Well it’s certainly been an interesting couple of days. I started my journey into Europe…only to then have excruciating shooting pains in my knee whenever I tried to haul the wagon up the big hills.
A trip to the doctor’s came back with the shattering advice; “take these tablets, rest for 6 days, and be careful with the knee”. & so I spent yesterday and last night agonizing over if/how to continue.
Well I am pleased to say that after a bit of sleep, and with a clear head, I have made a decision. I will cycle south along the coast to Spain…leaving any excess gear I can with a good friend en route. If my knee proves to be an ongoing issue, the option to get a ferry isn’t too far away. & if the problem sorts itself, I can continue my little odyssey – albeit following a slightly different route!
So yes, keep an eye on the “where am I?” map…for my location should start to change with a little more purpose!!
Thoughts about this journal entry?
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Hey Laurence plenty of rest and you’ll be right as reign.. xx
Are you riding with cleats? try adjusting them on the leg with the pain. DO NOT PERSIST.
Good suggestion Cradz…I’ve adjusted the cleats, and it seems to have eased the pressure (my knee had been steadily improving anyway). I’m not doing many miles…just enough to keep me sane!
I managed to get a Brooks saddle in the end….a beautiful creation! My perpetual bruised ass has been banished!
Hope all’s well with you?
Loz
Mate, sorry to hear about the leg! Must be frustrating! But if it didn’t hurt, everyone would be doing what you’re doing! And what you’re doing is awesome and an immense source of inspiration for me. I WILL comeridewithyou.org and I am looking forward to it mate!
Corny you little beauty! What a treat…I get some internet at last, and find a message from you!
The knee issue is immensely frustrating – but it is improving day by day. It’s also forced me to alter my route – at least until I am sure my knee is ok. Am going to stay near to the coast until I reach Spain…then decide on my route from there (didn’t fancy getting stranded in the middle of Europe with my Juggernaut of a bike, and a duff knee!).
Once I have a better idea of the route, ill sling you a message. Would be awesome to cycle with you.
Hope your biggles stuff is going well…will be in touch
Loz
Oh nooooooo….. not good :0(((( Take care and do rest it and enjoy not doing anything for a few days ……
We are in spain from Tuesday (31st) for nearly 2 weeks… Your always welcome to pop by :0)) xxxx
we have 6 spare beds in our villa
Love Sara, Billy and Ellis xxxx
Sara…if there’s one thing I am unable to do, it is rest! I hope the decision doesn’t come back to bite me….but at the moment, my knee is improving day by day, I’m still clocking up a few miles – and more importantly, I’m enjoying the hospitality of a few good Frenchmen…
(& also being constantly amazed at the rudeness of some others!)
Hope all’s well with you?
xx
Good Luck Lawrence. Hope the knee sorts itself very soon. regards Anita Smith (the other one!!)
Sorry about your injury, our prayers and support for you. This trip i stronly belief, will be a sucess as it is a just cause. Delighted my hospital has been named one of the support areas for this adventure. The community of Bansang in particular and the people of the Gambia are really proud of you. We hope the 18 years of hard work by your Mum in Bansang hospital will strengthened the bond of friendship between your family and the people of the Gambia.
Many thanks for the kind words Wandifa. I am not a doctor, or a nurse – or any of the other wonderful professions that make Bansang so special…but I am proud to be able to assist in my own small way. The work you and the others are doing in Bansang is exceptional…and I hope my ride may just bring such work to the attention of those of us who are so very fortunate.
Hi You take care of that knee…… dont do to much over the next few days and we are thinking of you. lots of love xxxx
Well, I rested my knee somewhat…and it is now much improved. I’ll be turning east soon to rejoin my original route, so my blog will hopefully become a little more interested! Hope you are all well…add me on Skype and i’ll give Nanna & Grandad a video call when the opportunity arises.
xxx
Great to see you on camera at last, you need to be aware of the wind noise when filming, very impressed though. I felt sad just looking at the lines of headstones, especially the unknown soldiers resting place, graves are beautifully tended and the flowers so fresh bright. Good timing with the sun going down behind the cross, very poignant.
Hope you are getting enough Weetabix, look as though you have lost a little weight already!! Lots of love,.
Avoiding wind noise that day was pretty tricky…50km/h, and swirling! I’m sure i’ll get the hang of this video work eventually though.
As for losing weight – i’m actually the same as when I left…still a hefty old slab of meat – still 95kg! I’m sure things will change as I head out of Europe though!
I’ve possibly got my first stoker (kez traynor ) heading out in July…so that’ll be something to look forward to. Just debating whether to head through Monaco or not. (I imagine they’d probably sweep me up and chuck me in a dustcart! Can’t have such paupers mucking up their gold-lined streets!)
Speak to you soon
xx
Hi Loz
Went over to mum and dads today Steve said you were doing really well keep it up cant wait for the book, Getting ready for Bansang in Nov loading saturday (great Website) Thinking of you
.
Stew
Hi Stew,
Many thanks for the comment…it’s always a pleasure to receive such messages. Good to hear you’re able to go to the Gambia after all the uncertainty (I know the staff greatly appreciate your efforts and would be v.disappointed if you weren’t able to help)
As for me – the cycling is progressing well now. I think we did 700 km in about 5 or 6 days, and are now taking a more leisurely pace to Zadar in Croatia (as of writing this, we are 60km away, and 5 days early for the music festival!). I will then be cycling with my friend Kez all the way to Istanbul hopefully, and then I’ll travel alone towards Iran, India and SE Asia)
Anyways, enough of my rambling. I’m going to head off and enjoy the sun and the sea whilst I can! All the best for your time in the Gambia…
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