Still laid up, but less so
I'm still gradually improving here, but I'm far from being back to normal. The bone scan is scheduled for tomorrow morning, so I'll know at that point for sure whether there's a fracture or whether I'm just being a huge wimp. I managed 2 hours on the bike yesterday, but took today off entirely. And I've been keeping an eye on the results at Dunkerque as well. It looks like the guys are hanging in quite well, especially Alberto. Great to see. I wish I was there.
I'm managing not to be entirely immobile. Cindy pulled their scooter out for me to use, and I finally got a set of crutches as well. That's allowed me some freedom to get around the town a bit, even if I do look a little bit crazy in the process. I made a couple trips into town today; once to the pharmacy and once to a restaraunt for dinner and beer. Beer here is good.
Another observation: bike racing here is a real sport. It's been interesting to see first hand just how much a part of the culture it is. A friend of Cindy's asked today what had happened to me, and I explained that I'd fallen off of my bike. When prodded for more details, I said it had happened in a race near Paris. Her teenage daughter, who couldn't have been older than 15, immediately asked if it was Grimpeur that I'd crashed in. That's just one small example. Everyone here knows and appreciates bike racing. Pictures of Tom Boonen are everywhere. Route markers for the major races are permanently affixed to the side of the road. I was able to watch Henninger Turn live on TV a few days ago. I'm so accustomed to the sport getting almost no recognition in the US that it just comes as a huge shock to me to see it accepted as legitimate here.
I'll report back tomorrow with results from the bone scan. At that point I'll know whether to keep recovering and looking forward to the Peace Race, or if it's time to book an early flight home.
A scooter and a crutch. Keeping me mobile, but making me look a little bit nuts.
Taking Sam's advice and sampling the local culture.
Typical road and bike lane. If only this were the norm back home.
An old building I saw on yesterday's ride.
I'm managing not to be entirely immobile. Cindy pulled their scooter out for me to use, and I finally got a set of crutches as well. That's allowed me some freedom to get around the town a bit, even if I do look a little bit crazy in the process. I made a couple trips into town today; once to the pharmacy and once to a restaraunt for dinner and beer. Beer here is good.
Another observation: bike racing here is a real sport. It's been interesting to see first hand just how much a part of the culture it is. A friend of Cindy's asked today what had happened to me, and I explained that I'd fallen off of my bike. When prodded for more details, I said it had happened in a race near Paris. Her teenage daughter, who couldn't have been older than 15, immediately asked if it was Grimpeur that I'd crashed in. That's just one small example. Everyone here knows and appreciates bike racing. Pictures of Tom Boonen are everywhere. Route markers for the major races are permanently affixed to the side of the road. I was able to watch Henninger Turn live on TV a few days ago. I'm so accustomed to the sport getting almost no recognition in the US that it just comes as a huge shock to me to see it accepted as legitimate here.
I'll report back tomorrow with results from the bone scan. At that point I'll know whether to keep recovering and looking forward to the Peace Race, or if it's time to book an early flight home.
A scooter and a crutch. Keeping me mobile, but making me look a little bit nuts.
Taking Sam's advice and sampling the local culture.
Typical road and bike lane. If only this were the norm back home.
An old building I saw on yesterday's ride.
3 Comments:
Duvel, nice. New Seasons even has Duvel and Duvel glasses for sale, so you can enjoy it the right way back home, even if it's not quite the same. What does Sam know about beer, anyway?
Hope the test results bring good news and you can gear up for the Peace Race. Best wishes. In regards to the cycling culture in Europe, and Belium particularly, I've been there a few times myself and it's amazing to see how famous pro cyclists are. I remember watching a game show while I stayed in Brugges where there were three contestants who were pro cyclists form the Bodysol, Domo Farm Frites and another team. They were the stars of the show. Even got to see the Belgian Championship race and the reaction from the spectators to the riders before and after the race was incredible. You would have thought Madonna had just rode by on a bike...
Rest up and good luck with the scan. Oh and try Achen no8, a great beer.
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