Biking for Braeden

Rescued Dog Helps Disabled Boy

2012-01-30T04:43:00.000-08:00

My wife and I were touched by the story at this link.

http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/46168614/ns/today-today_pets_and_animals/

Cyclemeter Cycle (Road) Nov 19, 2011 6:58:02 AM

2011-11-19T14:10:00.001-08:00

Finished Cycle: Nov 19, 2011 3:09:55 PM
Route: El Tour de Tucson
Google Maps URL: http://maps.google.com/?q=http://share.abvio.com/3cf1/c267/4c0e/777b/Cyclemeter-Cycle-20111119-0658.kml
Shortened Google Maps URL: http://j.mp/vupvjd
Ride Time: 6:07:18
Stopped Time: 2:04:32
Distance: 111.66 miles
Average: 18.24 miles/h
Fastest Speed: 37.63 miles/h
Climb: 2211 feet
Calories: 5705

http://www.cyclemeter.com

Cyclemeter Cycle (Road) Nov 19, 2011 6:58:02 AM

2011-11-19T05:58:00.001-08:00

Started Cycle: Nov 19, 2011 6:58:02 AM
Google Maps URL: http://maps.google.com/?q=http://share.abvio.com/3cf1/c267/4c0e/777b/Cyclemeter-Cycle-20111119-0658.kml
Shortened Google Maps URL: http://j.mp/vupvjd

http://www.cyclemeter.com

Cactus Patch

2011-11-18T06:49:00.001-08:00

Today is our first full day in Tucson. We have a warm up ride and several programs today. Our group of ~150 cyclists had a great dinner under the stars last night, and each spent plenty of time catching up with the friends they met at previous rides but haven't had the chance to see in a year (or more!).

Prior to that, I assembled my bike and took it out on a shake-down ride. I couldn't figure out why I had a flat tire. I had only ridden a couple of miles when it happened. But, that didn't keep me from taking the photo above. The catci around here are HUGE. This morning, as I uploaded the pic, it occured to me that maybe that cactus had something to do with my flat.

Ever learning something.

Travel Day

2011-11-17T04:41:00.000-08:00

Chicago waking up under clear, cold skies. One leg down. One to go.

Bags are Packed!!

2011-11-16T17:28:00.001-08:00

3 days to go. Within hours, 150+ JDRF cyclists will begin the journey that takes them to the centerpiece of their season. Thousands of miles and hundreds of hours in the saddle lead up to this: an airplane ride following a restless night. Did I pack everything? Is my alarm really set? I have to get up how early (to catch that 6:10am flight)?

I tucked the boys in tonight and told them that I would leave for the Tucson race before they woke up in the morning. Braeden turned to me and whispered, "Dad, I hope you win. I hope."

This year we have raised $6,263. Through all of our years participating in the Walks and the Rides to Cure Diabetes, we have raised over $33,000!

Braeden, this is what winning feels like.

The Rookie

2011-11-15T17:36:00.001-08:00

4 days to go. Little brother, are you ready? I'm really stoked about being a part of your first Ride to Cure!

Here's a picture of you when you were Braeden's age, just 5 years old. Thank you for making this commitment with me! You are an AWESOME uncle!

A Game Played for Others

2011-11-14T17:48:00.001-08:00

5 days to go. For you I dedicate the distance, my small sacrifice, the pain and the rewards. My struggle is nothing but love.

Kay
Izzy
Michelle
Braeden
Carlie
Judy
Will
Christine
Cindy
Susan
Adam
Andrew
Ryan
Sandra
Manessa
Chris
Jeff
Mike

Why we Ride to Cure

2011-11-13T18:15:00.001-08:00

The Tucson Ride to Cure is ALMOST here! 6 days to go.

Early in the season, JDRF asked their Facebook followers to answer the question, "why do we ride to cure?" Here are some of my favorite responses with credit given:

Cause no three year old should have to get used to being a pin cushion…plus cycling is much cooler than running or walking. – James M. Grosser

While they count carbs – you count miles. – Jim Chapin

Because living with T1 for even one day is one day too long. – Mary Gollings

It will make your life bigger. – Tim St. Clair

Because how hard could it be if you’re sitting down all the way? – Matt McHale

Because it’s a mother’s wish to just make it all go away. – Shelley Schnell

Because we get to kick T1D in the Jimmies! – Tim Ryan

Braeden is OK - Home from PICU

2011-08-24T18:07:00.000-07:00

Several of you have heard that Braeden was hospitalized last night. He is well and at home tonight following his discharge from the Step Down PICU at our hometown hospital. Braeden was received at the ER last night after we discovered that he may have received a single, unprompted dose via pump of roughly 30 units of insulin, which is 3 to 4 times his daily dose.

In one sense, insulin offsets carbohydrate in order to keep blood glucose levels normal. Imagine a lop-sided seesaw with carbs on one side and insulin on the other. Considering Braeden's specific insulin-to-carb ratio, it would have taken nearly 1000 grams of carbohydrate to balance the dose of insulin we suspect he received.

The ER staff worked very efficiently to stabilize Braeden. His BG never dropped below 30, and he never lost consciousness. The ER staff administered glucagon, D50 solution boluses and drip, and carb-rich foods. Around 1:00 am, he was moved to the intensive care unit, where he finally got some rest. He continued to receive an 80 mL/hr D50 drip through the night (a meal's worth of carb/sugar each hour!). Signaling a return to normalcy, the use of insulin therapy was finally resumed this morning, roughly 12 hours after Braeden entered the ER.

