I need to post a tribute to one of my best friends for over 60...yes 60 years. Met Fred Hampton when I was in second grade. He and his family moved into our neighborhood. Being the same age and in the same school we became good friends and remained friends though out our school days. His family treated me like one of their own and it was greatly appreciated. Fred had the nicest bicycle in the neighborhood, a Schwinn with knee action, and would often ride me on his handlebars. After high school he went to college and eventually joined the Navy while I attended college. We stayed in close contact during that time. After his service he married the lovely Sue. His brother was best man and I ushered at the ceremony. The following week I married the lovely Veronica. Fred was best man at that ceremony. By and by both he and I had two boys approximately the same age. 

     As the years passed, Fred moved to Florida and started a business....Gator Glass. We remained in close contact and visited them on a regular basis. They were gracious hosts and each family looked forward to the visits. Fast forward  to the fall of 2014. Fred and Sue were in Champaign and we attended a U of I football game with them. At the tailgate party, prior to the game, Fred mentioned he was riding his recumbent bike quite a bit. I mentioned, somewhat jokingly, that we should bike from Key Largo to Key West....a hundred miles....over two days. Our wives would be our support crew. Much to my surprise he agreed. So, at the end of January 2015 we completed that ride and a good time was had by all. While Fred had never ridden that distance he did a great job and finished EFI….Every Foot and Inch. 

     Then in 2019 Fred mentioned his boys thought they would like to do that same ride. I guess I horned in and said it would be great if I were invited to join them. Of course, he agreed. In April of 2019 Fred, Aaron, Justin and I, along with two lovely support staff, Sue and Veronica, biked from Key Largo to Key West over two days. It was quite an adventure but at the end of day two we reached our destination. Mission accomplished. Along the way there were signs of Fred’s confusion but I thought it was nothing to be concerned about. Without going into much detail, Fred was taken from us last Sunday from an illness that is affecting more and more people of our generation ….dementia. Let it be known that Fred was one outstanding individual, loving parent, grandparent, sibling and as good a friend as one could hope for. Prayers to his family. We hope to continue to be part of their lives in the future. His good nature, positive disposition and overall kindness will be missed. We need more people like him on this earth Rest in Peace my friend.

 

 Second day of riding my bicycle around Tazewell/Woodford county; a rare occurrence at this time of year. On my regular route my bovine buddies were basking in the sunshine as I rode past. As usual they gave me the "stink eye" knowing at some point they would be on my dinner plate. As this is the Christmas season I could hear them moooing in unison that great bovine Christmas Carol......."Eat More Poultry" to the tune of Silent Night. You will notice they have no concern with Covid as they are anti-maskers, do not practice social distancing and rarely wash their hooves. And yes, I am spending to much alone time on the bike

 

Getting in the last of the season's outdoor rides.  Rode 110 miles over a two day weekend.  Another 70 miler to Ottawa on Thursday followed by a 40 miler on Friday.  Weather was favorable as the wind was a brisk 20 mph with gusts to 40 from the SSW.  The temperature neared 70 degrees and the forecast  for the next few weeks prohibits much outside biking.   Obviously Ottawa is NNE from Washington so it was a nice tailwind most of the way.  Crosswinds from Magnolia to Streator were interesting but doable.  Reaching Ottawa I was very tempted to complete a century.  Riding along rt. 71 into Yorkville would have been right at a 100 miles.  Forgetting the time change, it would have been dark if I traversed that distance and it is a very busy road with not much of a shoulder.  I suspect that was my last opportunity to complete a century before the end of the year but nevertheless, I am pleased with my progress.  Friday's ride was shortened because of wind and rain so after 25 miles I rode home and put the bike on my trainer to complete the 40 miles.  All in all a good week of biking.  Stay tuned

 

50 mile bike ride to Spring Valley. Love the water tower. Don't see many like that anymore. Also, bringing back the tank to protect my property from the coming chaos

                                                Not quite the incline, but it seemed like it.
 

