I went on a teeny ride today- just six miles on the streets. One short hill - 2nd ring. Knee feels great. Planning a small trail ride Thursday- climbing but easy. Friday a shuttle ride which means downhill for nine miles-- wheee!

I've been icing/ ibuprofen/ started taking glucosamine. I am also going to experiment with pulling my knees in closer to my midline.

Yeah, my trail climbs had been gruesome. It's not a matter of "leaning forward slightly" but practically kissing the bars, elbows at less than 90º, trying to keep the front tire down without losing traction on the back.

I have a great LBS- the owner is a woman and a killer mtb'er. She will hook me up real well. When the day comes...