Status Update

It is not that I haven't had anything to write about, the fact of the matter is I have been so busy the last 2 weeks, I haven't had time to write!

It has been 2 weeks since my ASD repair, and things are going well.  A week ago I was given the green light for riding my road bike (no mountain bike yet).  So last Saturday I went for a ride.  I thought it would be a good idea to go with Mandy, so I would have a nice calm ride.  For those who know Mandy you are probably laughing right now.  However, this ride actually turned out pretty good.  She wanted to show me she could make it to Vivian park, unfortunately there was snow just before bridal veil, and I needed to be careful, so we turned around.  I kept my heart rate low and felt really good for my first ride since surgery.
Mom please don't talk to me while I'm riding.

Now we are picture perfect.

Mandy rode in the snow!

That was my only ride until today.  This morning when I woke up, the weather looked good, so I opted for a quick short ride up the provo trail.  It felt good to be out.  With every pedal stroke there was a sense of exhiliration and freedom.  I rode at a nice tempo, but nothing that hurt me.  I paid close attention to my chest making sure I didn't feel in pain or pressure.  This is the gauge the doctor told me to look for--any chest pain, or pressure means I need to slow down.  This ride no chest pain!  My hr did get a little high a couple of times and my hr alarm went off, so I just backed it off a bit.

I can't tell you how good it felt to ride.  There is nothing better than the freedom you feel from riding.  I am so looking forward to many more rides.

My Ride to Work

This morning I took the long, scenic route to work.  I wish I had a video camera to capture everything I say, but I don't usually take my camera with me to work, and alas I did not for this ride.

On my ride I saw two ducks come out of a large ditch, quacking as they flew ahead of me.  I then saw a convoy of tree cutting trucks riding past me in the opposite direction.  There was a group of road workers preparing to do work by the railroad tracks.  It must be an ongoing project as there was an outhouse close by.  I went by where they keep the school buses, and for the first time saw many of the drivers pulling out to go and pick up kids.  I saw 3 deer under some trees in a field, watching me closely as I rode by.  And finally the fog over the vast fields--I love the fog.

I don't think there is any better way to go to work.

Inaugural Ride

For Christmas we got Royce a road bike.  He was very surprised - I hid it in the downstairs closet and then he had clues with each present he opened up.  I think by the time he got to the road shoes for a gift he knew something was up.

Royce getting his Christams present out of the closet.  I think he likes it.
Since getting the gift he has not had the chance to ride it due to taking care of Mandy over Christmas break, and then taking care of me for the last 2 weeks.  Today I was feeling like I could ride my bike, so we went for a very mild ride.

Before we went on our ride I helped Royce get outfitted for a cold ride.  I think I had him wearing close to 4 layers top and bottom--better too warm in this kind of weather.  After getting  completely ready we took off.  At first the going was a little tough, you know new bike, different shifting.  Before long though we were heading towards Utah Lake (we live fairly close). 

When we left the temp was 31 degrees, but once we got closer to the lake I could feel the temperature drop, and noticed the frostcicles on the trees, bushes and other shubery.  We stopped for a minute for a photo op and then continued on.
Royce riding by the lake.

Posing for the camera.

A view of the lake--it is out there.

From the lake the ride is relatively short to home.  I was feeling pretty good, so Royce and I parted ways.  He went home and I continued on riding.  It felt so good to be out after being cooped up in the house for such a long time.  My ride took me out towards the farmlands in Lehi and then back.  I am a little tired, but it was a great ride and I can't wait to go out again.
There is blue sky!

I love how the snow is still around the water.