A tale of two rides.   Last week as the wind blew from the SSW at between 15-20 mph I decided to layer up and ride 50 miles to Spring Valley Il.  It's a straight ride down rt. 89.  The only shoulder wide enough to bike safely is about a 6 mile stretch between Casinova and Washburn.  The good news is it is less traveled than route 150 from Goodfield to LeRoy.  Hence, I felt comfortable with that road.  I could have taken all county roads but it increases the mileage and parts are gravel with oil/chip.  Not the conditions I prefer. Low 60's was my starting temperature.  But as the day continued the temperature rose to mid 80's,  While I removed my jacket, I still had three more layers to contend with.  After the 48 mile mark, I was starting to feel the effect of the distance and heat.  To add to the situation a road sign showing a truck on an incline meant that a severe downhill was ahead.  As a cyclist, we all know for every downhill, there is an equal and severe uphill.  Coming over the ridge and on the downhill slope I could see what looked like a straight uphill ahead.  It was the bridge that crossed the Illinois river at that point.  At the bottom of the slope sat the Lovely Veronica sitting with the van that would take us home.  I stopped and had to decide whether to hop in the van and eschew the climb over the bridge or use what little energy I had left and climb.  In the past there would have been no decision....climb baby climb.   But being older and wiser,  I hopped into the van and rode home.  However, as I related this to friends they all were surprised at my decision.  And, it bugged me.  

Today the wind was a brisk southerly wind at 15-20 gusting to 30 mph.  Riding north to Magnolia would have given me a respectable 35 mile ride, so that was the plan.  The temperature was mid 50's thus heat would not be a problem in terms of sapping my energy.  Upon reaching Magnolia the Lovely Veronica awaited with the SAG back to Washington.  Realizing I have plenty of energy to continue I decided to ride to Spring Valley to complete a 50 miler.  At the 48 mile mark I again realized the severe climb awaited me.  In the past, I have climbed paths with higher grades but none since my tkr.  I decided to attack it full on.  Low and behold, it had a very wide shoulder so that a biker could ride safely across.  And, the climb was not as severe as I had imagined it.  Another two smaller climbs followed but they were both quite reasonable.  Climbing the third hill I saw the Lovely Veronica on the opposite side of the road so I decided that "mission accomplished".  Lesson learned.  Accept the challenges and do not equivocate. That has been my "modus operendi" for quite some time.  Now is not the time to stop that attitude.  Looks like there will be more outside biking in the coming weeks. 

                                                     At Washington Park in Ottawa Il.
  

This was a most interesting week of bike riding in central Illinois.  It has been very windy all week but I still felt the need to ride outside.  Wednesday, with the wind blowing at 20-25 mph from the south I decided to ride north to Streator, a 55 miler.  The first 30 to Magnolia was a "breeze".  Pun intended.  But the next 20 to Streator was due east.  So, I had a severe crosswind for that 20 mile trek.  It was a battle and all I could think of was the Dalhart section of my cross country ride.  After arriving in Streator, I decided to reward my effort by riding north to Ottawa, another 18 miles.  So, another 70 miler.  Then, on Friday I decided to do my regular circuit around Tazewell/Woodford county.  I planned on a 40 miler but as I began I realized that may be a mistake.  The wind was from the wind at a blistery 20 mph.  As it turned out I shortened my distance to 25 miles and riding into the wind was brutal.  But it looks like my knee is holding up well but I don't think I will be doing any riding outside when the wind is that brisk.  All in all a interesting week of biking.

 

Got my route to Glen Ellyn figured our.  Unfortunately after I get past Ottawa the roads are crowed with traffic.  There are numerous roads but it looks like they are all pretty crowded.  I will use sidewalks and bike paths as much as possible.  Hopefully, the motorists will give me my space but we will see.  On another note, I am amazed that the primary road from Ottawa to Oswego, route 71, has a nice shoulder but for some reason they put "rumble strips" right in the middle.  That means I will use the road.  I know it pisses off motorists when a cyclist doesn't use the shoulder but other than finding another route I can't ride the narrow part of the shoulder between the rumble strips and edge of the shoulder.  Oh well, it is what it is.  I'm currently getting about 150 miles outside per week and the rest of the time I'm on my trainer.  And for the first time I was able to clip my right side for the first time since the tkr.  Can't wait for this pandemic thing to get over so I can return to my rides where I stay at hotels.  We aren't comfortable doing that at this time.  I still think I can get a century in before the cold weather sets in but we will see.  Enough for now.  Stay tuned.

