Welcome!

It's a new year and time once again to give a new look to this blog. New graphics and colors. Same bike writer!



This blog is created not only to track my own progress on my biking journey but it is intended to also assist others who have either osteo or rheumatoid arthritis or both like I do. I hope as you read about the progress I have made that it gives you inspiration and hope that you can overcome the dibilitating effects of these conditions.



If your doctor agrees that you should be capable of expanding your limits read on and don't be afraid, just listen to your body and give it challenges. Biking is a great non-impact form of exercise and greatly enhances flexibility and range of motion.



It's not a substitute for Doctor visits, taking your meds or otherwise getting off your health plan but it auguments what your Doctor does for you and can give you a better quality of life. Go for it!





Thursday, August 30, 2012

I'm Riding Little by Little

I have been back on the bike bit by bit, most of the rides have been short 6 miles or less but I am working toward building up strength and stamina again.  Between campaigning and time off the bike from a fall I am far far short of mileage numbers like I was able to post last year.  There's always next season. 

I've tried to note any tenativness on the bike and so far the only place that seems to be happening is when it comes to stops and tight situations.  I see that I take less risk when faced with an iffy bit of navigation.  We'll see how much the courage comes back over time.  Maybe courage is not the right word but more like feeling one with the bike.  I think that comes with more time on it.

Happy riding!  

10 comments:

  1. That’s right. Take your time with every step. I’m sure you know that rushing yourself won’t prove that you are okay now, like you never involved yourself in an accident. Like what you said, it takes more time together to feel one with the bike. And only with that unity can you feel the simple yet exhilarating pleasure of riding your bike. :D

    Penelope Worrall

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  2. What a nice way of describing that oneness with the bike. Thank you!

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  3. My brother is also getting back on the bike after a major accident wherein he broke his leg. He really had to wait for months before he could get back. I know he feels upset during those times, but of course, he also wants to make sure that he’s in good shape once he go back to his favorite hobby. He is certain that he will be able to perform well again once he truly recovered from that incident.

    Cindie Guevara

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    1. Cindie, I hope that your brother is mending well and quickly. Wow, a broken leg is tough to handle, especially for someone who is active and likes to bike ride. I wish him well and godspeed a swift recovery.

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  4. It’s been a month of getting back into biking, so I guess you and you’re bike is all set, and you’re absolutely confident to take to the road again. :) Riding a bike is really fun, plus it’s good exercise. After that incident, I’m pretty sure that you’ll be extra careful to prevent such an accident from happening again. Go, Deb! :D

    Collin Deck

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    1. Hi Collin, thank you for your observations but as you can see from my latest post I had a sudden turn of events! I doubt that I'll be ready to ride outdoors in time for this season, but I'll be back on a stationary bike as soon as the Dr. will allow.

      Right you are about the bike being such good exercise. It has really turned my health around.

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  5. Don’t push yourself too much, and take one step at a time. In time, you’ll be able to bounce back from that “fall”. My friend met an accident during a bike exhibition contest. It took him almost a year before he could fully recover from his injuries, and up to now, he’s finding strength to heal his emotional trauma. I hope both of you can overcome this and ride your bikes again, without any hesitations.

    -Tracy Pierre

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    1. Oh wow, sounds like your friend had a serious tumble. I hope he has a full recovery from all his injuries, bodily and psyche as well. Accidents can have a big emotional impact and riding again without hesitation, as you observe, is a big step to overcome.

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  6. @Deb: Sometimes, when a bike enthusiast is injured, he really takes it hard. He finds it difficult to accept what has happened to him, but that’s life. At times, accidents are inevitable. We just really have to be extra careful the next time.

    Raleigh Crowl

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    1. Hi Raleigh,

      I never thought of it that way before, about not accepting what has happened. It's been a while since that fall and so much else has happened of much greater significance it's kind of hard to remember. Searching hard through my memory I guess I have to agree that falling somehow offends the cyclist as though it is a reflection on handling skills, I can kind of get that. And it explains the tenativness on the subsequent outing, a bit of a loss of confidence. Thank you for reading.

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