Bike Diva

Diabetic Athletes Join Team Type I & II

PRESS RELEASE

Inspirational Teams of Athletes with Diabetes Build Momentum in 2009 with Sponsorship from Long-Acting Insulin Lantus(R) and Rapid-Acting Insulin Apidra(R). Team Type 1 Expands Its Roster, Fielding Five Teams to Spread Personal Messages of Successful Diabetes Management to People Living with Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes.

BRIDGEWATER, N.J., Feb. 5 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Sanofi-aventis U.S. announced today its long-acting insulin Lantus(R) (insulin glargine [rDNA origin] injection) and rapid-acting insulin Apidra(R) (insulin glulisine [rDNA origin] injection) will be the primary 2009 sponsors of Team Type 1, a team of amateur and professional athletes living with type 1 diabetes, and Lantus(R) will be the primary sponsor of Team Type 2, an amateur cycling team comprised entirely of members with type 2 diabetes. Sanofi-aventis U.S. has been a sponsor of Team Type 1 since 2007.

Team Type 1, founded by Phil Southerland and Joe Eldridge, both of whom were diagnosed with type 1 diabetes as children, aims to inspire people with diabetes to take a proactive approach to managing their condition by maintaining a healthy diet, exercising regularly, monitoring their blood sugar levels, taking their insulin and other diabetes medications as prescribed, and working closely with their healthcare team.

"When Joe and I formed Team Type 1, we wanted to challenge one another to take control of managing our diabetes, while trying to become the best cyclists we possibly could. Since then, our team has surpassed all of our expectations, and in 2009, with the continued support of sanofi-aventis U.S., Team Type 1 will expand its scope and impact further than ever before," said Phil Southerland, founder and chief executive officer of Team Type 1. "The changes we're making this year will bring us even closer to our life-long goal of competing in the Tour de France."

In 2009, Team Type 1 is expanding its roster and fielding five athletic teams: a men's professional cycling team and a women's professional cycling team, both featuring a mixed roster of riders with and without type 1 diabetes; an elite cycling team for the 2009 Race Across America (RAAM) comprised entirely of riders with type 1 diabetes; and a triathlon team whose members all have type 1 diabetes.

In addition to its type 1 roster in 2009, Team Type 1 will also launch Team Type 2, a team of amateur cyclists living with type 2 diabetes. All members of Team Type 1 with diabetes use Lantus(R), Apidra(R), or a combined treatment regimen of both insulins to help control their blood sugar as part of their overall diabetes treatment plan, which includes regular blood sugar monitoring, diet and exercise.

All members of Team Type 2 manage their blood sugar through their own personal diabetes treatment plan that includes regular blood sugar monitoring, diet, exercise and diabetes medications as prescribed, which, for some members, may include Lantus(R). Diabetes treatment plans should be individualized, and what works for one person may not work for someone else.

Every member of Team Type 1 and Team Type 2 with diabetes has worked with his or her healthcare provider to develop an individual diabetes treatment plan, and they encourage other people living with diabetes to work with their healthcare provider to develop a treatment plan that is right for them.

"Effective diabetes management can be very challenging, especially for competitive athletes, and Team Type 1 is able to do this while competing at the highest level of their sport. Their dedication and achievements encourage others living with diabetes, and even those without it, to be proactive about managing their condition," said Angela Moskow, Vice President, Metabolism Marketing, sanofi-aventis U.S. "As the team expands to include more members this year, including people living with type 2 diabetes, sanofi-aventis U.S. is proud to continue its work with Team Type 1, and the newly-developed Team Type 2, to amplify their voice within the diabetes community as well as the general public."

The teams that make up Team Type 1 are comprised of athletes that may not be typical of a patient with diabetes and individual results may vary. Exercise or activity level may change the way your body uses insulin. Check with your healthcare provider before you start an exercise program because your dose may need to be changed. Also remember to discuss hypoglycemia and the need for regular blood sugar monitoring with your doctor.