 

An update on my new knee. Many people have inquired as to how I'm doing with my new knee. After a year of rehabbing I decided to put it to a max test today. I rode my bicycle from Washington Il. to Ottawa Il a total of 70 miles, After factoring in all the variables of favorable wind, road conditions, shoulder width and amount of traffic I actually rode.......70 miles. While in previous year that would not have been exceptional I was quite pleased that I rode close to my age. Some have wondered why not a century.  I think that will come later this fall but I felt pretty good after the 70 and felt I could have completed another 30. But for now I am pleased.  Looking for the perfect weather day for my century.  Stay tuned

 

 Okay, the time is near.  I have plotted out a biking route from my house in Washington to my sons house in Glen Ellyn, Il.  It is about 140 miles and will be over 2 days. Day one takes me from home north to Ottawa Il.  Route 89 to Magnolia about 32 miles.  I will follow back roads to Rt. 18 into Streator which is another 20 miles.  From there it will be Rt. 23 into Ottawa which connects with Rt 71.  This 20 mile stretch which will end my first days journey.   Now the real decision.  Do I ride home in the SAG or stay the night at a hotel and set out the next morning?  At this time I have not decided but with the Covid still very prevalent, the safest option would be to come back the next day to finish the ride.  Day two starts on route 71 but I need to take a diversion before I hit route 47.  There is a significant construction zone that I do not feel comfortable riding through and I have found a path that can circumvent that obstruction.  Eventually I will return to 71 until I hit Wolfs Crossing Rd.  I follow that to Eola road north.  My next turn will be a right turn at Ferry road.   I continue until I hit Naperville road.  A right at S Blanchard will take me into Glen Ellyn where I will zig/zag to finally arrive at the my sons house.  Day two ride will be near 70 miles and that will determine if I have recovered and trained enough to do more distance riding.  Later. 

 

Knee update-It's about as good as it's going to get so my riding now is to built up endurance for distance rides.  After my 35-40 mile rides I feel pretty good.  Good enough, in fact, that I have determined I will ride from my house in Washington to my son's house in Glen Ellyn, close to 140 miles.  It will be a two day event of about 70 miles per day.  Ronni and I drove the route last week.  That was a good thing as I could record distances between towns and turns.  Also, checking road conditions favorable to biking and where construction sites that need detours was a huge reason for the road trip.  It begins in Washington to Magnolia along route 89 for 30 miles then turning east to Streator another 20. At that point I turn North for another 20 miles and end day one in Ottawa. The following day take route 71 to Yorkville.  Before driving the route I would have taken 71 to route 34 but a huge construction zone obstructs that path.  Therefore, I will divert around by using by going north on route 47 through Yorkville where I will then  connect with route 34.  Route 34 turns into Ogden Ave. which is a road with fairly heavy traffic.  That intersects with Naperville road which takes me to Wheaton.  From there it's city roads to Glen Ellyn.  I have not recorded distances for day 2 but will before I do the ride.  From that I will determine my physical ability to continue doing distances and ultimately the century to Champaign.  Now I need to get two days of favorable weather for the plan to go into effect. That's the plan so stay tuned for updates.

 

