I've stuck to slow motion on fire roads with the boy wonder
and doing the roadie wannabe thing these past few weeks.
Today I got the go-ahead from my Doc to ride for real once
again. He cautioned me against any big drops (not a problem
for me!) but said the shoulder should be healed at this
stage and I should "knock myself out." Kinda nice having a
sports medicine ortho doc who is also a cyclist. I was
absolutely unfocused all day at work anticipating getting
back on the trail again.
Blew out of work a bit early, cursed the traffic and broke
every speed limit on the way home. Changed and loaded the FS
on the car in less than 10 minutes and was on the way.
Weather was absolutely gorgeous (70F, sunny, no wind), and
trails were buff with just a few mudholes to ensure I got
dirty. Not sure if it was adrenaline or I'm in better shape
from all the drudgery-type workouts I've been stuck doing,
but I rode the loop faster than I ever had before -- and
this was the first real mtb ride I've had in 4 months.
It was only a quick 7.5 mile after-work spin at the local
park trails, but it brought me much joy. I think I
appreciated being on the bike more this afternoon than I
have in years. Shoulder feels pretty good too! A bit stiff
and sore (cue Sorni...), but none of the biting pain I used
to have to deal with.
Life is Good, Mountain Biking is Great.
Tom (happy to be back)