Saturday will mark the one-year anniversary of the day I ruptured my right Achilles on my way up (yes, up) Pipeline trail on Fromme. It’s been a hard countdown over the last few weeks. You see, I’d set that date in my mind, arbitrarily, as the point where I’d be looking back with a laugh while pedaling forward at 100%.
I’m not there, or more positively, I’m not there yet. I’m still working at it, and I’m still getting stronger but the gains that previously came in waves now sneak up in an unsteady trickle. The residual effects of the injury are no longer readily visible when I walk, but I run like an even bigger dork than before. I go days sometimes without noticing that I can’t do a proper one-legged lift on my right side. My calf muscles are still very different in appearance. My smile’s still a bit crooked (unrelated, I know).
I have a few features I haven’t put together quite yet, like the Scolio Coaster on Lower Crippler, and I’m noticeably a bit slower on my rigid bike through proper technical sections, but all in all, I think it’s fair to say I’m back at it. I was riding at six months, and I’m really riding at a year. It sounds like forever now, but for folks chasing up a similar injury maybe there’s some solace in the fact that the time went much faster than I thought it would.
Fitness-wise, I wore the walking boot out to the point that I could no longer repair it with Shoe Goo and Gorilla Tape before I was supposed to actually ditch it. It sucked, but it’s also a key reason that I was back at it in time to go and pedal my bike in Cumberland with my family in August.
I’m strangely hungry for a situation that’s, to borrow a slogan, built-back-better and in addition to my new set of back exercises – thanks to getting hit by a car – I’m still doing my daily Achilles exercises and a number of stretches. I’ve finished putting together my commuter bike with some 40c tires and I’m looking forward to not just riding places but putting in the time to be faster on my mountain bikes.
I’d like to be as strong as I was on my single-speed as I was a decade ago. I think it’s doable. This year will be Jac’s 10th almost-annual Easter trip and I’m looking forward to continuing my all-time streak of never pedaling a multi-speed bike in Cumberland and my many-year streak of riding a rigid bike.
From my friend, fellow all-weather riding dad, and chiropractor, Gregg, I’d purloin the phrase “Attitude Is Everything.” That’s not intended as some stupid meme about going outside instead of seeking real mental healthcare if you need it, but being aware of when my attitude is shitty is usually all I need to change my frame of mind. I’d like to think my attitude has improved in general since before I hurt myself.
I’m still a sardonic, somber, cynical son of a sarcasticist, but I’d like to think I’m a happier and better-adjusted version of that person.
A long and bizarre preamble I suppose, but it’s really intended as a thank you to the folks that have helped me get back to it. Dorothy my physio gets a plug, she’s awesome and different. Differently awesome? Cam & Pete at NSMB for having faith I could fill the months (and months) of content without riding a bike. Nice Guy Geoff & Jac for saving me a spot at the workbench for when I could stand long enough to fix bikes. Nina & Claire for picking up the slack. Riding friends for being patient as I’ve come back.
There you have it. I’m buried in e-mails but if you sent me one recently I will get back to you. And, if I don’t, well, send me another one (haha & sorry).
Take care,
Andrew