FIXIN' For a Recovery
So here's the scoop...I got some ribs racked up by a uncourteous, irate individual where I work...in a psyciatric setting. (let's face it, most of us cyclists are the same, we're just on the "outside"). So I begin the delicate balance of trying to recover. I gotta tell you, I didn't even want to harbor the thoughts of climbing aboard a steed for a spin due to the thoughts of facing the various imminent hill climbs in my area. The mere thought brought images of pain for me and contempt for the individual who brought this indescribable discomfort to my left side. I figured I would follow the doc's advice and take some time off for my body to recover. So I just did what the doctor ordered, rest.
So about two weeks go by and the pain is still sticking to me like fresh tar to my tires from these God forsaken rural barren roadways. Not that I mind the barren part...it is indeed supreme to not compete for road space. It's just these hills that keep burdening my mind and keep me from getting out there and braving the pain of the climbs...it's gonna hurt...I know it. I've given up on taking medicine for the pain and ibuprofen is starting to make my stomach flop like a blown tubular. It's time to bring out the guns and try my old fashioned alternative approach to wellness...get out there and ride. After all, what's the worse that can happen...pain? That's why we ride anyway for that strange balance of pleasure and pain...so why not get out there and rip it up.
So out comes the freshly painted Dawes, all shiny and respectful...I can see it smiling just knowing it will get a chance to sour down the road...I decide to take a gentle trip...maybe over to lake for a quiet spin...you know, take the camera...get some photos and enjoy the view all the while testing the waters to see how these ribblets will hold up to actual pressure and effort...it has been weeks since I took a deep breath and actually didn't yell out some strange twist of vularities in the effort. So out I go...up over the small incline by my home to begin the descent to the main road...holding back on the pedals to control my speed. All seems well so far but the pain is constant even before I begin. My entire left side is sore, knotted up, and TIGHT. I can just feel the muscles holding tight over that injured area.
At the lake, the weather is the usual pleasant beginning of fall, not too hot and not too cold with a gentle breeze blowing across the lake and fall colors beginning to shine bright over the waters around the lake. The water still as can be and the reflection of the forest glistening off the lake. I am just lucky to be able to have a place this nice to go for a spin.
As I thread my way down the road avoiding potholes, sparing my left side from any jarring action, I begin to relax more, more than I have in previous weeks and begin to realize I am focusing more on the surroundings and the ride itself than trying to guard myself. The ride is working! I knew it would...I should have known it weeks ago when it first happened. And as a bonus, I actually can't feel that pent up hostility that I had been feeling regarding the whole entire incident. It is working better than any therapy out there.
So, as I make my way down the roadway and just starting to pass the last of the lake, I decide to venture further on my road trip...after all, I am feeling pretty darn good. Onward I spin on that newly painted lovely iron, green and white looking so brilliant in the morning sunlight...I decide to make my way over to the Falls at Falls Creek and take some photos over there...something I have been doing each year. Making at least one photo trip over to the falls and sitting quietly, listening to the flow. On the way over to that secluded spot, I make my way up the only significant climb leading to the Falls. Surprisingly, spinning up isn't a problem and the hill doesn't dampen my spirits at all nor does it pain me in any way.
I pull up to the falls and begin the walk into the surrounding woods, the fresh smell of pine meets my nose and as I climb the moss covered rocks leading down into the valley, I can smell Sassafras from atop the trail. A few teaberries dot the wall of stone as I climb down, popping them into my mouth for that fresh taste...makes me remember how much I like teaberry gum! The falls are rushing over well thanks to the recent heavy rainfall here...and the view is spectacular. I snap off some photos from various angles while I sit on the rocks and listen to the spatter of the water on the rocks below. quiet and gracefull...just like my Dawes fixie. It reminds me of how much I enjoy those quiet and carefree fixies that I treasure so much.
It wasn't til my return trip, as I made my way up toward my home that I thought about my ribs again. The muscles had relaxed. The pain was all but gone, and the tightness was not present anymore. I felt better! The ride did for me what no therapist could do in the weeks prior. I was renewed...with a desire to keep riding again. Looks like I will be heading out for a spin tomorrow as well!