It’s Just Like Riding a Bike……

I rode a bike today.  Not one of the stationary bikes at the PT clinic or gym; not one of the spin-bikes at the gym. I rode one of my bikes today.  My trusty Trek 8900 trail bike circa my Bill Longenecker days.  Even after nearly 13 years I still really like that bike. I’m sure he never would have imagined that thing would get hauled across the country and rack up several thousand more miles after he sold it to me. Back in the day it was top of the line everything and thanks to some careful attention through the years from wrench-Ernie it’s still rolling along.

BG kitted up and said he was headed out for a long ride which made my plans to go for a little walk sound feeble.  I’ve not done a 100% great job adhering to the PT regiment; I sort of pick-n-choose which things I like best. Walking isn’t going to help with what I’m not doing but riding a bike will so I dusted off my helmet and shoes and scraped the mid-winter muck off my winter commuter. I didn’t tell anyone; in part because I wasn’t sure if I’d follow-through. It took considerable time to find my clothes/gear, clean and load the bike. It felt almost strange to get things ready. Last step was to select some knee protection. I have several options; the $500 surgeon issued model, the $25, semi-supportive pharmacy model or any of a number of < $10 wraps.   I went with the middle option; pledging with myself to stay on clear roads or trails and out of (most) traffic. 

Out the door on a 63 degree overcast, yet refreshing day. Pretty aimless around town and after about 90 minutes I was done. Result: 

Time: 1:34:39

Distance: 17.43M

Rate: (yikes) 11MPH

HR: 126 ave.  First time I’ve had my HR above 116 post-op. 

This puts me 17.43 miles ahead of my competition w/a fellow cyclist for our June coke bet. I’ll be letting him know first thing in the morning. What I won’t let him know is I plan at least two more rides this week prior to my trip SW.

• Time frame of 3/15 >> 6/30
• Must be road, not indoors
• Self-measured

  While this is a Sunday I’m overdue in rolling up my big workout numbers from the last week+. Drum roll……and here’s where I landed (almost all as part of AMPS+ dog duty). It’s not a complete list, I forgot my watch a few times on transitions between homes but it’s something.
3/11: 41:48sec, 2.42M, 17:15/mile
3/12: 78:33sec, 4.54M, 17:24/mile, 110 ave hr
3/14: 38:03sec, 2.02M, 18:45/mile, 102 ave hr
3/15: 70:45sec, 4.16M, 17:00/mile, 109 ave hr
3/16: 69:16sec, 3.9M, 17:44/mile, 116 ave hr
3/19: 19:42sec, 1:09M, 18:01/mile, 107 ave hr

Acceptable as part of rehab ( I hope).