When Jason Gunther was 18 years old, he told by doctors that he should give up the sport he loved most.
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Jason’s diagnosis with type 1 diabetes, and the associated risk of hypoglycaemia, meant he could no longer race motorbikes.
Now aged 42, and aided by recent improvements diabetes management, the Cessnock man is back on the bike and ready to tackle one of Australia’s toughest endurance events – the Finke Desert Race.
The off-road, multi-terrain two-day race will depart Alice Springs on Sunday, travelling through desert country to the small Aputula (Finke) community, where the riders camp overnight, and back to Alice Springs the next day – a gruelling, 452-kilometre journey.
Jason said competing in the Finke Desert Race has been a long-time dream of his, and with proper management and advances including insulin pump therapy, compact glucose monitors and the support of family and friends, he has regained his confidence to ride dirt bikes again.
He committed to the event about 12 months ago, and set a goal to lose 15 kilograms and gain perfect blood sugar control in preparation for the race.
He trained at Genesis gym three-to-four days a week, and took to local bush tracks in his spare time, between working rotating shift work as a operator-maintainer in the wash plant at Mount Thorley Warkworth mine.
He rode in enduro events to “get back into the groove”, and said regaining the joy of riding competitively and socially has had a positive influence on his physical and mental health.
Another of his goals for taking part in the Finke race is to raise awareness for type 1 diabetes – which has no cure and cannot be prevented (unlike type 2, which is lifestyle-related).
“I wanted to take on a challenge that’s pretty big and inspire others,” he said.
“Having diabetes can be very challenging, it has its pitfalls.”
Jason will wear a vest with spare insulin, glucose monitor and sugar tablets, muesli bars and hydration bladders throughout the race.
He thanked Diabetes NSW & ACT for providing resources and support for people with diabetes.
Jason’s brother Paul is co-driving with Cessnock’s Phil Lovett in the race, and a group of their mates have made the trip to Alice Springs to cheer them on.
“The experience itself will be worthwhile,” Jason said.
“I’m just hoping to finish it – I know I’m fit and healthy enough to ride it – whatever else comes will be a bonus.”
“I’ve put my hand up and put the effort in, now we’ll just see how we go.
“It will be an adventure, I’m really looking forward to it.
“I’ve always wanted to do it, but I never thought I’d get there.
“I wouldn’t be able to do it without perfect sugar control.”
Follow Jason’s journey on Facebook at Type 1 Diabetic Dirtbiker.
