Yesterday I had a pre-op appointment to prepare for the operation on Friday. Dr. Brown of the Hand Center is going to put a tiny plate in my thumb and then connect my loose tendon to it. That is supposed to pull the chipped bone into place and once I’m healed, I should be able to hold my coffee cup in my left hand again! It is good to start seeing tangible things happen to get me going again.

While we — the beautiful redhead has been my driver — were out, I loaded the black Giant frame with it’s components into the truck along with some bags of Low Cadence Coffee. On the way back from the doctor’s office, we stopped by Sunshine Cycle Shop to restock their coffee and drop off the frame. It was a very good visit for me.

I am very thankful for all the people who have given me support. Right now, most of those people are my family and folks at work or church. They aren’t cyclists. It was good for me to spend a bit of time with people who “understand.” Some of them having experienced their own meetings with the pavement.

There was no need to defend the bicycle. The question, “So, are you going to get back on the bicycle?” never came up. They understand.

There wasn’t a lot of talk — just a little — about the crash and the various physical things I’m going through. The conversation turned to bikes and other riders and what they are doing. Before long, it was like we were all standing around talking after a group ride. I wasn’t thinking about the pain in my neck.

That is what a community is like. They share a common bond that brings them together despite their differences. Perhaps we wouldn’t even get along that well in other times of interaction outside this community, but here we are brothers. At this time they were exactly what I needed.

My teammate, John James, came rolling in from a lunch time ride. He was wearing his POA Cycling Team kit as he rolled his bike past us across the shop floor. My mind popped out of doors into the heat of the afternoon to imagine following John along the beautiful roads of the Upstate. The urge was awakened.

I find my mind is starting to think more about what will be and less about where I am or have been. I know I will be back on those roads again. The important thing now is to make sure I am fit to be there. I need to be healed and I am thankful that though my injury was one that could have killed me or left me paralyzed, I should have a 100% recovery.

You can bet I will love what I have been given even more! I’m thankful for the possibilities ahead, but I am also thankful for the cycling community. The way you all have come around me and have supported me during this time.. as well as in my endeavors with Ride for Mike. It has been heart-warming. How encouraging it is to hear from you who understand.

NOTE: There is a new batch of Low Cadence Coffee available. The new Dark Roast is in the house! Actually, you can find it at Sunshine Cycle Shop or you can give a donation at RideForMike.com and I’ll get you a pound of the beans. Of course, the smooth Medium Roast is also still available.