MEDICAL MIRACLE MAKES FOR MORE MILES

 

• Just met with the doc after 4 weeks of medical assessment and will be getting outpatient arthroscopic rotator cuff surgery in two weeks.  
• While climbing Yarnell grade five weeks ago the rear wheel slipped on a clump of hay (from hay wagon), rear wheel slipped and right pedal torque made bike go down (left side ... no derailleur damage, thank god).  Took impact on left shoulder.  Tore supraspinatus tendon (rotator cuff).  In past 4 weeks tendon has retracted 4 cm already.  
• Failure to get surgery will result in further retraction, development of arthritis and probable candidacy for reverse shoulder replacement.  
• Six months no outdoor cycling while tendon reattaches to shoulder joint (ball at top of humerus).  Critical rest and PT to get tendon firmly attached.
• Indoor training not a problem.  So ... no competition and awards this year.  Next year will be incredible!
• Very aggressive plans for indoor training.  
• Absolutely miraculous.  Two fake knees. And the miracle of surgery to get shoulder in top shape for crushing cycling competition in last half of my eighth decade.  
• We live in amazing times.