My Knee Has Me Worried

Riding in Japan.

I’m probably a rare breed of cyclist that deals with knee pain. I believe the injuries are mostly ice hockey related from the old days of playing semi-pro. I had complex knee surgery last January to ‘save’ my meniscus from being removed. The procedure is new and only one doctor at this famous knee and shoulder hospital had studied how to do it in the USA. There were no guarantees but after it was done and 6 weeks in a leg cast, I worked my ass off to rehabilitate it. I got on the bicycle for the first time this year in mid May. The knee hurt at first but gradually felt stronger and better. Come August I was pain free and feeling like a million dollars.

Then, like a light switch, a week ago, in the exact same spot but on the other knee, really bad pains started to stab me. On today’s ride, I couldn’t even stand up on climbs. I’ve been limping around like an old man for a week but I’m praying and hoping that it’s not the same problem I had with the other knee. Being 42 years old doesn’t help matters but I’ve kept myself in good shape my whole life and am frustrated by this.

Sorry for the rant but I am quite bummed out. I have always loved cycling and I don’t want to lose it. Plus, I’m spent with surgery (I’ve had a total of 7 in my life time – most injury related).

Anyone else dealing with pains or injuries that affect their cycling or daily life?

Oh, on a lighter note (if you’ve made it this far), I saw the strangest thing today. I saw a middle age heavy set woman walking along the side of the road carrying on her front a HUGE LIVE turtle! I’m talking the shell was the size of a car tire! It was hugging her as she struggled to carry it. Where they were going I have no idea! English school maybe?

Today I took my video camera with me to try to take some footage of my route. It was more of a pain than anything (except my knee – lol )

My friend Jerry Wong is the friggen coolest and most under-rated musician that I know. Jerry, you won’t read this but a trillion thanks!!

Pulled off my radio interview in Japanese today http://ping.fm/ureth despite my fever and cold. Good thing it was radio & not TV ’cause I looked rough.

Live performance on radio tomorrow & I’ve got a wicked cold 😦 I sound like Michael Clarke Duncan (which isn’t good for my singing voice)

Fantastic Fall day about to start. But woke up with the neighbors cat bouncing on my chest though. However, that didn’t last long 😉

Life back to regular routine after a 4 day adventure with my friend from England. Much to catch up on now.

I’m thinking I might as well custom paint my next jeep with paw prints on the front hood.

One word answers are fine. Do you still go to concerts? Go to the movies? Rent DVDs? Buy books? Buy music?

Call me clumsy but I’ve banged it twice in two days and while it’s bruised and sore I wonder why it’s called the “funny bone”?

Three day weekend here. Which means three days of gigs. I love it!