Tuesday

December 28, 2010

Destin, Fl

Well, let me apologize for not getting back to you sooner. My last day on the bike was last Wednesday. I injured my Achilles tendon to the point where just walking was a challenge. So, the completion of the trip was postponed.

The last biking day started out ordinary. Cool start but it was suppose to warm up into the 70's. The road was about as plain as possible, straight and flat. No houses, no towns, no anything. One of the problems with a non-wavering road is that if the wind is blowing right at you that the road usually gives you some respite. But the road never changed and neither did the wind. Easily a 25 MPH headwind. It finally started to rain for two hours (by the way, the weatherman said 0% chance of rain...be nice to have a job where you only have to be right 30% of the time). Usually, the wind stops while raining. Not today. I got both. Good part was when the rain stopped, so did the wind. I was sometimes going less than 9 MPH. UGH!!! Consequently, I pedaled for 7 1/2 hours instead of only 4 hours. I had swapped sore legs for a sore butt to feeling really good to not being able to walk. This is a tribute to training properly (which I had not). I had not had any problems even close like this in the previous 3 rides combined.

After multiple applications of ice and massage, the swelling, crepitus and decrease range-of-motion was all vastly improved. So, in my hardheadedness way, I got prepared the next morning to do battle for 2nd longest day (86 miles). After testing the Achilles for a spin of a minor 5 miles, I conceded to my injury.

Fortunately, my bride, Sandy (and crew), were going to be on the road and passing (not really) right by me. So with a minor detour on their part, I jumped in the car on Friday (I 'got' to stay in the hotel (major exaggeration) room and watch TV for 36 hours straight...YEAH!!!).

At this writing, I am still unable to ride the bike. The ankle is better but not right. Nothing permanent. Just needs a little more time and patience.

My mind is already on to the next ride, now it's time to get the body back in shape.

Until the next ride, keep the rubber on the road.

All is well.

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