The Race Across America (RAAM) is an ultra-distance bicycle endurance competition that starts on the West Coast and ends on the East Coast. It is essentially a time trial all the way across America. The race categories are Solo, 2-Person, 4-Person, and 8-Person. This year’s 8 person winning team was Team Type 1.
This year’s team members were:
From left: Tom Kingery, Mark Suprenant, Alex Bowden, Lonny Knabe, Jeff Bannink, Simon Bennett, Matt Brooks and Bob Schrank. Photo by Karen Scheerer.
Team Type 1 shows that a person with diabetes can accomplish anything a person without diabetes can accomplish. Proper healthcare techniques and an interest in using the newest diabetes technology can help you achieve any goal. Team Type 1 used a variety of techniques and devices to aid in their ride to year’s championship.
The Omnipod Insulin Management System, made by the Insulet Corporation, was the chosen insulin pump for their ride. The OmniPod holds the insulin and delivery device on the arm. The delivery instructions are given through a wireless PDA like device. With the OmniPod, the team used the fast acting insulin Apidra made by Sanofi Aventis.
They also used the FreeStyle Navigator Continuous Glucose Monitor to watch their blood sugars as they rode.
With both of these devices being wireless, the support team that followed the riders could monitor them as they rode and make the necessary adjustments.
Team Type 1 was founded in 2004 by Phil Southerland and Joe Eldridge. The mission of Team Type 1 and Team Type 2 is to instill hope and inspiration for people around the world affected by diabetes; through active management, one can achieve their goals, dreams, and potential.
The teams encourage control of diabetes through diet, exercise and the use of the best treatment and technology available today.