As you may have gathered from our journal I was having difficulty on this years ride and we really thought it would be our last.  I was absolutely fine on the bike but after my fall just before Agen really could only walk about 50 to 100m so this really restricted what we could do off the bike.

However the news is great, I thought it was just because I was old.  However  I have been seeing doctors since I got home.  My right knee has a fractured knee cap - this is a fairly rare complication of a knee replacement  and the pain should gradually disappear in a year or so.  As far as my left leg is concerned (and this really what was stopping me walking)  I have a complete rupture of my Archilles Tendon which will require operation and some time in plaster.  So with just a bit of luck we will be off again in June or July next year and I will have a more satisfactory pair of legs

Unfortunately the two ends of my archilles had moved so far apart it was impossible to join them but 2 weeks ago I had a tendon transplant taking the tendon from my big toe and using it to replace the damaged one.  Today I visited the surgeon and the news is excellent  The new tendon is working well  I am in plaster and very strictly no weight bearing for another 5 weeks but getting much better using a knee scooter and wheel chair.  Simon says that my walking will be reasonably good but that cycling will be one of the best things I can do.  I expect to be back to normal in about 6 months so perhaps we should be beginning to plan our next tour.