55/Rad

Some of you are aware of my personal situation - about how 6 months ago my wife decided that hooking up with a neighbor was a viable way to end our marriage. And how I had to move and proceeded into a deep depression....

First off, I want to thank all the folks from the forum here that reached out. Without you, I wouldn't be where I am today - which says a lot, because I am healing. I still have a long way to go but I feel I've turned a corner and am on the way back.

Today, I got on a bike for the first time in months and only the second time this year. And as expected, it wasn't very easy. But it was absolutely the best ride of my life. 25 miles at about 16 mph and nothing ever felt sooooooo good. The weather was gorgeous and the adrenaline and endorphins were in high gear - the kind of ride that reminds one of why we love this sport in the first place - and fuels the desire for more....a lot more.

I took the rebuilt Giordana out for it's maiden run. I finished this project 3 months ago and have been staring at it in the living room of my new place ever since. It's an interesting and different sort of build. Full Italian Columbus TSX frame, Nexus 8 Sport internal gear drivetrain w/downtube friction shifter, Centaur brakes, Chorus seatpost, Cinelli quill, Ritchey cowhorns, Miche Primato crank, chopped Brooks Swift saddle with matching Velo Orange Elkhide bar wrap and custom wheels built on Open Pro rims. I built it to look like a fixie/SS but with the kind of gears I need for my commute - which I hope to start up again this week. This thing is truly an international bike and several people from the forum here contributed to it - Dtrain, Fixer, ViperZ et all. Full pictures and story to come later this week.

Anyway, thanks again to the folks on this here forum. Hopefully, in a month or so, I can actually get out and ride again with some of you.

jerry grant
55/Rad

Patriot

'bout dang time.




Welcome back, shipmate.

maalea

Good on you, that's a nice 1st effort.

serotta

Ain't it crazy, Rad's had his life turned inside out, but most of us would still cut off an appendage to trade places with him just for his bike collection!!!!!!

of course, the obligatory..... this post is worthless without pics!!!!

Starclimber

Welcome back to the land of the living. Now you're really on the 'road to recovery'.

Hipcycler

Atta boy my friend!

You've probably thought this, being my age and all, but I've learned that as you go through this crazy life, a certain few things remain a constant.

Cycling is one of those things in my life.

Be it a crit, a road race, a group ride, a century, a ride around the block after an injury, a tool along in the park on a sunny day....it does not matter.

The feeling of something as right and pure and simple as being back in the saddle to clear your head is one of those constants.

Looks like you and I both had special rides today.

I look forward to more posts from you here now that you have your legs under you again.

Phil

Dick Rhee

Hey Jerry,
Come on up to Seattle sometime this summer - we'll take you out to dinner and do a loop around Bainbridge to make up for the ride you took us on in Oregon last year. It sounds like you could use some change of scenery anyway (I'm really sorry to hear about your situation - believe it or not this is the first I've heard about it).

Anyhow, welcome back to the land of the living.

patentcad

Very cool Rad. Keep riding. Keep posting.

powerglide

Sounds like you've been through some really rough times....I can relate.
Congrats on getting back in the saddle and I hope its a turning point for you.
Best wishes,

red house

I have often felt closer and spent more quality time with my bikes than with my women, especially now that Spring/Summer has arrived.. but there are some things that a woman can do that some bike grease and my empty seat tube will just never replace. . - adequately.

cyclezealot

Rad this is the first Time I read of your situation. Lots of us are cycling addicts because of various forms of inflicted pain. So , for many it's 'been there done that.' What you just did is one of the best steps possible to regain your life.
I sat around three times months feeling sorry for myself and making me and all around me miserable. God, I hated those dive club parties. Wonder they did not kick me out. At least I was with one other divorcee and we found our own corner and commisserated together.
Bikes, sunshine, endorphins- you've found your way up. When I was done making myself more fit, I even enjoyed seeing the old bag. She was shocked.
I understand I look much better than her new SO. He is bald, given up exercise and fat. Last time she saw me I was wearing a size 32. I could just see the OMG. Loved showing her the dive boat pictures with lots of women on the starboard deck.

2Tired2Shift

"Getting married is like burning down your house to make a piece of toast" - Benny Hill

caloso

Nice. Keep on turning those pedals.

baj32161

Welcome back Rad...glad to hear you're coming around.

Cheers,

Brian

Lecterman

Good to see you are back on the bike.

Expensive habit for some....yes. But it's cheaper than therapy...

Take care brother and keep riding.

gapowermike

I knew you'd reemerge. Welcome back.

Michael

ElJamoquio

Nothing takes your cares away like a great bike ride on a beautiful day.

Welcome back, Rad. Keep it up.

SpongeDad

Nothing like a ride to clear your head. I can't believe you haven't been out there extra with all the chaos you've had to deal with.

Good luck.

TheKillerPenguin

I'm damn happy you're doing better. I've found that out of everything, biking is by far my best therapy.

Keep on keepin on, homie.

mollusk

Congrats.

Keep moving forward.

red house

Does anyone here let their *****es ride their road bikes?

ovoleg

grats rad, you're an awesome guy

sorry to hear about what happened.

Glad your on the bike again!!

BlessedHellride

Ride on....

voltman

Excellent.

What's the neighbor's wife like?

Dahon.Steve

The loss of a loved one or a death in the family can make you stop cycling cold. Only time heals open wounds and that is the case.