1st anniversary ride! (again)

[Wherewolf]

Although I started mountain biking in 2000, my riding has been interrupted about four times (1-2 years each) due to knee surgeries, and ultimately knee replacements. One year ago this weekend, after sitting on the couch for nearly two years with sore knees, I was contemplating quitting mountain biking. But I decided to try riding one more time. It felt pretty good to be out and the knees felt no worse afterward. So I decided to continue riding while still seeking various treatments. Over the past 10 years I've seen every type of specialist imaginable and the final solution was to try blocking the pain with a spinal cord stimulator (SCS). It doesn't help that much while riding, at which time I take drugs. But it makes life mostly tolerable in between riding. Despite two months off for the SCS implant last summer I managed to get in 82 rides, a long one on Saturdays, and a much easier one on most Tuesdays. I'm always on the verge of quitting and I have to be very careful when I ride, what trails I ride, and what obstacles I ride. So I'm pretty difficult to ride with. Special thanks go out to Tahoetic, T Horse and especially Cohenfive, for putting up with me.

Today I had a fantastic solo ride on my favorite "local" trails at Auburn, California. It was supposed to rain, but it turned out to be a great day. It is especially green for this time of year and I've never seen so many understory wildflowers in California. The abundance of the Lily family indicates a cooler and moister spring than usual. I've never seen so many Fairy Lanterns. It was also one of those days when you break out of a plateau and make a lot of new things. I kept preparing for the "difficult" spots, only to realize I'd already passed them. But much of my recent success is due largely to the 29er Stumpjumper I bought last fall. A few weeks ago I was forced to ride my 26er Stumpjumper, the first time since getting the 29er. It's too bad the 29er fanboys hype them so much that it turns people off. But the 29er really does all they claim. It feels much more stable, I can go a lot faster, I can go over a lot more, and all with much more confidence than on the 26er.

Special thanks to the FATRAC crew out doing trail work! Android app for my wildflower, wildlife and bike racing photos.

Me, taken by a kind stranger

Kind stranger

Fairy Lanterns everywhere, Icon for my Android app

Thanks FATRAC!

[ArmySlowRdr]

Those photos have a "I feel I'm there" quality to them; outstanding.

Hope your knees and pain management are such that you can have many more anniversaries, but not many firsts, which would mean you had to take some time off.

[robncircus]

Looks fun thanks for sharing. Just curious is your knee pain due to cycling or other injury?

Also, was the whole ride as nice as the pics?

Rob

[Wherewolf]

Looks fun thanks for sharing. Just curious is your knee pain due to cycling or other injury? Also, was the whole ride as nice as the pics?

Too much running in my younger days. The ride is much better than the photos indicate. No camera can come even close to the human eye. Really can't do the place justice so I don't even try to get photos in certain places.

[Obi]

Too much running in my younger days. The ride is much better than the photos indicate. No camera can come even close to the human eye. Really can't do the place justice so I don't even try to get photos in certain places.

..unless you want to add another 3 hours from having to stop so often to capture all the scenery. The place really lights up at sunrise and sunset to say the least.

Great thread Steve, thanks!
(Edit*5:22, man, you're definitely a monster and back at it! )

[giantbikeboy]

I have followed your journey, as much as you have shared here, you are an inspiration for many I'm sure. I enjoy your photos very much. I still have a copy of your night ride video from years ago stored somewhere. Stay on the bike. Thanks! Bruce

[sherijumper]

Some great trail shots there. Great story as well...

[Tegerian]

Nice trail you have there.

[gomer hardtale]

great pics. looks like a good ride

[Wherewolf]

I have followed your journey, as much as you have shared here, you are an inspiration for many I'm sure. I enjoy your photos very much. I still have a copy of your night ride video from years ago stored somewhere. Stay on the bike. Thanks! Bruce

Thanks! I would not be riding if weren't for all the kind folks I've met here.

[CEB]

Thanks for sharing. Superb pics and now another "bucket list" location to ride

[slowlybutsurly]

Beautiful place! I agree with one of the posters above that your pics give that "i'm there" feeling. Thanks for sharing & please continue to do so.

[Dorf]

Beautiful pictures. Looks like it was a good ride.

[morningstar]

Inspiration at its best. Glad to hear you are still doing what you love. Great looking trail and awsome pics.

[Dragos]

Awesome pics. I have ridden that trail before, lots of climbing

[Whacked]

Nice photos
I really really really need to get out and ride there

[KRob]

Just keep riding.... and shooting outstanding pictures. I, for one, would miss it if you quit.

Thanks for the passion.

[NateHawk]

Nice pixels, and beautiful trail. I've promised myself that one day I will live somewhere with real elevation change.