The Good and the Bad

Today was a wonderful day to ride on a number of levels. First, I had my friends Ross and Bob to go with me. Second, the ride was taking us up Mount Diablo. Third, I haven't been up the 'Block of Granite' in a couple years. Finally, the weather was perfect.

While all the conditions were present to have a great ride, sometimes the best laid plans go haywire (and that's what happened to me). As Bob was making his first ever ascent to "The Junction" and Ross was powering effortlessly up the slopes my body was deciding to have conniption fits. First, the knee that seemed much better after four surgeries acted up big time. Today was the worst it has felt in years. The joint felt like it was full of rocks and 50 cent pieces. No matter what I tried from pedaling faster to slower to small ring and medium ring; I could find no comfortable solution. Sadly, that was the least of my problems. For some reason, I must have eaten something that did not agree with me and by Rock City I was experiencing GI problems that were bad enough to make me stop. I stopped, but then I continued on 10 minutes later to the "Junction". It was this section that decided to pile on and really get my knee aggravated. Thankfully, I saw my friend Denise (and later Peg as well) when she caught me and rode the rest of the way with her.

At the "Junction" I saw Ross and apologized for being so long, but I really couldn't help it. I said I would wait for Bob and he rolled up another mile and returned. As we started down we saw Bob and he told us to keep going he would finish his journey and head back to the car, so off we went down Mount Diablo. Along the way, my GI problems resurfaced and caused three more stops (I will leave it at that for fear of TMI). Finally made it back with about 28 total miles the feeling that I wish I had been on my couch instead of riding. Still, I meet my ride objective of making to the "Junction".

Next step, I think I really need the Synvisc shots in my knee because it just isn't working and maybe this will help. I surely can't do Death Ride was this much discomfort in my knees. I had hoped that I wouldn't need any additional work done shots, surgeries, or anything else on my knee since the whole thing is making me sick. I guess sometimes you have to take the bad with the good. I will regroup tomorrow and try to hang with the Valley Spokesman T 'n T riders.

Final step, I need to remember how lucky I am that I don't suffer from blood-cancer or intellectual disabilities. Life is good, but sometimes I forget.

Today's photos are of the view during the climb, sign at the "Junction", and me as taken by Ross as we to a short photo op break during the descent.