Back, Again.
I want to write so many things, but I haven’t had much time. I’ve been too busy riding my bike.
Last Thursday I went for what was hopefully my last visit to the orthopedist. They said my x-rays were good, and that my current strength and flexibility make physical therapy. The best thing to do, they said, is to ride my bike and strengthen my quad. It was the best possible news. After work I stripped parts from my three incomplete bikes to assemble a single functioning ride.
My knee gives me no trouble at all when riding, but I can feel it get a little stressed when standing or climbing, so I’m sticking to the flats for now. Yesterday morning I rode my preferred loop through the park, about 15 miles round trip. Familiar sensations assaulted me. The way legs can loosen up, the feeling extending from the hip and wrapping around the thigh and calf like long warm fingers. The sound of my tires, the hiss of a well oiled chain, the I missed it.
Last night I rode to Brad’s house, a trip that would otherwise require a bus or car, and was re-initiated into the bike gang. I watched Quinn finish building his polo fixe, and applied generous leather treatment to my new saddle. Along with Ryan, the four of us rode to dinner, and the entire time I felt as though a great weight had been lifted from me.