The Real Bike Is Where It Is At!

[referee54]

I will tell you this---I had been riding a stationary for so long that I forgot how nice it was to go out and really ride and go somewhere. I went out today for only 35 minutes, but wow, what a thrill. I pushed the speed a little bit and tested the new knees, and the quads and the hammies held up just fine. I was tired, though---I need to go on longer and longer rides, and incorporate those nasty things called "hills" into my rides eventually.

I felt that I got somewehre today--not only literally, but figuratively, as well. I loved to cycle before the pain really set in, and now, WOW. Here's to the rest of you ladies and gents hopin' to get back what you had lost; trust me, you will get you life back...the road is long, and, at times difficult and challenging, but your hard work and dedication in PT WILL PAY OFF.

Tim C.

 

[Pattipoo]

SO happy for you, Ref!

 

[Skeet]

Ref, you almost make me want to go biking! Oregon is a great place for bikers - of the pedaling kind. I hate to ride bikes because it hurts my delicate bum. I've tried different seats to no avail. That's my only issue. Otherwise I'd be out there all the time. I'm so happy for you, Ref. You're doing the things you dreamed of! God bless!

 

[JenniferG]

Encouraging..........Congrats!

 

[1jt@atime]

That's great Tim! Nothing like Spring and feeling better! How was it the very first time you got on? Any problems pedaling or balancing? I am a little worried about the flexion as mine is not great. I can easily get around with the pedals on a stationary bike but my real bike seems to require more bend that I've not been able to achieve. I've asked my husband about maybe getting a bike with a larger frame, remember he's the spandex wearer.... but he didn't think that would really work. Karen

 

[referee54]

That's great Tim! Nothing like Spring and feeling better! How was it the very first time you got on? Any problems pedaling or balancing? I am a little worried about the flexion as mine is not great. I can easily get around with the pedals on a stationary bike but my real bike seems to require more bend that I've not been able to achieve. I've asked my husband about maybe getting a bike with a larger frame, remember he's the spandex wearer.... but he didn't think that would really work. Karen

I recently purchased new clipless pedals and cycling shoes, so I actually tried them on and pedalled around the halls of my HS during spring break! (The janitors had a great laugh!) I then rode around the parking lot getting used to the shoes and getting them out of the pedals. (the shoes attach directly to the pedals.)

Once I got on the bike, my right knee felt a tad bit tight, but that quickly subsided and I felt very good. If you can't get a bike with a larger frame, how 'bout raising the seat a little unitl you get your ROM back? Why not take your bike to the local bike shop and see if they can fit you up a little better? You don't have to ride far, or long, but i really think you get more out of it becasue your are not just sitting there. Take it a little slow and a little more at a time, and voila! Stronger quads and hammies. Of couse, I would talk to you r PT about this as well. My PT said go for it, but reminded me that there is the chance of falling.

I am not gloating, please do not take this the wrong way---I just want to tell you that we have all questioned if we are making progress, and if this was really worth it...I was there at those stages, too. At times my rehab was like driving in a car w/o airconditoing with the kids to grandma's house---except she had moved a few hundred miles away---y'a understand---the PT and the **** didn't seem to end.

Ther is light at the end of the tunnel, and it is not a speeding locamotive...it is your life waiting for you to reach out and reclaim it.

Tim C.

 

[1jt@atime]

I can ride the recumbant for 30 minutes and it shows about 7+ miles. That's not a problem. I'm at 6 months now and only about 110, I think. Though I'm still trying to stretch it, I think this might be it for me. My husband rides with a group and is very actively involved with a shop that has members of a national bike racing team so there's plenty of pros around. I tried to ride my bike with a raised seat and it just didnt work. My hubby has one of those thingys you put your bike on to ride it inside during the winter and I keep meaning to get him to set it up for me so I can practice on solid ground with the real bike. I just about fell when I tried it outside and couldn't get my leg all the way around. That was scary!

Tim, you are not gloating. I, and I know everyone else is ALWAYS very happy to hear about progress! Biking is a great activity for all of us! I am so happy you are able to accomplish a goal that is obviously so important to you! It's great!