In addition to their busy racing schedule, members of Team Type 1 and Team Type 2 will participate in educational speaking engagements across the country to spread awareness of diabetes and encourage others with the disease to take an active role toward managing their condition. Please visit www.Lantus.com for more information about Lantus(R). Please visit www.Apidra.com for more information about Apidra(R).

About Team Type 1
In 2004, friends and team co-founders Phil Southerland and Joe Eldridge set out to prove to themselves and others in the diabetes community that having diabetes doesn't mean you can't achieve your goals. Since then, the team has competed in and twice won the 3,052 mile-long RAAM. In 2008, with the support of a sponsorship from Apidra(R), Team Type 1 fielded two teams: an amateur development level team for the 2008 RAAM comprised of 11 riders, all living with type 1 diabetes, and a professional level racing team featuring a mixed roster of 15 cyclists, including four members with diabetes. In 2009, Team Type 1 is fielding four teams, with a total of 46 athletes (with and without diabetes) competing in professional, amateur level and triathlon competitions. Please visit www.TeamType1.org for more information about Team Type 1.

About Team Type 2
In 2009, with the support of a sponsorship from Lantus(R), Team Type 2, a team of ten amateur cyclists living with type 2 diabetes, was fielded as a new addition to Team Type 1's network of athletes. Team Type 2's long-term goal is to compete in the RAAM, like the Team Type 1 elite team. To help prepare for RAAM, Team Type 2 will participate in several racing events in 2009, primarily the American Diabetes Association's Tour de Cure, a national cycling program designed to raise awareness and funding for diabetes.

Please visit www.TeamType2.org for more information about Team Type 2.

Ride for Livestrong

Livestrong; a worldwide cancer initiative.
In 2009, 27 riders from 9 nationalities are teaming up to win races, but also increase cancer awareness internationally and raise money for my Foundation to support the cancer fight. Now is your chance to join me and Team Astana.

There are various ways to get involved – Donate to the Lance Armstrong Foundation in support of a rider, who will ride in honor or memory of a loved one for the 2009 season! Enter the Ride For LIVESTRONG race kilometer contest (free entry) to win great Team Astana prizes. And learn about how cancer affects people in countries around the world. It’s OUR time to make a difference!

GET INVOLVED
Did you know, that cancer is projected to become the leading cause of death worldwide in the year 2010.

• This year alone, nearly 8 million people will die of cancer worldwide. Cancer deaths outnumber those caused by AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria combined.
• Millions of people around the world suffer cancer in isolation, facing social stigma – hiding their diagnoses, isolated by their communities, pushed out of family and social circles, reluctant to seek treatment and facing a lonely painful fight for their lives.
• Sixty percent of all cancer is preventable and one-third of cancers can be cured if detected early and treated adequately.

Cancer affects people all over the world. It is the world’s problem and we must unite to make a difference. Join the world’s best cycling team and get involved today.

Take care,
Lynn Smythe AKA the Bike Diva

Stihl Sponsors Tour des Trees

PRESS RELEASE

STIHL, Named Title Sponsor for 2009 Tour des Trees Leader in outdoor power equipment, takes lead role in America's largest fundraising event for tree research.

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va., Feb. 4 /PRNewswire/ -- Leading outdoor power equipment manufacturer STIHL Inc. announced today it will be the title sponsor of this year's Tour des Trees, a cross-country cycling and education event to benefit the Tree Research and Education Endowment (TREE) Fund. The event is America's largest fundraiser to improve the care of trees through research and education.

The 2008 Tour des Trees raised more than a quarter million dollars for the TREE Fund, a charitable organization dedicated to advancing knowledge in the field of arboriculture and urban forestry to benefit people, trees and the environment. Since its inception in 1992, the Tour has generated more than $4.1 million and has funded a host of diverse projects, such as post-Katrina research on the impact of hurricane flooding on mature trees.

"STIHL has been a great supporter of both the Tour des Trees and the work of the TREE Fund for more than nine years, and they are extremely well respected within the arboriculture community," said Janet Bornancin, executive director of the TREE Fund. "Their involvement showcases their dedication to further research on urban tree care and encourages others within the industry to follow their lead."

