I like to ride my bicycle - for long distances. I have earned the California Triple Crown and finished the Furnace Creek 508. My goals include qualifying for RAAM and ...(read the blog to find out).
"The bicycle has a soul. If you are able to love it as it deserves, it will give you emotions you will never forget."
Mario Cipolini
"Nothing compares to the simple pleasure of a bike ride."
John F. Kennedy
"The important decisions in my life I make while out riding my bike."
Former Italian Prime Minister Romano Prodi
"Pain is temporary, quitting lasts forever.” Lance Armstrong
Sunday, November 08, 2009
Thursday, November 05, 2009
November, and I'm not riding my bike.
Tomorrow, I will have my first doctor visit since leaving the hospital. I am overly eager for this visit, mainly due to an unreasonable belief that my healing will be further along than it is.
Here is what I expect to happen tomorrow...
1) More x-rays. Let's see how those bones are healing.
2) Removal of the cast, an examination of the leg, and recasting. However, I really hope I go home "naked".
3) An increase in physical therapy. Healing means physical therapy, and physical therapy is work. But this should help reinforce good habits of exercise so I am looking forward to this.
4) A better idea of when I can return to work. Being at home is driving me nuts, but I can not stand the pain (pun intended).
Monday, November 02, 2009
First of all, my thanks go out to everyone who is thinking of me. Your kind thoughts really help lift my mood in this difficult time.
Now, here is what happen. A bunch of us were leaving Hillsboro to ride to Dallas and back. The weather was still cold and foggy at 7:00 am when we got on our bikes and headed out. I choose my Redline for it's cargo capacity and comfort.
Just 5.5 miles into the ride, the seven of us were coming to a stop light which was red. I was in the back, and I may not have been paying complete attention, but I did have plenty of time to unclip. But, for some reason, my right foot did not unclip! I as slowly approaching the cyclists in front of me and I realized I was in trouble. I called out a warning, something confusing, but the tone was enough and attempted to ride to the left of the cyclist in front of me. I did not make it. My front wheel hit the rear wheel and I fell to the right to the ground. I was not moving faster than two miles per hour at the time of the fall.
Now I have fallen like this many times before, but this time I knew I had broken bones. We asked if I was OK, I calmly advised that I had broken my leg. So, there I was, lying in the bike lane surrounded by concerned cyclists including my lovely wife who had the pleasure of calling 911. Almost immeditly, someone named Al ran up to us and announced that he was retired from the Tualatin Fire Department. He checked me out, asked me questions, helped my wife with the 911 folks, got some blankets out of his truck to keep me warm and supported my back as I laid on my side holding my foot. Al, thank you for all of your help!
Soon the EMTs came and I was loaded up and taken to the nearest hospital. X-Rays confirmed broken bones and soon I was in surgery. I now have a 14" rod in my leg along with several screws.
I'll be honest. Last night, the first night after the surgery, was hard. I was given morphine every two hours and I still was in pain. But, I am feeling much better now, and hope to be released tomorrow.
The future? Well, I am off of the bike for at least a month. Then, hopefully, I will be allowed to ride my trainer and progress from there. I was/am planing on riding the Davis 24 Hour Time Trial in May, but I might have to re-evaluate my plans. The good news is that I will be able to ride again, and yes, I already miss not being on the bike.
Thanks again for all of your kind thoughts. I see you on the road soon....
Sunday, November 01, 2009
