Rehab up-date. Looks like spring outside on Dec. 26.  The temperature hit 61 degrees.   Amazing that the day after Christmas it was so warm.  So I decided to increase my riding to a 15 miler.  That was an increase of 5 miles since my last ride.  A very windy 11-15 mph wind from the SSW had me riding from Goodfield to Washington.   It wasn't a total tailwind but no direct headwind, or at least that is what I thought.  Just to be sure it was a 15 miler I included extra roads to the ride.  When it was all said and done I actually travelled into the wind for about 5 miles and ended with a total of 16 miles.  I was sure I could have completed 20 but that was pretty close to what the knee would tolerate.  Amazed I am posting this level of riding given the thousands of miles I posted prior to the new knee.  But it's like I'm starting from the beginning.  The good news is there were no near misses and that's always a good thing.  More later.

Wow, 52 degrees on December 22 in central Illinois.. Feel the need for speed!! A bicycle ride to Eureka lake, a 10 mile sojourn, was calling me. Ha, you say. That shouldn't be too hard you say. That guy rides between 5,000 and 6,000 a year. What's the big deal? And yet, I was not entirely confident I could go that far because my longest ride was 5 miles since the new knee. Result....piece of cake. Not 100%, I would say about 80%, but getting closer every day.

The temperature hit 50 degrees yesterday, Friday the 13th.  After a morning therapy session, an hour and a half workout at the gym on the recumbent and upright bike, I decided to do a 5 miler outside.  Cruising along Wilmor approaching Chelsea, a car pulls out into my lane.  I was loud enough so that the car swerved to avoid hitting me and fell in behind me.  A pedestrian yelled at me "get that bike off the road".  It showed incredible stupidity on their part.  It is illegal for a bicyclist to ride on the sidewalks and I informed this individual of that fact.  I had almost forgotten how dangerous it can be to ride a bicycle in this area. but this episode reminded me of that fact.  I could have ridden further but decided to not push it.  And yes, it's not far compared to my other rides but at least it's a start.  I hope to ride a century by my birthday next September but we will see.  More updated later.

Rehab update-Physical therapy is finished.  Any more improvement will be on my own.  Currently I still do exercise to increase flexion at the gym using the recumbent and upright.  The therapist indicated I should continue my routine another 6 weeks so I do not lose what I've gained.  My last session on the upright was to be followed with a 5 mile ride outside.  However, the weather turned windy and cold so I cancelled it.  Looks like I won't be able to ride outside until the spring.  In the meantime I will continue  getting better using my trainer in the basement and the bikes at the gym.  In addition I do pool therapy once a week.  It's been 4 months and I am pleased with my progress.  Is the knee 100% healed? No, and probably will never be.  But as long as I am functional both walking and biking, I will be satisfied.  The holiday season is upon us so who knows.  I might just wander into warmer climate states and see how the biking goes.  Just so it is known, one of the people I rode with across country and on the east coast ride, Al Newman, is organizing a two week bike trip in Africa.  If my knee were up to it I would have signed up for that experience.  I have wanted to ride on the African continent for a few years and that would have been my chance.  But, alas, it was not to be.  Oh well... Updates later.