It’s been another good news month. I’m back on the bike! My voice is back to normal (maybe that’s not such good news!), and I’m walking with just one crutch!
Every day, I do my exercises, and no matter what the weather is like I spend as much time as possible either walking or cycling in a bid to regain my fitness and stamina! It might only be short distances at a time but built up over the day, it all adds up.
All the pictures this month have been taken while I’ve been out walking or cycling.
getting back on the bike
Ever since I came out of the hospital, I’ve had it in my head that I’m going to go away on one last camping trip before the season finishes.
My first goal was to get to the New Forest before the end of September before the campsite at Brockenhurst closed, no way was that going to happen; I wasn’t even cycling then, but it was still something for me to aim for!
My next target was to get to Grange Farm on the Isle of Wight before they closed at the end of this month. This was probably a more realistic target, as I was now back on the bike, although the furthest I’d cycled in one day was 32 miles!
Determination
But determined as ever, on the last weekend of the month, I started to load the touring bike up, ready to leave on Monday morning. Everything still takes a long time to do, and it took me nearly all of the weekend to complete, but I got there in the end!
Once loaded, I thought I’d go out for a little ride to see how things felt. But I couldn’t get on the thing! It was too wide and high with all the panniers on; I just couldn’t lift my leg high enough! The only way I could get on it was by standing on something tall, like an old crate or chair!
This wasn’t a very good start, but I seemed to remember I’d had this problem before I went into the hospital, so I thought it would be okay!
he’s off
Monday morning came (Incidentally, it was seven years to the day since I’d left on my big adventure of cycling around the world!). The sun was shining, and I had a nice tailwind wind to help me along. After my initial problem of getting on the bike, which I achieved by leaning the bike up against my van holding the brakes on, putting the peddle in its highest position then getting on!
Once on, I went for a quick ride around the block to see how things felt. Everything felt fine, so off I went!
After nearly 4 hours, I made it to Portsmouth, feeling pretty exhausted!
There was no way that I was going to be able to cycle across the island. Apart from the distance involved, it would be hilly, and hills are a real big problem for me!
more problems!
The other big problem I have, which I forgot to mention earlier, is, that I can’t kneel yet. The muscles in the back of my legs are too tight! Now that would be a problem in a tent! Although if I did feel that I wouldn’t be able to manage in my tent. Grange Farm have these camping pod things which I could always stay in!
In the end, after weighing everything up, I decided to break the trip in two! I’d get the train home today, then tomorrow get the train back to Portsmouth and then cycle across the island!
Unfortunately, after only nine miles, the train I was on got cancelled, and I was forced to cycle home!
Let’s Try Again
The following morning, there was no rush to get going. I wasn’t allowed on the train until after 9.30. So I took a leisurely ride across the fields to Barnham, where I would catch the train!
By the time I’d got to Barnham I was done in, completely exhausted! Maybe I won’t be going to the Isle of Wight after all!
I’d only cycled 2 miles, but my legs felt more like they’d cycled a 100!
There was no way I was going to be able to cycle across the island, I was too worn out!
Reluctantly, I turned around and headed back home. Maybe I’m not as fit as I thought! But I was still proud of the fact that I’d managed to get as far as Portsmouth the previous day; after all, It was only 10 weeks ago that I was in intensive care! And I’ve not even been back on the bike for a month!
videos
I’ve also been busy putting together the videos from my cycle ride to Salisbury last May. Which can now be seen on my YouTube channel or watched below.
I’m currently working on the videos that were filmed the week before I was taken into hospital. They’re certainly an eye-opener!
The first episode will be out this weekend, with consequent episodes released as and when I do them.
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Such great fortitude Garry, and heartwarming to hear how well you’re doing. Cheers cousin Penny!
Thanks Penny, things are definitely moving in the right direction, and before you know it I’ll be peddling back to Australia!
I am very happy abot this great news!
Thank you András, I hope all is well with you.
I do not believe it – blood and guts garry – You’re a marvel. You’ve done a lot in seven years.
That was a nice ride into Salisbury and good to see the old pink ferry. You could do a double act with the Captain.
Best wishes – Malcolm
Still loads more to do in the next seven years!
Captain Ray is also in the next collection of videos on Youtube
Glad to see you out and about. We spotted you in Kingsham Road – must have been on your way to Portsmouth. Good luck.
Not as glad as I’m glad to be out and about! I hope your both keeping well.