Monthly Update From Garry McGivern

My latest monthly update for May 2026. Haha, what did I say at the end of last month’s update? I’ll be surprised if I have my operation by the end of May. Well, I’m surprised. I had a pre-op for my hip on the 11th of the month, and literally three days after my pre-op, I got a phone call asking me to go into hospital on the 19th for my hip operation. So I’m now sitting at home recuperating, counting down the days until I can get back on my bike. Which, incidentally, at the time of writing, is 30 days. And yes, I will be sensible and wait the full 30 days.

Along with my hip operation this month, May is the annual Isle of Wight cycle trip. I rode further this month than I have in nearly all of this year. There’s been plenty of babysitting and dog-sitting. And we’ve had a bit of a heatwave.

The month should have started with the annual trip to the Isle of Wight. But with my hip being the way it was, there was no way I could have gone. Anyway, I don’t think anybody went this year, although had I been fit, I would probably have gone over for at least one night. Just to keep the tradition going. Hopefully, though, in a month’s time, I will be able to head on over there. (especially as I’ve not made it over there at all this year) I’m hoping the pain I was getting in my lower leg, which I thought was sciatica, but physio thought was my hip, has now gone. I hope physio was right.

What’s Better

Anyway, instead of going to the Isle of Wight, I’ve been babysitting and dog-sitting. My granddaughter decided she was going to come and stay at mine every weekend. (I soon got out of that one with my operation), haha, not really. She’s fine, isn’t a problem, and it’s good fun. Although I don’t know when she’ll be able to stay again, once I’m fit, I hope to be away on my bike again. I’ve also been looking after Julie’s daughter’s dog, Goldie, who again isn’t a problem, especially when the weather is nice. She can just wander in and out of the house as she wants. I think it could be a different story if it was wet. Especially as she’s not exactly small.

Back On The Bike

My pre-op was at Worthing Hospital, and, of course, I cycled. It’s only a round trip of about 30 miles. But 30 miles these days feels like one hell of a long way. It took me five hours to cycle, and that was with the wind blowing me there, then changing direction and blowing me back home.

Then, after receiving the news that I was having my operation, I had to go to Chichester Hospital for a blood test. Again, I cycled. Unfortunately, I forgot to take my crutch. I changed bikes to go over there and, in my rush, forgot to take the crutch off my pub bike and put it on my touring bike. Luckily, at the hospital entrance, there was a spare pair. Had there not been, I would have had to take my bike into the hospital and use that as my crutch. Although I’m pretty sure someone would have soon found me some crutches.

After receiving the date for my hip operation, I had to cancel a physio appointment, which was straightforward enough. Anyway, after cancelling the appointment, the lady on the other end of the phone wished me luck and asked if it was my back or neck they were operating on. Haha, neither its my hip. “Oh”, was her reply. I don’t think she could quite believe I had another problem.

At Home

Ever since I came out of hospital, we’ve had a heatwave. (up until today that is) With the sun shining from dawn till dusk, so I tend to spend all day outside. Most days, I go out for an early morning walk. One before it gets too hot and two before it starts to get busy. It’s half-term here in the UK with the children on holiday. After my walk, I come home, potter around the house and garden, and do a few bits on my website and social media channels. And of course I do my exercises. Despite not really doing too much, the days are flying past. And as I said earlier, there are only thirty days to go before I can get back on my bike.

Although I’ve now had my hip done, which I hope will be for the last time. I’ve got to remember it’s only the start. There’s still a chance that I’ll have to have operations on my back and neck. Salisbury wanted to get my hip sorted before they start investigating my back and neck further. Because the hip operation is less risky, it made sense to rule out that my hip wasn’t the source of my problems. And any issues I’m having are coming from my back or neck. Hence, I might have to have my back operated on before my neck. But on the bright side, they may do my back, and it will cure all my issues. And I’ll only need the one operation. Anyway, that’s all in the future, I’m off to do my exercises so I can get back on my bike.

Read my previous update from April

Follow & Support My Bicycle Touring Adventures

If you’re enjoying the ride and want to fuel my next mile, you can always support me by buying me a beer. And of course you can always follow me on social media: Facebook, Bluesky, Threads, X, Instagram, YouTube and Pinterest. I’m also on Flickr, where you’ll find pictures from all my tours, along with regular photo updates that I generally publish each month.

If you want to find out if I’m away touring at the moment and check my location, visit the Where’s Garry page. And for an insight into the gear and logistics that keep me on the road, see my Life at 10mph Guide.