And though recovery continues, today I rode for the first time in 3 months. Nothing fancy, just 15 minutes on the trainer. Small gear, spinning, and watching a show. Broke a sweat in the cold basement because I'm too heavy and have lost all of my fitness. I was concerned that my arm and hand wouldn't cooperate and I'd have to stop. Instead...everything worked. The bike fit as it always has and after a couple of minutes, tentative, staccato pedaling smoothed into a familiar cadence and 15 minutes went by in a flash.
Euphoria.
This must be the feeling that cyclists or other athletes have when they start again after serious injury. The sensations of focus, exertion, sweating, and feeling your body react to the effort. It's invigorating, intoxicating, even better than the meds I've been on and those are excellent. :D
That was as memorable a ride as I've ever had and I've had some great ones. I feel that I'm out of the woods and if I squint, I can almost make out a light at the end of the trail. Almost. There are still a few more visits to doctors and there might be issues that crop up. It's possible. But, today I proved I can still ride. Today I proved I can still enjoy the bike. God willing, the rest of my recovery goes smoothly and as planned and by summer I'll be fitter, lighter, and enjoying the feeling of being on the bike while riding my favorite trails or commuting to work.
I'm going to see how many days I get on the bike this year. I'm aiming for 250 days, even if a ride is only 15 minutes on the trainer. I simply want to be on two wheels, get my fitness back so I can ride with my friends, feel physically whole, and once again feel connected to something that has energized me in one way or another for my entire life.
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| One of my most memorable rides of all time. |
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