Brian Twohig
My name is Brian Twohig and I am currently in beautiful Italy where I will be riding some of the most difficult stages of the professional cycling race, the Giro D’Italia! During many of the over 20 years that I have had rheumatoid arthritis, I believed that such a feat might not be possible due to my inability at times to even do simple, everyday tasks. Having been a competitive athlete and university rowing coach prior to diagnosis, it was difficult to accept that I might be forced to quit my active lifestyle. Since starting on the biologic Humira in 2003 I have been flare free. It’s been an amazing time, and since then I have gone on to cycle a demanding 1000 km stretch of the Tour de France route through the Pyrenees Mountains. My message, above all else, is that if you have a condition like RA, go seek out treatment. There are so many options available and they are improving all the time. So if you have RA, think you may have it, or are on a medication that isn’t working; demand to see a rheumatologist, and find something that works. I would love to hear your experiences with RA, as I keep you updated on my progress through the Italian Dolomites. RAcyclist
Travel Blog Posts
Cloudy Morning -----Sunny Afternoon---Oh Yeah!!!
Published: July 4th 2007Europe » Italy » Veneto » Dolomites
July 4th 2007
Today's ride, the grande finale in Italy, was to be 37 kms out from the hotel to the top of Mount Bondone ( Giro '07). The approach to the climb, 19 kms.,consisted of 10 kms. climbing and the rest flat. The 18 kms. of the Bondone I estimated between 6% - 7%. As I left the hotel under a mixture of sun & cloud I was already in a sweat. After 6kms. on Bondone it began to rain, a passing shower I thought. I got myself a place under some trees along a rock face. After 10 mins the thunder began to resound down the valley---under a tree---not good. The rain intensified and was soon joined by hail, bouncing high off the road----the thunder continued. After about 20 mins it all died down and stopped. It ... read more
July 2nd 2007
Today was to be my last ride in the big mountains ----it rained all day----it snowed on the Stelvio----I went to the Spa! You see I'm not mad! This Journey has been about awareness: The Diagnosis----The Treatment-----The Ride. THE DIAGNOSIS: These wonderful professionals from Victoria made this ride with me because before them I had trouble walking---riding a bike---forget it. Thanks:Christopher, Casper, Leeanna, & Sheila. THE TREATMENT: The many talented people of Abbott who developed my medication - Humira - , the ever friendly people at Progress (especially Jocelyne) who contact me each month to ensure the delivery of my Humira and of course those mentioned above. You too rode over those Passes with me. THE RIDE: Because I was properly diagnosed and treated I can have a normal life and follow my dreams. The message ... read more
2 Passes - Switzerland - 10+ kms. of Tunnel
Published: July 1st 2007Europe » Italy » Veneto » DolomitesJuly 1st 2007
Yesterday's ride followed the usual form - extreme apprehension - rhythm - confusion - elation. As I was leaving Livigno, the usual doubts overtook me, particularly the question of leg endurance. Could I go this untried distance. My heart rate was already about 30 bpm above what I would normally expect as I warmed up. Part way up the Forcola Pass (2315 m) the scenery took over, I forgot my nerves and my heart rate settled down. A short while later I was riding into Switzerland. Yes that was logical - it was on the map but the emotional feeling of riding over a mountain pass and into another country was quite thrilling. On the next pass Bernina (2330 m) a fellow cyclist from the Czech Republic took my picture. Thus far I've had my picture ... read more
June 28th 2007
Yesterday was 9 hrs. of winding roads until I arrived at wonderful mountainside hotel BUT I did manage to drive past it the first time--over a snowy, rainy pass and into another town where I was directed to closed down Disco Bar bearing the same name as my hotel-----oh-ooh-oooh! Took some deep breaths and was redirected the 30 km back over the pass to my hotel and a gourmet meal.Sometmes you have to wait a little longer for good things. The sun was shinning this morning and the young man at the desk suggested it would be a good day to ride the Stelvio-----sure just as simple as that. I had planned to fret about it for a few days and then go but this was like a message from above----Passo dello Stelvio was calling! ... read more
June 27th 2007
