Cycling

[Matt Cycle]

Back out today on a cold, grey, dull January day. Wasn't raining but had that damp misty feel. Lovely! 🙄 A contrast to Thursday's ride which was icy with bright sunshine. We had snow on Friday but I managed to get away from work in time before most of the roads in and out of Buxton were closed. Yesterday the snow melted leaving today's dull and grey effort. I decided to just go for a loop taking in Alderley Edge, Knutsford and surroundings. Saw quite a lot of riders out today as the conditions were okay. More snow forecast next week and very cold! Spent yesterday cleaning the bike after Thursday's outing and it looks like I'll have to do it all again. 🙄 Enjoyed the ride though. 🙂

Strava stats are 60.2 miles completed at an average speed of 15.2mph and elevation gain of 2337 feet.

The pump was set to a 65% TBR and levels as follows: at start 5.4 mmol/l (had biscuit and fruit pastilles), at 14 miles 6.4 mmol/l, at 28 miles 8.7 mmol/l, at 35 miles 8.4 mmol/l, at 43 miles 6.1 mmol/l (had cereal bar), at 49 miles 5.9 mmol/l (had mojito gel) and back home 9.3 mmol/l. No coffee stop on this one.

Here's the telescope at Jodrell Bank in the mist.


Nothing like the Cranage ones but the daffs are just starting to appear in Siddington.


Mojito? Is it Havana? No, don't be daft it's cold and grey Cheshire. 🙄


The Garmin.

 

[Matt Cycle]

With sleet forecast tomorrow and snow next week I managed to get out for a shorter ride this morning before the forecast rain arrived. Damp conditions on the roads themselves and cloudy but not too cold really. Decided to head to Goostrey in Cheshire. Bike is filthy again from the muck off the road and will require a clean. 🙄 Saw a good few riders out today.

Strava stats are 42.7 miles completed at an average speed of 15.5mph and elevation gain of 1783 feet. Takes me to 255 miles for the year so far. Steady start.

Pump was at usual 65% and levels as follows. Dithered about before setting off and start level was 13.5 mmol/l (had overdone the fruit pastilles for a low but still some iob from breakfast and bolus wizard was suggesting 1.5u so took 0.8u), at 21 miles 10.5 mmol/l, at 30 miles 9.2 mmol/l, at 36 miles 8.2 mmol/l and back home 7.6 mmol/l. Nothing eaten on the ride.

Cloudy and grey at Siddington


The Garmin

 

[Cyclemanc]

Well I did it!! After almost 2 years off the bike I finally gave my head a wobble and got on the indoor turbo trainer.

Just done 30 mins with a moderate to high heart rate.

Levels at start were 9.3. Didn't eat anything just had water. When finished I had readings of 6.0!!!

Felt fantastic. No more worries of instantly having a hypo the second I got on the bike!!!

Might seem small but to me it's a big hurdle.

Long story short the last 3 years or so have been a challenge personally. Firstly lost my Mum to Alzheimer's 2 years ago not long after my Dad passed through cancer.
Then some selfish misguided person decided commit suicide at an Ariana Grande concert whilst my wife and youngest daughter were inside. The Manchester Arena Attack.
Luckily they had no physical injuries but the psychological effects are still ongoing. Yhey were very close to the foyer.
Last year my diabetes played silly beggers and I endedup on insulin and a fortnight stay in hospital with Pneumonia.

Been a challenge.

So, this small thing is really a big thing for me and hopefully thr first step back to full cycling fitness.

Thanks and sorry to drone on.

Mark

 

[Matt Cycle]

Well I did it!! After almost 2 years off the bike I finally gave my head a wobble and got on the indoor turbo trainer.

Just done 30 mins with a moderate to high heart rate.

Levels at start were 9.3. Didn't eat anything just had water. When finished I had readings of 6.0!!!

Felt fantastic. No more worries of instantly having a hypo the second I got on the bike!!!

Might seem small but to me it's a big hurdle.

Long story short the last 3 years or so have been a challenge personally. Firstly lost my Mum to Alzheimer's 2 years ago not long after my Dad passed through cancer.
Then some selfish misguided person decided commit suicide at an Ariana Grande concert whilst my wife and youngest daughter were inside. The Manchester Arena Attack.
Luckily they had no physical injuries but the psychological effects are still ongoing. Yhey were very close to the foyer.
Last year my diabetes played silly beggers and I endedup on insulin and a fortnight stay in hospital with Pneumonia.

Been a challenge.

So, this small thing is really a big thing for me and hopefully thr first step back to full cycling fitness.

Thanks and sorry to drone on.

