Diabetes is not the Boss of me! by Lew Alexander

In July, 2008 (45 years old), I was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes. My Mom, Dad and older brother are all Type 2 so I wasn’t surprised at the diagnosis but was shocked to be faced with it at that age.   I am fortunate to have a Physician who explained this diagnosis in very clear terms: “I can go on with my current lifestyle and he will keep me alive with meds having to increase dosages and types over the years and someday will become insulin dependent. In the meantime, I will potentially be faced with all sorts of medical issues (loss of limbs, loss of eyesight, impotence and many more) and will probably die prematurely from complications from Diabetes.  Or, I can start eating better and exercising more and stave off these issues and live a life much closer to normalcy”.  The next day I was in the gym doing spin class.  I could only manage 30 minutes on the bike at first  but soon I was pounding out one hour classes and working hard.  I shed about 30 lbs. in a matter of a few months and feeling better than I had in a very long time.  The next step was a road bike and then I discovered the joy of riding and the stress that I left on the road.

In March 2010, I was involved in a violent motorcycle accident that severely injured the left side of my body and nearly killed me.  It took nine surgeries over 6 months to get everything sorted out.  My body totally atrophied from all of the time in hospitals and being bed ridden at home.  In January 2011, I started climbing back both physically and mentally using first the Spin bike and then my road bike to recover.  I had set a goal of riding a century (100 miles) that August but could only manage 25 miles (my recovery was bigger than I ever expected).  But I wasn’t discouraged and continued riding with a new goal of 100 miles in August 2012.  Along the way I was doing local rallies; increasing my endurance at each step.  I chose the DFW Tour de Cure as one of those training rides thinking that raising a few dollars for my disease while training was a double bonus.  That ride transformed me; getting to know other diabetic riders, learning about the ADA and what they do for us Diabetics, and seeing the impact they are making gave me a new cause.  After I made my century goal in August, I went on to ride the Houston Tour de Cure a month later (my second century). 

On the drive back home from the Houston TdC, I came up with a goal for 2013: “1,000 miles of Tour de Cure’s and raise $10,000”.  Since then I have been focused on the logistics of fitting 11 events in an 8 month time frame and training to prepare my body for the physical challenge.  My first TdC is in March, so right now this is just a goal but by then end of September I am confident it will be a reality.

Even though I have diabetes, I feel blessed.  I am blessed that I can control my diabetes with diet, exercise and low doses of oral meds.  I am blessed that I am healthy enough to ride my bike for a cause.  I am inspired by my Type 1 friends who depend on insulin to stay alive; who battle daily with a delicate balance of insulin and carbohydrates and the highs and lows that they struggle with.  I am inspired by the kids who are faced with a disease they don’t understand which makes them live their lives differently than their friends; and their parents who have to help them struggle with managing insulin shots, finger pricks, and the right amount of food each day.  I am inspired by my Type 2 friends and family that have to deal with the health issues associated with Diabetes (I have a friend who is now blind in one eye and struggling to keep his sight in the other).  While I know that my contributions to fight Diabetes are small in the grand scheme of things, I am inspired by the prospect that those contributions, along with all of the others who share this cause with me, may someday bring a cure for this disease.

So I ride; I ride to stay healthy and to fight off the eventual effects that diabetes will have on my body.  And I ride the Tour de Cure to raise money so that someday this scourge on people will be wiped away forever.

Castelli Climber's Jersey Video

Do you want the lightest jersey in the world.  Castelli's Climbers jersey is a remarkable piece of clothing!  Not only is it extremely light, it also repels moisture so you stay dry on the bike.  Watch this interesting video as Garmin Sharp rider Peter Stetina talks about the 2012 Giro d' Italia.


Purchase the Castelli Climbers Jersey Here



To view our full line of Castelli go here
To see our full line of Castelli Men's cycling jerseys go here

Cycling Helps Me Control My Diabetes by Kim Southwick

I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes on August 29, 2007, my 38th birthday.  I had lost 30 pounds over the course of a month and a half, 3 of them overnight.  I knew that morning that something was wrong with me.  So much for my tapeworm jokes.    

At my diagnosis, my nurse was a soft talker.  All I got was that her cat was diabetic and that type 1 is the "good kind" of diabetes.  I stabbed an orange a few times, was handed a small novel of prescriptions (except the needles, cause, really, who needs to inject insulin in this day and age?!), and then was told to get an appointment at the Joslin Diabetes Center.  My nurse and doctor showed me the door with a "good luck" tossed in for good measure, and I was on my own with a deadly disease.

The first month of living with type 1 was surreal.  I didn't feel right.  Ever.  Everything from my head to my toes just felt off.  This was the new normal and I can't say I was embracing it.  While my sugars dropped into an acceptable range, I read everything I could about type 1.  Exercise was mentioned over and over and over in each book or article.  I had always been a big walker, but my attempts at it as a new type 1 were painful.  My sugar shot over 300 and I felt like garbage every time.  I was giving up on walking very quickly and at a loss of what to replace it with.  

