Over the weekend Diane and I where fortunate enough to finally be able to meet Michelle Litchman face to face in the Brookline neighborhood of Boston, MA.  Michelle, and other D movers and shakers, where in town for a diabetes conference and was gracious enough to spent some of her free time with us.

Most of you already know Michelle from her work as the author of the Sweet Advice blog, and as a very active and outstpoken member of the DOC.

Michelle is currently a PhD candidate at the University of Utah, and, as part of her work there, is conducting a very important survey about diabetes.

I wanted to share the survey in hopes that others would be interested in taking part, and helping Michelle to learn more specifics about the disease we battle each and everyday.

Follow this link to take the survey:

http://www.tudiabetes.org/m/discussion?id=583967%3ATopic%3A2784644
or contact Michelle directly with questions:

michelle.litchman@gmail.com

Have a great day everyone!!!

If you are in central North Carolina and are interested in insulin pump therapy, come out this Tuesday night, August 28th, for Insulin Pump Information Night.  All of the pump manufacturers will be there, including Steve McGuinn the representative from OmniPod.

I will be hanging out at the the OmniPod booth talking about how I use their product and the advantages of tubeless pump therapy as a whole.

The information about the event, including the pump information class curriculum is below.

Hope to see you there!!

Insulin Pump Information Night 

Class is instructed by a Certified Diabetes Educator and is free! 
Opportunity to see all insulin pumps! 

Tuesday of August 28th
6:00-8:00 pm 

LOCATION: 
American Institute of Healthcare and Fitness 
8300 Health Park Raleigh, NC
Meeting Room
(Take Six Forks Rd. to Forum Dr., left on Health Park, follow signs to Conference Center)

Curriculum Overview: 
1. Challenges of Diabetes 

• BG Monitoring 
• Multiple injections 
• Meals 
• Erratic schedules 
• Carbohydrate 
• Counting 
• Costs 
• Physical activity 
• Sickness 

2. Insulin regimens 

• Conventional Multiple Daily Injections 
• Insulin Pump therapy 

3. What is a Pump 

4. Benefits of a Pump 
Improved glycemic control 

• Precise delivery 
• Decreased glucose fluctuations 
• Decreased hypoglycemia 
• Address hormonal issues and dawn phenomenon.

Freedom 

• Eliminate multiple injections 
• Eliminate strict eating 
• Sleep in 
• Exercise 

5. Definitions 

• Basal 
• Bolus 
• Example of typical day 

6. How does a pump work 

• Battery 
• Cartridge/Reservoir
• Programming 

7. Smart Pump Features 

• Calculates dose for carbs eaten and BG correction 
• Extended bolus features
• Insulin on board/Active Insulin 
• Reminders and alarms 

8. Infusion Sets 

• Straight
• Angled
• Change every 2-3 days 

9. Candidate 

• Insulin requiring Type 1 or Type 2 
• A1C above 7 
• BG fluctuation 
• Hypoglycemia 
• Pregnancy 
• Need for precise dosing 

10. Who makes a good pumper 

• BG checks 4 times daily 
• Carb counting 
• Able to troubleshoot 
• Support system 
• Realistic expectation 

11. Challenges 

• Insurance 
• Increase BG checks 
• Learning period 
• DKA 
• Site/Skin issues 

12. Moving forward 

• Visit the booths 
• Visit the websites 
• Talk to your insurance company 
• Talk to your doctor about which pump 
• Continue seeking educational opportunities 
• TIPS Meetings

Welcome home my friend.  Special thanks to Glacier Cyclery of Whitefish, MT and Trek Bicycles of Raleigh for getting my Superfly back to me save and sound.

 I reassembled it, and road it around for a little while this evening.

It felt perfect, and brought a smile to my face.

And tears to my eyes.

And with that, the adventure that is, or was, Tour Divide 2012 has come to a close.

Man.

It was fantastic.  So far beyond what I expected it would be.  I learned so much about myself.

Truly the best cycling event of my life.

Keep Choppin' everyone.

Just.  Keep.  Choppin'.

As I sit here with Diane back in Boston, I cannot even begin to express my emotions from the outpouring of message of encouragement, love, and well wishes from one and all.

The DOC is truly an amazing family. One I am blessed to be part of.