Friends (whom we so deeply love and appreciate) sprang into action to help. Thank you, friends, for staying with Adam and Jill all night so that we could both be at hospital with Braeden. Braeden's pediatrician was a saint, making calls ahead of Braeden's arrival at the ER to prepare the doctor and hasten treatment. Each person involved remained so positive and did exactly what needed to be done.

We will spend the coming days working with the pump supplier to determine what may have happened to cause this overdose. We need to do everything we can to ensure this never happens to anyone again. The pediatrician made it clear that, if Braeden had not received such good care promptly, this would have been fatal for Braeden.

A Dog and Her Boy

2011-08-16T19:00:00.000-07:00

Allow me to introduce you to someone very special. Her name is Jill. And, she really gets diabetes. You might see her around, and if you do you'll be sure to recognize her. That's because Jill is a German Shepherd!

Jill is Braeden's service dog, and she is usually the first to know when Braeden's sugar is going high or low. It is pretty well accepted that dogs like her rely on scent to detect highs. More of a mystery is why Jill can pick up early on lows. When Jill does detect a high or low blood glucose, she alerts Jessica or me, often enabling us to treat Braeden before his sugar swings wildly outside of his control range. Since the time she came into the family in April, Jill has helped Braeden avoid many blood glucose extremes.

Jill came to us from a guide dog company after being diagnosed with hip dysplasia, which can sideline a dog with pain and arthritis.  While the potential for mobility problems prevents her from becoming a full-on guide dog, she has a suitable temperament and work ethic that makes her perfect for other types of service. Aware of Braeden's need, the guide dog company contacted us as soon as it was evident Jill couldn't continue in their program. A few days later, she was part of the family. But that's not the whole story...

29 September 2010 - near Sarasota, FL

September lasts forever in central Florida, and it is still summertime-hot even as leaves begin to turn elsewhere. Today it will reach 90. Brief rains from yesterday have stained everything with dampness. The vacant lots among the average homes host stalky grasses and prickly weeds. Spared the mower for months, the small patches--now suburban prairies--sport their 5 o'clock shadows.

In one of these lots along 30 Avenue East, a stressed and anxious stray dog ponders her next steps. If she could only know what her future holds, she might not worry so. But now, hungry and homeless, she can think of little more than avoiding trouble and finding something to eat. Whether abandoned, a runaway, or abused and forgotten, she cowers alone against the crushing world around her. Everything outside the bounds of this lot seems ready to write her demise, whether car, human, or animal.

At least, that's how I imagine it may have seemed.

Someone wary of the wandering German Shepherd called animal control, and before sundown, the gaunt and exhausted dog was noosed, loaded into a truck, and transported to the pound.

A short while later, The Manatee County Public Service Department, Animal Services Division, keyed an entry into the computer database and formally kicked off Jill's paper trail. The kennel record says, "Intake Type: Stray/Field." Days before her Due Out date arrived, Jill was adopted by a puppy raiser named Pat.

An elderly lady, Pat canvassed kennels looking for certain unique qualities in those breeds that are most suitable for blind dog and vet dog service, especially German Shepherds. She had adopted many young dogs and given them basic obedience and socialization training. When these puppies matured a degree or two and continued to show promise, they were transferred to the guide dog company for serious program work.

Jill no doubt felt love and thrived in Pat's home.  Pat fostered a deep connection with young dogs that made her so effective as a puppy raiser. As the bond between the two strengthened, Jill intently observed Pat wrestling one of those things in this world that would not submit to Pat's will: Type 2 Diabetes. Jill came to realize that the snacks, the test kit, and frequent bathroom visits weren't the only indication that Pat was plagued by an invisible demon.  Within the fibre of her being, Jill could vividly sense when Pat was loosing a battle.

I think the recognition of Jill's intuition occurred the day she left Pat's side at the front porch and jumped the fence. Jill had never done this before. She never did it again. On this day, she roamed between the fence and the neighbor's house, raising the attention of the neighbor. Recognizing the dog as one of Pat's puppies, the neighbor returned Jill inside the fence and found Pat languishing in the midst of a severe hypo. Pat's condition was such that an ambulance was summoned.

As a boy, I hunted grouse in the NC mountains with my dad over his Brittany Spaniel. I could visualize the birds' scent by watching Blaze work among the wild grapes and scrub. To him, the perfume of the feathers must have seemed as a thick fog, as he easily followed it left and right. Smell is one thing. Most dogs have it. Intuition is quite another. I marvel at the thing that made Jill choose to find the neighbor. This is something she has repeated a hundred times in our own home, and still the marvel lingers.

Tonight, Jill left Braeden's side in the bedroom and alerted to me as I sat on the back porch. I immediately went to Braeden. His CGM indicated his blood glucose was 94 (perfect). He didn't exhibit the first sign of a high or low sugar.  But a quick check with a conventional glucometer told the story: 34 mg/dL.

Now I sit reviewing the paperwork in Jill's file. I just want to get the story correct as I pen this entry. And, I can't help but look at Manatee County Kennel Card once again. Then my eyes find it, the address where Jill was picked up by the dog catcher: "Found @: 2123 E 30 AVE, BRADENTON, FL."

There you have it. From Bradenton to Braeden. God's pretty cool, don't you think?

Rocking Ride in the Valley of Death - 2010 REPORT

2011-07-05T19:24:00.000-07:00

The plane landed in Las Vegas, a great jumping off point to other-worldly experiences. It's just that I wasn't there for the video poker and craps tables. After grabbing bags at the luggage carosel, I found the charter bus and a bunch of friends from Minnesota (Go Loons!). There were capacious deserts to cross to reach Death Valley. That was good, because my senses needed some time to adjust. I had left Greenville, SC and its lushness only hours before. Now, I looked through the bus window at a rocky and dry world constructed of edgy shades of brown matched abruptly to the dithered blue sky. The landscape was strangely beautiful.

