jeneralist 

If I'm trying to "spin" things to keep my own spirits up, I tell myself that this has been a "rebuilding" year. A more objective observer might say that this is the Year Without Riding.

I've already posted, once or twice, about my knees going on strike around New Year's. Standing, sitting, climbing stairs, going down stairs -- anything that needs bent knees with a workload -- has been rough, to the point of climbing up stairs on all fours. Of course, that's the same sort of effort needed to pedal a bike against resistance.

I've seen lots of doctors, and had lots of tests. At this point, I'm taking lots of medications, too, including ones that cause weight gain. I'm pleased that between meds and the lack of exercise, I'm only up about ten pounds. But those ten pounds took me past that Big Round Number with a "2" in the front and an "00!" in the back.

But I'm starting to feel better. Not all the way better, maybe not even a lot better, but enough that I can walk most of a mile without a problem more days than not. So this week, I decided that yes, it was that important to me to be able to ride -- even if "riding" isn't what it used to be.

So I've got an e-bike now. I picked one that has a lot of ooomph for going up hills; I live in a section of town that's famous the steep ascent from the river to the top of the ridge ("The Manayunk Wall"), and I need to climb that hill for about half of the commuting I used to do on the bike.


So of course, on my first day with the new bike, I tried to get up the hill. I didn't pick the steepest way out of the neighborhood; I went with the more gentle but longer slope I'm used to pedaling on my own. With the boost from my new bike, I went up it easily, with no complaints from my knees. So far, so good...

... until I got to the top of the hill, turned, and started riding along the level road. I stopped for a stop light, and while I was waiting for the green, I thought that this would be a good use of the "throttle" rather than the "pedal assist". Why put my knees under the stress of starting a fairly heavy bike from a complete stop? The light turned green, I pressed the throttle ...

... and generated enough oomph that the front tire lifted clear off the ground. Lifted three or four feet off the ground, in fact, with me sliding backwards until I fell off. I can only imagine what the folks in the nearby cars must have thought at the sight of a grey-haired Theena popping a wheeling and then mis-managing it.

Took a little paint off the rear fender, put a little knot in my shoulders, but otherwise none the worse for wear.

Today's soundtrack: "On the Road Again." (Some days, more literally ON the road than others.)

Beachgrad05

Welcome back to riding! I want to add an e-bike to my stable if I get a bit closer to work so I can commute and get exercise with a bit less sweat

10 Wheels

Good ride report.

Rest up for the next ride.

Neat pic.

Black wallnut 

Welcome back. Happy to hear you are improving.

jethro56 

I've had to start all over because of a broken heel. Even though I'm a couple months ahead of the surgeon's predictions, I still feel like I'm not progressing fast enough. At least I know what's wrong and rarely need pain killers. I do remember the joy of that first ride after 10 months being off the bike. I'm glad I didn't fall as I also remember being scared.

longbeachgary

Glad you're OK. No more wheelies from now on please.

nfmisso

Take care of yourself.

I had both of my knees totally replaced this spring (Feb and May); and am back to 8 miles a day (almost totally flat); working slowly back to 24 miles per day (12 miles morning commute, 12 miles afternoon home). In the mean time, I am fortunate to have light rail in the middle.

Joint pain: this may or may not work for you, works for me: ginger, turmeric, and glucosamine - available at pharmacies and online. And some ibuprofen to keep the swelling in check.

My surgeon and I are a big believer in greek style yogurt, Chobani specifically, because the typical North American diet does not provide adequate calcium for bone growth and recovery. Two a day normally, five a day leading up to and after the surgeries.

indyfabz

Did I see you dancing on a bridge and smooching some well-dressed gentleman last Saturday night?

jeneralist 

Indeed you did! I managed to dance for three or four songs before my knees let me know I'd had enough.

indyfabz

Can you believe the line for drinks? A couple in our group waited in line almost 25 minutes.