Wednesday, December 03, 2008

Ticket to Ride

Went to the orthopedist on Monday. The results of X-Rays looked good and I was released from the shackles of my “CAM Walker.” No more restrictive boot on the foot, no more leg-anchor to slow me down. I was given the green-light go-ahead to wear shoes, walk, and RIDE MY BIKE!

I awoke this morning at 4:47, 3 minutes before the alarm was set. I showered, dressed, and was out the door before 5:30. I am a far cry away from what used to be my morning routine.

A light dusting of snow had fallen over night. The temperature was around 20 degrees with a pretty stiff breeze out of the North-Northwest. Having hardly been outside for nearly 8 weeks, I second-guessed my own clothing chart and over-dressed.

I put together the new Surly last week, but it’s less than an ideal commuter. (The super-commuter is pending, just not sure how much longer I have to wait.) The fact that the Surly has no accommodation for racks is somewhat by design; it keeps me from carrying around too much weight. I missed having a dynamo powered headlight, missed not having studded tires, and missed my Brooks saddle… Yes, I did most certainly miss my Quickbeam this morning!

It felt fantastic to be on a bike. Happy to be outside, love the quiet of the early morning commute. My conditioning has much to be desired. I have little strength in the left leg and stiffness in the joint. The enjoyment of the bike outweighs the frustrations and pains of riding. I plan on breaking myself into conditioning and commuting, squeezing my rides to work and back in on the days that I don’t have physical therapy appointments. I had brought a change of clothes to work on Tuesday, so I rode in today with no load. I am going to work on carefully planning my days ahead so that I can ride relatively unencumbered until I can get back into shape.

15 comments:

Joe said...

Way to go!!!

Doug said...

Happy day indeed!

Anonymous said...

Rawk!

Congrats to ya, Ken!!

-Me

CoCargoRider said...

Congrats and good to hear you are back

Bill Connell said...

Glad to hear you're healing well, amazing what a good bike ride can do for the spirits too.

Frostbike said...

Glad to hear you're back. But take your time getting back up to speed. Slow and steady wins the race, as they say.

David Glandon said...

It is great to see you on a bike again. I lost your blog address so I was not sure where you were on your recovery. I glad I found it and happy to see you back on the saddle. Even if it isn't the Brooks Saddle. Keep Safe!

Anonymous said...

Way to go Ken, would not want you to miss out on the joys of Minnesota winter riding.

bicycletorch said...

We should celebrate by riding to the bar!!

. said...

WAH HOO! Awesome. Congrats.

brother yam said...

Hurrah! Just in time for the best season for riding!

rigtenzin said...

You are amazing. I thought you were going to tell us about riding around the block -- instead you rode all the way to work. Congratulations.

Reflector Collector said...

Thank you for the support. It does feel good to be able to ride.

It's much easier to ride during the winter when it sneaks up on you. Kind of tough to start out this time of year.

Velomann said...

Ken,

Just linked to your site through LFoaB. Regarding the ideal commuter and Surly's lack of rack mounts - have you looked at the Redline 925? (I assume from the pic you want a single speed?) I have one and it's got rear rack mounts, rear fender braze-ons on the chain stays and seat stays and good front fender clearance as well. Steel, of course. It is a joy to ride.
My 2-cents...

Reflector Collector said...

Thanks Veloman for the thoughts on the Redline. The new Surly is most certainly not intended as a replacement commuter. I'm not certain what I will really use it for other than the pure enjoyment of riding.

I eagerly anticipate the arrival of the super-commuter. I'll be excited to unleash the details as things begin to be constructed.

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