June 9 tandem report

Tandem Report June 9: Yesterday we rode the hells  (oops I mean the hills) of Hermiston. It was a hellish 103 degrees when we started.  We think of Hermiston as being flat, but we are really down in a hole, not a bad hole but a hole non the less.  You have to climb out of Hermiston proper in any direction. . .I named yesterday's ride the 7 Hells (hills) of Hermiston' I think we rode 5 and a couple of these twice.  If you know of others hills let me know.  I don't want to hear of any of your personal hells. Today we are talking hills.

sunshine lane
"the neighborhoods" North
Geer Road
4th Street
Theater Lane to 8th and up 8th
Highland to Highland Extension
First street Extension Station Road
"the neighborhoods" south
Nelson Lane
Punkin Center

The yellow mosquito eater got a new cassette.  You say "cassettes have gone out like 8 tracks and CDs" and I say we are talking bikes.  The teeth on the gears were just worn and the chain was slipping making riding the hills even more miserable.  I think my teeth are getting worn and my gears are slipping a bit too, so the Mosquito Eater and the Stoker have commonalities. How old is this bike in people years  anyway?  Hmm  Steve at Scotts Cycle and Sports went rummaging around the back room and came up with the last existing cassette for this bike.  Wow, I wonder if Dr Hiller at OHSU can rummage around the neurology department and come up with a new brain for me.  I want a fresh one, not one of those cadaver brains.  Right out of the box please!

Riding bikes has helped me so much.  For one thing I have developed this silly way of sharing my life with all of you.  Sister  Mary Ellen, I hope you are smiling from heaven because writing was so hard for me in High School. 

AND THEN THERE WAS TODAY AT THE GYM!!  Ii started walking, then jogging, then running lines, grape vine, side to side, backwards, steps.  Today I am thanking Dr Jay Alberts for his research.  Bicycling has helped this Person with Parkinsons.  Praise God for the knowledge and skills these doctors and researchers  are given.  Keep moving friends  And be ever grateful that you can

Acknowledgements

Bikers (as in motorcyclists) acknowledge each other in passing.  You see the subtle wave between the oncoming biker and the one you are following in your car.  There is a  connection between those who are out on the road, feeling that engine roar or purr (depending on the bike) beneath them.

Cyclist (as in bicyclists) also share a camaraderie.  Pedaling my way between Stanfield and Hermiston on 395 I was stunned by the sudden presence very very close to me.  "On your left" I heard the deep voice say. I knew exactly what to expect and that he expected me to hold my line so he could safely pass. The someone passing me was a tall lanky cyclist. He looked back and said "hope you are having a great ride" as he distanced me.  Coming down the hill by the water tower (yes the one responsible for many letters to the editor. You know... the trade mark watermelon replaced by "Watch Hermiston Grow") I saw another riding pedaling up.  My speed was picking up and I hardly ever remove my hands from the handle bars.  The rider looked up and acknowledged me with a nod and a wave.  I manged to  return these friendly gestures.  There is an understanding between riders. And we acknowledge that with these greetings

When Anne and I first started riding together, I was very slow.  I am slow now so you can imagine what it must have been like for Anne to ride with me then  We planned to meet at the Mormon church (in contrast to my meet up spot with Nancy, the Last Chance Tavern).  I watched for Anne and when I spotted her, I  spotted another rider with her.  Anne must have acknowledged the rider coming in as she was headed out.  The rider turned  around to join her.  The very fit 60 something gentleman saw two women who looked like they were "riders" and decided to take another spin. We can really look the part wearing our bike shorts and jerseys, don't ya know!  We  slowly pedaled out to Space Age and gentleman rider (GR) left us in his dust. We stopped to use the bathroom and hydrate.  After our defueling and fueling break, GR  pulled up.  "Where have you ladies been?" Um, well we had gotten there  in our own time, that was for sure.  We crossed the  highway and  rode out Echo Meadows . GR started commenting on Anne's bike and giving riding advice.  His manner was not too appealing to Anne (she lets her thoughts be known) and  before too long he was at my shoulder offering cycling tips.  Not wanting to lose my balance, I ever so slightly turned my head to him and said "Look, its enough for me to stay upright on these skinny tires.  I don't need your help right now!!". I don't make a habit of being rude to other cyclists, or really to anyone. It must have become obvious that neither Anne nor I were interested in improving our riding under GR's tutelage that fine day. Another rider turned onto the road heading our direction.  GR acknowledged him, and was acknowledged back.  "See you girls, I am going to ride back to town".  Off he went.  Harmless.  GR gave us alot to talk about in rides to come.

About 10 years ago I offered to help a young deacon with some accent reduction so he might be better understood by the congregation. Last fall he returned to our church as a priest. After the long passage of  time and the thousands of people he must have met in numerous churches he served in, he remembered my name! WOW I was impressed.  I saw him again on ASH Wednesday, the first day of Lent,  You know...the reason behind Mardi Gras?  I went to a midday service to receive the ashes, the symbol reminding us to repent and be saved...that we came from the earth and shall return there.  I ended up in line to receive the ashes from him.  He very seriously dispensed the ashes, reciting the brief prayer. And then it came, the acknowledgement, the  wink, a quick smile and twinkling eyes.  We shared a memory of a pleasant time long ago working together.

