I wasn’t sure this day would come. I’d been circling it for weeks, telling myself “soon,” then finding a reason to wait a little longer.
This morning, I finally clipped in and rode outside for the first time since my total knee replacement surgery on July 13. Here’s how it happened, and why it meant so much.
The Fear Was Real
My last real ride on the bike path was just a couple of days before surgery. Since then, I’ve spent time on the trainer, slowly rebuilding strength and range of motion. The trainer is safe. It doesn’t wobble. No cars, no bumps, no wind, and nowhere to fall.
Riding outside is a whole different story.
As I neared the three-month mark, I knew it was time to think about getting back out there. But my mind kept running through the what-ifs:
- Will I fall?
- Will I be able to do this?
- Am I strong enough to get back on the bike?
If you’ve ever come back from an injury or surgery, you know these questions don’t go away just because your body is healing. Sometimes mental recovery takes longer than physical recovery.
A Little Push From a Good Friend
I was driving back from Montauk with my friend Ray when he casually asked, “Do you want to go out for a short, easy ride tomorrow?”
My first answer was no. I told him I didn’t think I was ready.
Ray wasn’t having it. “Come on, you’re ready,” he said. “Your surgeon said you were good to go. It’ll be fine.”
He had a point. My doctor had given me the green light. What I didn’t have yet was the confidence.
Ray made it simple. We’d meet at Jones Beach Field 5, head east on the bike path, and ride for about 30 minutes. Short. Easy. No pressure.
So I said yes.
Wind, Nerves, and That First Pedal Stroke
When I got to Field 5 this morning, the wind was blowing. Of course it was. It’s always windy on that bike path. Anyone who rides at Jones Beach knows the wind is part of the deal.
We headed east at an easy 13 miles per hour. No hammering. No chasing numbers. Just turning the pedals and letting my body remember how this felt.
On the way back, we turned straight into the headwind and settled into about 12 miles per hour. I braced myself for it to feel hard.
It didn’t.
It felt easy. No pushing, no straining, and no pain. Just smooth pedaling, the salty air, and the open path stretching out in front of us. Honestly? It felt so good. I kept smiling the whole way back.
Grateful for the People Who Ride Beside Us
I don’t think I would have gotten out there today without Ray. Sometimes you need someone who believes you’re ready before you believe it yourself.
Having him next to me on that first ride took so much of the fear away. He kept the pace relaxed, kept me company, and reminded me that this was supposed to be fun. That’s what a great training partner does. They don’t just ride with you. They help carry you through the hard parts, even the mental ones.
If you have a friend like that, hold onto them. And if you know someone coming back from an injury, be that friend. A simple “Want to go for an easy spin?” can mean more than you realize.
What’s Next: Chasing My 2024 Self
This ride wasn’t about speed or distance. It was about proving to myself that I could do it. And I did.
Now I’m looking ahead. My goal is to keep building, little by little, until I’m back to where I was in 2023. I know it won’t happen overnight. Some days will be good, and some will be tougher. But today reminded me why I love this sport and why the work is worth it.
If you’re recovering from surgery or an injury, here’s what I learned:
- Get your doctor’s clearance first. That green light matters, physically and mentally.
- Use the trainer to rebuild. It gave me the base I needed to feel strong outside.
- Start short and easy. Leave your ego at home. This isn’t a race.
- Bring a buddy. A trusted friend makes the first ride safer and a lot less scary.
- Listen to your body. Easy should feel easy. That’s the whole point.
See you on the bike path.
