Years ago, for me, everything was bicycle.
I was an active club rider, I served on my city’s bicycle and pedestrian advisory committee, I watched the professionals race as much as was then possible in the USA, I even raced a couple of times, and promoted one race. I also helped run an early version of a city bikes program here in Lexington Kentucky.
It was while serving in that last capacity that everything changed. One day, while riding home from recovering a wayward rental bike in a nearby park, I was assaulted by a group of young men, robbed, and badly beaten, resulting in numerous serious injuries.
I did not react well. I went home, sat down at my desk, and stayed there for nine years, gaining a hundred pounds.
Then this past December, just before my 49th birthday, I was unexpectedly diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes. This time, I decided to react better. This time, I got back on my bike.
I took my beloved Lemond Tourmalet to the shop and they cleaned and updated it for me. I rejoined the local bicycling club. I hit the road.
I have lost a significant amount of weight. I have vastly improved my cholesterol and triglyceride numbers. Most particularly, through a combination of medication, mindfulness, diet, and exercise, I moved my A1C from 11.5 in early December to 7.1 at the next check, two months later. in early February. On June 1st, I will ride a metric century as part of the American Diabetes Association’s Tour de Cure fundraiser. I’ve already raised well over half of my US $10,000 goal.
I have about a month to go before the ride. I still believe I can hit my fundraising goal, with your help. I know I can complete the ride.
Please consider donating at this link. Thank you.