Boxing Day Bike Ride



Malden Park, Boxing day, 2011



  December 2011 closed off with only two medically-relevant visit,  the first being my regular and oh-so-routine Port Flush.   Almost one year since the final chemo and I still retain my IV Port.  Perhaps I cling to it as my charm to ward against the return of Cancer.   It's as close to a body piercing as I am likely to get (or want!).  My second visit, which I cleverly schedule the same time as my Port Flush, is to receive a B12 injection.  B12 shots are basically a way to help my body's red-blood cell production.   Along with my B12 shot I'm also supplementing some Vitamin D tablets, about 2x1000IU pills a day.  

  My first Christmas without chemo, the first where I can say I'm living my life for myself.  Of course I wouldn't consider myself Cancer-free (yet), and I have other health issues, namely my cholesterol is creeping up, and so is my weight: at 187 pounds that's not bad for a 6' 1" guy.  I just have to maintain the exercise and dietary discipline so that the body is simply better at handling the stresses I tend to throw at it.  The best way I know to alleviate stress is through exercise.   A bicycle ride is what I need.



Malden Park, Overflowing pond, Boxing Day, 2011



    Turns out that Windsor had a Green Christmas.  Not the energy saving kind, rather the sub-tropical bright sunshiny day reminiscent of spring rather than winter. Not a hint of moisture in the sky, the bright sunny days of this solstice begged for a bike ride.   It's not too often I can ride comfortably at this time of year.  At first I had some doubts as to my choice of holiday recreation, as there was a bit of chill in the wind, which caused my eyes to water while riding.  However days like this are too good to pass up, so ride I did. 

  



Windsor Riverfront, Boxing Day 2011

 There was one minor mishap, after about an hour and a half  of riding I was either too tired or too complacent or simply so distracted so that I ran my bike into (not over!) a curb.  For my feat of daring acrobatics I earned several cuts and bruises, the new jeans I was wearing now have additional ventilation and my pride is nowhere to be seen.   I was asked by a concerned passerby if I required assitance. Fortunately except for the aforementioned bruises and abrasions, my bike and I were able to continue. 

  These pictures were taken during my Boxing Day Ride.   I always feel happy when I'm able to just go out on my own, untethered and free.  Even a fall off a bike simply reaffirms that I am well and truly alive.   It's the best Christmas present I could give myself this year.