Cycling

[Northerner]

I'm still in winter gear for the running Matt - this time last year I was in the process of moving house and it was the start of a heatwave that seemed to last forever 😱 Bit of a contrast this year 🙄

 

[Matt Cycle]

I'm still in winter gear for the running Matt - this time last year I was in the process of moving house and it was the start of a heatwave that seemed to last forever 😱 Bit of a contrast this year 🙄

I wonder if we'll get anything like that this year? No sign of it so far. Forecast for next 2 weeks is looking distinctly average or even less than average. Just started raining here. 🙄 Thought about heading out for a ride but have got a rare (for me) bit of a sore throat/cold. Probably just go for a walk.

 

[Northerner]

Maybe we had our best weather in February! 😱

 

[emmgeo]

Hi
I am newly diagnosed with type 1 ( 4 months )
I would realy like to ride some trails on my mountain bike (nothing to hard) but I am worried to ride in case I get problems with BG levels.
I am on Nova Rapid before meals and Lantus at bed time. my doses are normaly 4 units Nova Rapid before meals and 12 units Lantus at bed time.
Apart from my Dextrose tablets that I take everywhere with me, what would be a good food to take with me to keep me going.
I have not had a hypo yet, so worried one may come on when out on my bike.
Thanks for any help and advice.

 

[Matt Cycle]

Hi
I am newly diagnosed with type 1 ( 4 months )
I would realy like to ride some trails on my mountain bike (nothing to hard) but I am worried to ride in case I get problems with BG levels.
I am on Nova Rapid before meals and Lantus at bed time. my doses are normaly 4 units Nova Rapid before meals and 12 units Lantus at bed time.
Apart from my Dextrose tablets that I take everywhere with me, what would be a good food to take with me to keep me going.
I have not had a hypo yet, so worried one may come on when out on my bike.
Thanks for any help and advice.

Hi there. Any longer release carbs work well. So, flapjack, cereal bars, banana, malt loaf, etc. Hypos are always a concern but the best thing is to just go and do it. Most things I eat on rides are free carbs i.e. no bolus insulin but being mindful of what my bg is telling me. General rule of thumb I use is to aim for a bg of between 7 and 10 (sometimes easier said than done). When setting off if it's lower have something to eat and if it's over 13 or 14 then wait until it's come down before starting.

You're on fairly low doses of NR. If they've been fixed at 4 then in time you should be taught carb counting and be able to adjust doses to what you're eating. In terms of exercise this can mean reducing doses to avoid possible hypos.

One thing to bear in mind is when you return your bg can carry on dropping (as the muscles replace glycogen) so best to keep a closer eye on what your levels are doing. Conversely, stress and anaerobic exercise can push bg's up! The main thing is there's loads of T1's including professional athletes doing all sorts of exercise so the main thing is to try it and enjoy yourself. 🙂

Quite a few specific online sites with advice and tips about T1 and sports and exercise e.g. Runsweet

 

[emmgeo]

Thanks for the reply Matt.
I think I will go out for a ride today but take my ebike full suspension mountain bike, take it easy on it before I go out on my normal bike.

 

[Matt Cycle]

With the Cycle for Cities around a month away it was back out today for a ride into Cheshire to Whitegate. I've not been feeling 100% over the last 2 weeks although I did manage to get out last weekend for a short 25 mile ride. Sore throat, cough, hot and cold - yep it was man flu. Can't let small details like that stop me so set off with the intention of going to Delamere and possibly further. Got to Whitegate and I could have ploughed on but legs and body were complaining a bit so I thought nah I'm heading back.

