Riding Day 3 - Ryan
Posted by ajmoreland | Filed under Uncategorized
The agenda for today was for everyone to complete a century ride (100 miles) through the flat countryside of Delaware. Many people did achieve this goal! Of course, AJ and I were no exception. I don’t have a whole lot to say about this day because it was mostly parade format and this riding style is not very conducive to the occurrences of exciting things. For the majority of the day, I was trying to baby my Achilles tendons as much as possible. I wasn’t really having a whole lot of success and by the end of the day I was seriously worried that I may not be able to complete very much more mileage. Luckily, I had plenty of considerate people around me to help come up with solutions to remedy my painful situation. I thought back to when the pain began, I really started to notice it after I lowered my seat and rid myself of the knee pain. Also, I was starting to feel a sharp pinching sensation whenever I allowed my foot to point toward the ground while pedaling.
I began to realize that I needed to keep my ankle joints completely immobile. This was nearly impossible to do with my toe baskets still attached to my pedals. They would have to be removed ASAP!!! This is my biggest problem with riding in parade formation. It is a more difficult to stop and fix a flat or to make minor adjustments concerning issues you may be having with your bike. Basically, I finished out the 105 miles with toe baskets attached, and Achilles tendons wanting to be detached!
I am very glad that tomorrow will bring some very much needed relief. AJ and I will forgo riding in order to speak with staffers in the office of our Florida Senators, Mel Martinez and Bill Nelson, regarding new legislation that is extremely pertinent to EMS personnel nationwide.
By the way, HUGE shout out to Wingmen Alicia and Tim from Inver Hills for taking me to Wal-Mart to get some very much needed groceries! These two, along with several other wingmen, are the only reason that the NEMSMBR is such a successful event! Without the Wingmen, the bike ride could not go on. AJ and I are in agreement that we would very much like someone from Lifeguard to accompany us on this trip next year to fill a wingman role!