But I wanted to do a post to mark an important occasion for me: the ride was significant because it was my return to the Sandy River Bridge. The bridge is the gateway to the Historic Columbia River Highway, a glorious ride I'd enjoyed many, many times in the past, before The Calamity, and one I thought I'd never be able to do again. This morning was the first time back to the bridge in four years, so I couldn't resist a recreation of a photo I took the FIRST time I biked there back in the summer of 2002:
With the mighty P-38 Lightning in 2002:
And with the mighty Bacchetta Giro, 2006:
I'm getting stronger every day, and I'm looking forward to soon reclaiming another long-thought-lost goal: The Vista House by Crown Point. I've got some training to do to manage that climb yet, but it's within my grasp. Or since it's about 1100 ft. of elevation gain topping out about 30 miles from my house, perhaps I should say it's within my gasp!
10 comments:
That's awesome, and it couldn't happen to a nicer guy. I guess we Heckmans are hard to kill.
Oh, do NOT say that. I can see the fates turning their heads to the source of that comment right now...
Lisa is right in that you don't taunt Zeus. I must admit to feeling eerily like Sisyphus when posting those two bike photos last night. Am I going to ride to the top of the mountain only to have the bike roll back down again? Well, let's hope so, but in a GOOD way!
That's OK. The Zeus likes Pagans, remember? WE know how to propitiate!!
And medical science has already taken its best shot. So, Hubris away!
The only time I'll be hubris-y is when I can stay with the spandex-clad road bike guys on the climbs despite the fact that my bike weighs 10 pounds more than their bikes. I reckon another four weeks at this pace...
I can see that your camera has improved, too!
Yes, the camera really highlights how much the tree behind the "One Way Traffic" sign has grown since I was there last. Ouch.
I live on the Historic Highway and cross this bridge quite often. I only want to say to all cyclists on the Scenic Route--please ride single file. I'm envious of your physical and mental state to be able to ride this route, but as a resident of the area it is sometimes difficult to navigate around cycling groups. I take extra precautions on sunny days to prevent another "calamity" from occuring. Kudos to you for your recovery and zeal for living life.
Cami, thanks for the kudos. And I agree with you about cyclists riding single file. I feel the same way about it as when I see cyclists riding after dark with no reflective cloathing, no lights and no helmet: "It's dangerous enough out here without ASKING to get creamed."
On the other hand, I'm also shocked at how often motorists refuse to wait a measly 10 seconds so it's safe to pass a group of cyclists. Just like anything else, the assholes who make up 5% of the population seem to create 95% of the ill will -- both cyclists and motorists. Personally, I ride alone and my experiences with motorists have been overwhelmingly positive. I try to bear that in mind when I ride.
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