It was cloudy and dry (rain appeared to be threatening but didn't arrive) and one of those in between temperature days - do I wear shorts or tights? Forecast was saying up to 15 or 16 degrees so I went with shorts and short sleeved jersey with a long sleeved base layer. It was okay for the most part but not overly warm in parts of the ride. One of my contact lenses fell out just as I turned around to head back at Whitegate. Made for an interesting journey back. 😱 The cafe at Whitegate was closed for building work so I stopped off for a coffee at Jodrell Bank cafe. Saw plenty of wildlife including the usual squirrels and pheasants and quite a few rabbits but I also saw near Gawsworth a duck with her ducklings (about 8 of them) scuttling along the side of the lane. I stopped to take a photo but they'd scarpered through the hedge. You wouldn't see that in a car - in fact you're more likely to splatter them.

Strava stats for the ride are 71.1 miles completed at an average speed of 15.1mph and elevation gain of 2573 feet.

I put the TBR on the pump at 60% and levels were as follows: all blood readings (I've coughed up for a couple of Libre sensors as I'll need one for the Cycle for Cities as god knows when or if I'll get any on prescription - 'kin joke system, postcode prescribing alive and well) at start 4.9 mmol/l (had a biscuit and fruit pastilles), at 22 miles 6.1 mmol/l (had a cereal bar), at 35 miles 8.8 mmol/l, at 44 miles 9.7 mmol/l, at 53 miles 7.4 mmol/l, at 60 miles 5.9 mmol/l (had a cereal bar) and back home 6.9 mmol/l.

Not many photos as the contact lens issue made things difficult. 😱

Overcast wheat field at Jodrell Bank. Green at the moment but give it some sun and it'll soon be turning golden. Coffee will be in about 2 minutes.


Here's the Garmin. (Same as Strava).

 

[Robin]

Ah, happy memories, we used to play 'spot the telescope' with the kids on our way up to family in Preston. It’s easier to spot from the M6 when it’s vertical. We went up a couple of weeks ago, and I found myself automatically looking for it, even though the kids are grown up and long flown the nest.

 

[Matt Cycle]

Ah, happy memories, we used to play 'spot the telescope' with the kids on our way up to family in Preston. It’s easier to spot from the M6 when it’s vertical. We went up a couple of weeks ago, and I found myself automatically looking for it, even though the kids are grown up and long flown the nest.

Love riding around there. It's a bit of a cycling paradise as there's always loads of cyclists in the area. Flattish countryside with quiet leafy lanes, very nice. My 'problem' is I've got hills to get there and particularly on the way back.

 

[SB2015]

Hi
I am newly diagnosed with type 1 ( 4 months )
I would realy like to ride some trails on my mountain bike (nothing to hard) but I am worried to ride in case I get problems with BG levels.
I am on Nova Rapid before meals and Lantus at bed time. my doses are normaly 4 units Nova Rapid before meals and 12 units Lantus at bed time.
Apart from my Dextrose tablets that I take everywhere with me, what would be a good food to take with me to keep me going.
I have not had a hypo yet, so worried one may come on when out on my bike.
Thanks for any help and advice.

It can be hard to start exercise after diagnosis, and your concerns are very understandable. It took me two years to get into a pool, as I was so worried about hypos. Now, after lots of trial and improvement, with JBs at the ready, I happily swim, cycle and do other sport. Take it step by step and enjoy the benefits of exercise.

 

[HOBIE]

It can be hard to start exercise after diagnosis, and your concerns are very understandable. It took me two years to get into a pool, as I was so worried about hypos. Now, after lots of trial and improvement, with JBs at the ready, I happily swim, cycle and do other sport. Take it step by step and enjoy the benefits of exercise.

I am not worried about going Hypo. Have been National champ 3 times on a catamaran, Asia on a motorbike, Around the Bass Rock on a standy up Jet-Ski (6miles off shore). In my 50yr of T1 I did "3 of The Tallest" my way. Keeping Active is very good 4U😎

 

[HOBIE]

Hi
I am newly diagnosed with type 1 ( 4 months )
I would realy like to ride some trails on my mountain bike (nothing to hard) but I am worried to ride in case I get problems with BG levels.
I am on Nova Rapid before meals and Lantus at bed time. my doses are normaly 4 units Nova Rapid before meals and 12 units Lantus at bed time.
Apart from my Dextrose tablets that I take everywhere with me, what would be a good food to take with me to keep me going.
I have not had a hypo yet, so worried one may come on when out on my bike.
Thanks for any help and advice.

