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
Returning to racing. Well the big news is tomorrow I’m lining up for my first race since last November. It’s only a low-key club crit, mind you. But it’s a race nonetheless; which makes it a significant milestone, both physical and mental. I’m under no illusions about winning or anything like that. My expectations are low. … More The long road back: Part 17
Pain & Posturing It was all going so well. Too well, perhaps. As I’ve been feeling better and better in recent weeks I’ve been ramping up my riding and working. But, naggingly, so too has the pain in my left shoulder. It’s been generally manageable with a bit of paracetamol, ibuprofen and the odd cement pill. … More The long road back: Part 16
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