Although my foot is broken, I am awaiting a MRI in the next day or two, and I didn't achieve my goal of reaching the termination of the Tour Divide route I still feel successful.

I had 5 main goals for this years event:

- Pedal out of Banff, AB CA

- Get passed the place where I almost lost my life last year

- To reach the US in 2 days

- To get to the Mexico / NM border

- Raise awareness of all types of diabetes during the event

Four out of five of those goals have been completed. And for that I am grateful and happy.

Over the next couple of days I will be writing in more detail about the best aspects of this event - and there were tons - on this blog. There is much to share.

For this evening I really wanted to express my deepest thanks for always being there for me, especially over the past two years of Tour Divide attempts.

I am blessed to know the members of the Diabetes Online Community and am honored to be one of them.




- Posted using BlogPress using my iPad from somewhere in the universe

Finally, finally, finally got the Superfly completely mechanically ready to go to Canada! It was in need of a little last minute love, so I took it to my good friend Rob Noti's new shop True Blue Wrenchworks.

In a couple of hours he bled the front brake and shortened the housing, adjusted the rear brake (so the constant rub stopped - who new? Extra training right? LOL)  trued the wheels, and located a busted rear derailer cable and housing that would have caused some issues on Tour Divide next week for sure.

I have known Rob for 14 years or so, and he is a great guy.  Super talented, and dedicated to cyclists everywhere. If you are in the Carrboro area and need some bike knowledge bestowed or your bike repaired, drop in and say 'Hey'!

I am feeling like a ton of weight is off of my shoulders as the last of my equipment is ready to go. Thanks for the help Mr. Noti!


Now I need to get the bike to a photo shoot in the next couple of days and then boxed up this weekend to bring it to Canada.

The clock is really ticking now.... ;)

I have been using Osprey products for a few years now, including the Manta 30 on last year's Tour Divide race.  I am HUGE fans of their's, as their products and equipment are top notch, built to last, and have tons of valuable features so I can ride, train, and race the way I do.  These packs come in different sizes per model as well, so the fit is second to none.

I currently own and use the Osprey Manta 30 and the Osprey Kestrel 48 for my cycling adventures.

I am SO thankful and proud to announce that Osprey is an official supporter of Type1Rider for 2012.  I appreciate their assistance, their generosity, and their help in raising awareness of diabetes and supporting all those affected by it's reach.

Please take a minute and check out this amazing company and their awesome and adventure inspiring products.

Was in MA today to participate in the JDRF Boston Walk.   The Boston event is at an amazing venue along the Charles River.  We headed over early in the AM on the T.

One of the coolest features of Boston Public transportation is the new Hubway.   They have placed these bike stations all over the city, and they are available for use by anyone.

I cannot tell you how fantastic it was to see SO many individuals, of all ages, using this method of transport.  A very reliable and affordable method for getting around the dense city.

Another thing that stood out along the river is the boating clubs that are based there.  There where public sailboat races happening, and crewing is very popular.  There is a place right on the river you can rent boats to sail or crew.

The crowd of teams of walkers where already amassing as we arrived at the venue.  Although there where so many folks there, you really got a sense that everyone was bonded together.  A family of distant relatives all excited to see each other and share experiences.  You could truly feel the camaraderie and understanding of everyone in attendance.

It was very special.  It truly was.  I was amazed.

Another wonderful thing about these events is the ability to get caught up with Facebook friends, both new and old.  Seeing some folks in person for the first time, and sharing some fun with some know for a while.  I had a great time hanging out with The Diabetes Dude and his family for a large part of the festivities.

If you ever get a chance to attend one of these diabetes family events, I would strongly encourage you to do so.  It allows everyone a chance to see, to really see, that we are not alone and that we are indeed all in this together.

Thanks Boston!!
 

I saw this via SRAM's Facebook page.  I thought it was pretty cool, and their are some amazing works show.

SRAM has always been a fantastic supporter of the 29er Crew and of the Type1Rider organization.  This is such a great idea of theirs.

Check out the SRAM pART PROJECT:

Artists transform bike parts into art. The art is auctioned off. The proceeds help people in need through World Bicycle Relief. Welcome to the SRAM pART PROJECT, making art that makes a difference.

