In a way, going on a long difficult ride makes me feel like I am living. The more punishing the ride, the more aches I feel in my legs and in my lungs, the more I know that I am still here, that I am a human living and not just a human being who happens to be alive. Also, a part of me feel as though I am riding for those out there who can no longer, unfortunately, do the things they loved before their diagnosis. So the longer ride was my way to reflect on everything.
Before riding again a couple months ago, my last ride was back on Memorial Day in 2011. I was a few months removed from the stereotactic needle brain biopsy. I had still been able to ride after my recovery from this procedure and had actually gone on several rides. I didn't want to give it up. Though I enjoy the struggle and pains that comes with this activity, I knew that the issues I had on the Memorial Day ride were different. They were atypical of the usual struggles a person can deal with on any ride. My head felt so full. The pounding in my head were unlike anything I had experienced before. So on that day, I decided to give up riding.
The weeks and months following my craniotomy, I thought about biking once again. Maybe not on the mountains, but just around town. However, the lingering issues I had with dizziness and wooziness and just my balance in general were roadblocks to getting back on the saddle. But through much help from Debbie Struiksma, my neurologic physical therapist, my symptoms improved little by little over time. Earlier this year, I decided to get on my commuter bike. Not so good, almost crashed into my brother's brand new truck. Then one day, I decided to try again and NO ISSUES! I rode a bit more and more on my commuter. I then had a chance to take out a mountain bike to a local trail and things went good. So about two months ago, I got a new bike and I've been thankful everyday that I am able to ride again.
Today I did this: http://www.mappedometer.com/?maproute=205312
