Hey all!

I was a better sport about being off the bike during the winter months. These beautiful sunny (and now cool) days make it very hard to be sidelined even if I know full well that I’m not able to get out. Rodrigo just stopped by and reminded me to check the 5Count blog. Boy, that was great and sad all at the same time.

News over here:

The IVC filter was removed yesterday in an out patient procedure at Shands. It took most of the day and added another scar to my neck but it’s one less medical device in my life. That’s good stuff!

The walker is officially gathering dust in a corner; I am walking independently 100% of the time.

I started driving!!

In an ironic twist of fate, part of my rehab is cycling on a recumbent stationary bike. I’m up to 20 mins. Hmmmm, don’t think I’ll be doing any Centuries this year. However, 20 mins is a big deal given that it took me almost 3 months to get enough range of motion to turn the cranks even once. I should be graduating to an upright stationary bike in the next few weeks. The difference is, of course, the hip angle. There is lies the current challenge of my recovery as the left hip/leg are still problematic and painful. I’ve seen some great improvements in my right shoulder and back though. No tailwind or draft on this road….. I figure I’m at mile 65 on the toughest Century of my life.

I’ve had quite a few of you ask if I really am serious about coming off the bike or if I’ll change my mind. Well, I always reserve the right to change my mind! All I can say is “we’ll see”. I have a hard time imagining myself committing to the 6 day a week schedule I kept for years. I also have a hard time imagining myself just being recreational about the sport. Time will tell.

In the meantime, I haven’t had the guts to start sorting through my bike stuff. I’ve got the excuse that I’m still not really strong enough to do it alone – hey, like I said – “its an excuse” – but there’s the plain fact that I just find it hard to do. On the other hand – without sorting through my cache, I can safely say that I’ve got a total of 6 BRAND NEW NEVER USED Michelen pro tires (4 black on black and 2 black on yellow) for sale. They are all still in the package. I’ll sell them for $25 each. They usually retail between $45-55. I also have about 10 sets of lightly used tires – mostly Michelens which would be good for training rides. I’ll sell those for $5 a pair. I’ve got some wheels, cassettes, cranks, helmets that I’ll put online in the next few weeks. So, yes, I’ll be keeping a lot of stuff for myself – just in case – but you’ll see some good quality equipment available as I can.

Thanks to everyone who is staying in touch, encouraging me to get better and a special thanks to those of you who are still coming by to give me a hand when needed!

Keep the rubber side down!

Vicki