I would like to happily announce that we have acquired the support of a great new start up!

Feed Your Soul is breaking new ground in the area of nutrition and life balance.  With offering services ranging from Nutrition Consultations and Pantry & Kitchen Makeovers, to Grocery Store Tours and Menu Building they are taking a fresh approach to helping ALL to live better.  They also have a lot personal experience with Type 1 diabetes.

I am very lucky to be associated with this fine company.

Click on the logo below to get more information, or feel free to reach out to the owner directly at dina@feedyoursoul.com.

Thank you!!!!!

I really need to send a LONG LONG LONG overdue heartfelt thank you to Ryan Draper and the staff at Rebound Cycle in Canmore, AB Canada.

The day after my release from the hospital in June, Ryan basically took me in after I "road" to their store.  He was so incredibly kind, and provided me with everything I needed to head home.

He loaned me shoes, shorts, and a shirt from his personal collection so I wouldn't have to wear my kit and cycling shoes on the airplane ride home.  Also, Ryan and his wonderful group of co-workers provided me with invaluable information and rapidly packed the Superfly for the trip home (a rush job as the taxi was sitting there waiting to get me to the airport). 

When you are in a town you don't know the support Rebound Cycle, and Ryan personally, provided was a help beyond measure.

Great group of people. I am eternally grateful.

If you ever find yourself heading to America, and particularly North Carolina, please know you have a place to call home.

Thanks!!!

Wow.  I looked at my last blog post date, and I can't believe is has been 18 days.  Well actually in some ways I can, but in others it seems SO yesterday...  I do apologize for the delay.  My mind, and my life, have been in a bit of struggle for the last little bit.  LOTS of post Tour Divide stuff to work through, and tons of personal changes happening.  Truthfully, it leaves me a bit tired and just wanting to rest some days.

ALL of you have been SO incredibly helpful and supportive following my Tour Divide fall and "swim".  I have been slowly working on it, and I WILL get back to each of you.  Thank you all again so much.

I feel like I have turned a corner, and am beginning to feel normal about riding, training, and racing again.  Lots to talk about there, and maybe some announcements too, but......

I have been wanting to write to talk about my visit with Noah The Diabetes Dude on July 4th!

Noah and his parents, Tim and  Tracy, and his family where gracious enough to stop in for a little while on their way to the Children with Diabetes conference in Orlando, FL.

Little did I know that they had a special gift for me.

I was late (yes, you who know me can chuckle now) getting to the coffee shop on the out skirts of Raleigh were we had agreed to meet.  Luckily for me the Brokmeier family is a VERY understanding group.  :)


I have always admired the work Noah has done, and how his grassroots organization has really blossomed into a recognizable force in the diabetes community.  EVERYONE knows about the Blue Flamingo.  It was a real treat for me to get a chance to sit down with them and talk about our organizations, what it was like to be in school with Type 1, share our views on the direction of research, and our individual goals for the future.

Afterwards it was like I had known them since I was diagnosed all those many years ago.  Like a part of the family.

As it was getting time for them to get back on the road to reach another destination, Noah and the Brokmeier's presented me with two items that changed the course of the Type1Rider Organization, and my life forever.

The first was a Blue Flamingo of my very own, named Determination. I was very moved by this gesture, and will be taking my blue friend with me everywhere I go to help spread the word about diabetes.

I cannot even begin to adequately explain the second gift.

Luckily for me, you all know about it already as each of your where instrumental in making it so unbelievably special.

It defies description, and melted me straight away.

It is the most valuable item I have ever held in my hands.

I don't even know where to start to thank each and everyone of you who contributed to the book.

A sweeter more meaning full gift has never been given, and I will treasure this forever.

A life changer.

A mind changer.

A major turning point in the history of Type1Rider, and my life.

I cannot express my gratefulness and my gratitude towards Noah, Tim and Tracy, and all of you for making such a huge impact in my life and my healing.

Thank you.


Before they left Noah and I did a TwitCast together.  I really enjoyed that, and it made a great memory for me.






We said our goodbyes, and, as they drove away, I KNEW that I had made a life long friendship and that we WOULD be working together in some capacity some day.

Not lost that our visit occurred on independence day.

Thanks Noah.

