The Nine-Month Stall

I haven’t ridden since last July. After a crash on the track left me with a collection of broken bones, I was sidelined indefinitely. The beginning of last season was amazing—until the moment I thought, “what’d I hit? was that a pothole?” and then involuntarily yelled, “ow” as my helmet slammed the track’s surface.

In a single month, I lost my job, my front brakes seized at the track (RIP Ninja 300), and I walked away from a decade-long relationship. It was clunky, and probably toxic, but it was the devil I knew. I spent the rest of my summer broke, mainly alone, and painting my kitchen (a project that is a real pain even when you don't have a broken left wrist and a shattered right hand).

July 2025 was a total stall, but the restart has been amazing. I have a fantastic job now—the best I’ve ever had. My kitchen looks so good that I still pleasantly sigh when I walk in there. After a healthy winter of healing, I’ve gained some much-needed weight, replaced my helmet, and treated myself to some new gear. When I saw the forecast for this weekend, I got the wheel to my guy for a new tire and pinged my friend Jeff, “We riding?” knowing he’d respond, “Sure, what time?”

Yesterday I spent most of my day getting my bike ready.

• Tires: Switched to Michelin Road 6. Better longevity and wet-weather confidence. (Pro-tip: Check for that $50 rebate!) I try to avoid rain—but, when you ride as much as I do, you get caught in rain.

• Small Win: Finally installed 90 degree valve stems! (if you know, you know)

• The Battery Saga: Someone unplugged my tender over the winter (grumble, grumble grumble) but a local shop repowered it for me.

• The Basics: Fresh engine oil, brake check, and a deep-cleaned/greased chain.

• Aerodynamics: A full bike wash—a clean bike just cuts through the wind better.

Typically, we have a bit of a plan for where we’re going, but not today. Jeff said, “Let’s just ride til we’re done.” I can’t think of a better plan than that! Our first meetup spot is The Hawk's Nest—a beautiful stretch along Route 97 in Port Jervis, NY. If you haven't been (she said in her best Douglas Murray), do yourself a favor and put it on the list.

This is going to be the summer I get some good miles in. I can feel it. It’s going to be an amazing summer. I’ll be sure to take you along for the ride.