                                                      This is my choice route of the day

O

                                                Obviously not riding this

                                                       Not riding this.....gravel

                                                           three amigos

Biking conditioning getting better.  I currently have 1,500 miles since March.  Not as many as I normally ride but not bad.  I just finished a ride to Downs which is at the 45 mile distance. I wanted finish in LeRoy for 55 miles but I  only planned riding to Bloomington at 40 miles.  I felt so good and ahead of time so I extended another 5 miles.  I felt it would have been a great day to ride to Champaign, my first century since the new knee. but time did not permit this.  Last week, in celebration of our 50th wedding anniversary, the kids came home for the weekend.  I convinced Eric and his girlfriend Ester to ride to Eureka, do a small lunch, and ride back, a 20 mile round trip. A shout out to Russells cycling.  He not only let me borrow a bike for Eric, but when we discovered Ronni's bike was to big for Ester, Joe loaned another bike that fit her dimensions.   Being somewhat concerned about Ester's ability to bike that 20 mile distance, I quickly discovered my concern was not warranted.  I knew she did a little biking and has trained for marathons but was delighted when she took the lead and ran a consistent 12-13 mph.   A great time was had by all and Joe Russell came through like a champ.  Pun intended.  On another note, my usual route leaving the city was just covered with chip seal meaning loose gravel.  I do not ride on those roads so I had to deviate from my normal route.  And, one of my roads is totally unusable as per the attached pic.  Still looking forward to my first century so stay tuned

 Another great week for biking.  30-35 miles four days with a 20 miler to Eureka lake on Sunday.  Looking forward to the day when conditions are favorable for me to ride my first century since the knee replacement.  Bike camera needs work as the movie function is not working.  It will still take photos but movie not working.  Looks like I will need to purchase a new one.  Also, the biking scene is picking up.  I encountered 10 bikers on Thursday's ride.  Folks are trying to find a way to get out during the current pandemic.  Since my return and the biking season began I have accrued over 1,300 miles.  I still do not clip my right foot but it seems to be working out.   Hopefully in early September I can ride a century but we will see.  Stay tuned

And this is another reason I bike.  Riding along Dee-Mack road approaching business 24 I was passed by a pick-up truck towing another older truck.  Dee-Mack is a state road but without much traffic.  Route 24 is a major east-west road between Washington and Eureka and well traveled with many speeding autos.   As I crossed 24 I looked to my right and there were the same two trucks on the side of the road . The towed truck had broken loose from its two straps and the driver was working to reattach it.  However there is no shoulder so the two were three-fourths into the driving lane.  After assessing the situation I decided to lend a hand to the driver.  He had no flashing lights on either vehicle so oncoming traffic would not be able to realize there was a problem.  So, after asking if I could assist reattaching the tow and determing he didn't need assistance I positioned my bike behind the trucks to warn on coming traffic of the situation.  I turned my rear light onto the bright mode and acted like a traffic cop motioning cars to slow down and stopping them when there were cars in the opposite lane.  The good news is there were no further mishaps and when the driver finally was able to drive off I was glad I was there to help. It could have been disastrous. You just never know.  Another good deed done by a biker.  Later.

Biking update.  Almost back to normal distances.  My daily ride is 30-35 miles.  I ride 6 days a week and have just passed 1000 miles since the weather accommodated outside biking.  Off days are on the trainer in the  basement.  My objective there is to squeeze the knee as much as possible.  I still use a stationary bike pedal with a strap across the shoe on the repaired knee side.  That stabilizes the foot and allows me to ride with a reasonable degree of comfort.  While my speed is not where it was before the TKR I am slowing increasing it.  Currently I am only about two miles per hour slower and today I got within one mile.  It was great day with low 80's and virtually no wind.  On the trash front, Bud products are still the number one discarded can along the side of the road with Miller lite a close second.  Coke still rules in the soft drink discarded can category with Mountain Dew a close second.  Gee, I wonder who still tosses those items out the car/truck window in this era of environmental consciousness.  But it is what it is.  I am getting more confident that soon I will accomplish a century but I still don't want to rush it.  More later

Biking is getting somewhat back to normal.  I am doing 30-35 miles three to four time a week.  The knee is in pretty good shape but without the flexion needed to use clips.  Instead, I use a pedal on the right foot with a strap.  It allows me to rotate without the foot sliding off the pedal and the left foot remains clipped.  For the first time this week convinced me I would be able to do a century sometime this fall.  While I'm getting my distance back, my speed in another question.  I have lost about 2-3 mph.  However, there are times my speed is where I want it to be but not for the entire ride.  I suspect that will come with  more training.  I should also mention that most motorists are very respectful but as usual there are always some idiots out there.  During my last ride I was being passed by a panel truck.  As it passed it slowed down, passed my by about a foot, and layed on the horn.  Again, idiot.  The heat has returned so I need to be extra careful remembering I'm still not conditioned like before.  But it will come and look forward to my first century in a year.

