April 15, 2025

I returned from Tanzania almost two months ago, optimistic that my rib recovery would continue apace and that I would be physically ready for my return to Paris in early April. I visited my doctor for more X-rays, which revealed severe bruising but no breaks. I made a quick trip to Washington, DC for my France long stay visa appointment, traveling by Amtrak on the way north, airplane on the return. All seemed to be going well until I developed a persistent upper respiratory infection within a day of returning from DC.

Over the next two weeks, the infection worsened, progressing to bronchitis and, eventually, pneumonia. Pneumonia is a not uncommon sequela of a broken rib, a result of the lungs not being able to expand as fully as normal. I had been worried about pneumonia during the initial days after my injury and made conscious efforts to take deep breaths. Despite these efforts, the respiratory infection caught me at a time when my lungs were compromised and my immune system likely weakened by the stresses of healing and traveling.

The diagnosis sent me into a bit of a tailspin over the next two weeks. My ribs were not healing and it was clear that my initial plans of cycling from Nice to Annecy in mid-April were overly ambitious. I plotted easier routes from the south of France to Annecy but then developed severe pain in my shoulders that greatly restricted the range of motion in my arms. Realizing I needed more recovery time, I rebooked my flight to Paris, hoping that two additional weeks in North Carolina would give me a bit more time to mend and face the rigors of traveling and touring.

So, it has been a bit of a struggle since I returned from Tanzania - two months of inactivity and recovery. But there is good news. The ribs are slowly healing and the latest x-rays indicate my lungs are clear. My shoulders issues are improving and the physical therapist gave me a slate of exercises to increase my range of motion. I’ve been out on the bike a few times - no pain but I get winded pretty easily. All encouraging.

I depart for Paris in four days and have a few contingency plans to get to Annecy for a CB meet-up in mid-May. I’m confident that Vivien George and I will make it one way or another. So now it’s finally time to put this puppy to bed and start a new journal.

I thank every who has expressed concern and encouragement on my injury and I apologize for not replying to everyone. Your comments were, and are always, greatly appreciated. Onward!