Sunday Morning

Mid morning to lunch time on a Sunday is shaping up as an ideal time to ride at the moment. There is little to medium traffic on roads/paths and the temp is staying cool. As winter recedes and warm spring days appear, earlier starts or more water and sunblock will be the go.

A relaxed Sunday ride around the river via Subiaco, following the train line to Fremantle and returning by the south side of the Swan. From Subiaco to Fremantle, the cycling paths and lanes work very well. they allow mostly PSP riding however when on the road, the lanes are clearly marked. Again I was impressed with how easy it was to share the roads with traffic and I never felt unsafe at any moment.

A little bit of work on the trainer during the week showed good results up the hills. I had some knee strain last weekend and because of that decided to attempt a higher pedal cadence. This meant being one gear lower with the same speed. The lungs kept up and the hills were not anymore difficult than with a slower cadence. I am going to persevere with the higher cadence and see how my power develops. I will aim to keep it in the high 90s and gain more uphill speed.

If you do ride to Fremantle Beach check out the new boardwalk. We rode right up to the edge,sat on our Barons and enjoyed the calm, glistening ocean with the odd sailboat coasting buy.

Kailis, just around the corner are not only fish and chips but also have a cafe section. I was impressed with the pot of tea served in a china pot, with a second hot water pot and a small china milk jug.

As the lunch crowd arrive we headed back to Perth. There was some traffic around Leeuwin, however after that it was quiet. The wind became stronger and turned into a headwind with many insects struggling for direction. A couple of these were involuntarily ingested. Protein?

Brads and Barons

I mapped out a lovely 50 km circuit to Guildford, Maida Vale and Canning River. I had not ridden to Guildford for a number of years and also wanted to ride the new PSP extension.

Perth To Guildford is PSP for three quarters of the way. I then got onto the road and across the bridge avoiding the winding narrow path at the river’s edge.

The traffic on the PSPs and roads was very quiet for the first part of the ride and allowed side by side riding, with the occasional single file when needed.

After the drink stop and closer to midday, there were more cars and a pinch spot over Welshpool Road had drivers hitting the horn for no reason. Most drivers, however, shared the road really well, especially when they had to wait for us to change lanes etc.

We did our best staying in the cycle lanes, taking the lane at roundabouts and riding defensively.

A steady easterly headwind and long small gradients had the muscles aching early.

With a high cadence and continually finding the best gear to maintain the cadence I felt I was managing quite well. However the rough chip seal roads and many false flat rises tested my right knee a little too much.

With about 10km to go I took it really easy and also reduced distance by taking the shortest route around Canning River.

This ride was all the more enjoyable because there were two of us and it was squeezed in between my social and family commitments.

I think there might be an inverse ratio that the more difficult the scheduling, the more enjoyable the ride.  

Added to that, there is certainly something special about two recumbents of the same make and model travelling along together. 

Kent Street Weir

In between stormy weather and rain, two Barons headed out.
There was a great deal of sand, twigs, leaves etc everywhere but the roads were quiet.
After riding the Shelley loop to Riverton Bridge I was surprised the cafe was closed so
we rode onto Kent Street Weir which was opened. This picnic and cafe spot on the Canning River is a delight with  many facilities for everyone.

On the way back I wondered how the ride might be by staying to PSPs and minor roads.
It is a pleasant ride if you are wanting to meander along. It was getting a little tedious before the end with crossovers, many turns etc, but nothing too difficult. For a casual ride it is fine to do it this way, however to commute or ride to get somewhere fast, definitely use the marked cycle lanes on the main roads.

Canning River

From early settler days to the present continuous urban development, the Canning River is considered by some as a backwater that is slowly being stifled. But at the right time of the year it is a delightful natural wetland with great cycle paths along its banks.

I usually ride from the Riverton Bridge through to Spencer road quickly and on main roads with cycle lanes. However, today there was sunshine after a very stormy morning and I decided to ride the upper reaches of the Canning River and catch up with a cycling buddy. I used the underpass at Banskia and Canning Hwy and on Hayman road accessed the PSP (cycle and pedestrian path) around Curtin Uni to Manning road which I crossed at the lights. From there I used the PSP to Upton street and Fern Street. Instead of the usual "get there quick" route, I went left at Fern Street. At the Bungaree Avenue roundabout a wide PSP follows the road and then heads into the wetlands on the Canning and to the Kent Street Weir.

