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Old Bum On A Bike
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25.01.2022 A few updates. I will post a lot of pics over the weekend with a full write up of my hiking experience over the weekend. I've had a hell of a time with chemotherapy this week, but I am hopeful to start turning the pedals once again next week. Only short distances but I may manage to get a cycling vlog in as well.... Videos of the hike will start rolling out on the weekend. I was hoping to have them started by now but...(insert excuse here). A company has approached me about trying out and reviewing their new bike computers. This will be a first for me so I look forward to it. More information will be revealed later on. My next adventure is in the planning. As I still have my friend's kayak and the weather is warming, why not try a kayak camping adventure. It will be new to me and something I have been interested in for a while now. I'm undecided as to how long, maybe only 2 nights maximum. It will be a slow leisurely paddle up the Burnett River in search of some island beaches to pitch a tent, light a fire, cook a steak and maybe catch a fish. I'm looking forward to this... Anyway, here is hoping that you all have a great weekend. If you're riding turn a pedal for me please as I miss mounting my steel and aluminium steeds of beauty. And remember to keep it safe out there, cheers...
25.01.2022 Well, I was planning my first kayak overnighter today. Looks like the very strong easterly put a stop to it. Being a newbie I thought it best to err on the side of caution. I'll try again tomorrow. On a brighter note, Part 2 of The Cooloola Great Walk should be up this afternoon with Part 3 to follow next week.... Hopefully I will start back on the bike this week. Only short rides at first but every little bit helps. My energy levels have been low as chemo is starting to really kick in, and kick my butt. It finishes at the 25th November, so I am really looking forward to that date. If I can start riding with no problems now, hopefully by February I can get away bike packing or touring again. Cheers.
25.01.2022 The new video is up and running. Hope you enjoy, cheers. https://youtu.be/VvxJpaxNxno
23.01.2022 I've been busy over the weekend getting some home made dehydrated meals together. Here we have 5 meals for my upcoming hike along The Cooloola Great Walk. The 5 are... Beef Stroganoff Moroccan Lamb with Capsicum, Vegies & Cous Cous... Meatloaf, Veggies and Mash Roast Chicken and Pork with Veggies and Mash. They work the same way as the freeze dried backpacking meals, add boiling water, stir and sit for 10 minutes. My earlier meals needed to be cooked in the pot for around 15 to 20 minutes. Taking longer uses unnecessary fuel. I've achieved the new method of just soaking by precoocking everything, not just the meat. I've blitzed the meat in the mini food processor to make it finer and rehydrate easier. The cooked vegies just need to rehydrate rather than rehydrating and cooking. I've dehydrated sour cream and tomato paste for the Beef Stroganoff...the meat for this and the Meat Loaf dish is mince chilli con carne. They've turned out alright. I had one for lunch on last week's hike but the meat was just a little chewy. The veggies turned out perfect. So blitzing should solve the chewy meat problem. They're packed in heat proof vacuum bags, so I will be able to pour the water straight in and eat out of the packet. No washing up. I've also made an insulated pouch to sit them in whilst rehydrating to help hold the heat. I will still buy 3 freeze dried deserts for the trip. They are a double serve in a pack so divided in half will give me enough deserts for the week. I'm still figuring out lunches but snacks will be protein and carb rich bars and nibblies. I'll also buy some whey powder and mix it with some Sustagen and powered milk for an extra protein kick if needed. Breakfasts will be Uncle Toby's 2 minute Oats. I've found that adding some milk powder and some sultanas, then soaking for 2 minutes in boiling water cooks them as well as the microwave. That's meals pretty much sorted. The five meals I've prepared costs around the same price as one freeze dried meal purchased from the store. See more
23.01.2022 There'll be a new Cycling Vlog live from tonight, midnight on my YouTube Channel. I will hopefully be away for an overnighter with a difference so I've scheduled the new video. Hope you all have a great weekend https://www.youtube.com/c/OldBumOnABike
23.01.2022 New video up. A lovely little overnighter checking out some new gear... https://youtu.be/8v0o4PVoE48
