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)