Off the gas...

As most of you know, I have a BAD back. The majority of people go to the Chiro when they have an issue, or injure themselves.
I go every 15-17 days...for maintenance. It keeps me up and ambulatory, and able to ride the bike.
For the past month or so, I've had some serious SI and sciatic nerve issues.
Friday, my Chiro and I had a conversation about the nagging issues, and decided to add a few things to my protocol.
Well, the new stuff hurt...and hurt bad...but in a good way.
I woke up Saturday morning feeling like I'd been hit in the back and legs by a fungo bat. Normally, I don't ride the day of/day after treatment, to let things get settled.
Well, I had to do something, so I got on the CX bike, and spun. Just spun...

...which is really all I could do. There was NO power, and it stung a bit to put more than tertiary pressure on the pedals. Honestly, I didn't care. It was a beautiful day, and I was out on the bike.
I rode easy for just shy of two hours, and felt marginally better for it.
I also met a couple of teenage girls riding out on The PowerStation. I slowed down to chat, and I'm glad I did.
One was in a full back brace, a product of a car accident. Her Doctor said that she needed to exercise, and riding the bike was low impact, and would help her recovery.
Her friend explained that she tagged along "to get some fresh air" and to be there to help her injured friend get better.
Those two made my Grinch-like heart grow two sizes, and restored a little bit of faith that not all teenagers are empty voids. Just two friends, out enjoying the morning...on bikes.
Sort of what it's all about, no?
A select few Heathens met Sunday morning, including a new member, who is moving to town. We'll get to him in a moment....
My legs and back were still battered from Friday, and others needed to get back earlier than we have the past few weeks, so we formulated a loop, and rolled.
It was actually quite a good loop, and incorporated a section that we'd never done before. Wasn't that climb fun?
Towards the end, my legs started to get back with the program, which is always a nice feeling.
I'm not " Summer fit" at this point, but it's nice to know that fitness sometimes gets you through. On a day that "chipper" would not be an apt descriptor, 80km fell easily, and felt short. And the WX got REALLY nice on the back half of the ride. If you missed it, well...
As for "the new guy"...
He's moving to town full time in March. He'll be here on weekends (that he's not racing) until then. He's from the beach. And he's a HAMMER.
I'll let you guys meet him for yourselves...and get pounded down like an errant 10p.

One of these is now winging it's way South from Chicago...

Not gonna say much more. You'll have to wait...

CX Worlds (Again...probably Geo blocked, as the UCI are jerks. Get Chrome and Hola)





Both races were pretty damn good.

And today's bike porn...

Saffron builds NICE things...

Have a good Monday. Don't worry...the sun will be out in a few hours...