A Milestone Ride: 20 Miles!

Published on June 19, 2005 By MasonM In Blogging

I just finished what is for me a milestone in my recovery from December's car wreck. As some may already know my hip and pelvis were badly shattered and it has been some long months of recouperation and for about the past month or so I have been riding my 10 speed bicycle to help strengthen the affected hip.

When I first started trying to ride it was extremely painful and I was doing well to ride about a mile. Well today I took a ride in the country. I picked a destination exactly 10 miles from my house, that just happens to be a bike shop

.

I filled my water bottle (mental note: next time remember ICE), checked my tire inflation, and set out. While the Florida sun was beating down as it is want to do, the 10 miles to the bike shop were pretty pleasant. That was the single longest ride I had done so far and I was only half way on the round trip.

The bike shop was closed, but I spent a few minutes peeking through the windows while I sipped down water which by then was pretty hot, and resting a bit. I then set out for the return leg of the trip.

I made it about 5 miles before I started to get really tired and feeling really hot. I spotted a shade tree near the road and stopped to rest underneath it for about 15 minutes before setting out again. I rode the remaining 5 miles to home.

I'm pooped. But it feels great. I've accomplished a milestone in my recovery, a 20 mile ride. I did have to stop and rest twice, once at the half way point, and once at the 3/4 point, but it's still the longest ride I've done to date.

Waaaa Hoooo!

Comments (Page 1)

Shovelheat

on Jun 19, 2005

May I recommend this ride that's in my neck of the woods? Link

I think you could do it hands down!

Manopeace

on Jun 19, 2005

Good for you! The rides will get longer and the time to get to the destination will get shorter. You're doing great Mason...keep it up!

MasonM

on Jun 19, 2005

yeah I'm familiar with the Hotter N Hell ride. I'll have to pass, at least for now.

I'm hoping I can be in shape enough for a century ride some time next year, but ummmm, maybe not THAT one.

MasonM

on Jun 19, 2005

Thanks Mano.

I finally feel like I'm making some real progress in my recovery.

Manopeace

on Jun 19, 2005

Mason..be real careful not to get dehydrated.... that can set back the healing process.. What we do here in the desert is freeze a bottle of water and take along another one of almost frozen water... by the time the first one is finished the second one is thawed out but still cold.

Manopeace

on Jun 19, 2005

Manopeace

on Jun 19, 2005

double posts are good

MasonM

on Jun 19, 2005

LOL Mano. Yeah actually what we normally do here is freeze a half full bottle and top it off with water before setting out. I had forgotten to freeze it from the last time I used it.

If going out for a long trip that requires more than a single bottle of water I have a Platypus hydration bladder. I fill it with ice and water, strap it to my back, and can get drinks from the hose while riding. It's pretty convenient, holds about 3 liters, but is heavy when filled so I don't use it on shorter trips.

Manopeace

on Jun 19, 2005

Dr Guy

on Jun 19, 2005

All Right! Damn, I have not done a 20 since about 20 years ago! It is great to read of your progress and even better to see your attitude changing!

And yes, the ice! We are not as far south, but from April to October, we freeze the water bottles and by the time we want some, it is still ice cold! I learned that from a friend as well.

MasonM

on Jun 19, 2005

Thanks Dr Guy, making visible progress does help the attitude.

Honestly, that's the first 20 miler I've done in about 5 or 6 years. It would be a LOT easier with a good bike. Once I finally get to working and making a paycheck, that's at the top of my priority list.

My poor old bike wasn't exactly top of the line when it was new, but now it's in pretty sad shape with the gears pretty badly worn down. Ah well,for now it's better than nothing I suppose.

dharmagrl

on Jun 19, 2005

That's excellent, Mason. I remember a time when you were proud of yourself for making it out to the porch to sit, and here you are riding 20 miles!

^^5 for you!

Moderateman

on Jun 19, 2005

all right!!! 3 atta boys and 2 way to goes!!!

MasonM

on Jun 19, 2005

I remember a time when you were proud of yourself for making it out to the porch to sit, and here you are riding 20 miles!

Yeah I guess the scale does slide as I go. Thanks Dharma.

Thanks MM. I'm pretty happy about it right now. Not sure how I'll feel about it tomorrow morning when the muscles are all stiffened up.

Dr Guy

on Jun 19, 2005

Seems that you are doing great with that one! But keep on truckin! I have a schwinn. I dont think you want that one! but it got me from here to there!

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