# My summer bike trip - Western NY state. Suggestions for packing?
**URL:** https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/my-summer-bike-trip-western-ny-state-suggestions-for-packing/13904
**Category:** Sports & Exercise
**Created:** [June 17, 2023, 6:48pm UTC](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/my-summer-bike-trip-western-ny-state-suggestions-for-packing/13904 "2023-06-17T18:48:40Z")
**Posts on this page:** 20
**Page:** 1
### Author:  [@bostrav59](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/u/bostrav59)
#### Post date: [June 17, 2023, 6:48pm UTC](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/my-summer-bike-trip-western-ny-state-suggestions-for-packing/13904/1 "2023-06-17T18:48:40Z")
Last summer I did the RAGBRAI and that was a lot of fun. On that trip I met a guy who recommended a tour along the Erie Canal, so that’s my trip for this summer. It goes the week after July 4th, from Buffalo to Albany. Then I’m going to bike from Albany to Boston unsupported. I figure that’s about 4 days.
Any suggestions on things I should consider packing that I might not have thought of? I’ve done a bunch of bike trips, but I am sure that there are some good suggestions of things I haven’t thought about.
Here’s a link to the Erie canal tour, in case you’re interested (I think they are sold out this year, but they do it annually).
> **[Parks & Trails New York :: Cycle the Erie Canal Bike Tour](https://www.ptny.org/cycle-the-erie-canal/annual-bike-tour)**
>
> Join cyclists from across the country and around the world for the annual Cycle the Erie Canal bike tour. Enjoy beautiful scenery, fascinating history, and a one-of-a-kind cycling experience on this fully supported ride across New York between...
And here’s a link to last year’s thread on Ragbrai:
> [@Off to Ragbrai](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/off-to-ragbrai/12931):
>
> Tomorrow I’m flying to Omaha and on Saturday I’m starting the RAGBRAI - 7 days of bicycling across Iowa. I think I have all my gear … I’m a little nervous and a little excited. I think the majority of the heat wave that is currently happening will have passed by Monday anyway so it looks like it will be cooler.
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### Author:  [@John58](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/u/John58)
#### Post date: [June 17, 2023, 11:30pm UTC](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/my-summer-bike-trip-western-ny-state-suggestions-for-packing/13904/2 "2023-06-17T23:30:49Z")
That Erie canal ride looks great! Thanks for publicizing it…I am tempted to do it in ‘24. Have fun!
Packing for it? At least double the amount of insulin, pump supplies, CGM supplies etc. that would be indicated by the duration. When I travel or trek I rely heavily on Transcend glucose gel because it works so well to treat a low and is easy to pack so i bring lots of pouches of gel maybe 2 a day? I also usually carry emergency backup supplies such as a few syringes and pen tips, some expired basal and bolus insulin pens and meter with test strips in a separate pouch in case I lose my main supplies.
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### Author:  [@MM2](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/u/MM2)
#### Post date: [June 17, 2023, 11:48pm UTC](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/my-summer-bike-trip-western-ny-state-suggestions-for-packing/13904/3 "2023-06-17T23:48:56Z")
> [@bostrav59](#):
>
> Erie canal
I used to live in Rochester NY and did many dog walks on the canal path.
If you stay there, Letchworth Park is a great place!!
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### Author:  [@Eric](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/u/Eric)
#### Post date: [June 18, 2023, 3:27pm UTC](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/my-summer-bike-trip-western-ny-state-suggestions-for-packing/13904/4 "2023-06-18T15:27:40Z")
The other important thing is not just a double in the amount, but a backup for the source of everything. So it is not just doubling the units of insulin, but 2 vials are better than one because vials can break or get lost. Like what @John58 said, have a backup for everything!
Also, written prescriptions are a great thing to have with you, just in case. I know they can call and transfer, but I think having it is helpful and it doesn’t take up any space.
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### Author:  [@bostrav59](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/u/bostrav59)
#### Post date: [June 18, 2023, 5:52pm UTC](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/my-summer-bike-trip-western-ny-state-suggestions-for-packing/13904/5 "2023-06-18T17:52:59Z")
> [@Eric](#):
>
> Also, written prescriptions are a great thing to have with you, just in case
Great idea - and one I will add to my packing list!
