Maiden Voyage

Sometime around January 17th, my doctor at OrthoMemphis, Dr. Jameson, told me it would be 4-5 months until I could ride my bike again. Being that he came so highly recommended, this was tough to swallow. It was like being told I wouldn't be able to watch Swamp Loggers or Deadliest Catch for 3-4 months. (Those who know me will understand). I had just spent the last 8 months busting my ass on the road. I was 205 pounds, down 40 from where I started. I was riding mid pack on the 'A' ride on Tuesdays and Thursdays and I was busting out 50-60 mile rides on the weekend. As he finished telling me the news, I saw all those things melting away like a orange Push-Up pop in the summer. I told myself it wouldn't be that long, that I would be on the road in 2-3 months. My biggest fear was the weight. I didn't want to put 20 of those 40 pounds back on. I didn't weigh myself until my cast came off. To make sure the reading would be completely accurate, I stripped naked and made sure I had handled both my morning routines (sorry, but anyone that is obsessed with weight does it also). I stepped on the scale and closed my eyes. When the beeper went off, I opened one eye. 203, I had lost 2 pounds. Now that was motivation. It was the motivation I needed to start this process with a positive attitude. It is now 4 days later and I woke to what has had to have been the most beautiful day in the past 3 months. It was time. Time to saddle up and see where I stood. I gathered my gear and threw it on. It was like sliding on a custom-made suit it felt so good. I filled my bottle and aired up the tires. Everything mechanical was ready. But was I? I threw my leg over "Denali", that's what I'm calling the new addition and headed up the driveway. I was nervous. All these thoughts came rushing over me. Would the ankle be okay, how would my legs hold up, don't let it be windy and did I remember to take the Ipod off shuffle. As I pulled out of the driveway and began my first pedal session down the street I caught myself smiling. It was just as I had remembered. In that brief moment I forgot about those previous 8 months. I was just happy to be back. I spent the next 45 minutes or so just cruising. It was perfect, except for the fact that I had forgotten to take the Ipod off shuffle. ( I like Michael Buble, but he's not a great riding partner.)

This post is dedicated to Dr. Jameson at OrthoMemphis. Not just for a fantastic surgery but for telling me 4-5 months.