90 Degree Heat, 35 Miles, Yes I Can

I accomplished something I thought I would never do, ride a bike for 35 miles. This past weekend I participated in the American Diabetes Association Tour de Cure Philadelphia bike ride. There were 3 courses, a 15, 35, and 63 mile course, I rode the 35 mile course. I actually moved along at a pretty good pace, seeing that this was my first charity ride. For the first 10 miles I averaged about 14mph, then for the next 20 miles average about 12mph, but ooh the last 5 miles, I probably clipped in around 6 mph, if that, never the less I made it.

Talking about hot? It was over 90 degrees! Albeit, not Texas hot, but it was hot! Ironically, the week before the ride the temperatures were hovering around the high 70s to mid 80s, average weather for this time of year. I should have known Saturday was going to be a smoker because the week of the ride the temperatures started to rise, on Wed 90 ∘F, Thur. 92 ∘F, Fri. 93 ∘F and Sat. 92 ∘F! Maybe if it wasn’t so hot, and hilly, I wouldn’t have struggle the last 10 miles.

I learned a couple of things, drink plenty of fluids, particularly fluids with electrolytes, and it’s best to ride with a team. Because the last 10 miles, my team mates had to “will” me in, similar to LeBron “willing” his teammates to a win in game 1 of the Heat and Pacer’s series. Because I was literally out of gas!

Speaking of team, I was part of Team Red, ADA’s national team of Red Riders (those of us with diabetes), their family, friends, and anyone else who isn’t already on another team. I’ve never been one to carry the flag of support groups, but this has been one of the best things I’ve done since being diagnose with diabetes, becoming part of Team Red. Not only do we share in our battle against diabetes, but a genuinely nice caring community of folks. Go Team Red!