We were accomodated at the comfortable Furnace Creek Ranch in Death Valley, where ranching was business as usual until 1928 or so. Each evening, our dinner was served up under the stars. My bed was in one of a series of bunkhouses built for the working hands so many years ago. With air conditioning and nice furninshings, these houses, nicely modernized, were very welcoming. It seemed that every such house, and the newer buildings, too, were packed with JDRF cyclists. There were some 350 of us.

We enjoyed a nice day and a half around the ranch. And then it was time to ride.

6:45 AM, SATURDAY - Ride Day

Death Valley is a tough place to cycle. There's just no getting around it. Most folks probably think the heat would be the reason. But, the forbidding temperatures are perhaps not the most serious complication for a long ride. Instead, I think it is the vast nothingness of the valley.

NOTHING. There is truly nothing. Nothing for shade. Nothing to drink. Nothing for nourishment (apart from tarantulas, lizards, and several species of poisonous snakes). There are no towns, convenience stations, or pay phones. Your cell phone has "No Service." Your ears feel strange because there is no sound. The most incredible peculiarity to being in Death Valley is how squarely you are in the middle of nothing.

Of course, "nothing" is no problem when you have the entire JDRF staff working for you on ride day. To combat the chronic shortage of everything, they coordinated water, food, and aid stations. They provided SAG wagons, communication gear, and shelter. We all really relied upon the ride staff. I ate their myriad snack foods. I drank more than 4 gallons (32 pounds!!!) of their water on the route. Though in the desert, I couldn't sweat all that out. Thank JDRF for even providing port-o-johns.

With all the great support in place, we cyclists only had to worry about moving the pedals. We had 2800 feet of climbing ahead of us, but the first 40 or so miles were built for fast running. I linked up with Jim, one of the Loons, for those first 40 miles. We averaged about 17 mph while taking turns drafting. This was a great way to conserve energy. While we rode, the mostly clear skies brightened up quickly. However, we were shaded by mountains for the first 25 miles. Not what you expected? Don't worry, the last 75 miles of searing solar broil made up for it.

At times we had to shrug head winds; the dry whirling air turned the valley into a convection oven. The wind seemed to stop when I reached the six-mile climb to Jubilee Pass. The cyclists were strung out over a great distance by this time, so I slowly ground my way up the grade solo. The hyperbaric silence was interrupted only when I met cyclists who were whirring downhill. After close to an hour of climbing, I made it to the pass, which marked the half-way and turn-around point of the course. It was mostly downhill or flat from here.

Things were beginning to get a little fuzzy after I coasted about 20 minutes to reach the valley floor. I remember becoming concerned about having seen several people suffering from heat exhaustion. The Death Valley experience was just beginning. Until now, it was a normal ride that you could have had anywhere. Now I suddenly felt that I was treading near the edge of human endurance. The sun seemed inches from my back. My senses were blunted. My legs made only about 50% power. I felt a little like one of those cheap 70's import cars that could only struggle in their high gearing.

Around then, I linked up with Kevin and Mark from Indiana. We talked as we rode, and I loosened up a bit. Then, I noticed an odd thing. I mentioned that there seemed to bulge on one of their rear tires. Within seconds: ka-boom....

We needed something good to happen.

MEET ANA BECKER

So, we're about 17 miles from the finish line and one tire short of a way to get there. No worries, there were SAG wagons out there. The first one stopped within a couple of minutes. But it, like the next few, carried no spare tires. That's when a 16 year old girl became a hero. Ana Becker, a young lady who was catching a SAG ride back to the Ranch, offered my Indiana friends her rear wheel. (How many of us would have done this when we were 16?) Yay, Ana! You are awesome.

This little triumph was a major turning point for me. There were 17 miles left, and while they didn't breeze by, I had confidence. I was lively. And, I had fun.

The challenge of cycling 103 miles in the desert ended for me so quickly, really. It took an absurdly short amount of time for me to feel normal again. The desert's grip on me evaporated away the next morning in the air conditioned enclosures of first the bus, then the airport, and finally the plane. But the memories of this experience will continue as a hot ember, not unlike that glowing hot spot in California called Death Valley.

2011 Ride to Cure - TUCSON!!

2011-07-05T19:06:00.000-07:00

Registration for the 2011 JDRF Ride to Cure Diabetes opened Monday, 7 March and, along with hundreds of others, a pair of Rogers put their money down on a journey that will span 257 days, secure $9,000 in diabetes-demolishing donations, and culminate with the 109 mile Tour de Tucson. I am extremely excited to report that my brother, John, will join me for this . Like me, he has thinning hair and is therefore aerodynamically optimized for endurance cycling. Moreover, he has the biggest heart for his nephew and badly wants to see a cure for all of those who are affected by T1D. I'm proud of you, brother! Welcome to the Ride :-)

The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation continues to do great work to improve diabetes care and find a CURE. They still need our support to accomplish their objectives. It is awesome to be able to count on you to step forward with me again in 2011 to ensure their needs are met. THANK YOU!! You all are awesome!

JDRF Ride to Cure 2011 Kickoff from Jessica Rogers on Vimeo.

Save it for the Ride

2011-01-24T18:49:00.000-08:00

Type 1 Diabetes can be accomodating. During these times, it lets you live comfortably and at ease. You might even lose your fear of hypos and high sugars. Othertimes, it decides to trounce your family and leave you reeling. Either way, it often seems that you are coming from behind against this disease. Playing on its terms, its home turf.

