Group Ride

[MyRubyE]

Z-Z thanks. I actually think I know who to contact. I have been involved with JDRF in the past for fundraisers and such. I'll let you know via private message if they have group rides.

Becky - thanks for the encouragement. Yes, that's exactly what happened and also the stress level of wanting to be able to keep up with the group. I also have a tendency to get low bs's and no matter how hard I try to keep it all balanced with food and diet, sometimes the stars just do not align.

Aggie - Thanks for the website. I bookmarked and will refer to it often. I have a tendency to want to stay away from all things "diabetic," but I think I need to read up more on how other diabetic cyclists handle their diabetes and try to get some tips. I have been a type 1 diabetic for 26 years, but I've also been active all my life. I wouldn't be here today, if it wasn't for the exercise. BTW, I have the same 2009 Gary Fisher Hifi Deluxe GS bike

[Becky]

Becky - thanks for the encouragement. Yes, that's exactly what happened and also the stress level of wanting to be able to keep up with the group. I also have a tendency to get low bs's and no matter how hard I try to keep it all balanced with food and diet, sometimes the stars just do not align.

I'll try to keep the unsolicited advice to a minimum...

One thing that really helped me was reading "The Diabetic Athlete" by Sheri Colberg (since updated and re-issued as "Diabetic Athlete's Handbook" by the same author). I can't remember if it specifically touched on MTBing, but there's some great discussion in there about different insulin and food strategies, and endurance sports vs. power sports.

Feel free to PM if you want to chat more.

[tulip]

I'm not diabetic, thankfully, but as a fellow rider, I would really want to know if someone I was riding with has some sort of health issue. What if you had fallen or had an episode while on the road? It would really help those riding with you to respond if they know what the issue is.

This has happened to me with someone who has epilepsy. She had a moment, and it totally freaked me out. She should have told me. You should tell your riding partners.

I am blind in one eye. I always tell that to my riding partners for two reasons. One is for them to be aware that I cannot see them on my right. The other is so that if there is an accident, they can tell the EMTs. This happened once when I crashed, and the EMTs were concerned that one of my pupils wasn't dilating when they shined their lights in my eye. My riding partner told them that I am blind in that eye, and that was helpful to the EMTs. I was unconscious, BTW, so I couldn't tell them.

[Becky]

I'm not diabetic, thankfully, but as a fellow rider, I would really want to know if someone I was riding with has some sort of health issue. What if you had fallen or had an episode while on the road? It would really help those riding with you to respond if they know what the issue is.

I don't do many group rides but, when I do, I generally don't tell anyone about my D. I wear a Medic Alert (always!) and sometimes people will ask, but I don't go out of my way to tell. My friends and riding buds and coworkers all know- perfect strangers do not.

I've been unfairly judged by people because of D, and assumed to be a lesser rider or employee because they have this false notion that I'm fragile or need special care. I don't want someone to be afraid to follow my wheel because they think I'm going to suddenly "have an episode".

IMO, telling the group leader is appropriate. Telling the whole group is not.

(Sorry for the threadjack.)

[MyRubyE]

Thanks to everyone again. I think this was a good topic to discuss on this forum and how it relates to mountain and road biking; so others with health issues know that we shouldn't be afraid and let it stop us. It just takes a little bit more planning and consideration and that there are plenty of options out there. I actually went back and hiked the trails this morning and can't wait to go back on my MTB. I will bring a friend

Tulip, yes I did inform the group leader and he was very supportive and an EMT. He rode back with me to make sure I stayed safe while the other leader stayed with the others. But, for reasons which Becky mentioned, I would not tell the whole goup.

Becky, thanks for the book and I will be in touch with you. I will see if I can try to find the book.

Thanks again to all.

[tulip]

I did not advocate announcing it the entire group. Telling the ride leader was the right thing to do. Sounds like a very good ride leader.