What a beautiful picnic spot and great cafe at the Weir. A sparkling river was tumbling over the weir, canoeist were paddling and families playing. Then on through the trees, green fields and slow flowing waters of the Canning, each turn of the path opening to a breathtaking view of beautiful, natural wetlands and pools of still water.

It actually happened this time. Even though I was totally in the moment and experiencing the birds and trees and river, I stopped and took some photos.

 

The Canning has different wondrous delights that the Swan can never offer. The cycle paths are in good condition and allow road free riding around this beautiful natural habitat. This is a cycling ride to cherish and repeat.

Click to view map.

Skidding to a Sudden Stop

I got rid of the flu  in about a week, the weather fined up and I have been riding every lovely, sunny morning along the cycle paths of the Swan River.

For some reason in one corner I tucked my left shoulder into the back of the seat and zoom... around I went quickly, smoothly and with plenty of speed.
Of course I experimented with this body position for turns and wondered why it allowed faster turns in tight corners. How fast could I go?

Well like all good bike riders I found the limit this morning... at the end of my elbow.

Coming into a downhill 90 degree turn I set up for the shoulder tuck turn. Went in wide without trailing any rear brake, hit the apex and exited wide. Without warning the rear wheel let go just after the apex, slid on the quick release lever and just before I came to a complete stop my left elbow hit the deck and then my bum. The left pedal surround was ground down a little and the handle bars were askew.

I think the technique works but I found the limit of rear wheel traction this time. By tucking my shoulder into the seat I must be leaning the bike more. Perhaps it is allowing the front to over steer slightly and unload the rear. It might be a way to keep corner speed up but I will take care to not go in too hot in future.

Any comments would be greatly appreciated.

Change of Plan

I did have this grand goal of riding everyday during the next fortnight.
However, I am laid up with the dreaded flu and have missed three days already.
I am hoping to get out by Wednesday or Thursday.
Oh well ride when I can and it will be all the more enjoyable.

Small rides around the river

I have been doing a ton of work lately so am just hanging in there with my fitness. Each day I can do around 30 minutes on the exercise bike. Then one or two rides around the river  - around 10 to 15km.

The next two weeks is holiday time and I intend to get a long ride in each day.  No more dodging bad weather. Week one, just get out there and build some base distance. Week two, get up them hills!

First Freo and Return

Sunday was an organised Freo ride with a trike buddy.
With overcast and cool conditions we cruised to UWA
and the bottom of Steve's Hill.
Alright up I go and take a chance in middle/small gear.
You beauty! strong and no need to grab a lower gear.
This is quite an achievement for me and a good signpost that
my return to riding is on track.

Cruised to Cottosloe with the help of a light tailwind.
What is interesting is the trike bike interface.
I would roll down hills and move forward about 50 to 100 metres.
Then he would come alongside halfway up the next rise.
I do need more hill work.
Cornering is interesting. I thought there would be major differences,
however what differences are usually due more to rider input
than bike/trike.

Freo at E-shed for a halfway relax and a visit to the E-bike boys.
The Go-cycle looks really cool. Magnesium everything and only 16.5kg.

Halfway home the legs were labouring up the hills, however I used the same
gear up the back of Majestic as for Steve's... another plus.

It was a very pleasant ride and my first to Freo and back and I look forward
to more of these.

The inherent safety of two was noticeable as traffic (road and shared path)
was never a problem as everyone travelled along noticing but not
interfering or annoying each other.