Braeden was admitted in-patient Saturday for the second time in roughly 2 months. Both occasions were courtesy of diabetes. Both occasions were despite , mocking the notion that I, Jessica, you, or anyone can control diabetes. As much as I am thankful that we have doctors on call--yes, half expecting to be needed at any moment!--and hospitals filled with materiel for any emergency, I am frustrated that Braeden faces his special challenges with only therapeutic treatment.

I'm frustrated. Angry. Motivated. Overwhelmed.

Save it for the Ride. Save it for the Ride. Save it for the Ride.

2011 Ride to Cure Diabetes: Coming March 1

"Guess what. I still alive."

2010-10-17T06:36:00.000-07:00

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!!!

2010-10-16T17:38:00.000-07:00

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!

2010-10-16T05:09:00.000-07:00

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.....

2010-10-15T17:18:00.000-07:00

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

2010-10-15T06:18:00.001-07:00

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

2010-10-14T11:07:00.000-07:00

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!

2010-10-14T05:24:00.000-07:00

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

2010-10-14T02:58:00.001-07:00

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!

2010-10-13T20:00:00.000-07:00

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

2010-10-08T18:31:00.000-07:00

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

2010-10-02T12:25:00.000-07:00

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!

2010-09-06T20:44:00.000-07:00

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!

2010-08-28T19:11:00.000-07:00

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...

2010-08-28T05:01:00.000-07:00

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!

2010-08-27T13:23:00.000-07:00

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

2010-08-22T17:52:00.000-07:00

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

2010-08-15T18:46:00.000-07:00

"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

2010-08-08T11:42:00.000-07:00

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!

2010-07-31T18:19:00.001-07:00

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

2010-07-08T20:37:00.000-07:00

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

A Hundred Days - O.M.G

2010-07-08T19:08:00.000-07:00

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!

2010-06-13T12:07:00.000-07:00

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

2010-02-01T18:45:00.001-08:00

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?

2010-02-01T18:01:00.001-08:00

Txt blog post test. Have a great day!

Killington Ride to Cure - Report

2009-09-01T18:25:00.000-07:00

So, what do you pack for a late August visit to Vermont? The weather is as changing as the departures board at O’Hare. Temperatures can rise up in the 90’s or fall way down in the 30’s. And with tropical storm Danny approaching to confuse the fronts, Canadians, geese—oh yeah, and the weatherman—be ready for anything. I watched the forecast intently for the 10 days leading up to last Saturday’s ride and saw the prediction steadily deteriorate. I took a very full duffle bag of clothes to the airport.

I arrived in Killington via airplane and charter bus Thursday around 3:00 pm. Jessica, Braeden and Sarah, a family friend, were already on location. They were checking out Ben & Jerry’s headquarters. I was about to have fun, too.

I met several of the riders, volunteers and JDRF staff at dinner Thursday evening. It was here that I was officially adopted by the Loon-a-Tics from the Minnesota/North Dakota Chapter. The Loon-a-Tics came about their name quite creatively. The members of the chapter are primarily from Minnesota, whose state bird is the Loon. However, Minnesotans often quip that it “ought to be the mosquito, or even the tick” according to one of my new riding partners. So, these fine folks couldn’t resist the opportunity to be humorous, which, as it turns out, is something that remained true throughout the whole weekend.

Everyone participating in the JDRF Ride has a connection to Type 1 diabetes. Everyone has a personal and compelling story. There is a great catharsis that happens when individuals gather at events like this. People have common burdens, common fears, and an empathy that helps melt away pain and frustration. And in Killington we also shared a goal of curing this wretched disease that, so far, never goes away. Let the healing begin.

Friday began with a great breakfast followed by a check-out ride of only about 2 miles. It was important to make sure the bikes had traveled well and were still in tune after reassembly before setting off the next day on a very long ride. Friday’s weather was so nice that several of us thought we should go another 98 miles and put this one in the history books. By that time, the forecast was for 100% rain on Saturday. Friday ended with a great carb-loading meal of pasta dishes. We all headed to bed early.

Before we move on to an accounting of Saturday, I wish to mention the great surprise I received on Friday afternoon when I made a trip to my hotel room. I stepped off the elevator into the hallway and saw that several doors were decorated with handmade posters thanking and encouraging the riders. I turned the corner and saw that I had a poster, too! It was twice as large as anyone else’s and had tiny little hand prints on it. I soon saw that names were written inside each hand print and that the names were of Type 1 children from back home. This was a very touching moment. Someone went to a lot of effort to pull this off. The emotion of the moment overwhelmed me, and I sat down to weep. Thinking of all those kids who felt this ride was important lit my fire. Can we get on those bikes yet?

Saturday began with the alarm clock buzzing at 4:45. Luckily, the temperature never got as low as once predicted, just 6 degrees above freezing. It was 55 when I called up the weather report. Heavy rains were falling, and the wind tugged at the needles of every fir tree in sight. We anxiously ate breakfast and drank extra coffee while we waited to hear whether the start would be delayed. Then came the report: we would start at 8 o’clock, not 7. I went to my room and took a nap. At last it was time to face the elements. I strode out of the hotel at 7:20. I would not return for the next 10 hours.

You have never seen such a collection of chartreuse, yellow, orange, and every other manner of high viz colors as was assembled at the start line. There were some 360 riders standing astraddle their bikes waiting on the national anthem. Rain drops collided noisily with helmets, windbreakers and bike frames. When the music had played, the start was indicated, and an impressive wheeled column began snaking off into the murky stew of fog that blanketed the Vermont countryside. The Ride was on!

