Bike Prep

My convalescence from surgery and the continued cold weather provided an ideal interlude to have my bike inspected and tuned-up. I took it to my long time favorite shop, Intown Bikes (http://www.intownbicycles.com), designated by Bicycling magazine as one of the top 50 bike shops in the United States.  Mike, the owner, and Rita, the chief mechanic, recommended a long list of repairs including replacing the rear wheel, re-tapeing the handlebars with an extra layer of gel, installing new rear cassette and chain, brake and gear cables, replacing a cracked front derailleur clamp and last, but unexpected, a full replacement of the front crank. So, along with the spare parts (spokes, tubes, tires and a chain) recommended by Chandler, the C2C mechanic, the bill came close to the cost of a new bike.

The time remaining before the tour begins did not leave enough time in my opinion to break-in and get used to a new bicycle. So, after asking to be assured that the frame remained sound I opted to have all the repairs carried out. The seat, also known as a saddle, was a bit worn but, again, I chose not to replace this item and undergo an adjustment period. Note: I may be the only rider who has not had a good experience with the all leather Brooks saddle, favored by many long distance cyclists.

Many thanks to Mike and Rita. Mike commented that he "would prepare the bike as if he were getting ready to ride across the United States." That kind of assurance is what I wanted to hear with now a little more than one month from departure.

Yahoo! Got out this afternoon (Sunday, Jan 23) for the first time since New Years Day and rode 22 miles on the Silver Comet Trail. NO discomfort from the surgery, just the usual getting used to riding again. The bike felt like a smooth rocket after the tune-up.

Good News

This afternoon I had a follow-up appointment with the surgeon who performed last week's procedure. I received good news and encouragement that I can begin light riding next week. That's two weeks ahead of schedule. Four weeks remains the limit for any hard riding. It's good to know that I can at least begin rebuilding some endurance and renew in my mind just how it feels to be on a bicycle every day.

Ouch!

Last Thursday morning I checked into the Emergency Room of nearby Piedmont Hospital to get a diagnosis of a persistent pain in the right lower abdomen. I was hoping that it was just a muscle pull from all the bike riding or worse appendicitis. My mother, wife and one daughter have each endured an appendectomy and I thought that it might just be my turn. Instead, the diagnosis was an Inguinal hernia (For details, see link: http://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/tc/inguinal-hernia-topic-overview)

I had eaten breakfast so I had to wait until 4 pm for surgery to repair the hernia and install a bit of plastic mesh. My wife brought me home where I am now slowly recovering. Although I am supposed to stay off my bike for 4 weeks I am still optimistic that I can train for 4 weeks and be ready to depart San Diego on March 8. More to follow...

Happy New Year

Just a little more than 60 days until departure from San Diego. It was quite cold (37F) yesterday morning in Atlanta but I did get out to ride with the King Biking Group. They commemorate most holidays with a 21 mile route along the North-South MARTA line from Chamblee to College Park near the ATL airport. Ken Gregor, the GM of MARTA when the train system was built, is a biking enthusiast and worked to allow bicycles on board. I chose to ride South with the group and back home on my own totaling 42 leisurely miles over 5 hours. It is raining today and the forecast is for even colder weather on Saturday. Nevertheless, I must try to ride at least some each day to prepare for the 7 weeks of riding coming up in March and April.

Best wishes for the coming year to all.