22.01.2022 It's been an up a down few days. Being slapped in the face yesterday by reality to news of elation today. Whilst things have been going well in regards to my recovery one thing has plaqued me. How successful were things? Today I found out the great news that I am now 100% officially cancer free.... The Rectal Cancer was never an issue, what had to be done had to be, although it has been thwart with emotional and physical challenges. But I knew where I stood with it. That reality came to fruition yesterday as I saw my stoma and dealt with it's care for the first time. Although a lot of things were going well it was difficult to stay positive, it was a battle. The Pelvic Cancer on the other hand was a different fish. There was no knowing how successful things would be. There was never a guarantee. But with results all back, things are bright once again. Of course there is no definite assurance that it will never return, but this reduces my chances greatly. The surgeon attributed the previous Chemoradition therapy as a source of success. It gave me the complete recovery that is only 15% attainable. So now it is time for healing and I could be out of hospital as early as Monday. Several days in Brisbane will be spent at Cancer Council Qld's Charles Wanstall Apex Lodge before heading home. I still have a difficult road ahead, but I can now fully focus on my healing. I now have a renewed strength to face the emotional and physical challenge of the life changing surgery that I have undergone. Life changing, and life saving. Cheers all...
22.01.2022 New blog up... https://ianstapleton.blogspot.com//back-home-in-recovery-m
21.01.2022 New video up guys. Heading out for a hike in this one... https://youtu.be/C1GEx6EOytM
20.01.2022 Im off to Brisbane today travelling by my second favourite method, the train. Social distancing is applied on the Tilt Train and even Sharon and I can't sit together. I'm heading down to the Big Smoke for several days as I am having an Allergy Test tomorrow. It is to confirm which drug it was that set off the reaction at the beginning of surgery. I also will be seeing my surgeon on Wednesday. I'm hoping I'll get the all clear to start riding again. I have managed to ride a c...ouple of short rides to the end of my street and back with no pain. I don't expect to be able to ride any significant distance for some time. But if I can start, that is a blessing in itself. Riding is my mental therapy, it is my Zen, my peace. A life without riding to me is like a life without hope. We all need hope. See more
20.01.2022 http://organisedgrime.com.au/additions.php
20.01.2022 In case you may be interested...I'll leave this here.
20.01.2022 What a neat idea. Looks like I've found an upgrade for the Kona Sutra. I was looking at Grifters but these look much simpler. I was always wondering if you could modify bar end shifters to fit like this somehow. Now I don't have to wonder anymore :)
17.01.2022 A new blog is up. Just writing about my hike through Bingera National Park. http://ianstapleton.blogspot.com//hiking-bingera-national-
17.01.2022 A very quiet, peaceful and lazy day today. No physios, no stoma nurses, no dieticians. Just me and Deep Space 9. I'm feeling stronger every day and I'm excited to know that tomorrow my abdominal drainage tube will be removed. It was great to see my girls this morning as Sharon brought them in. Visiting them outside and feeling the sun shine down was wonderfully refreshing.... I am now fully independent, showering and caring for myself which is great. But it is a funny feeling when being used to a morning ritual around my...how do I say it? My morning constitution, it will take some time to get used to it. I am just so used to sitting down... It is also strange that for many weeks now, I have become used to a very low calorie diet. I have been used to telling myself, "I need to eat less", or "That's enough". Now it appears my doctor and dietician are telling me that I need to eat more...OK, but only under sufferance. After speaking to him about my dieting this morning, my doctor suggested that I put it on hold and eat what I need to. The healing process for my internals is at least another 8 weeks away. Mmm, bacon, pizza, but apparently too much beer can cause a minor explosion in one's colostomy bag, the stoma nurse shared a funny story with me. I gentle she knew was dining in a fine restaurant and consumed too many ales, when pop went the bag...lol. Sounds like a neat party trick. Talking of party tricks, at a BBQ next we can can a little tipsy and play pin the baggy on Ian......clean bags of course. Today, with doing all my care myself, it wasn't as emotionally draining. I am beginning to see that it will become just a different kind of normal. It is helping get me over the downer of reality earlier in the week. All in all today was a day that I needed, a quiet day to soak it in and accept it all. Sometimes it's hard to accept change when there is so much going on around. But it is in these quiet times when peace and acceptance can come and replace the anxiety that once was. Now, it's still a work in progress, but I'm learning day by day.
