Thursday, June 24, 2010

The line forms here...

Today was supposed to be a travel day. We were supposed to be on our way to WI for Allison to throw down with the best in the USA. It was going to be great.

Thanks to the craptastic airlines our flight was canceled yesterday afternoon. I did my best to scramble and save the day to no avail. After requesting a refund (funny, they canceled our flight the day before our trip, but it takes 10 business days for them to refund our money?!?!?! Fuckers.) I suggested to Allison that we take today off to spend together. I wanted to try riding a bike.

This morning after prepping the bikes I strapped on my Sworks shoes. They were taken off of me the day of my crash and hadn't been back on my feet since. I cried a little as I tightened them.

I rolled out into the parking lot. I pedaled around and made sure I felt comfortable on the bike. After a few minutes I had to roll back into the garage. I was laughing and sobbing uncontrollably. I was very happy to be riding again.

I then twisted Allison's arm, hard! She didn't want to, but I convinced her that it was symbolic for me to ride at Daley Ranch. It was the first place we rode our brand new Specialized bikes together 5 years ago, our first of many mountain bike rides together. Five years later I wanted it to be the place of my return after my horrible mistake, one that could have taken my life if not for strong muscles, bones, and a bunch of luck.

So with that we rode...



I cried at least once on the ride, and it wasn't from pain. You see I love riding my bike with my wife and it means everything to me that I can do it again.

So the line forms here. If you want to come out and kick my ass on a bike you should take advantage of it now. I am definitely not up to speed yet. I must warn you though, this window of opportunity may not last long! :)

To all my friends who supported me and sent me words of encouragement, I thank you.

8 comments:

allison said...

It was a great day!

Stephanie said...

Stoked for you! You'll be the one handing out the ass-whoppings very soon!

DougSully said...

I'm taking off work early tomorrow if you want to ride something local.

Email me and let me know: pacman@statmtb.com

perrygeo said...

Welcome back to the dirt Justin! Glad to see you making a speedy recovery; you'll be back on the podium in no time.

Ryan Weeger said...

so stoked for you! im glad you picked a real multi colored kit for your first ride back...COLORS!

jameson said...

so stoked to read this dude... i can't wait to get out and bang heads with you again on the race course and training!!!!

Fort James said...

Nice job on your return. You inspire me!

Reedster said...

Way to go Justin. Glad to hear that you are on the mend and back on the bike. Everything should be a little more bearable now.
~R