Saxo Dam Fiets Classic 100km

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Saxo Dam Fiets Classic 100km


This past weekend, I had the pleasure of riding 100km with the amazing crew from Flat Tire Peloton (FTTP) and the Amsterdam Triathlon Club (ATAC) for the Saxo Dam Tot Dam Fiets Classic. As always, I tackled the ride with my trusty bike, good friends, and of course, my constant companion—Type 1 diabetes.


Glucose Management on Long Rides




Managing glucose levels during such an intense and long effort is a challenge that I take seriously. We kicked off the day bright and early, meeting at 8:30 am to prepare for our 9:00 am start. But for me, the preparation begins much earlier.


The key to stable glucose levels during a ride like this is timing. I wake up at least three hours before the start to have breakfast and carefully adjust my insulin intake. This timing helps me avoid sudden glucose drops or spikes once I’m on the bike.


The Ride Experience


As we hit the road, my heart rate stayed mostly in Zone 3—right where I expected it to be for this type of ride. But with heart rate zones come different glucose responses. For the first 50km, my glucose levels dropped as my body adapted to the exercise. It was a steady decline, but nothing that a few snacks couldn’t handle. Keeping an eye on my continuous glucose monitor (CGM) helped me stay ahead of any issues.


As we powered through the second half of the ride, my heart rate increased to Zone 4 during the final push. That’s when I noticed a shift—my glucose started climbing. It’s not uncommon for adrenaline and a harder effort to cause a rise, so I had to adjust accordingly to keep everything in check.


A Day Well Spent


Despite the challenges, it was an incredible day. Riding with friends from FTTP and ATAC, the camaraderie, the shared goals, and the constant encouragement made every kilometer worth it. There’s something special about being part of a team that understands both the physical and mental demands of endurance sports.


Now that this challenge is in the books, I’m already looking forward to what’s next. Managing diabetes is an ongoing process, but rides like these prove that nothing is impossible with the right mindset and preparation.


So, what’s your next challenge? ⌛️


To know more about my challenges and my day to day diabetes management on Instagram 



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