[kidvid]

Been a while since I posted. I went through a kinda' low period over the holidays. I didn't know if it was "real" depression or not. It doesn't matter, as I figured out my own cure.

I'm training to ride in the JDRF Ride to Cure in Death Valley in October. It's got me incredibly excited. I'm taking my education to a new level figuring out carbs-insulin-endurance. I'm going to ride the 105 mile version.

Cut to the chase - I'm going to reward myself with a cool tattoo. I'm looking for design ideas from open minded people. I've got the whole story over at my little blog at Six Degrees of Diabetes. If you are inclined to offer ideas I'd love to hear from you.

Pictures coming in October after my ride!

Joe

[MJM]

Congrats on doing the JDRF ride in Death Valley. Summer this year will see 50 years of Type 1 diabetes in me. I'm off on a cycling holiday in August from Brussels to Amsterdam, and I'm really looking forward to it. Like you, I've felt down at times but occupied my mind with lots of sport and exercise and came through it. To me, the most important things for a T1 diabetic is to exercise and eat good food and keep blood sugars in as reasonable a condition as possible. I know it's difficult to do, but the harder you try, the better you'll succeed. Best of luck with your efforts.

[A_Darling]

Sounds like a cool plan. What kind of cycling is the death valley thing? If it's 105 miles then I assume it's road biking.

For tattoo ideas.......... a big cactus with skull and cross bones hanging on the front, but instead of bones I'd use syringes. The cactus is next to a crumbling road trailing off into the desert distance (tumbleweeds, sand, cacti....). If I could draw this would be easier. Oh and the skull has to have an evil smile, because no one in their right mind does that kind of ride.


I did a similar ride last year, 115 mile circumnavigation of Lake Okeechobee down here in florida (L.O.S.T. = lake okeechobee scenic trail). I did it solo and unsupported, just picked up water at gas stations along the route and carried all the "food" i thought I would need.

My best advice would be to stock up on energy gels (clif shots, gu's, etc.), they have a good energy density but they don't last too long. A complex carb mix drink (I've had good results with Infinit Nutrition drinks) is something I'd take with me if I do it again this year.