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
First Ride Since the Accident
Yes, I am back on the bike!
I did an easy ride in the Ankeny Wildlife Refuge. My lovely wife Joanne and friend Elise joined me to make sure I did not do something stupid like falling over and breaking my leg. But I rode well, not giving them any concerns. I worked hard so that I would not appear to be a wimp. Near the end, I felt good enough to do an extra hill - the Lake/Oak Drive loop.
Let me tell you that it felt very good to have cold wind in my face again, and yes, chipseal still sucks.
Posted
5:14 PM
by John Henry
Life is Good Again
Why?
Because I am allowed to ride my bicycle again!
I fell off my bicycle and broke both bones of my lower right leg on November 1, 2009. Today, my doctor gave me permission to get back on the bike. I can ride my bicycle again! To celebrate, I purchase a new helmet, a red and white Giro Ionos. I can't wait to wear it this weekend.
This three month period has been the longest time I have been off of the bike since I started riding seriously in the mid-eighties. For the first five weeks, I was not allowed to put any weight on my right leg at all. My life was mostly horizontal, and at a very slow pace. I watched a lot of TV. I slept a lot. I took pain killers.
At six weeks after the fall, I was allowed to put some, not much, weight on my leg. I was able to drive again, at least my Astro van with an automatic transmission. I also returned to work, but mostly from home and only part time. At first, working was hard. But, after the long holiday break, I managed much better.
An now today I can walk without a cane, I can ride my bicycle, and I can increase my work hours (but still, mostly from home).
I realize it will be a long recovery to get back to the fitness level I had before the injury. It will be a long time before I attempt a double century (I finished the Death Valley Double the weekend before my injury). But, now I can really start working toward my goals. Life is good again.
Wish me luck and I hope to see you on the road soon!
Posted
3:41 PM
by John Henry