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### Author:  [@jim26](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/u/jim26)
#### Post date: [June 18, 2023, 10:37pm UTC](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/my-summer-bike-trip-western-ny-state-suggestions-for-packing/13904/6 "2023-06-18T22:37:34Z")
> [@Eric](#):
>
> So it is not just doubling the units of insulin, but 2 vials are better than one because vials can break or get lost. Like what @John58 said, have a backup for everything!
Good advice for any situation when you’re not close to your home base. I always think what a way to ruin an awesome day or awesome experience when you may have to stop and figure out how to solve a potential huge problem.
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### Author:  [@CarlosLuis](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/u/CarlosLuis)
#### Post date: [June 18, 2023, 11:05pm UTC](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/my-summer-bike-trip-western-ny-state-suggestions-for-packing/13904/7 "2023-06-18T23:05:56Z")
@bostrav59 If you do Stava, let us know if we can follow you?
Somethings you might get are a couple silicone vial safes to protect the vials from breakage. Not my original idea but from Eric.
> **[Insulin Vial Protector Case for Diabetes](https://www.vialsafe.com/)**
>
> Don't worry about breaking an insulin vial! Our durable protective silicone case gives peace of mind. Only $7.49 each plus free shipping!
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### Author:  [@bostrav59](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/u/bostrav59)
#### Post date: [June 19, 2023, 3:20pm UTC](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/my-summer-bike-trip-western-ny-state-suggestions-for-packing/13904/8 "2023-06-19T15:20:17Z")
I might have told y’all this one … about my bike trip in Europe and insulin supplies? It’s more of a cautionary tale. But the big takeaway for me from that trip: do not rely on any public post office service - pay the money for DHL.
This was a 6 week trip - a sabbatical. I had thought that I could get my insulin supplies replenished by sending care packages along to places I knew I would be staying. I sent one to Denmark and one to Italy about 6 weeks before the trip. Neither package made it to me in time (although both packages made it back home after being sent back by the hotels).
So I ran out of pump supplies by the last week and fortunately had some spare pens along which lasted me through the trip.
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### Author:  [@Finn](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/u/Finn)
#### Post date: [June 19, 2023, 6:59pm UTC](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/my-summer-bike-trip-western-ny-state-suggestions-for-packing/13904/9 "2023-06-19T18:59:14Z")
This is probably already on your packing list, but overpatches for Dexcoms, or plasters for keeping infusion sets and FSLs in place. The adhesive will probably wear away faster than usual if you’re getting sweaty. They take up no room at all, so might as well bring a few.
If you use Skin Tac, would a few extra wipes be useful?
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### Author:  [@bostrav59](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/u/bostrav59)
#### Post date: [June 19, 2023, 9:02pm UTC](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/my-summer-bike-trip-western-ny-state-suggestions-for-packing/13904/10 "2023-06-19T21:02:13Z")
> [@Finn](#):
>
> overpatches for Dexcom
Yes - I did not bring them last year on the Ragbrai, and that turned out to be a problem. Thanks.
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### Author:  [@CatLady](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/u/CatLady)
#### Post date: [June 19, 2023, 9:20pm UTC](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/my-summer-bike-trip-western-ny-state-suggestions-for-packing/13904/11 "2023-06-19T21:20:20Z")
I grew up in the Rochester area and learned this song in elementary school:
[ ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HcNJ2RMOd3U)
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### Author:  [@CarlosLuis](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/u/CarlosLuis)
#### Post date: [June 19, 2023, 10:24pm UTC](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/my-summer-bike-trip-western-ny-state-suggestions-for-packing/13904/12 "2023-06-19T22:24:22Z")
We sang that here in Texas
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### Author:  [@Eric](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/u/Eric)
#### Post date: [June 19, 2023, 10:38pm UTC](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/my-summer-bike-trip-western-ny-state-suggestions-for-packing/13904/13 "2023-06-19T22:38:42Z")
> [@CatLady](#):
>
> learned this song in elementary school:
Thanks for the earworm, @CatLady.
Paybacks…
[![]( " - YouTube") ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P7OFG748Ymk&t=33s)
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### Author:  [@bostrav59](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/u/bostrav59)
#### Post date: [June 20, 2023, 1:12pm UTC](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/my-summer-bike-trip-western-ny-state-suggestions-for-packing/13904/14 "2023-06-20T13:12:54Z")
> [@Eric](#):
>
> Thanks for the earworm, @CatLady.