17.01.2022 The last instalment of my hike is up and ready to view. It was a deeply personal and emotional journey. There were days filled with doubt, but in the end I got there. Cheers to you all for your support. https://youtu.be/8PciLRQnY7I
16.01.2022 Check this out...the stuff dreams are made of... https://youtu.be/saLAZssuD2o
16.01.2022 These are the wing shifters in all their glory, the good and the bad. https://youtu.be/2vw9-ME3PyQ
16.01.2022 Well today was eventful to say the least. I went out to Promiseland to ride some trails, to improve fitness and some climbing strength. Then the shit happened on Pin & Grin trail. I didn't see the second jump in a small double jump. Over the bars I went, and the outcome wasn't pretty.... I am in Bundaberg hospital overnight in the Orthopaedic Ward. They plan on flying me to RBH in Brisbane for corrective surgery on my neck. I have damaged my anterial ligament in my throat. Damage to posterior nerves and muscle at the rear of my neck. Damaged discs between C3 and C6 that need to be fused. All thus to stabilise the area. I am pretty much a spinal patient at the moment. Oh, and there is the anterial dislocation to my left clavicle. I don't like to do things in halves apparently. I will give an update in the morning as to what is happening. It will be all on video when I get the chance to do it. Cheers guys.
16.01.2022 Just about had my new video done. Just needed to edit last clip, add titles and transitions. Bloody program spasmed and dropped out not saving 2 hours work...as the crows say, "FFFAAAARRRRKKKK!" Try again tomorrow with coffee, that'll fix it.
16.01.2022 As fatiqued as I have felt I just couldn't stay idle any longer. So...I jumped on the bike. What was to be a light 8 or 10 km turned onto a 23 km ride. I was having way too much fun. All my surgical areas held up well with no pain. I took the MTB as I wanted to stick to some back tracks that I frequent close to home. I also got to try out the new Meilan M2 bike computer for the first time. It held up and did it's job well. Old Bum is back on the bike
16.01.2022 I've been able to do something today that I've wanted to try for ages. I had the opportunity to borrow a friends kayak and give it a try. I must say it is like riding a bike, but on water. The peace and tranquillity that comes from riding was there as I gently paddles around Sandy Hook. I only did around 3.5 km to try and see how I would go. Well, I didn't fall out and drown, and Bundy's infamous fresh water croc didn't attack...lol So that leaves the question...How much cam...ping gear can I pack on this thing? Maybe not on this one...but it intrigues me greatly. But I wonder, how much could fit on? See more
15.01.2022 Finally after some dramas my new video is up. Hiking out of town a ways and trying out the new Hammock Bliss Ultralight hammock and Net Cocoon Ultralight bug mesh. A cold non-alcoholic beer and dinner cooked over the fire, a great time even if it was for only one night. Cheers all... https://youtu.be/aPeb9P5g1Tw
15.01.2022 It was good to get home from Brisbane to find a present for me. My new OneTigris Tipinova 2 man tent was sitting on the bench expectant of my return. I can't wait to set this up in the yard tomorrow and possibly an overnight sleep. We'll see... I was also able to grab something from Paddy Pallins Camping Store in Fortitude Valley. My topo map of the Cooloola Great Walk. This walk along with a couple extra are on the Old Bum's bucket list.... I am hoping like crazy to be on this come early September. I've already starting booking so... The plan is to catch the tilt train to Gympie. Then jump on the Route 50 bus from Gympie to Rainbow Beach. I'll camp overnight in a caravan park then begin the walk the next day. The distances vary between camps, 15 km some days, 20 km on others. There are 5 days hiking on the Walk with 4 walkers camps on route. Once completing the walk on the 5th day I'll camp at Noosa Northshore Campgrounds. Then head to Noosa and put my feet up for 2 nights at the Sea Scouts Camp, hopefully still open then CoVid and all. My plan then is to head to Cooroy on the bus where I will board the tilt train once again and head for home. I feel as though I have the energy for this. It will be undertaken in the 2nd half of my Chemo when energy levels are higher. The Topographical Map gives me some good insight into elevation, averaging between 160 mt to 300 mt per day. Water is readily available at walkers camps so the need to carry excessive water will not be necessary. This is the heaviest part of any remote excursion, biking or hiking. I feel that this is something I need to do for both my physical and mental health. Fingers crossed it all goes to plans...but you never know on an Old Bum adventure Cheers guys, and keep it safe...
