It’s Like Riding a Bike

6 Miles.

6 slow, awkward, steady, incredibly blissful miles.

I got home from work thinking that I would spend the evening tracking down my bike stuff and ride tomorrow. After all, aside from the one-mile pre-surgery ride (which I don’t count), my last ride was September 7th, 2013. That’s eight months of sitting on the couch trying to not think about riding my bike, but not a day passed where it didn’t cross my mind. Thanks to my wife, all my cycling necessities were not too hard to find.

Why do something tomorrow when I can do it today?

I kitted up, filled up a small water bottle, and got ready to take the saddle. Even though my hip has healed a great deal, it still is sore and I had to be careful. I first clipped in on the injury side, which has been my habit, and felt a twinge of soreness. That wouldn’t work. I led with my left, the stronger leg. As I first clipped in and pushed off, I was a bit wobbly. For a moment I wondered whether I would fall, something that I haven’t done in years. I got the pedals around just enough to coast down the nearest hill, and from there, I was moving. I was back.

The plan was not to ride hard. This is all about revisiting something I love, getting a feel for it again, and testing whether I feel any pain. I started out slowly, not even looking at my speed, just focusing on my cadence and pedal stroke. I intentionally rode around quiet neighborhoods with rugged roads, just because they would keep me from opening it up. This isn’t the day for me to set any records.

Riding a bike is like riding a bike. Muscle and mental memory take over. Before I knew it, I was comfortably pedaling and keeping decent form. The hip was not bothering me, but I’ve learned not to take it for granted. I kept going slow.

What a relief it was to be back on the bike again. I wanted to capture the moment, but the neighborhood was not exactly picturesque. Instead I tried to go for a picture of me looking down at the biking. I’ll need practice with my camera work too.

My first picture taken from the bike in 8 months. Don’t worry. I’ll get better.

My doctor told me I’ll be sore after my first ride. I’m not now, but I expect it tomorrow, and I’ll give myself a couple days to recover. I am encouraged. For not being on the bike for so long, I surprisingly have a little bit of strength and fitness, which I can credit to my physical therapists.

This is probably the beginning of the end of my physical troubles. Sunny skies are ahead.