I don't leave the house without my Dextrose. In there plastic container.😎

 

[Matt Cycle]

Went out for a quick ride after work this afternoon. Wasn't sitting on my arse last weekend and I did the same last week (ride after work on the Friday. That ride was 41.5 miles and was okay apart from a 1.8 hypo. 😱 Average speed was alright though. No photos from that one. Had things on last weekend and the bank holiday coupled with the poor weather meant no rides on those days). Back to today then and after slaving away at work 🙄 headed out into Cheshire. With the Cycle for Cities 2 weeks away I need to get the miles in. I'm busy tomorrow which looks the better day weather wise so I may try and get out Sunday depending on what it's like. Weather today was a bit windy but fairly warm.

Strava stats are 45.7 miles completed at an average speed of 15.8mph and elevation gain of 1900 feet.

TBR on the pump was the usual 60% and levels as follows: at start 7.4 mmol/l, at 17 miles 6.2 mmol/l (had cereal bar), at 24 miles 11.1 mmol/l, at 32 miles 10.0 mmol/l, at 38 miles 7.6 mmol/l and back home 5.9 mmol/l. Almost textbook.

Sun shining down on the telescope


From the same place - leafy lane at Jodrell Bank


Wheatfields at Gawsworth coming along nicely in the evening sun


Christ, that's a shocker. I thought what the hell and splashed out (for me anyway) on some Endura Pro SL kit (jersey and bibshorts). Not in the Rapha or Assos price bracket but more than I've paid previously. Nice stuff.


Here's the Garmin.

 

[Matt Cycle]

Into June and managed to get out for a ride today into the Peak District. So that means hills. Did my 'usual' route taking in Warslow, Hartington, Monyash, Buxton and back over the Cat and Fiddle. Strange weather. Was fairly mild in fact it felt quite warm but cloudy (bits of sun at times) with rain threatening. A couple of times showers passed over but dried up as soon as they hit the ground. It was windy though! Vicious wind (and a shower) on the Cat and Fiddle. It's hard work as you're heading up on the climb especially on the narrower bit at the bottom going into a headwind and crosswind with cars behind. 😱 Always good to get out though.

Strava stats are 60.4 miles completed at an average speed of 14.0mph and elevation gain of 4292 feet.

Stuck the TBR on the pump to 60% and levels were as follows: at start 8.3 mmol/l, at 14 miles 2.2 mmol/l (should have checked earlier - had a cereal bar and a gel and carried on), at 24 miles 5.9 mmol/l (had a cereal bar), at 35 miles 5.9 mmol/l (had a gel and half cereal bar), at 45 miles 7.2 mmol/l, at 54 miles 4.9 mmol/l (had other half cereal bar and a gel), back home 6.3 mmol/l. Powered by carbs. So that's 3 cereal bars and 3 gels for a 60 mile ride. Other times for the same distance I may have 1 or 2 cereal bars. T1 diabetes is an unfunny game at times. 🙄

This is near Grindon in the Staffordshire Moorlands.



At the top of the Cat and Fiddle looking in the direction of Buxton. The road snakes round towards the middle of the photo and that's where I've just come from. You can't see how windy it was from the photo - had to hold onto my bike whilst taking picture. Not many people up there today.



The Garmin ride summary. (4 hrs 18 minutes ride time). My foot bottom left.

 

[HOBIE]

Good nos & distance Matt. Well done 😎.

 

[TrevA]

Hi.