15.01.2022 I got home yesterday morning. We got a flight out of Brisbane for home and it was a relatively quick and comfortable flight. I spent most of the day in bed once I did get home. The words for today are stiff and sore, with a very thrown in front. It's now time to partake in something that I'm not very good at, patience. After a year of cancer and now a fractured neck, one would think that I would be grasping the idea by now. No, just chomping at the bit wanting to get outdoors on my bike. A hike isn't even possible as the clavicle won't support a back pack, let alone my neck. Nice steady walks will be on the agenda for the next couple of weeks at least.
15.01.2022 Planning a trip to Maryborough in a couple of weeks. Planning on checking out the Mary2Bay Rail Trail. Hopefully I'll get the chance to catch up with Wayne, Bob and Lord Dave whilst down there. Looking forward to catching up with them and doing the trail. I'll be staying at the Maryborough Showgrounds, always a cheap arse...lol.... The original plan was to make a bike packing trip out of it, but in light of how I've been feeling that, I think, won't be possible. I'll take the Jayco instead and camp in comfort. Monday Nov 23 to Thursday Nov 26. It should be a nice little break. I thought I might check out Old Gayndah Road into Wongi State Forest whilst I'm down there.
14.01.2022 Worthwhile downloading onto your phone as a back up. Sometimes we can be stuck without a PLB or GPS Message Alert system.
14.01.2022 New video up. Just a quick update as to where I am at present. Cheers. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GMwEgrxdchY
13.01.2022 No biking or hiking this week. Just chillin' in the Jayco at Woodgate. A little more luxury than what I'm normally used to. It's also a little chilly here....brrrr
13.01.2022 I'm on my way home from Brisbane this evening a happy man. It was a good outcome today after meeting with my surgeon which has confirmed my healing has gone very well. I have also been given the all clear to start pedalling once again. This of course will be restricted to short distances to see how I go. The surgery I had in May was a Robotic Abdominoperineal Resection. Essentially my butt cheeks were sewn together after the removal of my old bum (punn intended) and it was th...en re-routed to protrude from my abdominal wall. It is permanent and requires the use of colosyomy bags. Sitting on a bike saddle, however, could still be a little treacherous for me. I have had a couple of small rides to the end of my street and back with no pain, so it will be interesting to see how it goes on a slightly longer ride. It won't be anything massive, just some laps around my block and then extend out from there if all is well. Another great outcome was that I talked to the stomal nurses as well. In February I am all set to learn the masterful art of Stomal Irrigation. This is essentially flushing out my bowel, sounds gross I know. But for me it will give me much more freedom. Stomal Irrigation will allow me to have control and set my motions in place. It will also do away with the need to wear colostomy bags, something that is still grossing me out somewhat. It will make it easier for doing the things I love, biking, hiking and generally just being out in the bush. So all in all I am a happy chappy today. Sorry if anything here is a little disgusting, but it is who I am now and I can't avoid that. Cheers to you all and thank you so much for all of your support over this past year. I still have a way to go but the light at the end of the tunnel is much brighter. Bring on 2021
12.01.2022 I usually use 2 lt soft drink bottles as water storage on my bike trips. The problem is that they either get small leaks or a funny taste after a while. Found these 1.5 lt dual wall stainless steel water bottles at Kmart for $15.00 each.
