Riding Out the Lows
Ankle injuries, lost fitness, and way too much couch time—this setback isn’t fun, but maybe that’s the point. Strength isn’t just pushing through; sometimes it’s knowing when to step back. What setbacks have you faced, and how did you get through them? Let’s talk.
Hey friends,
Well, I’m back—sort of. I had every intention of sending out a newsletter last week, but honestly, I was too busy becoming a professional couch potato. My ankle’s still got me sidelined, and as much as I wanted to jump back on the bike and pretend everything’s fine, the universe had other plans. Walking is mostly pain-free now, but every once in a while, my ankle likes to remind me who’s boss—just in case I was getting too cocky. And no, I haven’t seen a doctor. Maybe I’m stubborn—or maybe I’m just holding out for a miracle cure that doesn’t involve actually moving off the couch. Spoiler: still waiting.
Stuck But Not Defeated
It’s been frustrating, I won’t lie. The weather’s been too good to waste, and I’ve been itching to hit those gravel trails like a kid waiting for recess. But with each twinge of pain, I’m reminded that patience (ugh) is key here. While I wait for my ankle to stop acting like a drama queen, I’m also dealing with the gnawing anxiety that all the fitness I gained from the 1200 km Denmark tour is slipping away faster than a Netflix series that gets canceled after one season. It’s a real downer.
On top of that, there’s this delightful fear that if I start too soon, I’ll somehow make things worse and end up in an even deeper hole. It’s like trying to walk a tightrope with a bowling ball—one wrong move and it’s game over. On the upside, I’ve at least gotten back to calorie tracking, and it seems like my weight is stable—so I’m not slipping back in that regard. Small victories, right? At least I won’t need to buy bigger pants.
Reflection on the "Not a Superhero" Theme
This whole situation has got me thinking more about what it means to be "Not a Superhero." Spoiler alert: I’m definitely not one. The idea behind this project was never about being invincible or perfect—if anything, it’s about being as human as possible, with all the messy, awkward, and downright frustrating moments that come with it. Right now, I’m feeling especially far from being any kind of superhero, but maybe that’s the point. Because let’s be honest, capes and spandex were never really my thing anyway.
"Strength doesn’t mean going it alone. Sometimes it’s about leaning on others, even when you’re used to being the one who’s always moving forward."
The Denmark tour taught me a lot about resilience. I realized I’m capable of more than I thought—like cycling 1200 km without turning into a puddle of regret. I pushed through pain and exhaustion in ways that would make Rocky Balboa proud. But I also learned that having a support group—or in my case, having Jana there—makes all the difference. It’s a reminder that strength doesn’t mean going it alone. Sometimes it’s about leaning on others, even when you’re used to being the one who’s always moving forward. After all, even Batman needs a Robin (or an Alfred) to keep things together.
But this ankle injury is a different kind of challenge. It’s not about pushing through—it’s about knowing when to pull back, when to listen to my body, and when to accept that progress isn’t always linear. The frustration is real, but I’m trying to see it as just another part of the journey. Maybe it’s a lesson in patience, or maybe it’s just the universe’s way of telling me to slow down and catch up on all the TV shows I’ve missed. Either way, it’s part of the ride.
Your Thoughts?
I’d love to hear from you on this. What setbacks have you faced recently, and how did you overcome them? Any suggestions for staying active or maintaining motivation when you’re injured or stuck in a rut? I’m all ears, and I’m sure your insights would help not just me but others in our community as well. Think of it as a support group, but with less awkward small talk and more actual advice.
A Bit of Gratitude
Even when things aren’t going well, a little gratitude can go a long way. For me, it’s the support I’ve been getting from Jana that’s kept my spirits up. She’s been incredibly understanding, and it’s made this whole process a bit easier to handle.
And of course, I can’t forget the upcoming release of NBA 2K25. I might be a little too excited about it, but when you’re sidelined, you take your victories where you can find them. If only I could play it now… but no, I’ve got to wait like everyone else. Seriously though, when is September 4th again? Not that I’m counting down the minutes or anything.
Looking Ahead
Even though I’m not riding right now, I’m still planning. I’ve been mapping out new routes and dreaming up the next adventure. The good news is, this downtime has given me a chance to really think about what’s next for Ride Punk Ride and the kinds of experiences I want to share with you all.
As soon as I’m back on the bike, I’m diving headfirst into these plans. There’s no shortage of ideas, and the best ones always come when you’re forced to slow down and just let your mind wander. So, stay tuned—there’s some exciting stuff on the horizon.
Thanks for sticking with me through the highs and lows. Your support means the world, and I’m looking forward to getting back out there and sharing the ride with you—pain-free, hopefully!
Take care, stay inspired, and as always, keep the rubber side down.
Talk soon,
Björn