Today, my rest day, I drove to the base of Mt. Cristallo where I caught the first of two lifts to the top at an elevation of 3000 m. People with safety harnesses hooked onto cables were, under the direction of a guide, climbing further up the mountain. The rock, all very steep and jagged, only served to remind me that I have a limited tolerance for these kind of heights. The fact that it was very cold, with plenty of snow still about didn't help my sense of unease------a far cry from the 30 C of Venice. During the quiet descent I was reminded of the debt of gratitude that I owe to certain people that have played a major role in allowing me to be " able" to take this journey. Three of the ... read more
June 25th 2007
Today was another big day - 4 mountain passes reaching altitudes of 2244 m. Starting the day I was more than a little bit nervous. There have already been a number of riding suprises here and I was really apprehensive about encountering another. It's particularly more of an issue when riding alone. Regardless, I found my rhythm after leaving Covara on the first climb up to Passo Compolongo and I felt even more settled and stronger as I ascended Passo Pordoi. Before attempting Passo Sella, I stopped for lunch on the terrace of a most picturesque ristorante nestled beneath an array of raw mountain peaks. ( I have in the past put off eating only to suffer the consequences----bonking---- a situation where you lose all energy are unable to go on , an almost flu ... read more
June 23rd 2007
A rest day was a must after yesterday's big climbs. Another issue was trying to find a protien drink which I needed in order replace diminished stores( must happen within 45 mins of a prolonged effort).Today I found the protien which should enhance recovery after the next ride. I drove out today to preview some possible routes and again I was stuck by the fact that there is no easy valley riding between passes----it's all up and down ( mainly up!).Today as I got to some of the higher passes I was aware of the lean oxygen content at altitude. Another thought that occured to me as was weaving around these roads - .this is not a place for anyone who experiences motion sickness in a car.In response to a question about transportation of my ... read more
June 22nd 2007
Today was the first day of riding the big stuff deep in the Dolomites. Riding here is quite different; to begin the temperature can drop 15C or more at the summit and reading road signs and maps can also be a big challenge,also I expected a rather leisurely valley ride between the major passes --no such thing ----you climb to the "beginning" of the the climb and finally these altitudes seem to have a bit less oxygen available. Today I rode to an altitude higher than I reached using the gondola the day before. I don't want to have all this sound like a complaint, it's just that I continue to be suprised by the enormity of this region. The rides are huge but the scenery is also equally breath-taking. If you want to check ... read more
June 20th 2007
Yesterday was the toughest day yet. I took my Humira injection in the morning and I'm sure that it had coursed through my entire body by mid day. My objective was Mt. Grappa which turned out to be a 25 km. ride to an altiitude of 1740 m. ( check the photo). Each time I saw a tower ahead I thought that can't be it ----it's too far and high ---I was right many times and each time I eventually got to the point where I was looking DOWN on those high , distant towers. The the temp. at the base was 30 C and 18 at the summit. Lots of learning as I continue on this adventure. Today I'm off to Cortina and the High Dolomites ----maybe the temp. will be a little more forgiving. ... read more
June 18th 2007
Overall it was a wonderful day! July 16, 2007 I was having my doubts intially. I expected to to arrive at my take-off point into the foothills of the Dolomites in about 1/2 hr.--instead it took 1 hr. more. By this time the temp. was hovering close to 30C and the humidity was about 90. Nonetheless I got away, uphill of course, but after 5 km. the road felt rougher than I expected--I had a flat!!! I had to work hard at my Budda -like composure - maybe a holdover from all the practice I got when my RA was particularly active. I got going again and it felt great. I must admit that I had some apprehension cycling these unfamiliar roads alone, particularly since we've had some bad storms most afternoons and the clouds ... read more
Tot: 0.084s; Tpl: 0.003s; cc: 8; qc: 85; dbt: 0.0589s; 1; s:notus w:www (50.28.60.10); sld: 1; ; mem: 1.7mb