One afternoon my kids asked to go for a bike ride. A banged up bike came with our condo purchase, and banged up is being generous.  The chain was leaving rust flakes behind as we rolled out and I vaguely remember dropping my feet and doing a Fred Flintstone to stop that thing from catapulting me into traffic.  But once I'd gotten over the shock of it all, the second nature of it came back.   It was just like riding a bike!  My blood sugar was around 160 when we left.  About 20 mins into our ride (and mind you, this was no group ride hammer-fest, it was a mom and two little ones buzzing around the neighborhood) I started to feel wrong.  Really wrong.  Sweaty, disoriented, weird.  My sugar had dropped to 60.  I couldn't believe it!  What a difference it had been from my walks.  I was thrilled (not with the number which was way too low, but with the idea of riding a bike to help control my disease) and psyched to have figured out my solution!

Fast forward to 5 years later, I own no less than 7 bikes (low rider, commute, road and some in between!) and came very close to sleeping in my Sidi's when I bought them brand new!  I have completed 4 centuries with the JDRF in Death Valley CA, and am heading out for my 5th in October.  With the ADA, I've ridden Orlando (with my brother), Gloucester (with my husband) and RI (with my children).  I ride 12 miles, round trip each day on my commute to work and I do it year round.  Rain or shine, snow or sleet, I'm going to ride.  In my book, there's no such thing as bad weather, just bad gear!  I am always training for Death Valley, but 2013 is going to find me upping that as I've added several more centuries to my roster.  My husband has hopes to race the Mt Washington race one day and both of my children covet sweet rides, know who Phil Liggett is and that the Tour is in July!  None of us care for Lance...

My bike intercepted my life and likely saved it in the process.  Diabetes, especially uncontrolled diabetes, is deadly.  My rides keep my numbers in line, keep my heart healthy and add enjoyment to my days.  Though I've been hit by cars, jumped  by errant teenagers, yelled at and had stuff thrown at me, I still get on my bike each day.   For me it is all about the ride!  

Doug Duguay's best winter deals.

Hi, my name is Doug Duguay and I'm the owner of BicyclingHub.com.  We have been selling cycling clothing online for 11 years.  In this blog I'm picking out some great deals that we have on winter clothing right now.

I hope you find this helpful.  If you have any question call me at 888-817-8060 or email me at Sales@bicyclinghub.com and I will guide you through your purchase.


Showers Pass Touring Jacket 
One of our best pieces of rain gear, the Showers Pass Touring jacket is 100% water proof.  Regularly, these were $159.99 but we got these on closeout for $109.99.

Why I like it?  It's 100% waterproof and very breathable.  The ultimate jacket for riding to work or on rainy days.

What do you need to know about this piece?  This jacket, unlike a lot of cycling clothing, fits big.  I wear a large in this and I'm typically an XL in most items and XXL in Castelli.  We currently have XS, M, L and XL in stock.   If you wear a small typically buy the XS.  Same goes with the other sizes.  you wear a large go with a medium, etc.
Buy this jacket here 

Castelli Zoncolan Windstopper Jacket
I love Gore Windstopper Jackets!  To me, they're very breathable, mostly waterproof, very warm!
At $50 off, this jacket is a great value at $149.99

Why I like it?  From temps in the 50 to the 30s Gore Windstopper protects you again the wind while still being breathable.  Unlike other jackets, I don't end up soaking wet on the inside because the jacket doesn't breathe.  I also like the fact that rain runs right off the jacket.

What do you need to know about this piece?  As many know, Castelli tends to run small.  Be sure to size up on the Zoncolan for the best fit.  Call our sizing experts for more advice.  888-817-8060.

Buy this jacket here

Heroes and Legends- Cycling Trivia by Dave Campbell

During the dark, wet days of winter,

With the long, warm days of summer a distant memory

When a dry day in the mid 40’s gets us excited, & spring sunshine

Still seems impossibly far away, we all need

some inspiration from Pro Cycling…

HEROES and LEGENDS

Q1. Who was the first American to win a major European National Tour? Think carefully…

Q2. Who is the last rider to win Paris-Roubaix and then win Liege-Bastogne-Liege the following week? Keep in mind that today almost NO rider even tows the line for both! The first being the domain of the big, strong cobbled specialists (think Boonen & Cancellara) and the latter being for the climbers (think Andy Schleck & Joaquim Rodriguez).

Q3. Who is the last rider to win the Tour de France while clad in the Rainbow stripes of World Road Champion?

A1. Marianne Martin won the first women's Tour de France in 1984. Andrew Hampsten (La Vie Claire), in the 1986 Tour de Suisse. Of course, this was overshadowed the next month when his teammate Greg Lemond (defeating his other teammate and domestique deluxe in Switzerland, Bernard Hinault) triumphed in a certain race in France.

A2. Irishman Sean Kelly, “King of the Classics” who did this unlikely double in 1984, a year in which he won a staggering 33 races.

A3. American Greg Lemond, then riding for the French ‘Z’ Team, back in 1990.

Greg LeMond Cycling Trivia by Dave Campbell

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"LeMonSTER"

Q1. In addition to his widely heralded Three Tour de France wins, Lemond had three additional Grand Tour Podiums. Can you name all three?

