Wind vs Cyclist

Great opportunity to roll some pavement with like minded friends for a group road ride. A chance for me to explore an old favorite route. One which I haven't hit in a few years. Perfect that some friends wanted to go out for the adventure also.

Original plans were to attempt a Lake Loop. A committed route, one in which has zero bail out options. Alternate plans were to hit up Parr Reservoir Loop. One with an ample amount of route bail outs. A loop of pleasant roads and very low traffic. As the wind ripped through the DMV parking lot, blowing bikes over and whipping up sand storms. The decision for the a shorter route was a no brainier. An option welcomed by all.

Slow and steady would be the mantra of the day. As the wind constantly changed directions speed would not be the focus on the day. Staying upright on two wheels trumped that. The route would take us up Broad River road towards Hwy 34 . A rolling route that maybe had 3-4 cars pass in the 10 mile stretch. From here we doubled back on Graham rd heading South back towards Pomaria.

The stop in Pomaria was the decision making time. So the whole route or something modified? A round of hell yeahs on the modified loop it was. The wind was taking it's toll on half the group. From here we headed towards Little Mountain where some climbed the Tower and some choose not. Regrouped around Wash Lever still at a steady pace everyone was patient and stayed together. It's been a long time since I've ridden with folks who didn't have to compete with each other.

This ride made for my third ride in a row. Something that has not happened in over 6 months. I've kinda missed it. Kinda? I hope to keep this trend rolling. Verbally committing to the 6hr Grinding of the Greenway in April. Then PMBAR in May will be the big test of the Spring.

Pass the

Confidence please. My first ride back in the woods. Thanks to Monty for sparking the interest to hit the woods on Friday afternoon. The ride needed to be a chill as possible. Focusing on base and form on the bike. Take all the turns nice and slow and build that confidence back up.

Funny thing running through my thoughts as riding. The concept of rounding turns instead of cutting them close to the apex. A bit more aggressive style I'm use to. Something I'm going to have to work back to. Positive notes are the knee was feeling great. Standing or sitting my knee responded well. From here the focus will be on steady base miles. More rides planned for this weekend. Weather looks good should be fun. It sure is nice to be back on the bike.

>70%

Finally I'm back at my normal routine. After my doc told me to go "you're free to do what ever". That was Tuesday, so now unlike normal I've decided to slowly work myself back into a routine. First to get the knee back moving. So I dusted off the rollers for a few easy spins this past week. Every ride felt better than the last. Moving along to the weekend. Some iffy weather rolled into town on Saturday. Not quite up to the need to suffer, and especially not suffering in the rain. Finding the opportunity to head out. Made up a really fun loop through two neighborhoods. throw in four dirt road sections. Very low traffic and quite streets. As the Metallica pumped through the headphones, a smile smeared on my face and the legs were pumping through the hood. This was a great ride to start back with. All capped off with a slow flat tire pulling into my driveway. Oh well I guess it can't be the perfect ride to start back.

Life in the Slow Lane

Things are moving a touch slow at this time. Still down from my crash last Sunday. My knee is feeling better after a week. Fearing unseen damage I took a precautionary step and made an appointment with an Sports Med Orthopedic Doctor. Doc examined x-rays of my knee and further assured me that there was no damage that would require any extensive medical procedure.
So the outcome was a bruised tibia tuberosity (the bony knot just below the knee) & patella tendon. Treatment is a leg immobilizer for a week. This will keep the tendon from stretching during normal movement during the day. So I've been walking like a peg leg pirate for a week. Plus the on and off ice treatment. The swelling has strarted to settle and the area is that yellowish tint. So for now I have to rest and wait another week to go back to the doc. From there hopefully he'll release me to start back with some activities.