It’s been almost six weeks since my knee fracture and I’m proud/excited/cautiously-optimistic to announce my gradual return to the two wheeled mode of transport that I’ve been missing through the first part of this summer. I had my first follow up appointment with my sports medicine doctor last Thursday and the prognosis was good. After reviewing a few new x-rays, it appears that everything is healing properly and my therapy is helping to get me back on the road much sooner then I expected. Considering that the first question my doctor asked me was: “Are you back on the road yet?”, I figured that it might be time to give it a try.

As soon as my Physical Therapist put me on a stationary bike I’ve been testing myself to see how much pedalling I could do without inflicting any additional damage. Starting with short 15-20 minute casual spinning sessions and gradually building up to full speed 30-40 minute rides on the rollers, I thought I should start to venture out and start to build back some of the strength that I’ve lost throughout the healing process. I quickly discovered that I have a long way to go before I return to my previous form. On Sunday I decided to venture out for a casual 5-mile ride on the paved trail down the hill from my house. I knew that getting down the hill would be the easiest part of the outing, but I wasn’t really sure how I would fare on the way back up. The weather was perfect and there was very little traffic on the way to the trail. I know it probably sounds cheesy, but the feeling of the wind on my face was something that I really missed. The ride went very well and I really didn’t experience any trouble or any flats.

After doing a circuit of the trails I stopped into Fat Heads to celebrate my triumphant return to the road with a few beers. I had recently finished my 10th round of their “Frequent Flyer Beer Tour” which, after drinking 75 different beers (not in one day), rewards you with a Fat Heads bobble head and your name on the famous “Wall of Foam”. Instead of my name, I came up with an appropriate ride-themed message to put on my plaque*. Following a few of my favorite beers, I figured I would make my way up the hill before my legs, or knee started to give me any trouble. Although I couldn’t get out of the saddle to climb, my road bike provided me with enough gear options to stay seated and pedal back up 18th Street with little discomfort.

With the success of my Sunday ride, the next step was to start riding to work. Public transit has been testing the limits of my sanity so I was anxious to start traveling on my own schedule as soon as possible. My doctor cautioned me against jumping in too quickly and suggested that I try to keep things in a semi-controlled environment. My normal route to work doesn’t quite fit that description but using Pittsburgh’s trail system let me avoid most of the treacherous portions of the commute. Things went well on Monday but due to a new exercise routine at therapy my muscles were a bit sore on Tuesday. After taking the day off, I’m back on the bike again today. I noticed that my average speed went up from ~14mph to ~16mph this morning so I suppose I’m making some progress.

Next steps: pedaling out of the saddle. I’m not going to rush that one, but that will be the next sign towards a full recovery. Depending on how riding goes over the next month, I might try to race cyclo-cross this fall. Having a goal to shoot for certainly can’t hurt.

*Next time you’re in Fat Heads, see if you can find my latest plaque!