I met with my Orthopedic Surgeon on September 19th, 8 weeks after surgery (and 10 weeks after my accident).

After reviewing my latest X-rays, Dr. Nesti at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center gave me the good news that I longed for: my clavicle had healed well enough to allow me to resume normal activity, including weight lifting and on-the-road bicycling. The added bonus was that I would not require any physical therapy whatsoever. My left-side only weightlifting and indoor bicycle training regimen likely contributed to this result.

I deeply appreciate Dr. Nesti and his team for putting me back together in such an amazing way!

The doc advised me to take it easy so as not to over-stress the bone (it takes 1-2 years to completely heal). At some point, we’ll decide whether the hardware should be removed.  Thus far, my vote is to keep it in place since it presents no discomfort whatsoever.

For those visual learners out there, here are the before and after X-ray images:

Before: Ouch! No wonder it hurt so much!

After: How do you spell relief? A plate and several screws!

During my downtime, I procured everything required to support my return to the TransAmerica Trail (e.g. new tires).  I also taught myself how to true a bicycle wheel (yes, it is more art than science).

I plan to return to Kansas late next spring to pick up where I left off.  I’m already starting to ramp up my training.

Because the slopes on the roads in the Ozark and Appalachian Mountains tend to be more severe than the Rockies (albeit the distances up are shorter), I am planning some mountain training in the spring as well. This includes a trip out to what cyclists affectionately call “Mt. Vesuvius” near the Wintergreen Resort in Virginia. With slopes in excess of 13 percent, this is ranked by some as the toughest climb in Virginia.  No one said this would be easy!  And I look forward to this new challenge!

I still owe my fellow bicycle purists a review of my equipment.  As I continue to live “The Joy of Not Working,” it’s something that I’ll get to soon.  Thanks for your patience, and for your continued interest and support.