Just by sheer luck I got to ride with my cycling buddy for the first time in over a year and a half tonight. Some of you might recall my cycling buddy was hit by a car while riding Thanksgiving 2008. He also just recently lost his wife. His bad leg is still not working properly but he's a very determined individual and enjoys riding more than just about anyone I know.

He's been doing some very short rides at a very slow pace just trying to get accustomed to being back on the road. Tonight just 3 of us showed up for our Tuesday/Thursday night ride and he was one of them. He was very hesitant to ride with us as he felt like he'd really slow us down. We said we'd see how it went and took off.

I can't tell you how much fun it was. It was one of the most enjoyable rides I've done in years. Just being out on the road and enjoying the company was more than I can describe. It was if we had just ridden a few days ago instead of 18 months.

He did an incredible job. Just amazing. We wound up doing about 30 miles and averaged about 16 mph. While it's far short of the 19-21 mph we used to do together it was plenty fast enough. After climbing a pretty tough hill and his heart rate being maxed and feeling like it was going to jump out of his chest he had a huge smile on his face. We talked about how there is just no substitute for being able to get a workout "on the road versus a trainer".

He was always a very powerful climber and now is basically climbing using one leg. Just an amazing guy. It's was so terrific to see that smile again.

The capacity of Man to survive and thrive never ceases to amaze me.

I'm glad you're back out there together.

Sounds great, good on him! I know it made your day. I am glad to hear he is back and sorry about his lose too.
He sounds like a good dude and a good friend to have as you are to him.

That's great news and averaging 16 is something else as well.

Best ride report in a while! Good for your buddy to be back in the saddle. He will adapt to his different body and regain his fitness. People can overcome physical constraints, a nice young guy with a carbon fiber lower leg regularly beats me in races.

Thanks for the update; that's really good news.

Great news. I love a good comeback story.

That makes the time you spent with him in the hospital all worth while. Good show for both of you Jppe.

Courage and determination....good example of both. Thanks for the update!

I love reading posts like this one. Congratulations to your friend on fighting his way back.

Best news I've heard all week. It's funny, I was thinking about dragging up the old thread and asking how your friend was doing. 16 mph average over 30 miles is actually quite good. It might not sound like much to the road racers who closely watch that stuff, but it's faster than probably 80% of riders honestly. (We 80%-ers don't talk about speed as much as you fast guys do.)

Great story! Good to hear your friend has found some joy again.

I am very happy for him and you. I am sure his accident affected you.

Great story - glad to hear about the come back.

wow what a day! several great stories on BF. good for you JPPE. glad you were able to encourage your buddy to go with you and then have a great time doing it.

Great story. Good on him! Good on YOU! I wish there were more people like both of you in this world. His determination is an inspiration. And your unselfish attitude is completely contrary to the whiny attitude that is all to prevalent today. Great story to start the day on. Thanks.

Great story.......that just made my day!!!!!

When we got back and he was struggling to get off his bike because of his bad leg, he said "I can ride better than I can walk". What a very promising revelation!