12.01.2022 Yesterday was the day I was waiting for. I was finally discharged from hospital. The morning started early. A combination of excitement, and almost two weeks sleeping on a hospital bed, made it difficult to repeatedly hit the snooze button. As this was to be my last morning, or I hoped, I treated myself to a hefty breakfast. Chipolatta sausages, bacon, a short stack of pancakes, two hash browns all smothered in a generous helping of maple syrup. Oh, and coffee of course....Continue reading
12.01.2022 I managed to get the new Tipinova up as the heavens opened. I couldn't have planned for better timing. It's the perfect weather to be checking out it's 2000mm hydrostatic rating. It went up easy enough. I thought I was short on pegs than realised I share the pegs between the floor and sides. I am, however, 3 short and have contacted OneTigris. I always have spares laying around. So far so good. It is still dry inside. I'll check again when the rain breaks. I will be taking my small 7' x 9' tarp as well.
12.01.2022 After a weekend of fatique, and bed, it was great to get out and do a 40 plus km ride. The strong NNE that was blowing made it hard work at times. At one point along Hummock Road it was easier to get off and walk. But that's Bundy for you...the land of the eternal head wind. I decided to do a Clayton's Loop. That is out via Clayton Road. But I also decided to head down some different roads that I hadn't been down before. It was a good mixture of both gravel and bitumen. There... isn't a lot of hills here so the wind makes up for it. I am trying to get out on a daily basis but I really have to just play it by ear still for the next few weeks at least. All in all I am happy with my slow, but definite progress. The legs are feeling stronger after just a few rides. I just need the heart and lungs to fall in place...lol. At least the mind is willing and strong to help push me further each day. It's funny, it doesn't matter how fit you are, it is all down to the mind, and it's willingness and determination. I would also like to start getting out and starting earlier but that is a little difficult at the moment with my surgical changes. Once the chemo is all out of my system I hope it will all fall into place. Cheers all See more
11.01.2022 As I have managed to ride to the end of my street and back a couple of times now, it's time to start preparations for future adventures. Hiking, even though small distances has been a great way of getting out and doing what I love, spending time in the bush. It's time to semi retire the old Companion Pro Hiker 2 that has been a faithful home away from home on many a trip. Unfortunately weighing in at 2.7 kg it can be a bit heavy. Not so bad on a bicycle tour, but for bike pa...cking and hiking, yes. I'm loving my hammock and will have a review out on it in the next few days. But when going somewhere new are there always places to hang one? This is what I'm still working out. So this is my new piece of kit and should arrive here from the US within the next few weeks, all CoVid 19 kufuffle considered. It is a OneTigris TipiNova 2 person, single walled shelter. It weighs in at around 1.3 kg and has a hydrostatic head rating of 2000 mm. It has 20D ripstop nylon on walls and floor and has some pretty good ratings from users. It is a teepee style 3 season tent that uses either a trekking pole in the centre or can be tied up to a tree branch or ridge line. So it is rather versatile. With good ventilation channels along the bottom and windows at the top, many users in the US have used it comfortably in their winter months. But it has plenty of airflow for the warmer months, something to consider here in Queensland. The vestibule is also large enough to not only store gear in, but cook in if needed during bad weather. It will go well with my much loved and used Sea to Summit Ultralight Insulated sleeping mat. This mat I have had ever since I started getting out there on a bike. It has stood the test of time and even this Old Bum's moments of overweight issues. The reason I have decided to step away from a 2 piece tent is rain. It is difficult to set a 2 piece tent up without the inside becoming soaked. This will eleviate this problem...I hope...lol. But after months and months of searching I had it down to 3 tents, all OneTigris, the Backcountry Bungalow 2.0 the Tangrem and the TipiNova. OneTigris have been making quality, budget friendly tactical and camping gear for many years now. They have an exceptional record for customer service and stand by their products. Well, I at least I hope that is true To be honest, there is no one perfect tent, or sleep system for that matter. You can only choose best based on what your requirements are. I can't wait to get it and try it out. Thank you my lovely wife and family for this wonderful belated birthday present.