Nostalgic

With some beautiful weather I decided to do a ride a day and go places I haven't been for years.
For the first ride I thought a round trip to Garvey Park, the site of my old canoe club would be a good way to start the week.
Heading off around Burswood I cruised through the riverwalk path near the burswood ski area.
I was overawed by the peaceful serene natural wetlands. No sunlight touches the path the foliage is so thick.
There were observation areas with seats and I just had to stop, sit, listen and breath for a while.
How sweet the air was in there... Glorious.
The ride out of the riverwalk goes along a high scarp between river and highrise residential buildings. It is
grey brushed concrete and really beauthful and wide. Just the way a shared path should be.
the interesting thing was the gradient of the path was undulating. It was designed with a rise, followed by a flat section.
This is repeated all the way to the top. It made riding and viewing the beautiful river with the city background very easy. Ride the rise and view on the flat.
Of course coming down the other side I couldn't take m eyes from the the path. Going down was flat, decline, flat, decline for over and over for half a kilometre. As I picked up speed it set up an oscillation that was very uncomfortable. To overcome it I would sit up on the decline and lay back on the flat.
On to Ascot water with it pretty leafy green streets. It was quiet and felt like I was in an English village.
I found the path at the Garrat Road Bridge that ran alongside the river and Ascot racecourse.
Waves of erphoric memories came flooding back as this was once my favourite training area when I competed in kayaking. I slowed down and watched a young man slicing his K1 through the glassy water. Blades flashing in the sunlight. Swirls of water in the wake as he powers along.
Garvey Park was picturesque with the river right in front of the kiosk. I watched a couple of paddlers for a while before heading back. The Tonkin Highway bridge has a path on it to get to the other side of the river.
The Bayswater side path was a real eye opener with beautiful picnic areas with lush grass, stands of trees and of course perfectly close to the water's edge.
The only road on this side was up at the Maylands end to get onto the peninsula.
Then back home. I will definitely do this one again and take my camera.

A Perfect Sunday Ride

I headed off on Sunday morning for a short ride to Christchurch Grammar School and back. The ride of about 25km is picturesque in so many ways. The windlass, sunny morning enhanced this even more.
Starting in South Perth, along the edge of the swan river, crossed the Narrows Bridge, then continued along the river to UWA (universtiy of WA). It deviates away from the river a little past the old Steve's site and onto Jutland parade. There is a very steep hill at this point and I was very pleased with myself to get up albeit slowly. Nevertheless another marker on the road to fitness was achieved.
Jutland parade is between the river and the leafy green suburb of Nedlands. The river can be seen on the left and down as the road is on a ridge. The  trees and beautiful houses are all around. Sunday morning traffic was pleasantly quiet and we cruised and chatted on our way.
On the way back we stopped off at a cafe on Waratah avenue then back down the way we came.

Swan River Foreshore

Well I thought I would be back last May, however with a large number of health, work and family issues taking a large chunk of my time, it is only this weekend that I have started riding.

I thoroughly enjoyed a cool morning ride around the Swan River Foreshore. I joined thousands of other bike riders to the same. The big difference I noticed was the  very large increase in bicycle traffic. From families to 'lycra clads' and elderly commuters.

When I first slid into the seat it was almost euphoric that I was back on the Optima Baron. Swinging the legs and clipping into the pedals was like second nature. Very confidence inspiring and it felt as if I had not stopped riding for three years. The Baron is very stable and at the same time allowing to quickly change line and speed through a corner without any issues.

10km doesn't sound like much when I used to easily do 100km on a Saturday morning, however it is a good starting point. I want to enjoy a quiet ride, spin the pedals over easily and work towards building aerobic capacity etc. I am okay with this and if feels right especially when the on ramps to the Narrows Bridge are a bit of a struggle. I came back thinking I could have done more and for me that is a good feeling. It means I have not overdone it. I am aiming for zero injuries as I get back up to speed.
I will aim for two to four 10km rides a week, time permitting and build from there.

All I have done to the bike is wipe some of the dust off the frame, oil the chain and pump up the tyres. Brakes and gears etc were all working fine.

CLEARED AND READY FOR TAKEOFF!

TWO ANKLES GOOD
Yeah! Fantastic! The Von is back!
A big landmark day as I have full clearance from the Specialist.
The heel has fused and everything looks perfect.
So I will ramp up the daily training bike work, finish upgrading the Baron and
get out there.

I think I need to give myself a well earned cycling gift. Mmm... maybe a new
camera or ....

Making Progress

The second heel subtalar fusion has been very successful.
I now have more titanium in me than on my bike!
In three weeks I can start cycling again to which I am really looking forward.
I will be dusting off the bike this weekend and upgrading a few bits.
1. 700c rear wheel to replace 26"
2. Upgraded drive pulley
3. New return pulleys or drop the chain.
4. Experiment with installing narrower bars and remote steering option
5. New headrest to incoporate forward and rearward flashers.
6. New helmet, gloves and jersey to celebrate getting back on.

