David Cross, CEO of AAA AUGER, completed another century ride this Saturday (7/23/2011) in support of the American Diabetes Association.
Last year, David entered his first ever organized cycling event, signing up for the 100 mile course. Not haven ridden for over 25 years, this was quite a commitment. The landscape changed when he dislocated and fractured 2 toes just 6 weeks before the event.
David finished that event in 7 hours, 59 minutes in over 100 degree heat…and swore off future participation. However, just a few months later, David couldn’t say “no” to the 2011 event.
“My wife is a type 1 Diabetic. Diabetes affects our whole family as we share in her struggles. Factually, the day before I signed up for the event in 2010, I was awakened by my wife as she was seizing (seizure) in a coma; her head hitting the headboard.
There really isn’t much time for thought…The immediate objective is to raise her blood sugar by any means possible…..I gave her a shot of glucagon in her stomach, rubbed honey on her lips and tongue, and had a coke ready should she gain consciousness and be able to drink….”
“Luckily, with the grace of God, she came to consciousness within about 20 minutes….Once her eyes were able to focus, I knew we were out of the woods. There is no prettier site than watching her ‘come alive’ (of course, I could do without having such future opportunities).”
“Anyhow, the next day, there was Quin Neal (VP for the American Diabetes Association) at our Rotary Club meeting, attempting to sign people up for the Tour De Cure. It was certainly a calling for me to do this….”
As mentioned earlier, David completed his second ride for the charity. Not having to contend with broken toes, and because the 100 mile course was removed in lieu of a 62 mile one (metric century, 100K), David completed the ride in good form and with good attitude (well, almost)…..