Not been on here for a while. I’ve recently retired from work - almost 2 months ago now, so I’m free to do more cycling. I’m out at least 4 times a week, weather permitting. I did 230 miles last week. On Saturday, I did the Tramway 100km Audax starting in Cromford, climbing up to Crich, then over the tops to Owler Bar and Hathersage, then over to Tideswell, Chelmorton and a cafe stop at Cobbles Cafe in Longnor. Then up Crowdicote hill and on towards Hartington before returning to Cromford. 63 miles, 5300 feet of climbing, just over 5 hours riding time.

I’ve also recently had my annual check up and my HbA1C is down from 48 to 42, so going in the right direction.

 

[Matt Cycle]

Hi.

Not been on here for a while. I’ve recently retired from work - almost 2 months ago now, so I’m free to do more cycling. I’m out at least 4 times a week, weather permitting. I did 230 miles last week. On Saturday, I did the Tramway 100km Audax starting in Cromford, climbing up to Crich, then over the tops to Owler Bar and Hathersage, then over to Tideswell, Chelmorton and a cafe stop at Cobbles Cafe in Longnor. Then up Crowdicote hill and on towards Hartington before returning to Cromford. 63 miles, 5300 feet of climbing, just over 5 hours riding time.

I’ve also recently had my annual check up and my HbA1C is down from 48 to 42, so going in the right direction.

Well done Trev on the distances and the HbA1c. Cycled through most of those areas - although I've only been to Crich years ago to the tramway museum. I've been through Longnor hundreds of times on bike and car (mainly car) but I've only been to Cobbles once. I prefer Crowdecote in the Longnor direction, the Monyash direction is a real killer. 😱 Unless I win the lottery I'm likely to be a wage slave for some time yet. So it's weekend 'warrior' status for me.

 

[Matt Cycle]

Classic. The days of hardly any cars on the roads. Pipe and a pint whilst out for a ride.

 

[Matt Cycle]

With Cycle for Cities just a week away now I took the opportunity to get out for a ride into Cheshire. The weather yesterday was awful with torrential rain most of the day. Today looked better although the forecast mentioned occasional showers. I'd packed my rain jacket as a precaution hoping I wouldn't need it. 🙄 I planned on going to Knutsford but heading down the steep hill into Alderley Edge the rain started so I pulled over sheltering under a tree to put my rain jacket on and to see if it eased off. It did but the roads were then wet. No mudguards meant a slightly wet arse. Nice. 🙄 😱 Heading towards Knutsford the roads were dry so any rain was obviously very localised. I'd dried off a bit but didn't fancy Knutsford and cut through towards Byley. After another short shower there I carried on towards Goostrey before making my way home. No further rain encountered. I was going to clean the bike anyway before the Cycle for Cities ride but the wet on today's ride meant I did it when I got back (in bright sunshine 🙄 ). Forecast next week is not looking too promising but if possible I'd like to try and get out for a shorter ride at some point. Must remember to stick the Libre on as well before the C for C ride. It's ages since I've used one.

Strava stats are 57.4 miles completed at an average speed of 15.7mph and elevation gain of 2243 feet.

Pump TBR was on the usual 60% and levels as follows: at start 7.7mmol/l, at 19 miles 5.7 mmol/l (had cereal bar), at 28 miles 8.5 mmol/l, at 39 miles 6.7 mmol/l (had cereal bar), at 47 miles 5.8 mmol/l (had a gel) and back home 9.0 mmol/l. I'm alright with those. No hypos this time. 🙂

Not checked on this for a while at Goostrey. Sorry it's boring. Last year was maize. It looks like it's just grass this year. 🙄


The Garmin.

 

[Robin]

Just walked down the road to see the OVO women coming through on their way to the finish at Blenheim Palace. Haven't a clue who any of them were, but it’s always worth turning out to see people competing and doing something well.
It was a bit disconcerting to see all the following cars coming wrong way up the one way system! Somehow it didn’t bother me to see the cyclists doing it, we are used to that, as all the locals cycle wrong way up that one way street anyway!