Happy anniversary. Today marks the one-year anniversary of the worst crash of my cycling life over in California, resulting in major shoulder surgery, plenty of titanium and more painkillers in a year than I’ve taken in the rest of my life combined. The first few months of rehab were pretty rough, a crazy ride in … More The long road back: Part 20
Descent into the unknown I’ve been back riding for several months now, even racing a bit. Things have been going pretty well of late, but today it was time to face one of the last remaining mental barriers in my recovery: high-speed descending. In other words, the very thing that got me into this whole mess … More The long road back: Part 19
The race between the ears. Things continue to progress very slowly. Every day the shoulder gets a little stronger, and every couple of weeks the weights I’m doing get just that little heavier. But there’s still plenty of lingering stiffness and discomfort, especially whenever I skip doing my daily exercises and/or stretching routine. WORD OF … More The long road back: Part 18
On the road again. Almost three months to the day since my crash in early December, I ventured out for the very first time this morning. Yes mum, on my bike. Technically I still have about 10 days until I hit the magic 12-week post surgery mark, at which time I’ve been told the union … More The long road back: Part 14
Getting physical Dragged myself out of bed early the other day and caught up for a post-ride coffee with my usual Wednesday bunchies for the first time since the crash. It was great to see so many familiar faces again, even if I’m still a long way from riding with them. It was also good … More The long road back: Part 12
Stretching the elastic I’m very fortunate to have good mate who’s a great cyclist. And an even greater physio. I won’t name or embarrass him, but if you know me, chances are you’ll know him. And he’s good. In fact, after only one consultation I can vouch he’s bloody brilliant. No nonsense and straight shooting … More The long road back: Part 11
Fling that sling And with that, ladies and gentlemen, the sling is gone. I saw my Orthopod on Monday and, amongst many other conversations, he revealed he was quite happy for me to stop wearing it, effective immediately. Other things revealed include the slightly unfortunate positioning of the solitary 50mm screw in my coracoid process (apparently … More The long road back: Part 10
Part 8: One lump or two? The good news is things are definitely improving. The bad news is this is making life even more frustrating at the moment. It’s exactly one month since my operation today, and as long as I sit perfectly still on my lounge room sofa – a place I’m spending the bulk … More The long road back: Part 8
Part 4: The grind begins. Right then. I’m bored, bored, bored. And I hate it. I’ve been on a few short café-related outings recently in an attempt to feel normal again, and to a degree they have helped lift my spirits – especially yesterday when I caught up with a dozen or so of my … More The long road back: Part 4
Smells like New Year’s Eve OMFG. I walked into a doorway with my bad shoulder yesterday. Nearly passed out. That’s the danger of starting to feel better. You get careless. Will really have to watch that. One week has passed since the op so headed off for x-rays yesterday. It was the first formal milestone in … More The long road back: Part 3
