Note: Dan is paraphrasing excerpts from Liz’s ride journal.
Route: 36 miles from North Woodstock, NH to Orford, NH – 2285 feet of climb
Completed 335 miles and 22,181 feet of climb
Today we crossed the Appalachian Trail. My knee had been giving me a lot of trouble and today it was evident that the over 22,000 feet of climbing over 9 days was taking its toll. As I was riding along someone called out to me so I turned the bike around to say hi — it was a convenient reason to take a break. The lady who called out to me was Bea – 97 years old and in a wheel chair. Bea said she loved to ride a bike – an easy opening for a long conversation with her and her son Dan. After a while my knee became the topic and Dan directed me to a Physical Therapist only 1 mile down the road.
Marie the PT took me in right away. She iced my knee for almost an hour to try and reduce the swelling and allow a better exam. Her recommendation included a multi-day schedule of icing, elevating the knee, and ibuprofen. Not exactly a convenient thing to do on a bike. I made it to camp – another 18 miles on the bike – very slowly. It was clear I was going to have to take a break from riding for a while until my knee got better.
What a friendly roadside stop! My knee is having sympathy twinges! It sounds like the PT gave you the right recipe for healing. And you’ll get some love from Dan, too. Take care!
Rene
Hope your knee feels better, Liz! Crazy elevations!! I’m so proud of you for taking this adventure and there with you in spirit 🤗
Tiffany
Do what’s best for you and your body,Liz. You are a winner no matter what. It appears you are making the best of the situation assisting the guides and organizing chores. Your needs come first though. Bill and I love you.
Mary