HypoActive is sponsored in 2010-11 by sanofi-aventis, Abbott Diabetes Care, and Medtronic.  We thank them for their support.

WORDS FROM HYPOACTIVE RIDER GAVIN WRIGHT

Hi Everyone,

I seem to be still battling headwinds on long straight roads in western Victoria - still in a whirl after the amazing experience of another HypoActive Murray to Moyne last weekend. Organisational tweaks over the years have really turned this ride into a well-oiled machine. Everyone knows their job and the importance of it and all riders give their best effort, whether that means chasing down the lead vehicle at the start or learning to rotate in a bunch. But for every single one of the HypoActive participants it's a massive experience and a really intense time spent in the very close company of nearly 20 other people living with type 1 diabetes.

We didn't make record time or anything like that, but this year was our greatest success: we raised a record amount of money for Diabetes Camps for children and young people. As I write, I know the figure has just topped $12,000 and there is still money to come in. There's still plenty of time to donate if you haven't got round to it. Just visit www.everydayhero.com.au/hyp_team

More than half the riders and more than half of the crew had never been on this crazy weekend before, so it's a very big well done to everybody for a fantastic effort. We get some type 1's whose cycling strength is truly awesome, but we do also get people who are drawn by the challenge and the big experience, whose lesser cycling strength fits in just as well and whose contribution to the team is very warmly welcomed.

The aim of HypoActive is to provide opportunities for people living with type 1 diabetes to join in events and physical challenges, no matter what their ability. For big organised runs this means different distances or even walking options, but with the Murray to Moyne, although it might sound scary - it is after all a unique endurance event - there really is always a place for the less practised to get as much out of the ride as those who can clock up the big kilometres. If you're in two minds about signing up - don't be. Join us for next year's epic event and have the weekend of a type 1 lifetime.

CONTENTS

Major News

Global Heroes:                    Worldwide champs
Hypo awareness:                 A professor speaks
Gold Coast cycling:             The Paradise Ride
HypoActive Run Club:          Type 1 running fun
DARE                                 Sri Lankan ride

Other Exciting stuff

2011 Murray to Moyne:       Report posted
Sarah's next ride:               The fundraising begins
Diabetic golfer:                   No handicap
Connected in Motion:          Upcoming events
Books, hoodies and tees:    Still some left!
 
 

MAJOR NEWS

BECOME A GLOBAL HERO - ENTRIES CLOSE APRIL 15

HypoActive invites all runners wearing insulin pumps (any brand) to apply for the  2011 Medtronic Global Heroes program.   We would love to have a HypoActive representative participate in this program. Our local Medtronic arm, Medtronic Australasia, have shown HypoActive strong support over the years and are also keen to see a local selected in the program.  Successful applicants receive a host of benefits as well as the opportunity to make a donation via Medtronic of $1,000 to the non-profit organisation of your selection (hint hint).  This will be matched by the local team from Medtronic Australasia - well done Medtronic!

Applications close 15th April (next Friday). If you are applying please let us know -monique@hypoactive.org  - so that we can support your application.

Held in Minneapolis, USA, the event consists of a marathon or 10mile (16km) run alongside others who have 'benefited from medical technology', such as people with type 1 diabetes wearing insulin pumps.  Only 25 Global Heroes are selected each year.

Heroes receive paid entry to the event (plus entry for a friend) meals and lodgings and airfares to Minneapolis, plus other benefits, which is not to be sniffed at. No beginners and you do have to put a pretty good case, but I'm sure the ranks of HypoActive contain many fine cases, so good luck!

Read more about it here: www.hypoactive.org/content/become-global-hero 

IMPAIRED AWARENESS OF HYPOGLYCAEMIA AND OTHER RECURRENT DRIVERS OF SEVERE HYPOGLYCAEMIA

Event Date: 13 April 2011

The NHMRC Centre of Clinical Research Excellence in Clinical Science in Diabetes invites you to attend this special research seminar presented by Professor Jane Speight, Foundation Director of The Australian Centre for Behavioural Research in Diabetes and Chair of Behavioural and Social Research in Diabetes, Deakin University.

Professor Speight is responsible for a large and varied program of applied behavioural research in diabetes, as well as for providing leadership and support in the design and implementation of education, training and service innovations in diabetes within Australia and internationally.

There is seating for approximately 30. If you don't get a chair, you'll have to sit on the floor. All HypoActive newsletter readers are welcome. It's free.