11.01.2022 Hopefully I will be back on the bike soon. Today is the beginning of my last cycle of chemotherapy. I was meant to have eight cycles, but speaking with my oncologist earlier he has decided to cut it back to six as I had six prior to my operation. So today is my last injection of Oxaliplatin and the Capecitabine tablets will cease ina fortnight. What does this mean to Old Bum? The world...my life will no longer be controlled by doctors appointments, blood tests and medication.... It means I can start to get out far more regularly to do the things I love... This will also make it easier to get back on the bike as the fatique that has started to set in will be over sooner rather than later. Thank you to you all for your support over the past year through this harrowing time. Back on the bike...woohoo...
11.01.2022 I have a new video out. An overview of some camping/hiking/biking gear that have been recent purchases... https://youtu.be/-oJOP9cvI5A
10.01.2022 This week's video is up. Part 2 of my cooking set up...Cheers https://youtu.be/jJ9PLtCFZy0
10.01.2022 I managed to knock out a 76 km ride today out via South Kolan and Cedars. There are plenty of smaller hills that didn't cause an issue. But I was hoping to climb Cedars in my granny gear. FAIL...lol. It's still early days, but I'm happy with my progress thus far. Fitness and climbing ability will return. But it was a pleasant day. Although the last 30 km the headwind was pretty savage in parts. I stopped plenty of times just to give the legs a break. The thighs are burning tonight. It'll be interesting to see how I feel in the morning.
09.01.2022 Mmm, a recumbent fat trike. Might be what the doctor ordered??? 24" fat tyred rims interchangeable with other tyre sizes for different terrains. 3 x 9 speed alivio drive chain.
09.01.2022 Although I haven't been able to ride much, I have made it a principle to remain as active as possible. This week I was able to get out and enjoy an overnighter at beautiful Buurum Pt Campgrounds. This is still part of the Burrum Coast Nat Park on Woodgate's southern side. The sand track saw me engage 4wd high, although firm enough not to worry about dropping tyre pressures in the ol' Paj....Continue reading
08.01.2022 I finished sewing up my cheap homemade underquilt last night. Might be time to hang the new hammock and bug mesh up in the carport to try it out. May even light a fire in the fire pit. The hammock is a Hammock Bliss Ultralight and weighs in at 380 g. The Ultralight Cacoon bug mesh weighs in at around 340 g. Using and including the tree straps off my old hammock it is still 100 g lighter than the old hammock itself. Hammock Bliss hammocks are based and designed in Sydney. Including the home made underquilt and my down sleeping bag converted into a quilt, and 3 x 3 mt tarp, it is still lighter than my 2 man tent, and much more compact. Oh no...I'm becoming a weight weeny
08.01.2022 New video is up finally. Part 2 to follow next week. https://youtu.be/D2li8WV1y38
08.01.2022 It was good to finally get out for a back to basics hammock camp. Being back on Chemo I only get a small window of "normal" so I took the opportunity whilst I could. Still off the bike I hiked out of town a little ways to a small thicket of bushland I found one day riding. It is around 5 km from my doorstep so I packed a few things in the backpack and headed off....Continue reading