The start was fairly dangerous due to an initial steep decent, the close spacing of riders, and poor road conditions. Vermont, as I would gradually learn, has a devil of a challenge keeping their roads from cracking. I allow it is due to the extreme winters. Whatever the cause, long, inch-wide fissures open up in the asphalt and run in the direction of travel. They wait like thin-lipped monsters hoping to gobble up a cyclist’s narrow tires. Few escape once their tires fall into such an abyss; the outcome is most certainly a crash to the pavement. Aware that cycling rewards focus, I kept my attention on the broken road. Luckily, no one near me was involved in a crash.

The first 12 miles were mostly downhill. Too bad we’d have to ascend all of this later, I thought. Some of it was quite steep. The first break station was located near the bottom. I stopped to devour a bagel because breakfast suddenly seemed long time ago. The next dozen miles were plain running except for two short sections that were stripped of asphalt on either side of a bridge in a construction zone. I mused that this stretch of road was reduced to gravel to make us feel better about the portion that was actually paved. However, I was actually very grateful that this stretch could be navigated on the bike. A road crew was reportedly working into the night previous to smooth it out just for us; otherwise, we would have had to walk.

Jessica, Braeden and Sarah were working at the break station at mile 24, called Rochester. It was uplifting to see them. Braeden was on his way to becoming a mascot for this particular stop. He had an infectious gleam in his eyes and welcomed cold riders with his laugh. Several Type 1 riders came into this station throughout the day needing to borrow testing supplies. Often, their own supplies were waterlogged. So, Braeden would get to know these riders as they use his glucometer and test strips. I was suddenly very glad that Jessica, Braeden and Sarah had wanted to volunteer at a break station.

After a snack and refill of the bottles, I hugged my family and launched. The cyclists were spaced out well now, and I was hitting my stride. The road followed the floor of a long valley, and the miles melted quickly. I had to climb a small rise or two before the next stop at mile 31. It was on one of those short climbs that my front derailleur failed to work properly. It had succumbed to the paste of road grit and water that was quickly building up on everything. I wondered whether other parts of my bike would slowly quit functioning as the grime further accumulated.

There was a nice break station located at mile 42. I ate and refilled bottles while a mechanic sprayed some lubricant on my derailleurs. I stayed a moment too long and got cold. But, the hills that dominated the next several miles promised to warm me up. Boy, they were steep. The course this year was essentially a 50-mile out-and-back. And, while it stands to reason that nearing the halfway mark of a long ride would be encouraging, I felt quite discouraged Saturday. I found myself at the low point in terms of energy on those tall hills. Further, I was as far away from the finish line as possible. And, suddenly the roads were empty of other riders. It simply got lonely. But fortune wouldn’t turn her back on me! There was a bombing downhill run to reward me for the hard work, and it lead straight to the rest stop at mile 57. There I had a bottle of Cytomax, which is most nearly the equivalent of human rocket fuel. Within 10 or 15 minutes I was moving much better and no longer watching for circling buzzards.

I motored on swimmingly (it was still raining) and paused only briefly round mile 69 for more drink and food. Quickly, I found myself at Rochester once again. This time the Rochester stop welcomed riders in grand fashion. There were 6 or 7 ladies lined up like so many Rockettes doing high kicks and chanting “J-D-R-F!” They wore street clothes, except one, who was wearing a hula skirt and coconut shell brazier over her warmer garments. Others lining the road had cow bells and horns. Each rider was received in a wonderful blanket of cheers. What a boost to the tired spirit! Plus, the whole thing looked hilarious and made me laugh. Jessica, Braeden and Sarah were still serving at this stop when I passed through. I loved this surprise. They mixed up some more human rocket fuel and sent me on my way. Only 24 miles to go!

My right knee began to complain about all the hard work and gave me something new to think about before the 12 mile climb to the finish. After a final snack at mile 88, it was time to assault the 1,200 foot ascent to the end. It got steep at times, but only twice did the pitch really push the limits of enjoyment. It was about 4 o’clock when I made the approach to the finish line. A huge gathering cheered, whistled and clapped as each rider rode into the parking lot and across the finish line. Some riders were crying. All smiled and laughed. What a ride. What a wonderful experience.

I covered 100.85 miles in 6 hours, 48 minutes and had a blast every second of the way.

Saturday’s ride was followed by a fun celebration dinner of hamburgers and hot dogs. It was a nice way to end a great weekend. Sunday was a travel day. Noteworthy was the loss of the left engine on the plane taking me from Philly to Greenville, SC after we reached cruising altitude. We diverted to Richmond, VA. USAir flew an empty plane up from Charlotte to pick up the stranded passengers and ferry us on to GSP. The crew and USAir have my appreciation for the fine job they did getting us down and home safely.

At this point, I am left reminiscing about the Ride and considering the possibilities for next year. I absolutely do want to participate in the Ride again. It was such an awesome experience. And all the effort is for a cause that is very important to my family.

I truly can’t thank my donors enough for the contributions they made. Like I have said before, you are essential to this endeavor. The progress you are helping make toward finding a cure to Type 1 diabetes is so deeply appreciated. Thanks for following my progress and cheering me on. I am proud of what we have accomplished.

Down to the Short Rows

2009-08-11T18:53:00.000-07:00

Only 18 days are left until the Ride to Cure Diabetes. I'm a little sad that we are nearly finished with the lead-up. I have only one training ride planned in the Tri Cities, and I will bike this weekend in Chicago while on vacation. That's it...then it is time to ship the bike. All that is left is to grow my hair out for the Mo!

Though the fun of the last few months will be missed, it will be awesome to roll off that start line and take on the final aspect of my goal. With God, anything is possible. I have Him, and all of you. I will draw on all of the words of encouragement you have shared as I climb the mountains and fight through the fatigue. I did on my 60- and 68-mile rides recently. I already know that you are as much a part of what I am doing as the cranks, gears, and chain. That is to say, you are essential on this endeavor.

