Sick

Since I’m “down with the kids”, I get to hear all the current playground phrases. In North-West London, at least, “Sick!” is a favourite. e.g. Upon seeing a road bike, “That’s one of those bikes like in the Olympics… Sick!” or when seeing SPD pedals, “Look at those tiny pedals… Sick!”.

I’ve had a big dose of the bad sick recently. After clunking my knee before Christmas, I was determined to do some some non-intrusive training over the holiday. I say non-intrusive because I think that training up to go on adventures is a pretty selfish pursuit. The least I can do for the people who put up with me is to take a couple of days off the bike to be with them. While there is a school of thought that you can get an edge by training on Christmas Day, I think that’s selfish rubbish. Everyone needs rest days now and again, why not make them Christmas?

I took the turbo trainer with me, and used it on the days between Christmas and New Year to keep things ticking over. It was actually quite nice to bust out of the shed and into someone else’s garage on the turbo. The only down side is that I’m running out of podcasts. A steady hour at 250W was pretty good, but didn’t get me out of watching Mama Mia afterwards.

So, it felt like I could go well into the New Year and be on track for West Highland Way. Until food started coming out of both ends early this week. At first, I would have passed the £5 test (wouldn’t have got out of bed to pick up a £5 on the floor). Then I could move about but not eat. Then, I could eat but not EAT and not think very well.

Now I can eat and do proper turbo sessions. Later, I’m going to go out a ride a bike in the real world. Still a bit fragile, but getting there. At least, I spent the downtime ordering up the bike parts I need. Hundreds of pounds on boring replacements, but it’s got to be done. Once the Pugsley has moved from just working to being fighting-fit, I’ll post the set-up.

Significantly, all this has lead to me moving the date of my West Highland Way ride. I’m now going to go on the weekend of 22 January. I’ve not only lost a week, but also gone backwards in fitness so it’s a necessity. At least I have the choice, though.

Being ill has reminded me of the importance of health and the luck of it. I try to appreciate what I have. Some people, though no fault of their own, can’t ride a bike at all. Can’t even enjoy the outdoors as they would wish to. There are things I take for granted while I grumble about having to replace another chain, or having to ride through more mud. Those things can come around any time they want to poke me with a stick. Make sure you’re getting the most out of what health and luck you have!