When: Wednesday 13 April 2011
Time: 12:30pm - 1:30pm
Where: Conference Room, St Vincent’s Institute, 9 Princes Street, Fitzroy (n.b. Princes Street is off Nicholson Street.  Nearest tram stop is Nicholson St/Victoria Parade (Trams 86, 96))

For more: www.hypoactive.org/content/impaired-awareness-hypoglycaemia-and-other-drivers-recurrent-severe-hypoglycaemia

THE PARADISE RIDE

Gold Coast Type 1 Riders Prepare To Set The Record

 
 
Event date: 15 May 2011
 
Queensland type 1 riders aimed high last year when they tried to amass in numbers great enough to set the record for the biggest Australian type 1 cycling team. They nearly pulled it off, but when the Brisbane to Gold Coast Challenge was postponed at the last minute due to extreme weather warnings, the team never quite pulled together enough riders to make the claim.
Moves are afoot, however, to have a second shot at the title. Although the bar has now been lifted - this year's HA M2M team had 15 type 1 riders - an event has been set for May that could see Queensland reigning supreme.
Ken and Gavin are organising a 60km ride from Paradise Point down the coast to Tallebudgera Creek and back and finishing with a rollicking BBQ. The route will take in some scenic paths, some of the Gold Coast Highway and some minor roads. It remains almost entirely flat for the whole distance. Rumours are abounding, but there's talk of a top endo joining the ranks as well as a visitation from a popular local mayor.
Now, as Gavin is a Queenslandic rider and helped swell the ranks of the M2M team, we think it's only fair to invite any Victorian riders (in fact, any type 1 riders from anywhere) to come and join in the fun. the ride is on a Sunday morning and Gavin can provide some help with logistics, such as airport transfers and accommodation. Anyone who fancies popping up to the Gold Coast for the weekend and a fun 60km ride should just get in touch.
Contact Gavin here: gavin.wright@hypoactive.org
 
When:        Sunday 15 May 2011
Start time:  7.30am
Location:    Paradise Parade, Paradise Point - start by the BBQs
Distance:    60km
Route:        www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/Paradise-Ride-60km-return
 
More details: www.hypoactive.org/content/paradise-ride-join-us-type-1-rider-record-attempt
Register here: www.surveymonkey.com/s/ParadiseRide

JOIN THE HYPOACTIVE RUN CLUB

     First Run Club Catchup: Sunday 1st May 2011

The idea of the Run Club is to have a regular monthly catch-up / social run for anyone that can attend. The location each month will vary depending on the locality of the runners so that the distance everybody has to travel will balance out. These catch-ups are being organised by John Thompson - many thanks John.

A fabulous 13 people have already signed up for the Run Club, overwhelmingly tempted by the prospect of cool running with other type 1's.

All members of the Run Club will work towards participating in one of the many distances on offer at the Melbourne Marathon Festival, scheduled for October 9.  There are even walk distances, so there is certainly something for everyone.  If you need motivation over the coming months, this is an ideal opportunity for you.

Members will receive a HypoActive run singlet as well as good companionship with your training (or at the cafe afterwards).

If you're even a little bit of a runner, let us know by filling out this one: www.surveymonkey.com/s/HypoActiveRunClub

Check out the HypoActive Run Club page here: www.hypoactive.org/content/join-hypoactive-run-club

Any queries, contact John Thompson: john.thompson@hypoactive.org

First Casual Run and Catch Up -
When: Sunday May 1
Start time: 9:30am
Where: Jells Park (Wheelers Hill)
Map 71 K6, Enter from Waverly Rd, meet at Car park 5, opposite the Visitor Centre - Tea House
Distance: 1, 2, 3 and 5km route options; complete at own pace. Coffee afterwards
 

DARE - DiAbetics Reaching Extremes

Experience Sri Lanka at handlebar level while helping raise money for Diabetes

 
Event date: 6-17 October 2011
 
Caroline Thomas is founder of DARE - DiAbetics Reaching Extremes - based in Tasmania working to empower kids with type 1 diabetes. Through this program Caroline has lead groups of type 1 kids along the Tasmanian Overland Track and up Mount Kosciusko. Caroline’s next adventure is to take a team of 20 to cycle beautiful Sri Lanka to raise awareness of diabetes and much needed funds for two amazing diabetes charities: Diabetes Tasmania and the Life for a Child Program.

The trip includes seven days of cycling. A land of misty highlands and tea plantations, dense jungles and national parks, Sri Lanka is ideally suited to cycle touring. From the palm fringed west coast, the ride goes inland through a multitude of Buddhist and Hindu monuments and colonial heritage that characterise the country’s rich cultural history. The journey leads deep into the rainforest of central Sri Lanka, where monks conduct prayers in harmony with the forest, before continuing to the hill town of Kandy with its splendid botanical gardens and lush tea plantations. Cycle on to the rock fortress of Sigiriya and Polonnaruwa - the medieval capital of Sri Lanka, and swap bikes for jeeps to take a wildlife safari in the Minneriya National Park. Continue to Pinnawela and have a memorable visit to the elephant orphanage to view the world’s largest herd of domestic elephants. A highlight of the trip will be a visit to meet some of the kids who are supported by the Life for a Child program so you can see where some of the money raised will go.

Sounds brilliant.
 
Check out our page: www.hypoactive.org/content/sri-lankan-dare
Great pics on the Diabetes Tasmania event page: www.diabetestas.com.au/fund/csl/csl.php
Contact Caroline directly: carolinect@bigpond.com
 
 

OTHER EXCITING STUFF

2011 HYPOACTIVE MURRAY TO MOYNE
Ride Report!

 
 
Another year, another fantastic weekend for all who participated in the challenging 520km-in-24hours cycle relay from Echuca to Port Fairy.  HypoActive not only had their biggest ride team ever - including for the first time ever, TWO type 1 tandem teams - the team has set a new fundraising record for Diabetes Camps Victoria. You can still make a donation for this important cause by visiting our Everyday Hero page: www.everydayhero.com.au/hyp_team

We have been running an all-type 1 diabetic team in this event for nine years straight, and are incredibly proud of this achievement. This year was another one in which riders had to battle with strong headwinds and a subsequent lack of sleep, but that didn't stop all riders and crew finishing with a huge feeling of exhilaration and success.