08.01.2022 I could also see this giving Cyclique a run for it's money. I'd like to see one in an MTB helmet.
08.01.2022 New video up. Just a weekend away fishing. https://youtu.be/3KjmZQZzU48
08.01.2022 I have a new blog up. It is about my small trip bike packing to Kinkuna at the beginning of the Coronavirus. I was hoping to get out for a small overnight hike and camp to try out the new hammock, but I'm still not there yet. http://ianstapleton.blogspot.com//04/bikepacking-kinkuna.h
07.01.2022 Just a bit of an update... It's been a bit of a rough couple of days. I went in for my opp on Fri afternoon but nothing ever goes to plan. I had an adverse reaction to one of the anaesthetics they used and ended up in anaphalactic shock. Things apparently went south rather quickly but thankfully having a good anaesthetist, surgeon and staff they stabilised me after around 2 hours and were able to progress with the surgery. What was meant to be around 4-5 hours turned out to b...e 10 hours on the table. I came back down to the ward yesterday afternoon after a couple of nights in ICU. I'm storming ahead now, walking around, with help. I'm on a full diet with catheter and other tubes removed. I am slowly being unasimilated from the Borg Collective. Hopefully I'll have my drainage tube and neck canular removed tomorrow. But asides that, all went well. It appears they were able to get all the lymph nodes effected in the pelvis. I'll know more on that when the biopsy comes back, but my surgeon is positive. See more
07.01.2022 As I've been in slow go mode since last Thursday's chemo session I've been catching up on some YouTube watch time. Biking, hiking and camping related of course. It's funny how the Poms call it "wild camping", the Yanks and Canadians call it "stealth camping" and we just call it camping... Hope you all have a great weekend
07.01.2022 More pics from the big trip.
07.01.2022 New video up. Just a walk in the bush...cheers https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pHHxtmMpC6c
07.01.2022 Part 2 of the hike is up and running, cheers https://youtu.be/CXR1bfdK-UE
07.01.2022 I'm doing something I hate today. I'm travelling by car to Brisbane. I'd much prefer the train but my wife will need a car for the fortnight I'll be in hospital. My operation is on Friday May 1, so as from Thurs April 30 my residence will be at the lovely Prince Charles Hospital at Chermside. Thanks to Cancer Council Qld for helping with affordable accommodation for the family. Thanks to you guys for your support in all my trying issues.... Things are starting to become a little nerve racking as reality sets in. But I have good doctors looking after me, and the hospital is of good reputation. Thank you again, and I'll post an update after the opp. Now, back to this bloody car thing, Herston here we come. Cheers guys. See more
05.01.2022 I eventually arrived home yesterday, and it feels great. The trip home took longer than expected. The plan was to leave Brisbane for Gympie which is halfway. We would stay there over night then do the following half the next day. Like with most things, it didn't quite go to plan. The 2 hour drive to Gympie was difficult and left me in a world of pain. We stopped regularly and I rested and took the pressure off my bottom wound as much as I could.... It was fine for the first hour, the second hour was a struggle. It was only around 1.00 pm when we arrived at our motel room and I knew straight away that the next day couldn't be as long. So, we decided to break the second half into half yet again, doing only an hour each of the following two days. The next stop was Maryborough and then on Friday we continued to Bundaberg. This made it much easier, although a little frustrating as all I wanted to do was get home. I'm home now and enjoying the comfort of my own bed. It is both relaxing and relieving. I'm trying to be mobile as much as I can but it doesn't take too long before I tire. Handling the changes that have happened are becoming easier, and I'm coping much stronger everyday. Just getting into a routine, and method will be the big thing. I had planned a small walk this afternoon but fitting a new shower head and fixing a loose towel rail wore this Old Bum out. I helped Sharon cook dinner last night, preparing the salad whilst she cooked the meat. It was great to sit down in my own home enjoying a tasty chicken taco. My appetite isn't the same, it's smaller. I know this is likely to change as things heal, but I'm enjoying the weight loss. I am eating as much as I can. Funny, I have a craving for Devon and tomato sauce on some fresh white bread. I've tried my backpacks on...lol. Luckily my waist belt sits under my stoma. I am already planning, at least a day hike. It won't be for a while. Hopefully camping restrictions will ease by the time I am healed enough. I'd like to at least drive out to Burrum Point, camp in the swag and try some small hikes. If the camping restrictions aren't lifted by that time, I always know of a little National Park that will do nicely. Honestly though, now I am home I aim to try and start living as normally as possible and heal. I am still going through some emotional rollercoasting. Yesterday I'd had enough, today things have gone smoothly. I expect this to happen. I'll deal with it day by day. I'll take the good with the bad. The reality is that I have been given another chance. I can either wallow in the bad, or grab the bull by both hands and ride it with all I've got. I know what my choice is.