It is true that I have grown through this experience and improved physically so that I am now in the best shape of my life. However, alone, I am still inadequate. With your help, dozens have united for one cause, raised nearly $5,000, and given Braeden and millions of others a leg up on Type 1 Diabetes. I could never tell you how happy that makes my family feel. Maybe you already know. I hope so. And, I hope you recognize the difference you are making.

THANKS, and stay tuned for reports from Killington, Vermont!!!

Pain vs. Fear of Pain

2009-07-25T19:25:00.001-07:00

I knew it would eventually happen. And, in a way, I thought it would come as a bit of relief when it finally did occur. Now, I can say in fact that is the case. My first bike crash was not bad. I wasn't hurt, and neither was the bike. But, I had been anticipating it for the past 700 or so miles. And that was bad. Now that's out of the way, I think I will relax a little.

Dude, it happened fast. It was just the result of a careless wiggle of the handle bar. No dog, other bike, vehicle, or gravel was involved. I allowed my front wheel to wander a little as I shifted my grip on the handlebars. There was no shoulder on this stretch of road, and my wheel dropped off that precipitous ledge that divides the path of iron steeds from the rug of rain damp weeds. Too bad, Allen. Your fate is sealed; the die is cast.

The last wiggle had me leaning a little to my left, and soon my center of gravity drifted where my tires could not follow. My left pedal made contact with the ground first. My helmet hit last. 12 mph to zero in about 2 feet. Skin and cycling clothes make great for a fast halt on pavement. However, my gloved hands were spared from cuts, and the abrasion on my knee will be healed by Monday. My sore shoulder should be just fine by mid week. Glad it wasn't worse.

Anticipation often is more intense than the trauma itself. I see it a lot while raising our kids. It happens every "set change," where we have to replace the infusion tube that delivers insulin under Braeden's skin. He cries or is anxious when he is aware that it is time and frets throughout the 3 minute process until the delivery needle is withdrawn. Indicating, however, just how little discomfort is really involved, Braeden launches right back into play without limping or nursing his bum. It's just part of diabetes. And like my crash, the experience us a little wiser and thankful it is not worse.

Shirt Design Preview

2009-06-30T18:38:00.000-07:00

Hello, all. JDRF has sent me a proof of my jersey for the Killington ride. It is adorned with the JDRF logos and has my sponsors' names on the back. I hope no one minds...I asked to have

my top donors listed on the shirt. Space limitations prevent all of my donors' names from appearing. It will be great having the names of so many friends an coworkers riding with me those 99.46 miles in August.

Training is progressing a bit slow for my tastes. Between travel, family obligations and nursing my knee, I have only managed 4 rides this month. However, I have now put almost 600 miles on my bike, and my longest ride to date is 48 miles. I need to be up to 75 miles in 1 month in order to stay on track. If my knee cooperates, I feel this is very do-able.

The route has been posted on the JDRF site. It was a long time coming. I have attached an image of the route from mapmyride.com. Check out the elevation profile. Oh, mama! The last 11 or 12 miles are going to be a test!

Knee Pain

2009-06-18T18:19:00.000-07:00

Well, I have hit a bit of a frustrating point in my training. And I think it all began over a desire to have some really sexy road bike shoes. There could be a lesson in all of this. But right now I'm too busy to admit it.

I have been riding with a pair of mountain bike shoes and pedals that I purchased roughly a decade ago. They work great, actually. I got the idea of "upgrading" to road shoes and pedals, however, since it got hot. That ride in the rain also factored in. I estimated that road shoes would be cooler and not fill up with as much water when it did rain. Other folks claimed I would benefit from the stiffer footbed and lighter weight, as well. Two ebay purchases later and I'm holding some really nice pedals and shoes.

So, my first ride with the new pedals was a 48 mile jaunt last Saturday. I knew something was not right when, 4 miles into the trip, my left knee began to mumble in discomfort. Within 10 more miles, I admitted to my riding partner that my knee "hurt." And, before the ride was out, the pain was really significant. Great first outing with my new kicks, huh?

Well, I have been to a couple of local bike shops, consulted with experienced cyclists, and researched quite a bit on the internet. So, I am completely qualified to start guessing at how to change my setup in order to address the pain. There are no less than a dozen variables: seat height, lateral/medial cleat position; internal/external cleat rotation; varus/valgus forefoot cant; etc. I endeavored to ride a bit yesterday to see if some of the first adjustments made a difference. Not really. Keep guessing, that is my plan.

Wish me luck. In the mean time, I'm going to keep a positive attitude about this new purchase. Afterall, those shoes really are awesome!

Nearing the Achievement of my Goal

2009-05-25T19:14:00.000-07:00

Folks, we have almost done it. You have nearly raised $4,200 for Braeden and JDRF! There are not many things I can to do express my gratitude for the contributions you have made. Braeden's life is so dramatically affected by diabetes. Your donations to JDRF are personal and moving to me.

I set out a few weeks ago to put together a slide show that at once helps raise awareness of type 1 diabetes and thanks the many individuals who have helped me get so close to my 2009 Ride goals. That slide show is posted below. This video was first shown two Friday's ago at a benefit dinner for the JDRF Walk to Cure Diabetes team The Braeden Bunch; it was a hit. Thank you for everything you have done to make an improvement of the lives of those with type 1 diabetes.