Mark

Brilliant. Well done. 🙂 That's a tough few years you've had. Take it steady (or not ) and you'll soon be back to where you were. T1 is a just a minor inconvenience! Keep pedalling and keep posting.

 

[Matt Cycle]

Some positivity to show what people with diabetes are capable of - it's not all doom and gloom. It was just a bit on the breezy side today making things interesting and hard work at times. Went into Cheshire to Alderley Edge and a loop around Goostrey. If it was like that at lower levels then I'm glad I didn't go up into the Peak District. Apart from the wind it wasn't bad - dry, sunny at times, not cold. Almost Spring like. It was freezing last weekend, we had snow in Buxton on Thursday with several roads closed and now this. Always good to get out though. 🙂

Strava stats are 57.5 miles completed at an average speed of 14.5mph and elevation gain of 2204 feet.

Pump at 65% TBR and levels as follows: at start 7.8 mmol/l, at 19 miles 5.2 mmol/l (had a cereal bar), at 32 miles 5.8 mmol/l (had a cereal bar), at 46 miles 6.3 mmol/l (had a gel), at 53 miles 6.3 mmol/l (had half a cereal bar) and back home 4.4 mmol/l. Touch on the low side really. Not sure what was going on, might reduce TBR next time and probably be too high. The idiosyncrasies of Type 1 diabetes mellitus.

Had to come and check these out at Cranage. Some of the earlier ones are now dying out (well, they've been there since December!) The rest of the daffodil population elsewhere is just starting to appear.


The Garmin. Same as Strava this time (Strava normally rounds down).

 

[HOBIE]

Well done both of U ! Very good 😎

 

[HOBIE]

This might be the 50th page on the posts. Well Done Matt. Blue Peter badge ! 😎

 

[Matt Cycle]

Nice day today - not quite shorts and t shirt weather as some seem to think but pleasant enough. I took a ride out to one of my favourite places at the Whitegate Station Cafe in Cheshire. Still had the Winter gear on but didn't overheat. Set off early and it was cooler at the start but with odd bits of sunshine throughout the day along with a bit of an annoying breeze in places, looked like it might rain at one point but that came to nothing so not too bad really. Legs were feeling good but probably overcooked it a bit for two thirds and paid for that on the last stretch. As you'd expect lots of riders out and about today. An enjoyable ride. We're Type 1's, we can do owt. 🙂

Strava stats are 73.1 miles completed at an average speed of 15.0mph and elevation gain of 2656 feet.

Decided to keep the pump at 65% TBR after last week and levels as follows: at start 5.3 mmol/l (had some fruit pastilles and a biscuit), at 23 miles 7.2 mmol/l, at 34 miles 8.3 mmol/l (this was at the cafe and had a toasted teacake and an americano - no bolus), at 42 miles 9.8 mmol/l, at 50 miles 6.7 mmol/l (had the other half of cereal bar from last week), at 60 miles 4.1 mmol/l (had a gel), at 67 miles 8.5 mmol/l (possible gel on fingers but couldn't be arsed to check again as not far to go) and back home 6.4 mmol/l. Happy with those.

Different view of the telescope dish at Jodrell Bank over the trees - grey skies at this point and the threat of rain.


From the same place - nature is making a move with crocuses, snowdrops, daffodils and crops in fields. Not much in this one though. 🙄


One of my usual stopping points for blood testing not far from Rudyard (nice view but quite a busy road) and the sun has come out.


The Garmin. (That's my foot bottom left complete with overshoe).

 

[Cyclemanc]

Nice day today - not quite shorts and t shirt weather as some seem to think but pleasant enough. I took a ride out to one of my favourite places at the Whitegate Station Cafe in Cheshire. Still had the Winter gear on but didn't overheat. Set off early and it was cooler at the start but with odd bits of sunshine throughout the day along with a bit of an annoying breeze in places, looked like it might rain at one point but that came to nothing so not too bad really. Legs were feeling good but probably overcooked it a bit for two thirds and paid for that on the last stretch. As you'd expect lots of riders out and about today. An enjoyable ride. We're Type 1's, we can do owt. 🙂

Strava stats are 73.1 miles completed at an average speed of 15.0mph and elevation gain of 2656 feet.

Decided to keep the pump at 65% TBR after last week and levels as follows: at start 5.3 mmol/l (had some fruit pastilles and a biscuit), at 23 miles 7.2 mmol/l, at 34 miles 8.3 mmol/l (this was at the cafe and had a toasted teacake and an americano - no bolus), at 42 miles 9.8 mmol/l, at 50 miles 6.7 mmol/l (had the other half of cereal bar from last week), at 60 miles 4.1 mmol/l (had a gel), at 67 miles 8.5 mmol/l (possible gel on fingers but couldn't be arsed to check again as not far to go) and back home 6.4 mmol/l. Happy with those.

