Geoff, Billy, Bruce........... Thanks for your replies.

I really wasn't expecting peoples concern and help so I'll give you
better details on my situation. I turned 49 the 9th of October and
started riding my Vanguard in September of 2001. I started bike
riding again in 1998 on a Cannondale diamond frame, I suffer from
Fibromyalgia so the leaning over was killing my neck and shoulders.
Finding the Vanguard was the answer and I truly enjoy the comfort the
bike has given me. I never became a rider that piled on the miles,
1500 would be a good year but the miles have been dwindling the past
few years (busy with my daughters).

Bruce, in 2004 I also rode around Lake Erie, and for the most part it
was a great trip. Before the trip I didn't find much time to train
for the tour, so the tour trained me, and I was self contained.
First day out I over did it and that was the first hint of trouble
with my left knee. It was pretty sore for a couple days but felt
good at the end of the 9 day tour.

In 2006 I started out to conquer Lake Ontario. Weather was at best
iffy when I started, 3 days of rainy, wet and cool riding followed by
3 pretty good days. I aborted the plan of circling the Lake when
forecasts showed a hurricane (can't remember the name) heading my way
so I turned south and headed home. The day after returning it
basically rained for the next month. Both knees bothered me some
what on the cool days but felt pretty good once it warmed up.

This year when I started riding it was my left knee giving me trouble
as I stated before. After about 8 miles or so it is really
uncomfortable, I can pedal through it but it's not anything I'm
willing to put up with. The weird part is, as soon as I get off the
bike and take a dozen steps or so, the pain is gone. Get back on the
bike and half mile down the road, the pain is back. Going up stairs
it pops pretty good (can feel it at times) but no pain. Very seldom
does it bother me doing regular activities, sometimes when it's damp
and cool there's a little discomfort.

My riding style is pretty good I think. I keep my cadence above 85
usually and shift down before I go below 80. I just replaced my
drive line to lower gearing, mostly because everything was worn out
but also to get ready for my Erie/Huron tour. In the spring I ride
on the lake shore (nice and flat mostly) till my legs get tuned up
then head inland to the rolling hills.

Riding is my escape from life's troubles and I really missed it this
year. I'm going to weigh a lot of options before jumping into
surgery or anything evasive like that. I appreciate the tip on the
supplements; I'll have to give them a try. Not big on taking
medicine but do take a few vitamins. I see the Orthopedic the 9th of
January and we'll see what his evaluation is.

Thanks for the help,
Bill
96 Vanguard
99 Duplex