"We at STIHL are committed to projects that demonstrate our support for socially responsible environmental stewardship," said Roger Phelps, promotional communications manager for STIHL Inc. "Just as STIHL invests resources into making energy-efficient products that minimize environmental impact, we also invest in organizations like the TREE Fund that finance research that has significant impact on future generations."

The STIHL Tour des Trees will travel primarily through New England this year, kicking off in New York City on July 19 and ending in Rhode Island at the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) International Tree Climbing Championship on July 25. Recent Tours have cycled through the Midwest and Northern California.

"STIHL continues to raise the bar with industry support," said Jim Skiera, executive director of the ISA. "Their contributions to the field of arboriculture and urban forestry ensure that training programs, field research, and public education continue to receive the funding they need to prosper."

Other sponsors of the STIHL Tour des Trees include TREE Fund partners Asplundh Tree Expert Co., Duke Energy, and The F.A. Bartlett Tree Expert Co. More information on the STIHL Tour des Trees, including information on riding in the Tour or donating to the TREE Fund, is available at www.tourdestrees.org.

About STIHL Inc.
STIHL Inc. manufactures the world's largest selling brand of chain saws and produces a full line of powerful, lightweight, and versatile handheld outdoor power equipment for homeowners and professional users. STIHL products are sold through servicing power equipment retailers from coast to coast -- not mass merchants.

STIHL products sold through U.S. STIHL dealers are for distribution in the United States only. For more information or for the name of the closest STIHL retailer call toll free 1-800-GO STIHL (1-800-467-8445) or visit the STIHL Web site at www.stihlusa.com. STIHL is also pleased to support the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA), the Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA), National FFA, Professional Landcare Network (PLANET), the American Tree Farm System (ATFS), and the National Association of State Park Directors (NASPD).

About the TREE Fund:
The TREE Fund's mission is to identify and fund projects and programs that advance knowledge in the field of arboriculture and urban forestry to benefit people, trees, and the environment. The TREE Fund has supported research that has led to important developments in: -- Understanding air pollution reduction and carbon sequestration by trees -- Determining the costs and benefits of urban trees -- Improving conditions for tree growth in difficult sites -- Strategies to manage diseases and pests that affect urban trees

For more information, visit www.treefund.org. Source: STIHL CONTACT: Anita Gambill for STIHL, +1-757-486-9151; or STIHL Incorporated, +1-757-486-9100 Web Site: http://www.stihlusa.com/ http://www.tourdestrees.org/ http://www.treefund.org/

Mavic Wheel Rims Recalled

PRESS RELEASE

Bicycles With R-SYS Wheel Rims Recalled by Mavic USA Due to Crash Hazard WASHINGTON, Feb. 4

/PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of product:
Bicycles with R-SYS Front Wheel Rims Units: About 12,000 Importer: Mavic USA, of Haverhill, Mass.

Manufacturer:
Salomon SAS, of France Hazard: The spokes on the bicycle's front wheel rim can break during use, posing a fall and crash hazard to riders.

Incidents/Injuries:
Mavic USA has received one report of an injury involving broken teeth.

Description:
This recall includes R-SYS and R-SYS Premium front wheel rims. They were sold as original equipment on various bicycle brands and were also sold separately. R-SYS wheel rims are designed for road bikes. "R-SYS" is printed on the front rim of the wheels. The rims are 22mm in diameter, with 16 tubular, unidirectional carbon spokes.

Sold at:
Specialty bicycle retailers from May 2007 through December 2008 for between $700 and $750 for the front wheel of the two-wheel set when sold separately from the bicycle.

Manufactured in:
France

Remedy:
Consumers should stop using bicycles with the recalled front wheel rims and contact their bicycle retailer for a free replacement front rim.

Consumer Contact:
For additional information, contact Mavic USA at (800) 664-9228 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm's Web site at www.mavic.com.