No Progress Progress

The news is not good as the bone graft has not taken - no bone union.
How hard is it to get back on my feet?
I was very annoyed with the surgeon who acted like a blind deer.

He told me, a non drinker and non smoker, to stop smoking and drinking.

I would love to have told him "I haven't smoked an orthopaedic specialist before but could start with you!"

I tried walking without the boot but it is too painful. I have ramped my cycling up to 15 minutes a day (I can hear the chuckles :)) and I am doing more swimming pool work. In 8 weeks I do another xray and if there is no improvement I need another bone graft.

The old white M5 20/20 came back from a friend who said it was great and helped his elbow recover. He is now back on his DF.

I have checked out the Performer trikes as they are under AU$1500. They do look like a good commuter and although the cheap end good value. I like the 700c rear wheel model and would get a 36 spoke wheel for added strength.

Stats 2011

Distance - 200km
Surgery - Right ankle fusion
             - Left heel& sub-talar fusion

In 2012 I plan to make up for lack of cycling in '11.
January 22nd, 2011 was the last ride, but the year will be remembered for sorting out my ankle and heel. With a plaster to be taken off this Friday, I am expecting really good news and perhaps can start riding before Jan 22 this year.

The right ankle took longer but has fused correctly and with strength. I waited more than 20 years for new technology to provide something better than fusion. It didn't and in future, I will just go with what is available when I need it. The other thing I learned from this experience is it is better to fix and recover small problems than put things off until they get really bad. Quality of life and living pain free is worth gold.

The left heel was fused to the sub-talar on November 7th and am hoping to start weight bearing on it end of this week.

Bring on 2012 and best wishes to everyone for a fantastic year.

On The Trainer

Last week I bought a cheap trainer and hitched the Raptor up to it.
It felt so good to push the pedals around.
I have been doing about half an hour a day and not one ounce
of trouble with my right ankle. No noticeable restriction due to it being fused.
It feels easier to pedal than before the op.
With this little bit of fitness I will venture out onto
the bikepaths over the weekend.

Progress

Well the severe leg pain is subsiding to intermittent dull aches and I am
walking more without the crutches.
Walking without he crutches felt really weird until I worked it out.
Talk about the brain anticipating from years of feeling one experience.
The weird feeling was the sensation of no pain in my right ankle.
I can almost balance on one leg, have done a few delicate lunges
and no pain at all.
I am now saying the operation was a huge success.
I wanted to jump on the bike and ride but though I better weigh myself first.
Yikes! 5kg over the maximum bike load. Now I am hitting the trainer and
putting a lock on the biscuit barrel.

Another Setback

Well I suffered severe bone pain last weekend and the start of this week and went back to the surgeon worried.
The pain would start anytime and be very severe and deep right in the middle of the tibia.
Had an xray and it did not show anything wrong. There is not stress fracture at the top of the internal nail and no nerves are compressed. The Doc reckons the pain is associated with
new bone creation going on in and old fracture site as the pain is right at an old segmented fracture.
So I need to take it easier on the weight bearing. He has put me back to visit him in another four weeks.
I am ready to cycle and get busy but will take it easy for a week or two. So my goal is to be able to walk in without crutches in four weeks.

5 More Weeks

Last week the surgeon says "Slow bone growth. 6 more weeks."
One week has gone so that is 5 more to go. At least I can still do simple maths.
I really miss riding and it is difficult to do anything while hobbling around on crutches.
I enjoyed watching Cadel finally get the better of the GC in the TdFr.
Now back to magazines, forums etc and counting down.
I bought a copy of STeve Nurse's Cycling Zoo and it is a good read. especially as he
is in the middle of building a 'Big at the front'. Great book STeve.
I also got a TT book "Like Flying" and it has some good info on setting up a competitive season.

Good Progress

So far so good.
The Hind Foot Nail Right Ankle Fusion op three weeks ago has worked.
No infection, no vascular or neurological issues.
I have 5 weeks of partial weight bearing of 50%. No cycling allowed. :(
Then hopefully back on the bike. :)