Weather finally turned nice.  Since last Sunday I have ridden four days for a total of 140 miles.  While the distances are getting back to normal, speed is down quite a bit.  I'm not sure I am too concerned at this point but we will see.  I am getting more encouraged about doing my first century since the new knee.  I'm still shooting for early fall but with the current heath situation it remains in doubt.  I'm also resigned to accept the fact the knee is as good as it's going to be.  The only problem is I would like a bit more flexion but it is what it is.  Another oddity.  It seems like fewer and fewer cars pass me giving me the whole lane even though no cars are approaching from the opposite direction. Also, my route to Bloomington is getting more and more crowded since the eastbound lane accessing the interstate are under repair. Thursday I took route 150 and on several occasions pulled off the road to let traffic pass.  The traffic was brutal so I may need to find another path Looking forward to my next century

                                           Cannon in LeRoy square

Riding is coming along quite nicely.  The weather is such that outdoor biking is getting better. Some days were quite windy so I continued indoors.  Last week with 4 days of riding  I accumulated a total of 140 miles.  On Friday with proper wind conditions I decided to ride to Downs.  That was supposed to be a 45 miler.  It would have been the longest ride during my recovery.  Ronni would pick up at that point. When I arrived at our meeting point I could tell I had a lot of "fuel" in the tank so I decided to finish my ride in LeRoy, a 55 miler.  So I arrived in LeRoy and felt I could have made it to Champaign  which would have been a 100.  But discretion being the better part of valor I hopped in the van and went home.  The good news is the knee felt pretty good.  Still not as flexible as I would like but good enough to ride distances.  It looks like I will be able of accomplishing  my goal of a century before my birthday.  Hopefully that will happen.  Stay Tuned.

This week showed me how much conditioning and flexibility I lost since the knee replacement.  While I completed two 40 mile rides in the last two weeks, this week I completed four rides. Monday was another 40 miler but I did not have to contend with any negative wind conditions.  Wednesday was a 35 miler on what  I consider my regular route.  But the difference was I had to contend with a 12-15 mph wind from the SE.  On the ride back into the wind it took a great amount of effort to finish.  But finish I did.  Friday's ride was another 35 miler and I was totally out of gas when I returned.  I am no where close to the speeds prior to the new knew. So, Saturday with the wind down somewhat, I did a "quick" 25 miler and was pleased with the result.  Therefore, in the last 8 days I rode 135 miles.  This is my realization at this point.  Conditioning is not coming as quickly as I hoped.  I still need to work on more flexibility.  Hopefully I will overcome these inadequacies and regain the ability to ride greater distances so hopefully complete a century by the end of summer. Stay tuned.

                                                         11 years ago-Cross country ride.

Good week for a bicyclist.  Weather for the most part was acceptable for outdoor riding.  I am still in the testing the knee mood.  Aside from my normal basement on the trainer routine, I rode outside on two occasions.  My first was a 40 miler to the east side of Bloomington.  Because of traffic diverted from the interstate, my usual route along 150 was a bit more crowded than normal.  But, thank goodness, there were no close calls or obscenities directed at me.  After arriving at my destination, I felt I could have finished in LeRoy, 15 miles for a total of 55 miles. I decided to not overdue it.  The knee was feeling pretty good so why push it?  The following day I tacked on another 35 miler so I rode 75 miles last week.  All in all a good week for bicycling but it appears the weather for the next week is not favorable.  The knee continues to improve but is not 100%.   Just a reminder, this week begins the eleventh year since my cross country ride.  Amazing.   I still keep in touch with many of my fellow riders from that adventure.  Razed at his ability to accomplish that ride at that age.  Stay tuned.

