Here’s an update on physical condition:
My knees have been bothersome, and according to a friend who is a physical therapist, I have tendinitis developing around my patella and my vastus medialis (inner quad). Its not a debilitating issue if approached and treated correctly, but in my circumstances it is impossible to get all the rest I need to help recovery. One of the suggestions that he offered was to get a STEN unit, a device that is used to administer electric shock to muscle tissue, improving recovery time drastically. This device could possibly be a trip-success-maker, as without some serious aid recovering, ill never make it on time. I plan on either making the $150 investment, or (even better) borrowing a device from some kind soul out there. So if anyone knows anyone with this technology please let me know asap! Thanks
As for todays ride, I’m heading through the coastal range today, climbing from sea level to over 4000 feet within 40 miles, so its a grueling road ahead. But hey, the hills have to end, and I can’t wait to get to the other side!!
Josh, Owner of Submarina California Subs and Biking for Obama Supporter in Lakeside, CA
Departing December 2, 2008
Arrival: January 20, 2009
on Dec 6th, 2008 at 7:18 pm
I hope it gets better for you Ryan. This sounds painful. Let us know how its going; don’t force anything.
on Dec 6th, 2008 at 9:16 pm
Sorry wasn’t thinking to much
GLOBE AZ
PTCLDY PTCLDY SUNNY SUNNY SUNNY SUNNY SUNNY
34/58 46/53 43/51 35/61 39/64 43/62 42/57
00/10 20/20 10/00 00/00 00/00 00/00 00/00
Event Id 287988
Location On US Highway 60, EW-bound from mile post 236.0, 6.70 miles West of Miami to mile post 238.0, 4.70 miles West of Miami
Duration from December 2, 2008 to February 27, 2009 from 6:00 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. Sunday, through Saturday,
Description lane closed. Possible stop and go traffic
Restrictions Width: 11 ft.
Public Notes Concrete barrier closing west bound slow lane – Flaggers – speed reduced Daytime Buss Ph: 928-402-5620
This should be downhill.
on Dec 7th, 2008 at 1:21 pm
Aleve helps the tissue swelling and pain of injured or abused ligaments, and ice for 20 or 30 minutes at the end of the day will also help the swelling, then wrap it in a towel or something warm, to keep it from stiffening up. (I was a rehab nurse)
Doubt you’ll find anyone to give you a TENS unit, because they really need to be tested and adjusted for each person individually. You may be in a bit of pain for quite a while, but often exercising strengthens the collateral musculature, so actually ultimately lessens the pain.
Josh told us he met you, and my remark was that it was karmic that you happened to stop in one of the few Obama-friendly places in Lakeside! So glad you did! Like our son, we are avid Obama supporters. We wish you the very best, a safe ride, and interactions with many very good people. Lois & David
on Dec 18th, 2008 at 12:21 pm
Your knees: Just in case you don’t already know this or haven’t discovered these, here are a couple of tips:
1) Raise your bike seat, or otherwise adjust it so your knees don’t hurt.
2) Relax each knee on each stroke. Sure, you’ll be less efficient, but it may help to heal yourself. When your left leg is doing the pumping, use that fraction of a second to let your right leg go limp, then vice versa. If you’ve got clipped pedals it’ll be much easier.
I realize that these are very basic suggestions, but when I was a lot younger I started out on fairly long rides without knowing some basics.
Tom Wald
Austin, Texas
on Dec 18th, 2008 at 1:30 pm
Hi Ryan – my knees hurt me too on my cross-country trip…I bought some BenGay and rubbed them down every night – that helped. This trip really pushes your knees – you can do damage to them, so please be careful. I remember having shooting pains in my knees – ouch.
If you can cut back your daily mileage or take a day off, that helps. On my rest days (I only took 5!), I would really just rest all day and be off my feet. It felt great! 
Take it easy…. Charmaine