I reffed college basketball for 17 years, as well as HS football and HS and college baseball. Eventually, my knees burnt out, and last November 8th I went in for a bilateral TKR---yep, I was stupid enough to get 'em both done at the same time.. I used to ride a great deal, but over the last year and a half, since I was in so much pain, the bike gathered a little bit of dust. i tried to ride, but I couldn't enjoy nearly as much. I umpired last year on cortizone...I really don't know how to tell you that my life---at least the activities that were important to me---were beginning to become fragmented. I sncerely hope that none of you have to go through the agony that "arty" brings to you.

Now, thanks to my two titanium knees, riding again is a great pleasure (when you are 53, it is the little things that make it som nice!) I went out today for a nice ride---nothing realy strong, as my quads and hams are still a little on the untested side. I averaged about 16 MPH on my Raleigh C-200, so I am happy---no I am ecstatic! I am getting my life back, and I am looking forward to spending much more time on my bike---not only commuting to and from school, but also around the MetroParks here in Cleveland and on the Towpath, as well.

I have been riding a bike that doesn't go anywhere---an excercise bike---at rehab... now, I can really go places...literarlly and figuratively. Sorry for the length of this post, but i wanted to share with ou how glad i am to have gotten back my cycling...you really do not now how much you may miss it until you cannot do it.

Tim C.