#Bikeschool: Novacane Phoenix
I began writing this post in the ‘departure lounge’ waiting room of the local hospital, and if you’re reading this… The British NHS (National Health Service) aint all that bad!
You may or may not have noticed that my corner of the internet and social media world has been quite quiet of late and I make no apologies for this. A tough month of job changes and close family bereavements has been finished by an operation in hospital on what is known in clever circles as ‘singular oesteochondroma’ – or a bony lump! It’s not serious or life threatening but spoils my visual form on the bike so it needs sorting!
The top of my left tibia looks like I have lop-sided calves but this is soon to be sorted out… As long as the surgeons pick the correct leg… Its ok though they’ve added a big black arrow to my leg to ensure they remember which one to cut! That brims me with confidence! At least it’s free. I’d be interested to know what 2 surgical consultations, 2 hour surgery and an overnight stay in hospital would cost in those countries who rely on private medical insurance.
It has been a hard month but its been made much easier due to the understanding and kind nature of my dear friend and ‘net boss’ Darryl. Lots of things are going on behind the scenes of Lovingthebike.com – that calm, serene, swan-like exterior above the water is backed up by legs going supersonic underwater, so I appreciate the ‘time off’ that I’ve been able to take.
But sitting here waiting for the operation (note I’m still waiting!) made me remember something special about cycling. It’s hot and sunny outside, the best weather this part of the UK has experienced in 2012 and I’m inside wearing a white and blue floral dashiki and one stylish DVT sock. The next 2-4 weeks of my spring/summer cycling routine seem to be out of the window. Form will be lost, rides will be missed and beautiful weather will not be used to its full pedalling potential. But I’ve realised cycling will always be there. Yes I might miss those weeks of ‘training’, but I’m not a racer (despite what I keep trying to put my body through against my stronger pals) so I’m not losing anything tangible. My riding pals will still be there in a month and I’ll be back at the start of that ever so interesting journey of improving form and self discovery. Which is a good thing.
Cycling is a way of life and won’t be going anywhere regardless of operations, recuperation time or any of life’s other tribulations. Soon, the wash of anaesthetic will vanish and I’ll back at the start of that journey with the moments and emotions of May behind me. It wont be a moment too soon.
Wow, your posts have so may words….. I am horrible beyond like 4 or so and that’s why I am more twitter than proper blog reader. I truly hope my reading this late puts you in a better post pain closer to cycling mood. Get well my man!!
I’ve been wondering where Professor Dexter has been!
Wishing you a speedy recovery because we miss you!!!
Cheers Marty. I’m back with a whimper rather than a bang but I’m on the mend!
Thanks Amanda! I’m even better in person… come to Europe!
Hey Stevie, I already told you privately how much I like this post….but now let’s put it out there publicly. Writing about real life and pulling on our emotions is definitely the posts I like best from you. I really love your perspective on this and it’s advice I could have used more than a few times in my past. Speedy recovery to you, my friend.
Cheers Boss
Heal fast my friend. I hope you are able to get back on the bike soon.
Thanks Mark… just gives me more time to perfect my Fantasy DS skills!
Best wishes for a speedy & complete recovery, Stevie!
Thanks Bob.