Cycling Nutz Online Community

I just found out about the CyclingNutz website in an email sent to me by Fluid. Fluid makes a protein recovery drink, and they are one of my sponsors for the 2009 race season. Fluid is one of the sponsors of the CyclingNutz community. Contents of CyclingNutz

• Event listings & reviews
• Blogs, forums & social community
• News headlines & articles
• Member photos & videos
• Health & fitness resources

CyclingNutz is a resource for all types of biking; mountain, cyclocross, track and road. I'd like to hear from anyone that is a member of CyclingNutz, or that plans on joining the site.

Take care,
Lynn Smythe AKA the Bike Diva

Christopher Bean Coffee Sponsorship

The Bike Diva is happy to announce that she has a new sponsor for the 2009 race season. Christopher Bean Coffee has just come on board as my latest sponsor. Coffee = rocket fuel in our house, that's our secret to being able to ride so far and so fast on our bikes. My husband doesn't drink alcohol, but he is addicted to coffee. I'll have to "hire" him to be my spokesperson for Christopher Bean Coffee at his
office.

 

About Christopher Bean Coffee
Christopher Bean Coffee is located in Daytona Beach, Florida. That practically makes us neighbors, well, Daytona is about a 4 hour drive from here, but that's still pretty close. I can't wait to try some of the unique flavors of Christopher Bean Coffee such as Bananas Foster,Pumpkin Spice and Cinnamon Pecan Brownie. They even make a Tiramisu flavored coffee. I'll have to get a pound of that to have in time for the Team in Training Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser I'm hosting at my house on March 14. I'm making Tiramisu for dessert, so a tiramisu flavored coffee would be killer to serve along with it.

• Christopher Is Passionate About Coffee
• All Natural - No Fillers or Substitutes
• Naturally Rich In Antioxidants
• GMO-Free Flavored Coffee
• Fair Trade & Organic Coffee Beans
• Supports Fit & Healthy Lifestyles
• Guarantees You Are Going To Love It !

Coffee Availability
Christopher Bean Coffee is currently available at 3,600 grocery stores, such as Publix, in 40 states. Visit the Christopher Bean Coffee website to find a location near you.

Bike Diva Sponsorships Visit my Bike Diva Sponsorship page to see a complete list of companies that are sponsoring me for the 2009 race season.

Take care,
Lynn Smythe AKA the Bike Diva

Graeme Obree; The Flying Scotsman

ABOVE: Graeme Obree

Yesterday morning I did my first ever brick workout; a 18 mile road bike ride followed by a 3 mile run. I want to start doing a few duathlons this year, but I've never gone running right after getting off my bike. It certainly was a different sensation, took close to a mile to find my running legs after getting off the bike.

Flying Scotsman Movie
I was a bit sore and tired yesterday, so I was lounging in my bedroom, with the lights off and the TV on. I was flipping through the channels when I came upon the movie The Flying Scotsman. This movie is about British cyclist Graeme Obree. The film, which premiered in 2006, stars Johnny Lee Miller as Graeme Obree. The film is based upon Obree's 2003 autobiography, The Flying Scotsman. Obree, who suffers bipolar disorder, wrote the book as a journaling exercise, with the encouragement of his therapist.

Obree's Claim to Fame
In 1993, amateur cyclist Obree, broke the one hour track cyclist record, formerly held by Franceso Moser, on his homemade bike. Obree was the former owner of a failed bicycle shop, and was no stranger to the mechanical aspects of bike building. His unusual, homemade track pursuit bike can be see in the picture at the top of this post.

Obree's record only stood for one week, when cyclist Chris Boardman broke the record. Obree went on to break the one hour record a second time, in 1994. Obree says he was pressured to take drugs by his cycling team, but he refused: "I still feel I was robbed of part of my career. I was signed up to ride in the Prologue of the Tour (de France) back in 1995, but it was made very obvious to me I would have to take drugs. I said no, no way, and I was sacked by my team."

Obree's Website
Additional information about this interesting cyclist can be found on the Graeme Obree website. Obree also maintains a blog, My Words etc.., on blogspot.

Take care,
Lynn Smythe AKA the Bike Diva