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!

Don'f forget R.I.C.E.: Rest, ice, compression, elevation.

In other words, take care of the knee so it doesn't become a chronic problem.

Sorry to hear about your injury I hope you heel quickly.

Because I don't want to here any complaints from you during this years TDF challenge. This year I'm going to push even harder then last year plus I'm 27 pounds lighter. So lookout!

That's OK, I don't plan to handicap myself by crashing this year.