Different view of the telescope dish at Jodrell Bank over the trees - grey skies at this point and the threat of rain.
View attachment 10864

From the same place - nature is making a move with crocuses, snowdrops, daffodils and crops in fields. Not much in this one though. 🙄
View attachment 10865

One of my usual stopping points for blood testing not far from Rudyard (nice view but quite a busy road) and the sun has come out.
View attachment 10866

The Garmin. (That's my foot bottom left complete with overshoe).
View attachment 10867

Outstanding effort!!!

 

[Matt Cycle]

Back out again on what was a glorious day. Was almost tempted to go for the shorts but didn't feel quite warm enough to me although I saw a number of riders in full Summer gear! I headed to the hills of the Peak District taking in Warslow, Hartington, Monyash, Buxton and back over the Cat and Fiddle. The sun was out but it did feel a bit chilly still especially up on the tops. I seemed to struggle a bit on this ride not helped by some new bibtights. Hopefully will break in okay (should have been £80 odd but cost me £60 in the Wiggle sale!) Also the wind picked up making it harder. Not whinging though with weather like that. Great day to be out. 🙂

Strava stats are 60.3 miles completed at an average speed of 13.5mph and elevation gain of 4325 feet.

Pump set at its usual 65% TBR and levels as follows: at start 7.5 mmol/l, at 14 miles 5.9 mmol/l (had a cereal bar), at 26 miles 7.9 mmol/l, at 36 miles 7.3 mmol/l (had cereal bar), at 42 miles 7.7 mmol/l, at 53 miles 6.3 mmol/l (had cereal bar) and back home 7.7 mmol/l. Happy enough with those. 🙂 See what happens tonight! 🙄

This is looking towards Warslow. Looks like bonfire smoke but was low lying cloud in the distance. As I dropped down I went through it. Spot the random daffodils on the verge.


Hazy conditions looking back towards Monyash.


From the top of the Cat and Fiddle. If you've got good eyes you may be able to make out a group of cyclists heading down just before the armco starts on the bend in the road.


From the same place looking back to where I've just come from. Clear skies and Buxton in that direction. Cat and Fiddle pub on the left (been closed for 2-3 years).


Here's the Garmin.

 

[SB2015]

Nice one Matt. Good levels and some lovely views, with spring making its presence felt.
Shame about the pub still being closed.

 

[Brock]

Hello all

Just thought I'd bore you 😉 with my cycling today. Nice sunny early Autumn day and I completed just over 60 miles at an average speed of 15.4 mph (no, I'm not the quickest) and elevation gain of 2400 feet.

BG levels as follows: 30 minutes before start this morning 6.0 mmol/l (too low so had 3 biscuits), at 10 miles 7.9 mmol/l, around 40 miles it was 9.2 mmol/l and at 50 miles it was 6.2 mmol/l. Back home it was 5.3 mmol/l. Apart from the biscuits before the start - during the ride I had two pieces of malt loaf, a flapjack plus some dextrose gel - no need for the banana. Levels often carry on dropping hours after and during the night - so extra testing is normally required.

Anyone else get active on this sunny Sunday?

Hi Yes the sun got me out on my bike. But being 67 years old with arthritis in my knees the distances I do are very small I’m comparison. I am type 2 after my short rides my reading are getting below 6 before I got the bike out my lowest reading was around 7.8. The cycling seems to be helping me.

 

[Matt Cycle]

Hi Yes the sun got me out on my bike. But being 67 years old with arthritis in my knees the distances I do are very small I’m comparison. I am type 2 after my short rides my reading are getting below 6 before I got the bike out my lowest reading was around 7.8. The cycling seems to be helping me.

Well done Brock. The lower readings suggest you are becoming more insulin sensitive through cycling. 🙂 I just like riding. Any health benefits are a bonus.

 

[Matt Cycle]

With the weather back to more normal temperatures for the time of year but bad weather forecast tomorrow I headed out into Cheshire this morning to Holmes Chapel, Sproston Green (more on that in a bit), Cranage and then back. Was last at Holmes Chapel on the Pedal for 7 last year and have been to Sproston Green before. There's nothing there really (on the A54 and just off the roundabout for junction 18 of the M6 🙄 ) but it's a great song by The Charlatans from their first album in 1990. They were based in Northwich which is not far away. Weather was a bit grey to start but no rain and brightened up and the wet on the roads dried off with the sun and wind. Threatened rain on the last bit but nothing doing. Enjoyed that ride. 🙂

Strava stats are 61.5 miles completed at an average speed of 15.3mph and elevation gain of 2247 feet.

