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July 17, 2005
Past Breaking Point - Elkhorn City KY
Sorry about the late update folks, but it has been a really trying few days since Berea. I have endured days of 95 degree heat, pedaling 70 miles through hurricane rains and steep mountain pass after steep mountain pass where 5% grades are the norm. The downhills have been spectacular (even filmed one!). The people have been great also, especially where I am right now which is the Gateway to the Breaks motel. The only downside? I am going to have to amend my mission statement.
Why? For about three days now I have been suffering progressively worse numbness in my left hand. It started mildly enough, but it has progressed enough to keep me from sleeping. Pedaling the mile and half uphill to Break Interstate Park the pain and numbness were so bad that I had to come back down and stay another night at the Gateway to the Breaks motel. So far the pain and numbness aren't subsiding. I am now left in a quandry of sorts.
The goal of this journey was the circle the earth without leaving the surface, something that I am just as committed as ever on doing. First and foremost I am not out to maim myself in the process.
Checking with a local nurse in Pike county resulted in cautions that I may be doing permanent damage if I keep up. Years of computer programming have taken their toll on my hands and the 8 to 12 hours of being stretched on handlebars day after day have pushed them past the breaking point.
I do need to get this checked out by my normal doctor and then decide how best to proceed. I am also on a deadline to get to New York City by August 9 to take the Queen Mary 2 to Southampton.
I have however managed to pull off quite a bit. I have filmed a lot of interesting stuff. I plan on continuing to do so but my mission statement is probably going to have to be altered to "A continuous thread of tread and ship's wake".
The journey is going to have to change in this regard because physically I have no choice. I'll update more later but my time right now is running out on using this machine so I'll close for now.
Posted by Julian Cook at July 17, 2005 09:52 PM
Julian... if you want to continue cycling, I strongly suggest that you look into a long-wheelbase recumbent with under-seat steering. There is no load on your wrists, and you can even (as I did) angle the grips so your hands fall in the most natural position possible. Upright bicycles are brutal to the body for many reasons... ulnar nerve palsy, neck and back issues, testicular damage, and in general being a very bad place to fall from in an accident. I would not suggest that you push past a CTS injury, of course, but you can do it with different equipment and eliminate the source of stress.
Best wishes,
Steve
Posted by: Steve Roberts at July 19, 2005 10:52 AM
I'm with Steve on your wrist situation. I think you can recover, but it will take a long time (months or even years). My numbness problem (in a very sensitive area) from years of daily mtn. bike rides went away after a year hiatus.
Molly says "you don't need your wrists for jogging." No wonder she doesn't have many friends. Ouch!
-J
Posted by: John Salamon at July 20, 2005 12:35 PM
Hi, Julian.
I know you won't let a little setback keep you from your goal. Flexibility is a good policy when you're taking the road less travelled. Here's to creative solutions! We're rooting for you!
Essayons!
Bob
Posted by: Bob Bank at July 20, 2005 12:50 PM
remember,no matter what your decision we will still love and support you.please just take care of your self.but i know you are set on doing this.we love and miss you!
Posted by: susie tarrence at July 20, 2005 03:26 PM
You know if this journey was easy I would be doing it. You have a dream so hang in there. The idea of the recumbent bike sounds like a good solution. Will be thinking and praying for you.
Posted by: Linda Lou Augustine at July 22, 2005 01:02 PM
Julian,
You have demonstrated plenty of courage and determination in the past. I know you'll find a way to keep the dream alive. Creativity and patience are key at this time. Darci and I are rooting for you.
Steven
Posted by: steven newman at July 24, 2005 11:04 AM
Recumbent, recumbent, recumbent. I agree with Steven Newman that you'll come to grips (sorry) with this as well.
Posted by: brian doubleday at July 29, 2005 12:59 PM
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