General Cycling Discussion - Thinking about biking to Blood Donation Center

Has anyone done this before?
How along you biked to the center?
What was your experience?


Any inputs are appreciated. Thanks.


H23NC,

I have given blood and rode home (3-4 mi).

1) Do not do it the first time you give blood.
2) Make sure you have no appointments after, as you may need an hour or two to recover.
3) If there is no mass transportation, bring cash for a car service just in case.

The biggest problem I can see (I have no medical backround) is that if you were in an auto accident and lost blood you would be in real trouble.

You'd have to be a real nutcase to try that. [/bad joke]

Sound advice already given: don't do it if it's your first time.

I might add that you should be in fair shape already, drink plenty of fluids and eat some snacks immediately afterwards, and take it easy on the way home.

I've done it several times with no ill effects. The last time, because my resting heart rate was so slow going in, I stopped pumping. :)

Just make sure the fluids are not alcohol! You'll be a really cheap drunk after giving blood.

Joe

Make sure you're well hydrated BEFORE going to give blood.

I've done this twice before. If you just give a bag of blood, it's not that big of deal if you eat and drink afterwards and take thirty minutes after giving. Drink at least two water bottles. Don't hammer home, just something leisurely.
The second time I gave plasma where they put your blood through some process and yank out what appears to be beer and put the red stuff back into you. This will kick your butt in a big way. Blood ok, plasma no way.

I do it. Although I typically donate in the morning and don't ride until evening. I also keep my Blood donor card next to my drivers license; I figure quickly identifying my blood type is a plus, and I've heard that in some states blood donors are considered first in line in the event of a shortage. Eat a good breakfast and stay over-hydrated up until the moment they stick in the needle.

I plan on eating lunch out on days I donate as it seems to over stimulate my appetite and make it impossible to concentrate on anything other than eating.

I consider it the ohio version of high altitude training for the next week.

Eat a BIG breakfast the day of, drink plenty of water, and be sure to be very careful cycling home. I hope you aren't small/lightweight. I've seen a girl go from standing to passed out on the floor in seconds after she donated blood and came to class.

A couple of weeks ago, my 24 year old daughter donated blood on the UC Davis campus and rode her bike home without incident.

You wouldn't want to hammer, but if you take it easy, and hydrate well, it's probably not a big deal.

I also keep my Blood donor card next to my drivers license; I figure quickly identifying my blood type is a plus, and I've heard that in some states blood donors are considered first in line in the event of a shortage.

I consider it the ohio version of high altitude training for the next week.

You would never be given blood based on anything but a type and screen test; if there weren't time for that you might be given O blood. The risk of a fatal reaction to the wrong type blood is too high to give blood based on a wallet card, or medic alert ID or your memory or even on medical records.

Yep, flat lander altitude training - that's how I do it in Central Indiana, too: Go for a bike ride within a day or two of donating.