A wink, a wave, a nod, a smile,  catching an eye across the room... in that split second of acknowledgement we understand each other. In this world on misunderstanding its a good place to be.

Needle in the....BACK!

We both woke up at 3 am.  Charlie, who had gone to bed at 8:30 was awake, totally awake.  And cheery mind you. He dared to sing the "Good Morning Song". Some of my readers will remember the "Good Morning Song " from our 2012 walk on the Camino de Santiago in Spain. We were often tired and grumpy in the morning. WHY? Charlie managed to sleep through his own snoring. The rest of the occupants of our lodging, family and pilgrims, did not. We did not appreciate the "Good Morning Song", despite his good intentions.  I, who had gone to bed at 10 pm last night, quite early for me, still do not appreciate the "Good Morning Song". I manged to lay back down and snooze a little longer. Steel cut oats and fruit waited for me in the kitchen. By 5 am we were on the road to... C and D's in Boardman!! where Charlie hoped to find fresh donuts. They don't open until 6. So he visited with contractors and pipe cutters and electricians who were also waiting at C and D to grab a bite before heading off to build a new co-gen plant. He came back with two day old donuts that would have been wonderful if fresh and warm. I heard all about the lives of the go-gen contractors: where they live, the work hours, favorite places to eat...you can learn a lot  from talking to contractors when you have a mutual interest in donuts, I guess.

back to today's events...
People with Parkinson's experience a lot of pain.  Doctors are just starting to recognize the pain as part of the disease process, instead of a separate ailment. I have had some type of back issue for quite some time.  Sitting in tiny chairs at pint sized tables for much of my professional career as a speech pathologist was not helpful.  A horse buck-off incident down at the Oxbow did its damage too. Since my  diagnosis with PD the back has gotten worse.  There are times when I cannot propel myself and need to use trekking poles, rails, walls, doorways to help me move.  I cannot pick up my big guitar case, carry a laundry basket or walk holding a baby.  This is not who I am.  I am strong.  I am invincible ! I am a mover and a shaker and I have quite a bit of moving and shaking left to do. There are places to go and people to meet.  I can't be in pain all the time!

still haven't gotten back to today yet, have I?

Taking the bull by the horns, I sprung into action. (who wouldn't if they were holding a bulls horns) Bicycling was fun, free and freeing.  I previously had no pain while cycling.  I rode over 1200 miles last year.  Then it started to hurt while I was riding. No good. I need to train for the BIG EVENT next July. Action was needed!
I visited the podiatrist, the physical therapist, a chiropractor or two, a massage therapist a physiatrist, a pain management doctor and her two  pain doctor residents. I had some injections. I tried to swim regularly.  I continued tai chi through the pain. Every morning I did my stretches and my LSVT BIG exercises. I slept on the floor, on the couch, in a recliner, in bed with wedges and bolsters trying to alleviate the discomfort. Then my dad's health turned.  My energy was spent caring for him. Not myself.  The pain worsened. One day as I was taking Dad to an appointment I saw a sign at the hospital.  Columbia Pain Mangement.  Right here in Hermiston.  I called them. They are from Hood River and come here weekly.  That sounded good to me.  Talk about a thorough evaluation...complete with a drug screen and questioning about my use of marijuana (I don't) I had confidence that they were the ones to assist  me.

A call early this week was what I wanted to hear.  "Can you be in Hood River 8am Friday morning. Your insurance  has improved some injections".
My lower back is full of arthritis. A disc has slipped forward causing a pinching of nerves that innervate my legs.  I feel like lava is pouring down my calves and my feet tingle and get  hot.  The glute muscles, hamstrings and calves are like knots.  My toes are starting to curl up.  My right leg is quite atrophied. Some due to Parkinson's? Most likely, but can I get out of pain enough to exercise harder? To complete more adventures.?  That is the question I have asked many of these experts I have visited.
These guys think I can.

Finally, the appointment today...

The injections were guided by a fluoroscope.  The physician washed my lower back down and injected lidocaine to deaden the area.  He told me exactly what he was doing each step of the way,  A dye was inserted to show him the pathway to the nerves.  It was followed by a steroid to decrease any inflammation around that nerve being pinched.  The process was repeated on the left side. An assistant brought over warm wet towels for my back and wow did that feel good.  The doc left, I got to look at the pictures of the procedure and then was put in a wheel chair and told not to try to stand.  When I finally did stand up I knew why they told me not to. With  an RN in front of me and Charlie behind we made it out to the car.  I dosed in the car until The Dalles where I was treated to a cafe au lait and a pastry and a visit to the music store next door. Unfortunately I could not climb stairs by Dr's orders so no drooling over guitars in the "special back room".
So how am I now?  My back hurts from the injections.  I have ice on it. But I can actually walk without grabbing the couch, the wall, a chair.