05.01.2022 I arrived at and was admitted into the RBH Herston on Thursday evening. I was flown down by helicopter. I had an MRI on Friday afternoon and the verdict was 1 x torn anterial ligament behind the throat, 2 x fractured vertebrae, and a damaged disc. Some damage to posterior muscles and ligaments. A dislocated left clavicle I'm going onto surgery on Wednesday at this stage.
04.01.2022 I happen to be quite pleased with the new computer. It pairs very easily to my sensors, and uploads via .fit files straight to Garmin, Strava and Komoot. Through Garmin it still allows for me to upload to Relive. It does only have one bike profile so pairing needs to be re-done when changing bikes. A two bike profile would be nice. I'm still working on what buttons to push to make this quicker, but what do you expect from an old Gumby...but it really doesn't take that long. But in the end for $80 it is working extremely well.
04.01.2022 Part 2 of my hike through Bingera National Park is up...cheers all. https://youtu.be/jkr_61JepSg
03.01.2022 Brad is an avid rider extraordinare and follower and encourager ofthis page. He tackles Kinkuna a lot easier on his fat bike than I did on the Cube MTB.
03.01.2022 Meilan Bicycle Computers contacted me some.time ago in regards to testing and reviewing one of their computers. At just under $80 this could be a good, budget friendly alternative to many other more expensive brands. Even you most basic non GPS Bundaberg comes in at around this price. It uploads to Strava via Meilan's app. Because, if it's not on Strava it never happened Anyway it will be a good excuse to get me back on the bike. Looking forward to trying it out. Thank you ...Milan for the opportunity Edit... It is ANT+ & Bluetooth compatible...so if you have cadence/speed sensors it will connect.
03.01.2022 Played with the drone a bit this arvo. I need to use it more...I also need practice in flying it smoothly.
02.01.2022 Healing is going well. I'm still not able to mount a bicycle, but I am sitting better, and for much longer. The pain is subsiding from the wound on the posterior. The stoma has healed with no stitches left. They continue to shrink for around 6 to 8 weeks after surgery. So I think I am close to my permanent size. I am seriously hoping to get out and about in the next couple of weeks. This will be a case of throwing the Kings Big Daddy Delux on the roof of the Paj and exploring... some out of the way places in and around my region. Hopefully some bushwalks will be included and some peace and quiet be much needingly aquired. I live on a busy street and the constant containment along with continual traffic noise is becoming a big pain in the arse...well If I still had one Yarrol Hut & Stock Yard (free camp) in Bania Nat Park, then possibly head out to Auburn River Nat Park. I'll take my time and stop where I can in between as I can't drive too far in one go. I'm also hoping to get out very soon and take Boofhead, Wilson my pure bred mutt, to a little place only a stone's throw from home, Shark's Nest on the Elliott River. It's just time for quiet. Cheers guys.
02.01.2022 I finally have some reliable phone service, so I thought I'd check in. It is day 5 of what has been a wonderful, but exhausting experience. I'm not quite at the end of the trail. Seems that where I was booked in is before the trail ends. So I still have 3 km to go. Day 1 was difficult. Only 15 km but getting used to carrying the pack, which by the way was too heavy....Continue reading
01.01.2022 This time last year I had returned home from my big trip. We had moved into a new home and my health was continuing to denigrate. I was still unsure what was wrong as my doctor at the time had not contracted me in regards to my possible cancer. I sunk into depression not knowing why I felt the way I did. I will be revisiting this trip again in the future.
01.01.2022 Back on the bike for Day 2 yesterday, saw me extend out to a 30 km ride. Decent headwinds made it hard going for the first half, but the tailwind on the way home was heavenly. I just headed out Fairymead Rd to the end at the river and turned around. I'm feelingva little weary today so I have decided to take it easy. Today is my first day free from chemotherapy drugs. I still have a few weeks before they'll be fully out of my system.
