One of the worst things about breaking my ankle was the fact that I had just ordered a brand new bike from EastCoasters - a nice new Trek bike with an extra large frame for my extra tall frame. I picked it up the day I got my air cast put on at the orthopedists. As I was crutch bound, I dreamed of the day I could finally get on it and ride it for the first time.

That day actually came last Saturday after I was sure that my ankle could handle the strain. I went from Meadowood to the Mabry Mill and back, a formidable first ride to be sure. The second day, yesterday, I went all the way to highway 58 and back exactly four weeks after I broke my ankle. I am finding that the riding is like a combination pain killer, anti-inflamatory and swelling reducer for the ankle. Everytime I ride the pain of stiffness (the bone break doesn’t hurt) goes away and the swelling decreases much faster.

I went for a short two-mile ride this morning that was a mistake considering that I didn’t look at the temperature before I left and decided to brave the cold. I only went about two and a half miles total, heading North on the Parkway. When I got back I looked at the temperature and it was 38 degrees; not good for riding without gloves! I’ll have to delay my future rides until the thermometer is in the fifties at least.

I ordered a camera mount for my bike yesterday, so I’ll be able to put some photos of my rides in the gallery soon.