Do I want to be doing this?

That's what I was thinking the first mile into an eight-mile ride. Another great day in the low 60s in January. We are going to pay for this weather. Or, are we making up for the past two brutal winters?

I ended up having a pretty good ride. I needed one. My mother dies on Sunday, and I have wanted to ride ever since to be alone with my thoughts. Or, maybe to just think about something else? The ride improved my mood and served to clear my head. The funeral will be difficult, but I'll manage.

I was feeling pretty confident so I got into my drops a little bit. I am happy to report that my gut no longer prevents me from doing this.

Furnace Creek 508 Tales: Engine Compartment Hot Dogs and My Trusty, Crusty Handkerchief (by Sponge Bob Paxson)

Here's a story about a diabetic who took on one of the toughest cycling races around. You can do just about anything when you are diabetic.

Furnace Creek 508 Tales: Engine Compartment Hot Dogs and My Trusty, Crusty Handkerchief (by Sponge Bob Paxson)

Long distance cycling and diabetes - Topic

Here's a good link to a discussion about cycling and being insulin dependent. I would pretty much say Plus One for all the diabetic posters.

Long distance cycling and diabetes - Topic

Riverfront Heritage Trail of Kansas City, MO/KS

Here's a link to Kansas City's Riverfront heritage Trail. Looks like I have some exploring to do.

Riverfront Heritage Trail of Kansas City, MO/KS

Recreational Trails Program Funds Crucial Link in Kansas City, Mo. - RTC TrailBlog - Rails-to-Trails Conservancy

Kansas City is a hub for all forms of transportation. This critical link makes it a hub for cycling as well.

Recreational Trails Program Funds Crucial Link in Kansas City, Mo. - RTC TrailBlog - Rails-to-Trails Conservancy

Hybris Challenge: change a bike tire in less than a minute

Tour de Cure

I am gearing up for the American Diabetes Association's Tour de Cure, which is June 10. I am serving as Red Rider team captain and could not be more excited.

I think this is a great way to tell my story and be a real advocate for what cycling can do to control one's diabetes. I think I have a great story to tell - from hardly being able to get out of bed to riding 40 to 50 miles a week. Riding can lower my blood sugar by 80 to 90 points in just one half-hour of not really working very hard. What a great sport. Works for me anyway.