Late last week I got the news I'd been waiting (and hoping) for. With the blessing of my surgeon and family doctor I was given permission to get back on my bicycle! I'll admit that I've been just as nervous as I've been excited. I was told that I could "ease back into it" by my surgeon, Dr. Salotto. My wife, who is pretty convinced that I'm incapable of easing into anything, held her breath as I clipped in for the first time in six months.
 |
| A little pre-ride celebration! My first ride since October...and I wouldn't have done it with anyone else! Thanks for coming with me, Sweetheart! -- April 9, 2017 |
I think she was surprised when I suggested a short 3 mile ride home from the middle school where I teach after we dropped my truck off for my son. As far as I'm concerned...that's "easing into it." What a feeling it was getting back on my bike. I really missed this...the sense of freedom...the wind in my face...the simple joy of riding my bike! I made that trip from school twice this week...the second time coming when I commuted home from school on Wednesday.
 |
| The best 5 miles of mountain biking ever! Mark, Glenn, and I at the Lakes. Thanks for waiting for us, Mark! -- April 11, 2017 |
The real test came on Tuesday when I met Mark and Glenn at
the Lakes for the best 5 mile mountain bike ride I've ever taken. Pulling into
the lot near the Lake Redman dam I could feel the nervousness in my stomach. An easy ride home from school is one thing...but a trail ride (even the easiest trail ride I could possibly imagine) is a whole different beast. Mark, Glenn, and I took trails 4 and 2 around
Lake Williams with no problem whatsoever.
 |
| All smiles with Glenn at the Lakes...Glenn because he had a new bike and me because I'm back on my bike. It's great to be out riding! -- April 14, 2017 |
 |
| 2B (or not, 2B). Yep...let's ride trail 2B at the Lakes. Glenn Medice & Dave Raymond -- April 14, 2017 |
Glenn and I returned to the Lakes on Friday morning for another ride. The pace was slow...but the ride was amazing. We rode the same loop the we took with Mark on Tuesday and added a little more to the mix. I was happy to be out and not in pain...and Glenn was happy to be out on his brand new carbon Epic 29er (which, he claims, will be the last bike he buys...this year!) Ultimately, we added an extra 3 miles to the 5 mile loop we did earlier in the week. It was a perfect morning to be out on the trails mountain biking...and, with each pedal stroke, I could feel my confidence growing and my nervousness dissipating.
 |
| First ride on my Roubaix. A quick 7 mile ride around Manchester, PA -- April 13, 2017 |
 |
| The view from my road ride up Starview Road. Through the blossoms on the trees you can spot Three Mile Island (on the left) and PPL Power Plant (on the right). -- April 15, 2017 |
My road bike managed to come down from the wall in the garage this week, too! Again...not many miles...but who cares. I forgot how amazing I feel, both mentally and physically, when I'm on my bike. I made it out for two road rides. On Thursday I managed to sneak in my first ride since October before my son's baseball game. It was an easy 7 miles around the industrial parks near my house. Today, I got out for an easy 10 miles...highlighted by the view of the blossoms in full bloom in the orchards overlooking Three Mile Island nuclear power plant and PPL Power Plant.
Spring is definitely taking over south central Pennsylvania...bringing with it a sense of new beginnings. I can't help but see the parallels. This Spring season I can definitely feel a sense of renewal and rejuvenation. A kind of rejuvenation that only comes from the simple joy of riding a bike. It's great to be back!
 |
| I've been allowed to ride my bike now for a week. I managed to turn my pedals 6 of those 7 days. I couldn't think of a better way to end the week than to take a bike ride to the BOBCAT CREAMERY with my wife, Robin, and my son, Alex, for one of the Creamery's amazing root beer floats. Yep...ALL TRAILS LEAD TO ICE CREAM! -- April 15, 2017 |
Life is a journey...not a destination.
David A. Raymond -- April 15, 2017
 |
| Yep...it's great to be back. Just soaking it all in at the Lakes. -- April 14, 2017 |
Here's a list of GARMIN maps and stats from a few of the rides featured in this post. I know they are short (mileage wise) but hey...I'm easing back into it!
April 11, 2017 -- Best 5 mile mountain bike ride...EVER! With Mark & Glenn at the Lakes.
Comments