Pump at usual 65% TBR and levels as follows: at start 5.6 mmol/l (had cereal bar), at 20 miles 4.7 mmol/l (had cereal bar), at 30 miles 7.2 mmol/l, at 38 miles 8.7 mmol/l, at 50 miles 6.5 mmol/l (had cereal bar), at 57 miles 5.4 mmol/l and back home 6.2 mmol/l. Pleased with those.

Signs to Sproston Green. (Just an excuse really to put The Charlatans song in - did that last time but anyone who reads it has probably forgotten ).

The last hurrah for the Cranage daffs. The ones further along have died off. Can't blame them as some of them have been there since December! 😱


The Garmin.

 

[HOBIE]

Well done Matt, good nos & distance 😎

 

[Matt Cycle]

Day off work so went for a spin. It was very mild and dry today although cloudy. Decided to take it steady and get the legs turning. That's my excuse anyway! Went on one of my usual routes in Cheshire to Alderley Edge, Byley, Goostrey etc. Quite a few riders out today even though it was a weekday - not all coffin dodgers either. It was a daffodil spotting day with loads of them up and down the verges. Various other flowers and blossom appearing, grass cutting going on as well. Spring looks like it's here, well today at least! Always good to get out though. 🙂

Strava stats are 56.4 miles completed at an average speed of 14.9mph and elevation gain of 2217 feet.

Pump was at 65% TBR. Levels as follows: at start 4.9 mmol/l (had malt loaf and biscuits), had a cereal bar at 10 miles, didn't feel right so at 14 miles checked and 3.2 mmol/l (oops, had a gel and carried on), at 24 miles 7.5 mmol/l, at 38 miles 5.0 mmol/l (had a cereal bar), at 46 miles 5.8 mmol/l (had a gel), at 51 miles 7.1 mmol/l and back home 6.9 mmol/l. Bit low some of them. I'll see how it goes next time and possibly reduce TBR.

Daffodil photos!

This is Warford. Wouldn't mind waiting for a bus at that stop. Mind you, it's probably one a day, if that! 🙄


Lonely looking bunch here at Jodrell Bank.


Loads here at Siddington.


The Garmin.

 

[HOBIE]

The bus will prob turn up in 3s.

 

[Matt Cycle]

Pleasant day today but a bit cooler with a slightly chilly wind and I took a ride out to Whitegate in Cheshire. Although sunny, the temperature was only around 10 or 11 degrees. I still had the Winter gear on but saw quite a few riders in shorts and short sleeved jerseys 😱. Lots of signs of Spring - blossom, flowers, leaves etc, plus lots of wildlife out and about including rabbits. Got back in time to see the closing part of the Milan San Remo and that Team Novo Nordisk had 4, yes 4 riders in a 10 man breakaway! The break was caught with around 30km to go. Fantastic riding from them and the whole team. 🙂

Strava has it as 70.2 miles completed at an average speed of 14.8mph and elevation gain of 2554 feet.

I decided to set the pump at 60% TBR this time and levels were as follows: at start 4.1 mmol/l (had biscuits and fruit pastilles), at 20 miles 4.3 mmol/l (had cereal bar and a gel), at 34 miles 7.6 mmol/l (had toasted teacake and espresso at Whitegate cafe - very nice ), at 42 miles 4.9 mmol/l (had cereal bar and gel), at 52 miles 6.6 mmol/l, at 60 miles 7.7 mmol/l, at 65 miles 5.4 mmol/l (had gel) and back home 7.9 mmol/l. Looks like I should have whacked the TBR lower but hey ho. 🙄

Anyone know what the bird is on the jetty (if you can see it)? Is it a heron? I've no idea - it had a long beak and it's next to a river. Anyway it's not far from Whitegate.


Spring scene near Whitegate. Leaves appearing on the hedges. Field ready for something.


Here's the Garmin.

 

[Robin]

Anyone know what the bird is on the jetty (if you can see it)? Is it a heron? I've no idea - it had a long beak and it's next to a river

It could well be a heron, it fits the bill, and I can’t think what else it could be. (it’s longish and greyish, I’m on an ipad, and I’m afraid the image goes blurry when I try and zoom in, either that or my eyesight does!)
Did you put that in just to check if anyone reads your posts all the way through?

 

[Northerner]

Great BG management Matt! 🙂