6 Days Later

Well, hadn't expected this but you know, it is what it is.  I wasn't able to get on the bike for six days after my crash.  But I did get back on and I'm making progress towards getting back to form and ready for the LT 100 Race. 

Friday was my first ride and it challenged my tolerance for discomfort.  I believe every muscle in my right leg (the one I tore up in my crash) spasmed or cramped on my first ride.  My lower back introduced me to muscles and areas that I had never known before, as well.  And my right arm was a bit reluctant to relax when my hand was on the bars.  At about 6 miles I was already thinking things would either begin to loosen up or I was going to be calling for a ride home.  I chose to expect the better of the two.  Well, at the turn-around, I was starting to question my decision but the good thing was that I was on my way home as opposed to being on my way out.  So hey, it obviously didn't hurt me too bad as I rolled into the driveway with 27 miles and a 17.3 average speed.  I wont go into the remainder of the night as I peeled a layer of skin from my hip or that I got up from the dinner table and could hardly walk...shew!

Saturday was a pretty hot day.  I set out for whatever I could get and felt pretty good that I managed just over 31 miles and my average speed stayed up as well.  Although, I was very sore and stiff during the ride.  I just kept telling myself that it will get better.

And then today.  Woo-hoo!  I rode the "Tour de Corn" sponsored by Wheel Fast Cycling in Chatham.  Before I talk about the ride, let me give my gratitude and praise to the volunteers from Wheel Fast and the Chatham Jaycees who supported the ride.  You guys were awesome and put together a class act of a ride.  Thank you! 

So, I headed out on the ride with my son, Alec, planning on riding the 62 miles with me.  Additionally, Gary Wilmarth and Todd Trautvetter were there and rode the 31 mile loop.  How awesome, huh?  Check out our picture...from left, Gary, Alec, me, and Todd. 

The course set out for us was pretty cool...not temp wise, though!  Temps were actually in the 90's with 100+ percent humidity.  Okay, no surprise, it's July in Illinois.  The ride went well, had a few moments when the hip gave me a fit but when it was all said and done, it was a good ride.  Met some great folks out on the course and enjoyed keeping company with them as we all enjoyed the radiating heat from the country roads and the warm winds out of the South...just added to the pleasure!  Ha-Ha!

So, I finished back at the house with 69.5 miles on the day and feeling pretty good.  Still pulling layers off of the hip but I'll deal with that as long as I keep improving on the bike.

We have over 1400 hits on the Blog thus far and five countries represented.  Hope to find out soon about how we are doing in raising funds for Kailey's Krew.  We'll give everyone an update as soon as we know.

The upcoming week will include riding Monday, Tuesday, and possibly Wednesday.  We hit the road first thing Thursday morning for Lake of the Ozarks where I'll get some great saddle time with some good climbs and terrain challenges.

Until my next post, dig deep, get back up, feel the burn, and love the ride because you can still ride!

TNT OUT-