We made it home by noon.  Along the way we saw two herds of Dall sheep, and sadly one that had been hit by a car, now dead alongside the freeway. I laid low this afternoon.  Doc says it may be awhile before I feel the full effect of the steroid. I will be a good patient. Last time I was injected I went for a 10 mile bike ride. Not now... I can't wait for the morning when I rise  before
cheery Mr. "Good Morning to You"and  yell "No Pain! No Pain!" and wake his from his restful slumber.        

I imagine there will be other procedures and medication changes as I progress through this horrible disease.  I will keep on moving tho.  Its been 7 years now since my diagnosis and add a couple more years to that for symptoms I tried to hide from myself.  Still doing good. I am hopeful, forever, hope filled.

new paths to pedal

Home sweet home...we are very thankful to my sister Beth and her family for inviting us to share their family Christmas celebration. Our home in Hermiston felt like a strange and lonely place with my dad's recent passing and Loren being away. We enjoyed excellent weather in Atascadero with good food and great wine..kayaking, cycling and wildlife viewing. Leaving Atascadero was hard but we drove up the coast Highway 1 enjoying the blue blue sky, the green green hills and the blue-green sea.. Next...The Meet-up with Robert, Yvette and Brandon, Cece and Tony,
for a late lunch on the Santa Cruz Pier. This turned into a Camino reunion walk to see monarch butterflies. The San Ramon Clupnys took us home and consoled our grieving as we sat up late at night and the next day in our pajamas until noon, drinking coffee and telling stories. Not ones to stay still long, we bicycled through the lovely vineyards near Livermore, saw movies, played hilarious games, ate Yvette's fabulous cooking ...laughed and cried together until our hearts were no longer heavy.
Now we are home...home sweet home...it is too quiet...we are too still...there is a big hole in time and space that once was filled with a dad who needed us. We did our jobs and now that page is turned and we start a new chapter. Time to renew and regroup. A new year is on its way.

You ask me how I slept...

It's 1 am. I am in a tent in someone's backyard in Hull Iowa and I am freezing. The breeze outside would be a pleasant refreshment most days but paired with Charlie's snoring is adding to my discomfort. Oh great. I hear raindrops tapping on the top of the tent. When you wake up in the night like this you usually need to visit the little room down the hall. Tonight that little room is up the hill and across the parking lot of a church or around a cluster of tents up a stairs into a house and downstairs into the basement.  As if on cue a response to  my cold predicament  is heard from a group of people some blocks away as they let out a huge laugh.  I wish this comic relief would relieve some other things. In a few short hours I will be donning my official "Pedaling for Parkinson's" kit ( cycling clothes). The big yellow tandem will carry us 69 miles to another host house. Agh now firecrackers.  There are 7 people with Parkinson's riding on our team of 65. Tonight we introduced ourselves at dinner. Later we attended a local support group meeting and each gave a little talk. There will be a few more opportunities to share our stories of the effect of exercise on the symptoms of PD.  For now?  Wrapping up in my blanket and trying to sleep .
Brrr where is my nice warm camper?

And sometimes it's just like this.... and I can walk!

I was dressed and ready to ride when the storm hit.  Lightning and thunder and pouring rain. These powers decided for me.  My riding today would be inside a support vehicle.  Charlie decided to ride his single bike. This would be wonderful for him on a good day, I just worried. He didn't have any rain gear, not that it would help in this monsoon.  Although the PfP group was on the road ahead of him, I knew there were about 15 thousand other cyclists he could follow. 

Our resident doctoral student in biochemical engineering was also on transport today.  She had bad road rash from a a serious wreck the same day of my mishap. As we rode along on the pickup she asked me if the cycling helped my Parkinsons.  I  explained to her that I sleep better, sometimes my handwriting is better.  At that point we came to a stop in the parking lot of a convenience store. I jumped out and scurried, somewhat jogging across the parking lot with no assistance from trekking poles.  "AND SOMETIMES ITS JUST LIKE THIS AND I CAN WALK!"  I called to her across the parking lot.

Yeppérs. A true benefit of biking.

Sometimes I can walk.

Learning to ride a tandem

Its been quite a comedy act getting on and off this big bike. Even funnier is having my trekking poles attached "just in case" I need them for a long walk. We pulled in front of the house last night and when I got off I saw that the trekking poles had wiggled out and lengthened themselves. No one would want to draft us with those pointy objects protruding from the tail end of this tandem. (I dig deep for humor)

Here is a typical tandem conversation between  captain C. and stoker S.
C. Going
S. Omg. If you don't hear me say ready my left foot is not on the pedal
C. Pedaling. Stoking. STOKING!
S. Oh, you mean you  want me to pedal faster
C. Up hill, changing gears. Wow that snake has dried out since yesterday. There's a car coming in front of us.
S. Hey, I don't care about oncoming cars or dead dries up snakes. I just report what's behind us.
C. Gliding
S.  EEEEEK   It wouls be good to warn me of  the glide before not while we are gliding
 C. Slowing. Glide. Stopping. When we come home I will always stop us at this gutter.
S. Like I can see that gutter. I will look for the third building from the end.
S. Nice ride dear
C. Yeah, that was fun, we are getting so good at communication .