While the weather has not been the best, cold and windy, last Thursday I rode over to Bloomington.  It was  a 35 miler and yesterday, 4/20 (no weed for me) another 30.  The knee is coming along well but not perfect.  I am not using clips so all riding, inside and out, is mashing.  No big deal since I mashed across America but I had gotten used to spinning with clips.  Just to let me know some motorists are still idiots, during yesterday's ride, a truck pulling a trailer passed me with little room to spare.  And, yes, it did capture it on my bike cam.  I posted it on my FB webpage.  There were no cars coming from the opposite direction so I am still somewhat perplexed as to why drivers are so stupid.  The only thing I can come up with is that they are IDIOTS.  On another note, I set another record at MidWest Orthopedic.  My left shoulder has been a problem for years.  Last March it bothered me so much I had them put a shot of cortisone in it.  Well, it finally wore off and the arm began hurting.  I go back to get it  treated.  After the x-ray the doc looked at it and declared "that is the worst shoulder joint I have ever seen". It needs replaced.   Yea, another record.  Another shot but this one lasted about 3 days and the shoulder is problematic.  It looks liked another surgery but I will need to see how it would effect my future biking.  Stay tuned, there's always something.

Have ridden my bicycle 120 miles the last seek.  Longest ride was 35 miles to Goodfield and back.  My earlier ride was 30 miles with virtually no wind.  But the Goodfield ride was with a 12 mile SSW wind.  It was a little more than I anticipated and consistent with rides prior to my new knee.  I finished it but I could feel it.  My speed was nowhere near what I wanted but that was my intention.  Speed will come later.  In fact, Sunday I rode to Eureka lake and back and increased my speed so  now things are progressing nicely.   Hopefully, Friday I will ride to Bloomington (40 miles) and eventually ride to LeRoy (55 miles) with Champaign 100 miles the ultimate goal by the end of  summer.  The above photo is the first without the knee wrap and I noticed it immediately.  More later

Bicycling in this age of CoVId 19 solves three delimas. First, it relieves boredom. I mean, really, how many episodes of The Andy Griffith Show can one watch. Secondly, it increases social distancing. Other than cars on the road, the only person near me was at least 5 miles away. Thirdly, it provides the needed exercise to burn off alcohol consumed from watching too many episodes of the Andy Griffith Show. And fourthly (I know, I know improper grammar) for me, it contributes to my rehabilitation of the new knee. So, dust of your old bike, take it to Russells for a tune-up or buy a new bike at Russells and hit the road. Yes, an unashamed endorsement for Russell's Cycling and Fitness Center. See you on the road. Here is my mileage for today's ride

This may be my only post about the COVID19 virus that is currently devastating many areas of the country.  As a bicyclist I can promote three positives of biking that contribute to my attempts at avoiding the deadly affliction.  In my case, it promotes social isolation.  I usually bike alone so I cannot infect anyone and cannot be infected by anyone else. (On the road if I encounter a rider coming in the opposite direction I will acknowledge with a nod of the head as a hand wave might throw off the deadly virus in their direction.  If I'm passing someone, I will ring my bell, pass them by three feet and not breath in their general direction.) Okay, those last two comments were my attempt at humor.  That's a good start.  The second positive is biking is, obviously, physical exercise.  This is especially important when self isolating.  Sedentary activities, especially at my age, or at any age for that matter, are not an option.  Gyms and other exercise centers are closed.  Biking, inside or outside, for me involves vigorous spinning usually burning between 600 to 1000 calories depending on time or distance.  And, the third positive is that it continues to re-hab my knee.  Not that everyone needs knee rehab but it is great for knees, good or bad.  I know, I know, there are other forms of self isolating exercise but this is my narrative and I'm sticking to it.  Therefore, I will encourage everyone to try a little biking to get through this dismal time in human history. More later.

