Just a quick note to let you know that I will be out of pocket Wednesday through Friday of this week. I am having surgery to remove the plate and eight screws in my clavicle that resulted from my crash nearly two years ago.
The residual radiated nerve pain, stiffness and discomfort finally led me to make the extremely difficult decision to have the surgery to remove the hardware. This one, if all goes well, should be far less fraught then the original, requiring only a week in a sling (vs. six), and then some physical therapy and six weeks off the road to allow the screw holes to heal in the bone.
I’m hoping to be back on the road mid-March to start training for my planned big ride of the year on the Blue Ridge Parkway – one that’s been on my cycling Bucket List for a while.
Of course, I set up this issue early (and got a jump start on next week’s, too). So if you have any issues or a need to reach out to me, know that I’ll get back to you as soon as I can – but most likely not until next week.
Coach Hughes Added Some Screws to His Collection
Turns out, while I was about to get my screws removed, Coach John Hughes was adding more to his corporeal collection. He sent word earlier this week that on Friday he had crashed – to the ground, after falling off a ladder – dislocating and fracturing his ankle and breaking his fibula.
He had surgery on Saturday to get the ankle bones aligned correctly, which are now held in place with 4 screws, and wrapped is a big cast. John added in his email:
“I’m now in rehab to relearn how to go up and down stairs on crutches. This isn’t my first rodeo. On June 30, 1989, my left leg was crushed by a truck while I was training for RAAM. It has a dozen screws and a couple of plates holding it together. I recovered fully except for a somewhat unstable knee. Since then I’ve won two ultra races, finished RAAM, and completed 4 1200Ks. Then in 2004 I crashed on icy railroad tracks, breaking my pelvis, from which I also recovered.”
Just as I’m looking forward to the time I can get back on the road, John ended on a hopeful note as well:
“Fortunately it’s the worst ski season in 20 years, and I’ll be fully recovered by summer for cycling and hiking.”
Best wishes to John for a speedy recovery! And the same for myself.
—John Marsh
John Marsh is the former editor and publisher of RBR Newsletter and RoadBikeRider.com. A rider of "less than podium" talent, he brought our readers consistently useful, informative, entertaining info that helps make them better road cyclists. That's what we're all about here—always have been, always will be. Click to read John's full bio.
Have a good recovery you guys!!
Have a speedy recovery!
Wishing both Johns the best. I have no remaining metal in my body, including no old-timing fillings in my teeth, and advocate this when possible. I still bicycle at least twice weekly, no longer daily, and always enjoy hanging out (virtually) with younger fellows like you. My aunt is still living at 104, so I am motivated to stay in shape since I still have a ways to go.
I’m spending a lot of time on ladders these days with a new house purchase. This will serve as a reminder to be really careful. Healing vibes to you both!