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.