Allen

Rain = Slower, Cooler

2009-05-25T18:37:00.000-07:00

Both yesterday and today I rode a portion of my distance in the rain. This is a first for me, and I'm glad it finally happened. Since there is no guarantee that the weather will be nice on Ride Day, being familiar with riding in weather, including wind, rain, and cold, gives me some confidence.

What did I learn? Staying cool is no problem when riding in the rain. Visibility is reduced quite a bit due to water droplets on glasses and the tendency to squint through the spray. Shoes get heavy once they are waterlogged. Cold rivulets probe your neck and back. The normal sounds of the bike are muffled or inaudible altogether, drowned out by the report of a million rain drops on the road, trees and rider. The water on the road and the extra weight on the bike act like a brake, slowing acceleration and dropping the top speed by a few mph.

Maybe we should all hope for some nice weather on 29 August in Killington!

A Bug's Life

2009-04-14T18:39:00.000-07:00

Two quick updates about the fundraising effort before a short account of recent training:

(i) Today you helped me reach 90% of my fundraising goal!!! There is less than $400 to go. WOW!

(ii) I will be sending a detailed email update to my d-list in the next several days that will include a link to a cool video I think you'll like. It highlights Braeden's experience with diabetes. I am excited about finishing the production and rolling it out to you.

Rides last month and in April have been great. The warmer weather really has spoiled me. I don't look forward to 90 degree temperatures, but I also think I would struggle in those 40 degree days I experienced in winter. Maybe these moderate days will last another full month or two.

With all of this moderate weather, I am getting a nice cycling-short tan. You know the one...everything north of the top of the knee is snow white. There are sharp lines that betray the happy homes of my shorts cuffs. I guess it beats a farmer tan. Like I say, there is a lot more sun with this better weather, but that is not all.

Now there are bugs, too! Holy heck, let me tell you how tough your car windshield is. It takes neither much speed nor size for a bug to leave a mark. And, a big bug--say a bumble bee--at 34 miles per hour can crater the flesh. It is very important to wear glasses while cycling for obvious reasons. But who knew that you needed a grille, too? Oh yeah, those little winged critters jet through the air intakes, too! And since I am most often breathing like a 747 at take-off, often the first indication of a breach is the sensation of a pointy little insect ricocheting off my uvula or rattling down my trachea. These little things get netted in my helmet, too. Heimlich the Beautiful Butterfly may be minding his business flitting around the north-bound lane one minute and then trying to figure out how to escape a maze of impact foam through a vent on my hat the next. So far, no humble bumble has gotten hung in the attic and tried to sting its way out. However, I think that will happen very soon.

Here's to creepy things on your scalp and warm sunshine! Thanks for the continued support, and be on the lookout for that video soon!

Nice Weather and Good Riding

2009-03-22T11:51:00.000-07:00

All the good things about Spring seemed to arrive at once this year. Daylight savings time was brought out of exile as the warm weather sneaked, if for a moment, out of the southern hemisphere. The pears are beginning to blossom in the back yard. Winter's bitter varnish is yielding to more than the sun's golden bomardment; it's brittle shell crazes with the thundering of a thousand bicycle tires. Yes, the cyclists have taken to the roads.

Last week, I climbed astride the saddle for three rides and amassed about 65 miles. Previously, I rode this much in two to 3 weeks' time. I hope to increase my distance quite a bit over the next month.

I had a great conversation with the JDRF national coach a while back who provided some great advice. He encouraged me to ride about 500 miles of long, steady distance (LSD) over a two-month period. Then, he said I should vary my rides each week in this pattern: (1) Tuesday interval ride; (2) Thursday pace ride; (3) Saturday LSD ride. I should shoot for roughly this breakout on distances: Tuesday, 1/6 weekly mileage; Thursday, 1/3 weekly mileage; Saturday, 1/2 weekly mileage. By August 1, I will be on track if I can comfortably ride 75-80 miles.

Changing gears a little, my fundraising reached $3,000 last week. This was a major milestone for me, and it gives me reassurance that I can reach the required $4,200 even in these tough times. I continue to be humbled by my friends and colleagues who give selflessly for this great cause. No recession appears ready to stop you. Amazing. Thank you.

Having a Blast

2009-02-23T18:26:00.000-08:00

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

2009-02-15T18:49:00.000-08:00

"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

2009-02-01T17:44:00.000-08:00

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.

Tough Day with Diabetes

2009-01-28T17:39:00.001-08:00

While most days are business as usual with Type 1 diabetes, occasionally something flies in from the back of the room to knock you off balance. Today, Braeden's pump failed, probably. This is the fourth or fifth pump that has likely failed. It always starts with a high blood sugar reading. His normal range is 125 +/- 20 mg/dL. His breakfast check yielded 348.

When the body has consumed all of its insulin, the cells do not have a way to extract the sugar from the blood stream and convert it to energy. So, the blood sugar concentration increases unchecked. At this point, the affected person is feeling very poor and lethargic. Not because the blood sugar is high, but because the cells are starving. The cells still need energy, so they start to tap stored reserves of fat and protein. The chemical process that ensues creates byproducts including ketones. (Anyone out there ever try the Atkins diet?) Ketones are poison to the body and are measured on a funny scale: NONE, TRACE, SMALL, MODERATE, LARGE, EXTRA LARGE. At breakfast, Braeden's ketones were already LARGE.

This scenario happens from time to time even when the pump is operating well. But, it is a lot harder to fix with a broken pump! So, here is a snapshot of Braeden's blood sugar throughout the day. The red lines mark the upper and lower limits of his target range.

We turned the pump off and started using a combination of NovoLog and Lantus injections by syringe at 5:00 PM. A new pump should arrive via overnight mail sometime tomorow. But the damage is done. Braeden suffered through the swings all day, had LARGE ketones twice, and now has stayed low for several hours despite taking in lots of carbohydrates. Like they say, insulin therapy is not a cure, and this illustrates why.