Q2. Often chided for poor early season form, Lemond actually won quite a number of early season races. In fact, Greg Lemond won stages at all of the following early season events SAVE ONE: Mediterranean Tour, Tirreno-Adriatico, Paris-Nice, & Tour of Valencia.

Q3. The event where Lemond won the most stages in his career was the Tour de France with five: The Final TT in 1985, the Superbagneres Mountain Stage in 1986, and two TTs and a road stage in 1989. In which event, did Lemond score his SECOND highest number of Stage wins

Greg LeMond and Lance Armstrong were once friends.

Answers 

A1. 3^rd in the 1984 Tour, 3^rd in the 1985 Giro, and 2^nd in the 1985 Tour. He also was a very close 4^th (after some very bad luck) in the 1986 Giro.

A2. Only in Paris-Nice was Greg not triumphant at least once. Lemond won Stage 3 of Tirreno in 1982, a stage in the Mediterranean Tour in 1983, and a stage in Valencia in 1986.

A3. It is actually a tie: Greg won four stages in both the Dauphine Libere (three in 1983 enroute to the win there and another in 1984) and the Coors Classic (two enroute to victory in 1981, one in 1985 again enroute to victory, and one in 1986).

Wondrous Wool - Bicyclinghub.com Examines Wool Cycling Jerseys

When one thinks of wool clothing, sports apparel is likely to be the last thing that comes to mind.  We at Bicyclinghub.com are doing our best to bring wool cycling jerseys to the forefront of the cycling gear market by educating cyclists on the wonders of wool.

Wool has survived the test of time because of its unique natural properties.  Today it remains a masterpiece of design, holding its own in a sea of competing technologically advanced fibers. 
Why are we so crazy about wool cycling jerseys?  Glad you asked - when it comes to form meeting function, we believe wool to be superior over most synthetic fibers for a number of reasons, which we've listed below.  Also, nothing can compare to the classic styling inherent in today's wool cycling jerseys, which look great on or off the bike.  
With manufacturers like Castelli producing high quality Merino wool* cycling jerseys in a range of prices, we think wool is what you've been waiting for.  

A few of the unique properties that separate wool from the rest of the pack are:

Wool NATURALLY Aids In Body Temperature Regulation
Because it absorbs moisture, wool provides superior comfort in both hot and cold weather.  When cold, even a little moisture on the skin can make the rider cold quickly, lowering the body's core temperature.  The naturally occurring crimp in wool's fiber structure traps pockets of air between the fibers, acting as natural insulation to keep the wearer warm and dry.  This same insulation process works in hot weather to help keep you cooler.  By effectively evaporating sweat, wool aids in the body's cooling process.  Also, the natural insulation acts as a buffer keeping hot air at bay, which keeps you cool and dry. 

Wool is NATURALLY Water Repellent
While wool can absorb moisture, its fibers have scales on their outer surface, which repel liquid.  For example, if you were to use your wool sweater to mop up a spill, you'd only find yourself pushing the liquid around.  Similarly, if you are caught in a downpour in that same wool sweater, it would take quite awhile for the rain to penetrate the wool thereby keeping you dry.  Of course, even wool can get wet, but when it does, wool's insulating fibers actually generate heat, preventing clamminess. Wool can absorb 30% of its own weight in moisture before becoming truly damp.  

Wool is NATURALLY Stretchy
Wool's natural elasticity is greater than that of any other fiber, which makes it conform to the shape of the body resulting in superior comfort.  Dry wool stretches about 30% with wet fibers stretching as much as 60-70%.  This elasticity translates into the freedom of movement vital in a cycling jersey.

Wool NATURALLY Wears Longer
Wool maintains its good appearance and stays new looking longer than other fabrics, which is why people hang on to their favorite wool pieces for decades.

Wool NATURALLY Resists Static
As wool naturally absorbs moisture from the air, the tendency to collect static electricity is reduced, making wool garments much less likely to cling to the body.

Wool NATURALLY Resists Dirt
Wool resists dirt, retains its appearance, and stays cleaner longer due in part to the scales on the outside of the fibers, which keep dirt from penetrating the surface.  Also, since wool resists static electricity, dust in the air isn't attracted to it.

Wool NATURALLY Diminishes Body Order
The internal layers of wool's fiber actually bind with the acidic, basic and sulfurous enzymes that comprise body odor.  The exterior scales have anti-bacterial properties. These properties, in conjunction with wool's moisture barrier, reduce the opportunity for odors to accumulate.  Wool doesn't retain odor and will freshen when aired out. 

Wool is NATURALLY Fashionable
Leading designers everywhere prefer to use wool because it comes it takes dye beautifully and comes in a wide array of textures and weights.  Wool is flexible, alive, tailors easily, and resists wrinkling.

*The fibers of Merino wool are so fine that they do not itch with one study showing that nearly 100% of Merino wool wearers tested experienced no discomfort at all.     

   Questions about wool cycling jerseys? Contact Bicyclinghub.com