First time rider on the M2M with HypoActive, Sam Thompson, shares her experiences: www.hypoactive.org/content/murray-moyne-2011-ride-report
 
 
 

SARAH'S RIDING TO CURE DIABETES IN 2012

 
Regular readers will be aware of the huge and varied efforts Sarah, a hard-working HypoActive volunteer and type 1, has made over the last two years to raise money for JDRF and take part in the annual JDRF Ride to Cure Diabetes. It's not long since Sarah had her spin round the Barossa Valley, but she's off and running already with fundraising for next year's event.
 
JDRF - the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation - are the one worldwide charity whose sole mission is to provide funding for research to find a cure for type 1 diabetes. There couldn't be a more worthwhile cause for any of us to help with and Sarah's work to support the group has been untiring and utterly laudable.
 
The first venture this time round is selling the 2011/12 Melbourne Entertainment Books. They're $65 and contain over $15,000 worth of vouchers (restaurants, accommodation, car hire, entertainment, shopping etc), with $13 from each sale going to JDRF. I'm sure if I indulged in $15,000 worth of entertainment I would explode, but they're amazing value and they're now on sale.
 
Sarah has a website where you can marvel at her playing mini-golf dressed as a giant blue jelly baby: thestabbyandstingershow.com.au
Read about the JDRF Ride to Cure Diabetes here: www.jdrf.org.au/help-find-a-cure/ride-to-cure-diabetes
You can also contact her directly here: sarah@thestabbyandstingershow.com.au
 
 
 

TYPE 1 DIABETES NO HANDICAP FOR GOLFER KELLI KUEHNE

 
Many thanks to Dave Nevins for sharing this story: the Las Vegas Review-Journal has an excellent article on LPGA Tour golfer Kelli Kuehne.
 
Kelli has had type 1 since she was 10, uses a pump and has raised millions for JDRF. Read about her experiences, about other sporting type 1's and some great anecdotal type 1 stuff.
 
Check it out here: www.lvrj.com/sports/diabetes-no-handicap-for-golfer-kelli-kuehne-118564294.html
 
 
 

CONNECTED IN MOTION

 
HypoActive M2M veteran (and HAY BAIL winner) Chloe Steepe is an inspration. In fact, she was inspired by her experience of the HA M2M a few years back. She just happened to be in this part of the world (she's from Canada), hooked up with HypActive and got roped in to the Murray to Moyne. Not an experienced cyclist, she had no idea what she was in for, but went away so fired up she immediately started work building up Connected in Motion.
 
'Connected in Motion's mission is to foster a community of people living with type 1 diabetes, so that they may inspire one another to live without limits.' In fact, they organise type 1's to get active in events that include hiking, cycling, volleyball, canoeing, adventure racing and climbing. They have a calendar so stuffed full of challenges it's hard to keep up. They're based in Ontario and you can check out their website for pictures of fit, happy type 1's poised in front of snow-capped peaks, great lakes, mysterious woods and wide open spaces. Chloe and her team have done an amazing job and if you're ever in that part of the world you should definitely book ahead to get in on the fun.
 
Check out Connected in Motion here: www.connectedinmotion.ca/
 

 
 

THE 5.5'S AND 99'S CLUB ON FACEBOOK

The magical numbers of 5.5 and 99 are diabetes nirvana and now there's a place to celebrate on Facebook, post your pics of your "perfect" reading: www.facebook.com/#!/home.php

BOOKS, HOODIES AND TEES - THERE'S NEVER BEEN A BETTER TIME!

 
Winter is slithering towards us like a croc on steep ice, so grab a hoodie while you can...
The Diabetic Athlete's Handbook is $25 and worth every cent. You don't have to be an athlete to get stuff from this book, it's all about all levels of exercise for type 1's.
Insulin Injected Engine hoodies are $45. There are only a couple of black ones left, but all sizes are available in grey. The grey does look really cool - some people say that grey is the new black.
 
The new design 2011 T-shirts are $25. They look very high-tech and sophisticated compared to the old ones. We also now have the Pit Crew tees for friends and family. Just remember, they make great Easter presies - these new Pit Crew tops should stop your loved ones constantly nicking your HypoActive shirt and pretending to be diabetic. Check them out here: www.hypoactive.org/content/products
 
Stocks are running pretty low in some of the sizes, and now is the time for creative minds to start collaborating on our next edition of gear.  What would you like to wear?  How do you want to show off that you have an Insulin Injected Engine (TM)?

 
   We are working on getting an online sales system up and running so stay tuned for that, but until then all sales enquiries to Rebecca Twist: rebecca@hypoactive.org

That's all for now.
 
Cheers,
 
Gavin

gavin.wright@hypoactive.org