The Bionic Scott
Author’s note: This is one of the few blog posts that I saved about my preparations to ride around the world. I deleted most blog posts about my trip in favor of having people just read the book about my journey, Falling Uphill. I spent years writing this, whereas most posts were written in a day. They were fun updates at the time.
Above is a picture of the inside of my knee. Almost two years ago, I was knocked off my bicycle by a reckless motorist who ran a stop sign. As you can see, the cartilage was torn and frayed, and I had to have the loose pieces removed. It almost ended my dreams of riding my bicycle around the world.
Fortunately, I seem to be healing nicely. I still have some pain and weakness in my knee, which I’m told is from the scarring and atrophying of muscles and tendons. Again, I was fortunate the surgery was a success. The prognosis only predicted a sixty percent chance for improvement and a three percent chance of making things worse. If it weren’t for my trip, I might never have had the surgery. Which brings me to the real point of this article: the sacrifices one has to make for their dreams.
I also plan on having my vision corrected by laser surgery, having all suspicious marks removed by a dermatologist, visiting my doctor and dentist, and having numerous vaccinations. I can’t stand the thought of any of this stuff.
In addition, as the months wind down (less than ten), I also find myself fretting over losing my friends and family for three years. I will also miss my bed and having food and water only a few steps away. Oh yeah, let’s not forget a bathroom. I’m sure I’ll be praying for a bathroom when the first case of dysentery strikes. I’m also prepared to spend my life savings, take a giant leap backwards in my career, and, well… let’s just say there will be no romantic interest in Scott’s life for many years. I suppose that’s enough for now. If I say anymore my mother will call me late at night and tell me that I’m driving her crazy with worry and forbid me to go. [Hi Mom!]
But it will all be worth it. The adventures that lie ahead are unimaginable, and I lie awake at night thinking of the possibilities.
Read more about my preparations to stay healthy for the world bicycle tour.
