Three!

I went to see the surgeon recommended by my regular doctor.  Upon examination, always fun, he told me that I have three hernias.

And because of a complication, he will not operate on all three at the same time, preferring to do them separately.  He says there is too much danger and pain in doing all three together.

I trust him because he was recommended by people I trust.  It turns out that he is a scooter rider too, owning a 50cc modern Vespa that he rides to work from his house a couple of miles away in Springfield.

It looks like the first surgery, for the biggest and most uncomfortable hernia will take place within the next two weeks.  I am of the opinion that I will try to do all three before the end of the year.  Apparently, these heal quickly so hopefully it will have minimal affect on planned rides.  But you never know.