That song has been in my mind since I registered for the ride. I’m sure it will be constantly playing in my head for the whole week of the ride.
Thanks @CatLady . I loved the pictures in your version.
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### Author:  [@CarlosLuis](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/u/CarlosLuis)
#### Post date: [June 20, 2023, 2:42pm UTC](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/my-summer-bike-trip-western-ny-state-suggestions-for-packing/13904/15 "2023-06-20T14:42:41Z")
@bostrav59 can those of us using Strava follow you on your ride. I would love to join you but am tethered close to home by family health issues.
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### Author:  [@bostrav59](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/u/bostrav59)
#### Post date: [June 20, 2023, 4:48pm UTC](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/my-summer-bike-trip-western-ny-state-suggestions-for-packing/13904/16 "2023-06-20T16:48:48Z")
Hi @CarlosLuis – sorry i didn’t get back to you on this earlier - thanks for the reminder. Short answer - yes. I’m not a big Strava user at all, but my gps does upload to Strava – you probably won’t be able to follow along as I do the ride, as I won’t be uploading then. But when I’m done I’ll get all the days up into Strava. How do I connect with you (and others?).
e
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### Author:  [@bostrav59](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/u/bostrav59)
#### Post date: [July 22, 2023, 11:12pm UTC](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/my-summer-bike-trip-western-ny-state-suggestions-for-packing/13904/17 "2023-07-22T23:12:35Z")
I am back! My bike touring for the summer officially ended today. Had a great time and, surprisingly, very good weather. Only once was I biking in the rain.
From the diabetes perspective, I think I was the only T1 diabetic on the tour, out of about 700 riders. As we all know, biking is great for managing your diabetes - you dial down your insulin consumption and have to be always conscious of going low. But you can pretty much eat whatever you want. And the food on the trip was catered by local caterers in upstate NY, and was really good every day - a fair amount of italian food for dinner which was great, and pb&j for lunch, which is something I can’t eat if I’m not exercising. I loved them.
As for packing, the most important addtion was the Dexcom overpatch, which I ended up using both for the dexcom and for the tandem catheter site. My insulin use was down about 25% which gave me an extra day per vial for tandem.
This is a very relaxed trip - with about 50 miles of cycling a day on very flat country in Western NY. It’s sort of like summer camp for adults, although there are a few kids there as well. Lots of different combinations of family. And now I know more about the Erie Canal than I ever thought possible.
I finished the Erie Canal last Sunday in Albany, and then crossed the hudson to go from Saratoga Springs to Williamstown. That was a hard day with a lot of climbing. The next day was the hardest I think - had to go up over the berkshires from Williamstown to Amherst. Here’s the most useful sign I found:
If you’ve ever followed an erroneous GPS navigation and ended up in the swamp in the middle of the woods, you’ll appreciate this warning.
@CarlosLuis I will upload the routes to Strava over the next week or so. I’ll send you a message when I do.
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### Author:  [@CarlosLuis](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/u/CarlosLuis)
#### Post date: [July 22, 2023, 11:39pm UTC](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/my-summer-bike-trip-western-ny-state-suggestions-for-packing/13904/18 "2023-07-22T23:39:02Z")
> [@bostrav59](#):
>
> I will upload the routes to Strava over the next week or so. I’ll send you a message when I do.
Thanks, BTW I got an email from Dexcom touting their over patches for summer activities.
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### Author:  [@Trying](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/u/Trying)
#### Post date: [July 23, 2023, 2:22am UTC](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/my-summer-bike-trip-western-ny-state-suggestions-for-packing/13904/19 "2023-07-23T02:22:20Z")
Wow, sounds like a great adventure. So glad weather, and air quality cooperated nicely, too.
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### Author:  [@bostrav59](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/u/bostrav59)
#### Post date: [July 23, 2023, 1:16pm UTC](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/my-summer-bike-trip-western-ny-state-suggestions-for-packing/13904/20 "2023-07-23T13:16:01Z")
> [@Trying](#):
>
> So glad weather, and air quality cooperated nicely, too.
It was a great adventure - but air quality wasn’t great for about 3 days in the hills - the forest fires in Canada sent smoke down and everything was very hazy with air quality alerts. Nevertheless, I persisted.
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