I've been waiting for this for 2 years. The unknown is ahead, and I don't have a clue how this is going to turn out, but for now I am just going to try and enjoy the journey.




The support from everyone over the past few months has been amazing. I truly cannot express how much it has helped when I was struggling.

I was talking today about the DOC and how people who have never met un person become family members due to the common enemy link.

You're posts, emails, tweets, and messages have made the world of difference. They really have.

Each and every single one of them.

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

I have a full range of emotions today.... from anticipation, to joy, to victory, to fear. The whole gambit.

Today I found this in my carry on bag....




A gift a few months ago from my oldest son. It is going to be my mojo for this trip.

When he was 4 told me to "ride really, really fast..."

That my dear JC, is exactly what I am hoping to do.

Keep choppin'!!


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I have been graciously gifted with a volunteer contributor to the blog!!  This individual has a Type 1 diabetic as a family member, and will be helping with content, layout changes, and adding articles.  I am VERY grateful to have the help, and am grateful for the opportunity to have them help. 

Thank you!!

We have made a questions@type1rider.org email address available as a way for readers and fans to get questions into Type1Rider.  If not answered by a reply email, they will be responded to via the newly implemented TwitCasting Live technology.

I will be be doing a TwitCast Live video each Sunday night at 10:00pm ET.  Other video feeds will be done as the need arises to highlight special events or features.

Follow the Live TwitCasting menu item at the top of the page, or the TwitCasting Live link to the Type1Rider page.

I look forward to brining other new features online soon.

Thank you so much for the continued support and all the kind messages and posts I receive.  I am under 60 days to go now until the start of Tour Divide, and they all personally mean a lot to me.

Thanks again!!

I want to thank Honey Stinger for their accepting of me into their Honey Stinger Hive program  for 2011!  I have successfully used their products for a very long time, and am grateful for this opportunity!

A really cool video piece done yesterday by Fox 8 News Greensboro about our new sponsor Custom Choice Cereal:


 

Best of luck to my friends Cricket Butler and Matt Lee as the begin the epic Tour Divide Race in Banff Canada today!!

I'll be watching via Spot.. have a great race and and awesome experience!!


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Made it through the work week, and was rewarded with AMAZING phone call conversations today.

First I was able to have a meaningful conversation with Chris Newport of Endurance NEWTrition about race and recovery diets, data collection, insulin sensitivity, and other related topics.  Chris is simply amazing and will be such a huge asset for the 2010 season.  I am very, very lucky that she is taking the time to work with me.  I really feel that with her help I am going to not only improve my performance,  but be able to gain a large mass of knowledge. 

Later on I was able to hook up with my new coach.   Although I have always received TONS of help and support from top resources (thanks Steve!!!) I have never had a coach or training plan before.  With the goals I have laid out for this year, I really thought it was time to hire a professional. 

I must admit I was really nervous for the first couple of minutes, and hopefully didn't sound that bad on the other end of the phone.  It's not every day I get to speak to a 6 time world champion, and one of the fastest endurance athletes in mountain biking history. 

I think the conversation ending up going ok (at least from my perspective), and I am SO FREAKIN' FIRED up to get started!!!  Got a couple of days until then, so I will keep you in suspense.  Many more details on this to follow...


I am feeling very much humbled by the opportunities, help, and support I am receiving.   I cannot say enough how much I appreciate everyone who supports Type1Rider, sends an email, yells encouragement during a ride or race, or stops by to say hi and tell their story. 

Type1Rider owes it's success over the past 5 years to all those who share the belief in the mission.  My sincerest thanks.



Long ride in the plans for tomorrow... can't wait!!!!!

Today was MONUMENTAL day for me!  At 13:10 I received an email from Gary Fisher Brand Manager Travis Ott that started with the words:

"Welcome to the 2010 Fisher 29er Crew...."

I cannot begin to express how STOKED and honoured I am to be riding on the Fisher 29er Crew again in 2010!!  


Thank you so very much TPG, Travis, and Dave for making it all possible. 


I'm Living The Dream!! LIVIN' THE DREAM!!!!

Got some GREAT news today. Received an email from Nuun that I have been accepted to the 2010 Nuun Team.

I LOVE this product, and am so grateful for the selection!!