Had a great ride today - 170km, 1,575 metres of climbing, mountains, rainforest, streams, waterfalls, beaches, great food as always at Uki, it was all impressive. Temperature range was 13-25 degrees C, what could I possibly complain about? Well, my right knee actually. This is quite strange, because traditionally it's my left knee that causes the problems, having been banged in a few crashes over the years. I haven't heard squat from my right knee, until today that is.

It all happened after cresting the first climb at Tomewin and descending into the valley below. I felt a slight pain, but ignored it as I didn't think it was too bad. It started to get worse, but well, I was enjoying the ride so much, and turning back at that point wouldn't have knocked off too many km anyway, so I continued. After cutting back through the Wollumbin Forest to Uki, and that legendary cafe, I paused for lunch. I had to limp inside to order my meal -- I couldn't walk! I knew I was ****ed.
Surprisingly it felt OK after the meal, until the ups and downs near Stokers Siding (a little detour, but just so beautiful next to that bubbling stream).

I was somewhat fortunate to find a chemist in Murwillumbah (the social, political, cultural and economic hub of the known universe) and get some anti-inflammatory gel, which helped quite a bit. God knows, there would be nothing open on a Sunday once I got back across the border into Queensland. Of course, I could have taken a totally flat ride home from here, but the rainforest on Urliup Road is just so inspiring, so I went for that option. Of course, this led me to another climb at the end of it, short and sharp up to Bilambil Heights, before turning aside a headwind all the way up the coast. Guess what? I couldn't walk when I got home either. This feels worse than any other knee injury I've had since 1997 (the longest they've kept me off the bike since then was 1-2 days).

As I said, a great ride, but now I'm really paying for it -- more than usual!