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Day 7

 The ‘team’ is on their 2nd rest day after 5 days of hard rides, including a day of rain. Here are a few links pertaining to the ride and it’s riders:  https://youtu.be/P-zSOdkC7-c https://web.musc.edu/about/news-center/2021/10/26/transplant-cyclist A big shoutout to Zachary (2nd link). He took care of me after my fall. Saved me from getting my shoes, socks, and HRM from getting cut off and more importantly gave me good advice and help before the ambulance ride  and after I got back to Columbia. He’s an  avid cyclist, a PA, and a kidney donor. I’m in awe!  I’m vicariously experiencing the adventure via updates from James and others.  We had one more cyclist go down, this time  crossing a wet train track. Fortunately ended up only with a scraped knee.  Two more days of riding, starting Monday   I’m back home resting after a 12 hour journey battling flight cancellations and delays.  Pain level hasn’t changed but I’ve cut back on the Tyleno...
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Day 3

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 Thanks to James and Stevie’s help I’m set to fly home on Thursday.  Got out this morning at 6:45 and the team had already put my bike and case in the lobby. Rusty brought them into my room and after watching the riders pull away waving goodbye (that was tough) I got busy packing up my bike.  Lunch, a futile search for a pharmacy, and phone calls to set up a follow up meeting with an orthopedic surgeon took up most of the day.  I’m also enjoying reading my book club read, Moby Dick. I’m surprised to find it quite captivating but sure would rather be cycling away! Here are some photos from James’s Strava post:
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Day 2

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 Slept well and woke up feeling no worse than the night before.  Thankful for that.  I  took 2 Tylenol pills at 6 and 2 Aleves at 10 am.  Doing the Tylenol every 6 hours and the Aleves every 12. I hope my body tolerate this.  I don’t take any of these in my normal day.  James arranged for Caroline to pick me up from n Greenville. She showed up at noon and we had a pleasant two hour  drive to Columbia. Getting out of the car though was a challenge after two hours of sitting.   I’m set up in a nice boutique hotel right on Main Street.  Risked my life twice crossing the street to get a real lunch. Lots of the motorists seem to be in a hurry and I’m moving at a slow shuffle.  Spent the rest of the day exploring options.  Somewhat tempted to stay with the group but fear I’d be more a burden than help  plus, I want to prioritize a quick recovery and not sure long times in a support vehicle will do me well.    I checked...
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Day 1

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 Great group of riders and things are moving like clockwork.  Drove to the start point in Pickens, got our bikes out, had bites to eat, and were on the road at 8:45.   Our first break was near 28 miles and we enjoyed snacks, camaraderie, and the opportunity to shed jackets, vests etc   Then we were off again   Good pace and communication   At mile 47, I struck a pothole and went flying.   I landed on my hip and bounced much like when I broke my femur ,  I couldn’t lift my leg or bear weight   An ambulance was called and I was taken to Greenville Memorial hospital.  8 hours later after X-rays and a catscan, I was given the news: multiple pelvis fractures. Fortunately all were stable and I was released at 10 pm with a set of crutches.  I need to see an orthopedic surgeon next week to confirm all is staying in place.. I overnighted in a Greenville hotel and a ride supporter is planning to get me on Tuesday and get me back to Columbia ....
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Day 0

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 Day 0: calm before the storm.  My bike  and I have made it to Columbia. Phew! We will be driving to Pickens today and the ride begins tomorrow.  Feeling good but worried about the logistics of starting out with a 93 mile ride, pace lining with new riders. I hope they are all at similar fitness levels. I have the high altitude lungs and good power to weight ratio to handle climbs but worry about the day to day toll from long rides.  I’ve promised myself and Diana Brennen Fisch to listen to my body and not push beyond my limits. Hoping for a good start and great next 9 days. Now  packing up bikes and enjoying the view of downtown Columbia: 5 pm: drove the crew up to Easley in a 15 passenger van. a bit  stressed from all the traffic.  Lots of rolling hills that would make for good riding.  The cyclists I’ve met all appear to be strong and experienced. Here’s a shot of a few as we checked in to our hotel.   And here’s the bike trailer:...
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