Road Bike Action and a Debate Worth Watching

 

I finally went for a ride on my road bike last night for the first time since last summer. I've been content to ride my gravel bike until now because it allows me to unclip from the pedals more easily, placing less lateral force on my right knee than I experience when unclipping from my road bike pedals. (My nephew just reminded me that I can adjust the pedal for the amount of force it takes to unclip.) I nearly forgot how much fun it is to ride this bike—how nimble and responsive it is. It was a shorter ride of only 24 miles (39 km), but I had so much fun and returned home amped about my ride. More of this, please. 

One thing I noticed right away from my Favero Assioma power meter pedals was how much less power I'm generating with my right leg compared to my left. The data indicate that my left leg accounts for 60% of my power output, while my right leg accounts for 40% (approximately the same as before surgery). This is despite my focus on trying to involve my right leg more in the pedal stroke, suggesting it's likely worse unless I'm focused on power distribution. This is actually a hopeful sign because once I'm able to engage my right leg more, I'll generate more power and speed. I need to be cautious with my right knee the day after I push myself somewhat hard on my bike, as it feels a little sore and unstable the next day. (These notes about my knee are mostly for me as I document my recovery from knee replacement surgery last November, but feel free to follow along.)

I was hoping to resume walking the links when I golf at Valleywood tomorrow, but after hiking Lebanon Regional Park last Sunday, it's clear that I'm still not ready for the hills over a full round of 18 holes. I do fine walking on flat surfaces and inclines, but downhills are a more difficult challenge. Typically, I use a challenge like that to build strength, but I'm struggling enough with my game on the links as it is. I'll continue to rent a riding cart for at least the next few weeks.

Speaking of golf, I had a golf lesson today with a teaching pro that I've been working with for nearly a year. His approach to the swing is foreign to me (it's a more outside-to-in swing path, whereas my normal swing is inside-to-out), but I'm beginning to see the fruits of his efforts. I was close to giving up on his swing style toward the end of last year, but I'm sticking with it. Today's lesson was humbling, but I'm eager to apply what I learned today on the links tomorrow. Our former neighbor, Bob, is in town and will be part of our foursome. I'm looking forward to catching up with him.


The video below is disturbing to watch, but I think it's important to hear what conservatives, especially youthful conservatives, are saying. There's an abundance of racist and authoritarian sentiments in their words. If you're at all concerned about the direction our country's leadership is taking us, these individuals will provide an unfiltered lens into it. Mehdi Hasan does well to remain calm throughout the debate.

The second video I'm sharing is from this afternoon's chat with Heather Cox Richardson. She's a clear and thoughtful voice in these sad and worrying times. 

The third video is an acknowledgment of the passing of rock legend Ozzy Ozborn, who led Black Sabbath. Ozzy passed away today. Although I'm not a big fan of Black Sabbath, I loved their Technical Ecstasy album. 

That's all I've got. 

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