Nine weeks to train

I'm back on the bike - woo hoo!

Last night, I went mountain biking for the first time in over six weeks. Greg B and I met at South Mountain and did a quick ride down Desert Classic, around War Paint Trail and back. Probably 45 minutes of riding in all.

For those of you who don't know, I have been in physical therapy and been receiving chiropractic care the last six weeks for a pinched nerve in my upper back. I have been suffering from pretty significant pain radiating from the nerve, down through the tops of my shoulders, through my triceps, and into my hands and fingers.

Thankfully, I have been treated by a great therapist and chiropractor. They have worked their voodoo medicine to bring me back to health. I am close to 100% and felt great on my ride last night. There was no significant pain during the ride and I made sure to keep a healthy posture throughout. I had a PT appointment this morning and my therapist confirmed my ride did not worsen my symptoms. She gave me the go ahead to continue my training.

It comes at exactly the right time. In nine weeks and two days, Greg and I will participate in the 24 Hours of the Old Pueblo mountain bike race. It will be our fifth year riding the race together, and our second year riding as a duo team.

While I enjoyed our ride last night and felt like I could have ridden longer, I did realize I am out of real riding shape and not even close to prepared for the race. Greg assures me that nine weeks is enough time to train and be ready - I hope he's right!

Either way, I am glad to be back on the bike. Riding the trails makes me smile and I have dearly missed being on my bike. It's good to be back!