Looking Up!

Things have improved - the second procedure to resync my heart worked and I feel like ten bucks. This is the first time in ages I've felt this good. Gastric sleeve surgery is set for Sept 29th, and in preparation, I'm on a liquid diet. 5 shake a day, 60 grams of protein, and lot's of water for 3 weeks. Started on the 8th, so I'm over halfway into it. So far so good, no hunger problem, no cravings, in fact, I almost forget to drink it most of the time. But you can't live a normal life on 900 calories a day, so I'll go back on normal food gradually after the surgery. If things go as they should, I should be off of the diabetes medications shortly. Can't wait!

Broken - Again!

No, I haven't given up on the bike. Never. But, the cursed gods of cycling keep tormenting me in such a way that lesser men would throw in the towel. Lymes disease. Broken ribs. Diabetes.Kidney failure. Weird weight gain. Loss of motivation. No energy.

At long last the cause of the last three has reared it's ugly head. Atrial Fibrillation. Afib, for short. It took an ambulance ride from Urgent Care to discover it. Medication got it somewhat under control. An appointment with a cardiologist spelled out the facts. My heart has been working at approximately twenty eight percent efficiency. No wonder the wheels have come off the proverbial wagon. It's been like riding in wet cement. A two thousand calorie diet has resulted in weight gain due to the plethora of drugs I'm taking to stay kind of healthy.

The doc's plan of attack: This Thursday, I take a chemically induced stress test. Three hours of what may a well be water boarding type of torture. But the fun doesn't stop there, no way. July 1st, I get a TEE procedure. What is that, you say? Well, under a Micheal Jackson sized dose of Propofol, a echocardiogram devise is fed down to one's esophagus to get a better look at the heart. So far, so good. If all looks good, as in no blood clots, the said (my) heart will be stopped and then jump started, hopefully in the proper rhythm. Routine, according to the cardiac doctor. She claims 11 years without a problem. Has she seen my track record.

Funny thing is, all of this started the day after my consult with the bariatric surgeon who will eventually perform the gastric sleeve procedure on me. This event was supposed to occur July 9th, but is now scheduled for Sept 29, providing my heart cooperates and I don't expire by then. I haven't checked if Vegas has a line on that happening yet, but I'm sure they will. But I digress. You see, the gastric sleeve was supposed to help me drop 100 lbs., reverse the diabetes and it's associated complexities, get rid of the high blood pressure, and put the brakes on the sleep apnea. A side effect would be me going up hills at a decent rate of speed of my bike of choice, cut down on the food bills, let me buy a wardrobe from the normal size section, and generally let me fucking live again.

I that too much to ask, Cycling Gods? What did I do to make you treat me like Job these last few years? I vow you won't stop me this time, it's my turn to win!!

Jeff Crowe And I took a nice ride out to the end of Park Point and back last Sunday. Sure am glad we got it in before this nasty weather set in. This was the first time I have ridden from home in quite awhile. I just hate riding up 27th Ave West! But, I had to get over this and just do it. I not only had a good time, but lived to tell about it. Small steps....

Fall, Fall - That's All!

Nothing like some fall colors to get you out on the bike! This year has been fantastic to say the least.

What's Been Happening?

Well, new job promotion, home improvements, a new deck, but not much cycling. What started as a small deck expansion ended up being a major up grade, including a cover grilling station and bar. Now, the rains came. Has to be my fault. We also upgraded to a nice stainless counter depth refrigerator, a very quiet and super cleaning Bosch dishwasher, along with having the driveway blacktopped. Cycling was not neglected, getting a carbon seat post for the MTB, and a Fizik Alliate saddle for the road bike. Now that this stuff has been mostly done, I get to ride again!

Wow, we sure have had some great sun rises and sets lately. I get to see them almost every day going to and from work at my new job. The new job has kept me jumping, but at least it's commuting distance from home. If I had studded tires, I would be riding to and from work already, but the funds just haven't been there to invest in a set. This spring I will for sure, since the days are longer, I won't need a head lamp. Another thing to invest in, I guess.

Photo Redux

At the suggestion of Doug, I took the power lines out of the very long distance shot (for a compact camera) of Enger Tower. I like it!

Enger Tower Redux