Thank you!!!

2009-01-20T17:31:00.000-08:00

I owe several individuals a HUGE thank you! Just two days into the fundraising effort, my friends have helped me raise nearly 30% of the goal. This is the power of many. However, it begins with an individual decision. Do you want to join us?

The generosity and concern people have shown is amazing. I appreciate the donations; they are what power JDRF. I appreciate the encouragement; it is what powers me.

IT'S OFFICIAL!

2009-01-15T19:12:00.000-08:00

Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Ride to Cure Diabetes 2009

JDRF Ride registration opened today! I signed up for the Killington, VT ride that will be held on Saturday, 29 August. I am so stoked! I am also a little nervous...I have to raise $4,200!

You will be able to keep up with my preparation and training on this blog. And, my fundraising page is hosted at ride.jdrf.org. The JDRF website also contains a lot of information about the ride, Type 1 diabetes, and the search for a cure.

To my mind, this effort has two objectives: 1) raising money to fund JDRF research intiatives, and 2) raising awareness about diabetes. I encourage each of you to learn more about diabetes, its treatment, and its implications. While most of us are safe from Type 1 diabetes, studies indicate a whole bunch of us will have to deal with Type 2 diabetes. And, while they are definately not the same, both types can cripple our bodies, destroy our senses, and derail our aspirations. In that regard, learning about diabetes in order to make better health choices will benefit us all. And your support for the Ride will benefit those who are facing a remarkably challenging disease every hour of every day, those who hope that a cure will spare them the full toll waged by Type 1 diabetes.

As it is for me, some of you will find that this Ride and your support of it will be very personal. I am crazy about my sons. So it is an easy decision to do something like this for Braeden. By getting your help, I can join hundreds of other cyclists to support the research that will one day cure my little boy.

If you feel lead to contribute, please know that I am deeply grateful for your sacrifice. Now may be one of the toughest times to ask folks to part with money. That is one reason why every donation is significant and precious. And it is one reason why your act of giving will be so rewarding. But perhaps the most rewarding part of all is that you will be doing something wonderful to help a beautiful 2 year-old rediscover the carefree wanderings of childhood.

Thanks from me and my family,
Allen

JDRF Ride to Cure Diabetes Update

2009-01-12T18:22:00.000-08:00

I spoke last week to the JDRF Ride Coordinator about when registration would open for the 2009 rides. She indicated that it would only be a couple more weeks. I am waiting to seriously broadcast my fundraising efforts until I am registered for the Ride, because that is when I can build a fund raising page on jdrf's website and really get the machine running.

Presently I am planning to ride in the Killington, Vermont 105 miler. This is a new location for a JDRF ride. It is also the only ride in the eastern half of the States. Jessica and Braeden are tentatively planning to accompany me and cheer me on. It will be great to have them at the start line. It would also be great for Braeden if he could understand why those hundreds of cyclists will be cranking their way out of the gate! That will be a sight.

Stay tuned because I think it will be only a matter of days until my first Ride for the Cure campaign is officially underway!

Winter Doldrums

2009-01-12T17:53:00.000-08:00

It has been a long week in terms of weather. We've had all the major forms of liquid precipitation: the "cats & dogs" stuff, frog chokers, gulley washers, and--just once--il pleut comme vache qui pisse, which really is less common outside the Loire Valley. So, I've been parked inside. Which brings me to wonder, what do you folks do for excercise and fun when its too bad to get outside?

I could hit the gym, play some pick-up b-ball games, or walk between the deluges on my lunch break (which I often do anyway). None of those are really me, however. So, I'd appreciate your tips!

If you find some sunny days, send them my way...8 days off the bike is way too long!

Long(er) Ride Today

2009-01-03T18:12:00.000-08:00

I set out today to ride a little bit longer than before. On a nice loop through Telford and down to the Nolichucky river, 28 miles of rolling pavement take you past beautiful farmland to vantage points where you can see the big mountains on the NC/TN border. This would be my longest ride since a Virginia Creeper Trail trip with Jared some years ago.

Wow, I felt great until about mile 21 when I became very hungry. I felt sapped the rest of the trip. Energy for the longer rides may be my most urgent problem to overcome at this point in training. All-in-all, though, this was a great experience and gave me some "distance confidence." Mechanical note: it is apparent that I need to replace the front derailleur, which is temperamental and picks the worst times to not work properly.

Getting Started

2008-12-29T18:47:00.001-08:00

Okay, so maybe I'm ready to launch this ship! I have bought a used bike, new tires, and a pump. Grammy gave me some padded shorts. I moved my pedals over from my old Cannondale MTB. I have created my first blog so I can share this experience with folks. What else could be left?

Ride. Ride many miles. Oh, I am in terrible shape. After only 24 miles on my bike, it is clear that I will really need to work up to a century ride. I think that one of the coolest aspects of this JDRF event is that the participants must earn the right to participate. And part of that involves getting into riding shape.

The other part involves raising some serious money. When I sign up for the Ride, I will be making a personal commitment to JDRF of $4,000. My entry fee easily covers my lodging and travel costs...the rest of it goes to JDRF and supports their efforts to find a cure for Type 1 Diabetes.

As you may know, my younger son developed Type 1 Diabetes in late 2007. For me this ride is personal. I saw this disease start to destroy my son. Now we are treating his Diabetes. Still, he remains compromised and dependant on treatment because a cure is elusive.

This ride is about raising money for a cure. Please consider helping with your contribution. Support me as I ride in honor of Braeden.