting leg cramps near the ends of my rides, especially the long weekend spins. I've got to beat this. Anyone have any ideas? I just began alternating sports drinks with water on my rides (hasn't helped yet). I have been staying very well hydrated most hours of each day, whether I plan to ride sooner or in a few days time. I'm eating a fair number of bananas. I stretch.

I think I need to buy more water bottle cages.

Progress!

July has been a great month for the legs, heart, and lungs! I broke out this month covering over 330 miles during more than 20 hours on the saddle. There was my first road race, a 45-miler. And, my endurance training has passed 50 miles. However, it will still be a push to be ready for Death Valley in time.

I've met some great people. Thank you, Matt, Angela, and Tim for introducing me to an awesome cycling crowd in Greenville. The big group rides are really fun and like a whole new world for this guy who so often rides solo. My project team deserves a shout out, too! I had a blast tracking down pavement with Marla, Tom, Gene & Carlos.

I had a little bike trouble in July. I broke my rear brakeset in a tune up tragedy (rule still applies: if you have use force, you've already lost). With that repaired, I promptly suffered my first two flat tires, ever. I had ridden more than 1600 miles on the original tubes when one let go. I only managed to go 80 miles further before its replacement got "snake bit" when I bounced through a chuck hole. I HAVE to be more kind to my bike; it and I have a ways to go yet!

Donations are coming in!!! Last check on the JDRF site shows that we have raised $1,600! Some of you have pledged additional money. This is great! You all ROCK. Thank you for your donations.

In 2009, Boston College linebacker and NFL prospect Mark Herzlich was diagnosed with bone cancer. I was drawn in to his article in the August 9, 2010 edition of ESPN The Magazine. Mark has recovered and is doing a lot, including charity work and preparing to return to the field. He talks about all of the support, charitable contributions, and kids with cancer who contact him on Facebook. He recognizes that his suffering, and subsequent triumph, are an inspiration to others. He says, "When everyone is behind you, you realize everything you do is about more than yourself." I think Mark and Braeden have a brotherhood. At least, that is exactly the way I feel when I think about each of you, the way you support our little man, and the way your support benefits so many other people. Keep it up, and thanks for your dedication.

The Main Man

Braeden on his brother's bike. Makes me proud...

A Hundred Days - O.M.G

Holy crud! Only a dozen training weeks left...1200 miles to ride...$4,000 to raise! Do you know that April 14th feeling? The way it feels when you sleep through your alarm and have an early flight? How about when the in-laws surprise call you saying, "we'll be there in ten minutes?" That's where I am right now. Jeesh. The gravity just set in. It's time to hurry.

Fortunately, this is where I am most productive. And, I have almost a thousand reasons to feel encouraged; folks have already generously given $875...that in just the first few weeks of fundraising! That is a great start! Last week I rode 78 miles and felt awesome. That is great, too. Great start, great distance to go.

If you have been saying to yourself, "I will help Allen out this year, but it's still early," please know my palms are already sweaty and my stomach is getting that funny sensation. You know, that pit that you felt on your wedding day (was that just me?) or the last time you went skydiving. In other words, I'd love to see your donation anytime, especially today!

That is the same way I'm approaching training. I try to make gains with every opportunity. For example, I'm taking advantage of some regular travel to SC to squeeze in extra rides while out of town in addition to my routine back home. I try to cycle anytime, especially today!

Not of the Tour de France ;-) This is me in Chicago last year just before the Vermont Century.

Let's Get Started!

Hey, everyone! Thank you for your interest in supporting JDRF and the effort to cure Type 1 Diabetes. In 2009, many of you joined me in becoming part of a powerful and special group of individuals who are helping improve the lives of people affected by Type 1 Diabetes. While I prepared to be challenged in a physically tough 100-miler through the Vermont mountains, my friends and family touched my heart by donating an incredible $5,200 to JDRF.

I have been looking forward ever since to today, when I officially begin my 2010 Ride to Cure Diabetes journey. Oh, I've already been training for a little while. It's just that, from this point on, you will be there with me! This year, I will join hundreds of other cyclists in Death Valley for a long, H-O-T ride to recognize the contributions of folks like you and honor people, like my son Braeden, who live everyday with sugar checks, carbohydrate counting, and insulin injections.

Please carefully consider supporting JDRF. Your donations help fund a research strategy that aggressively follows the most promising paths to cure, better treat, and prevent Type 1 Diabetes. This research is critically important to Braeden and my family. One way to see just how important is to visit my May 25, 2009 post and watch the video.

Thanks again for your help reaching my fundraising goal. And, yes, if another Mohawk would help, I will be glad to grow it out again!

Allen

DEATH VALLEY - 2010 Ride to Cure Diabetes

Since learning about the JDRF Ride to Cure, I have dreamt about making the journey to Death Valley California to ride at what many consider is the most stirring and provoking location offered. It may well be the most challenging location, also. Temperatures are often very hot and have been said to reach 105 degrees during the Ride in past years.

Registration opened earlier today for the 2010 ride, and I logged on early enough to grab one of the Death Valley spots. I couldn't be more excited, and it couldn't seem farther away. The ride will be October 16th. That's great, because it could be quite a busy summer, and I have a great deal of conditioning to do in order to be prepared!

Tonight, a heavy snowfall blankets the countryside, and temperatures are headed for 24 degrees. 105 degrees is hard to imagine. Whoa man, that's got to feel hot. But, hey, they say it's a dry heat. How bad could it be?

Txt blog post test. Have a great day!