                                                                    7 mile bridge

Aha....beautiful Sunday here in central Illinois.  With the temperature over 60 degrees  it made for a great day to take a bike ride around Tazewell County.  After church and some carbo loading at Busy Corner in Goodfield I'm ready to trek thirty miles.  On the drive from Goodfield I noticed the direction and actions of several flags that dot my usual routes in the area.  Much to my disappointment and chagrin, the flags looked like the flags planted on the moon....straight and rigid.   When I arrived home I checked the weather channel and discovered the wind was from the south at 15-20 mph gusting to 30 mph.  As most of my readers know, I have biked in those conditions and one thing I can say is that it takes the fun out of biking and makes it work.  I'm retired, I don't work.  And, I do not want to put undue stress my new knee.  So, Mr. Wimp reared his ugly head and I resorted to biking on my trainer in the basement watching Cash Cab.  But, it looks like next week the temperature will be in the fifties most days.  My knee is getting better each day so I'm looking forward to getting back to my distances prior to the TKR.  Conditioning will be the next goal so I ready to get after it.  More later.

                                                      Another granddaughter pic....couldn't help it.
Rehab update-Yesterday the temperature rose to a mild 58 degrees in Central Illinois in late February.  My usual biking cutoff temp is 50 degrees.  The wind was also a light 8-10 mph from the WSW.  So the conditions were ripe for an longer bicycle ride.  I have continued riding at the gym and on the trainer in my basement but riding outside on the bike is a different animal.  After my usual pre-trip regiment, prepping the bike, dressing in five layers, etc. I was finally ready to go.  My goal was to determine the current condition of my TKR on an extended basis.  Eureka lake was my destination and with no break return home.  Including small side treks it totaled 25 miles.  I know, I know.  After my past rides this should be a piece of cake.  But I am amazed that I am proud of doing that ride.  The result was that while I still need to work on speed and conditioning the knee felt great afterwards.  It looks like my next outside ride will be to Goodfield and back for a total of 30 miles.  From there I will work to reach my goal of biking 100 miles by the end of summer.  Therefore, I feel I am making excellent progress on the knee rehab. And, at my last doctor appointment the Dr. stated that complete recovery is still 6 month away.  Now, that's really good news.  More later.

Rehab-update.   No outside biking since last entry but indoor cycling is close to what it was before knee replacement.  Two hours at the gym, alternating with hour and a half in trainer followed by once a week in the therapy pool at the gym.  So since my flexion is where I want it to be but not as good as it is going to get.  I am working on regaining the level of conditioning I had attained prior.  On a side note, I saw my surgeon for a 6 month visit.  He was pleasantly surprised how my recovery has progressed.  He did admit it was a very difficult replacement do to the fact the knee was so bad. Because of that fact he implied my rehab levels would take longer. He also indicated I still would improve up to a year from the replacement.  All in all a good report with the best yet to come.  As this is a blog dedicated to my biking adventures forgive me for adding pictures of my grandchild....but she is so damn cute I can't help it.  So there!!  

Rehab update... Looks like my recovery is nearly complete.  I am a little more than one and a half hours at the gym.....one hour on the recumbent and 40 minutes on the upright.  In addition, I walk a half mile on the track limp free.  Now the good news.  Very little hip roll on either bike.....no pain in the knee on either bike.  Time on the trainer in my basement is increased to an hour spinning 3,100 revolutions during that time period.  I  increase the angle with the stabalizing pedal every 300 spins. I also do one session at the rec center pool.   So, come on spring, lets get outdoors to see if I actually am as good as I think. As previously stated my goal is to bike to Champaign by September.  I now need to work on the conditioning part of the rehab.   All in all a good report at this time so stay tuned.

No outside biking since my last post but I am getting closer to my goals at the gym.  I do single leg presses to strengthen the leg then head to the seated recumbent cycle.  Currently I am at 50 minutes and change the seat to increase the degree of flexion every 10 minutes.  I also do maximum spins every three minutes to work on conditioning.  This is followed by 40 minutes on the upright bike with a decrease in the seat level after 10 minutes to increase flexion.  To improve leg strength, I start at level 10 go to level 20 then back to 10.  Max spins at level 12 and 16.  This is followed by a half mile walk around the track.  I also do one pool session a week and ride my bike on my trainer in the basement for 45 minutes every other day.  So, to summarize,  while I'm still not where I want to be, by warm weather season I should be ready for some distance biking.  And, hopefully, by September I will be able to ride a century.  Keeping my fingers crossed and working toward that goal.  More up-dates later.