Project 1: into the fire

As I nearly rear-ended this thing while day-dreaming along Hwy 160 the irony was not lost on me...

First, the medical update.  My orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Field Blevins, is top notch.  Nonetheless I've spent far too much time with him in the past 9 months.  I met his family under less than favorable conditions Thursday.  His son Christopher is one of the best 9 year old BMX riders on the planet and was all set for BMX worlds next weekend.  Just before my appt, Christopher broke his arm in training, so the doc was attending to him.  As both Christopher and I face missing a world's event this year, the doc wanted us to meet so we could comisurate a bit.  Chris was sparkly and alert for having just broke an arm, been under pain meds, having it set and all that...that little guy had the eye of the tiger glowing brightly.  He wasn't bummed, he was pissed!  I just told him it would make him that much more hungry for the next one, and for this year's worlds the competition just got watered down a bit.  He got that in an instant.

As for my situation - no surgery.  It was a tough call and I've consulted with 4 surgeons to come to the conclusion.  The outlook isn't as bad as I initially heard, but I'm still looking at 2 months of non-weight bearing.  It's the lamest injury I've ever had.  It seems so insignificant, but everyone I've talked to about it has put the fear of lifetime gimpiness in me to ensure I don't rush things.  So I'm not rushing things.  Well...not much ;)

The first project is well underway.  Since I'll be back to normal training this fall...there's no way I'll maintain my sanity in a Durango winter after this layoff.  I've been planning a move to warmer climes this fall anyway...this is the perfect time to get it  done though.  Destination:  St George, Utah.  I'll save so much in terms of gas money this winter - last winter/spring I was in Utah every weekend.  It is a bit tricky though.  Not being able to carry anything does create some issues, but good friends on both ends will make it possible.

The new home is a 3 br townhome.  That's a lot of space for one, visitors welcome!

Published Saturday, July 21, 2007 6:21 AM by Dave

Comments

# @ Saturday, July 21, 2007 5:41 PM

I'll come down, Maybe a can hope to stay on your wheel after your injury ;)

Talk to yah soon

SlowerThenSnot

# @ Saturday, July 21, 2007 9:15 PM

Congratulations,

But ... your leaving Durango

for St. George?

My 74-year-old grandpa lives (and drives!) in St. George (along with about 50,000 other people who are about his age and also can't drive.) Have you been to St. George in July? Makes the promise of Hell seem pleasent.

Good riding near there for sure, but I guess I'll never understand wanting to live in a place that has no winter.

Nice house, though, for sure.

Jill

# @ Sunday, July 22, 2007 6:04 AM

Jill - for sure it's a tough call. Durango is perfect for 6 months or so, while StG is perfect for 9 or 10 months. I have been there in July - hence the title of the blog!

Part of it is the riding/training opportunities in winter - OK a big part. I'm such a desert rat when it comes down to it. Unobstructed views under wide open blue skies affect me in a primal level. It's intoxicating.

The other part - I've been in Durango 13 years now and it's just time for a change. Durango is great but it's a small town with obstructed views. Time to rattle my own cage if ya know what I mean.

Now, as for your comment that "I guess I'll never understand wanting to live in a place that has no winter": all I can say is I'll never understand why someone would want to live in a place that has no summer!

Seriously tho, when you & Geoff need a break next winter I'll have a spot for you. Something tells me Geoff is going to need some big miles this winter to achieve that ambitious schedule.

Dave

# @ Sunday, July 22, 2007 6:29 PM

Double congrats Dave! The "no surgery" news is great. And the new townhome looks sweet. Glad you pulled the trigger now so that you can settle in while you are healing up and by the time the first snow flies in Durango you will be riding on warm, frost-free dirt. Nice!

dave byers

# @ Monday, July 23, 2007 7:55 AM

Hmmm. Are you sure you're just not trying to get a jump on heat acclimation for next summers racing? :) Glad to hear the move is official. I've never been to St.George but I'll have to find a way out there and check out the new place.

plesko

# @ Monday, July 23, 2007 6:24 PM

sounds like pretty good news on the foot. that's cool.

st. george will be fun. if you can handle the sun and heat like it seems you can what a great spot to be located. such a short drive (or ride) to so many amazing landscapes. one of my best friends lives in st. george and i've been hoping to get down and spend some time with her one of these winters. maybe this year... and if i do i'll certainly be bringing my bike with me.

Geoff Roes

# @ Monday, July 23, 2007 10:25 PM

You are one lucky animal. Durango to St. George - oh the horror! You know when I was a kid we once did a a move from Grand Forks to Jamestown...both in North Dakota and yes the people in the movie Fargo do actually talk that way.

Cool looking townhome by the way.

Matt

# @ Monday, July 30, 2007 9:23 AM

Dave,
I don't think I will be able to make it to Durango to help pack up, but name the time and address, and I will happily help you unload and move in to St. George. Since you don't have my personal info, call Lynda for my phone # and I'll be there, maybe even with some other biking pals. I hear Fox is moving here, too, so it'll be good practice.
Dave Hunt

that other dave

# @ Monday, July 30, 2007 9:42 AM

Dave, you da man! I'm hoping to move in early Wednesday - start at 6am. There won't be that much, for 2 people I'd guess an hour or so.

Shall I bring breakfast?

Lynda is outta contact at Navajo right now...the address is 1568 W 1170 N.

Thanks!

Dave

# @ Monday, July 30, 2007 2:42 PM

That works out perfectly--it's the day I was planning to drive to work anyway, and it's on the way, since I live in Ivins. I'll give you the phone # anyway. I know it's not private, but it seems usually only cool people are reading your blog anyway. 435-673-9517. I'll see if I can round up another body or 2, if not I'll just stay twice as long.
See you Wednesday (I assume 8/01/07's wednesday, right?)
Dave

that other dave

# @ Monday, July 30, 2007 2:58 PM

Did I really write anyway 3 times? There they are. Next time I'll edit before submitting.

that other dave

# @ Monday, July 30, 2007 3:30 PM

That's right Dave, this is where the cool cats hang out. Welcome to da club :)

Aug 1 is the correct Wednesday. Andy is coming too, so there will be at least 2.

Thanks a ton and see ya then.

Dave

# @ Tuesday, July 31, 2007 4:44 AM

Sweet new townhome, congrats on the new place!!

ojulius

# @ Saturday, August 11, 2007 9:30 PM

Dave:

New commentor. If you don't know already, there are some helpful MTBR folks in StG.

In particular, Bob the Wheelbuilder is an ER doc who could direct you to the best ortho guys if needed.

Just FYI

Enel

# @ Sunday, August 12, 2007 4:10 AM

Thanks Enel, that's good to know.

Dave