Back on wheels

Oct. 1 - the date the doctor said I could resume normal activity - came around and I didn't waste any time getting on the road with my bike. I knew I missed being out, but I didn't realize how much until we actually got out there.
Mike had ridden more than 60 miles on Thursday, but agreed to go to the downtown airport ring-road with me. My plan was to go around the airport two times, assess how I felt, and may go another loop. After the first two loops at an easy pace I felt fine, so we went around again. I could have gone a lot farther, and a lot faster, but there was no point in pushing it my first time out in more than a month. It was enough to enjoy the fine weather and know I could ride without pain. Total miles: 11.6. Afterward I felt extremely good and had no pain.
Saturday I was still pain-free, so decided to repeat the workout, but in a different location. I went down to English Landing in Parkville, did a loop there, then headed east on Highway 9 to the end of Horizon's Parkway before turning around. The wind was blowing hard, and on the way back I had it right in my face, so what started out as an easy ride got considerably harder. I accepted the slower pace and kept the ride as easy as possible. Total miles: 15.07. I had no pain after the ride.
Today was cool, but it was sunny and the wind had died down. Mike joined me again and we went to Interurban Road, which is fairly flat. I continued to feel good following the rides on Friday and Saturday. We had what seemed like a light wind at our backs on the way out, which helped to keep the effort easy. After 10 miles, we turned around. The "light" wind suddenly seemed a little heavier, so our pace slowed. By the time we got back to the truck I had had enough. My rear end was getting sore, and I felt like I'd pushed it a little bit too long. Total miles: 20.04. My groin aches slightly two hours after the end of the ride.
On the way home I dropped the bike off at the shop to have my shifters replaced. I probably won't get the bike back until Wednesday or Thursday, but I don't need to ride before then.