About four months ago, one of my best riding buddies had his knee replaced. He’s suffered through some complications and his recovery has been slowed to the point of a crawl. It’s sucked because he’s had some high hopes for this year. We’ve all had high hopes for him this year, actually.
He had a layoff because of yet another issue that had him laid up for a few days which took the swelling in his knee way down. He went back to PT immediately after and all of a sudden, he felt comfortable enough to try his comeback. He’s been riding for a week, now. Slow, of course, but he’s got a good start.
Yesterday was his welcome back ride. 20 miles on dirt roads (because it was really cold). We had eight, including Mike, and we did a nice loop at his pace to welcome him back – to give him that feeling you can only get riding with a bunch of your friends.
My friends, it was good times and noodle salad all around.
Fit Recovery 
Good for him, and good for your group.
Very cool.