Too far???

[luv2ride94]

Hey everone! I'm Katie, I'm 12 and have a question.

I want to do a 50 mile bike ride this weekend, and the farthest I have ever ridden is 25ish miles at once. I never feel really tired afterwards though and usually we stop just because we live in a little town adn theres not alot of place to ride.

I usually only ride on saturdays and sunday b/c of school. But I swim 5 days a week and usually run one day a week also and do drylands before swimming everday. Do you think 50 miles is to far? I don't because I may not ride everday but I am in shape. I know that much.

My mom thinks I should wait till I have a chance to ride more but if I wait it will probably be next spring before I can find another one and my sister and swim coach are riding in it too.

[mimitabby]

Go for it! you'll be a little sore the next day, but no big deal! I hope you have great weather. Have fun.

[SheFly]

GO FOR IT! And have a great time.

SheFly

[Mimosa]

Just find a good pace, don't mind the other riders, don't forget you drinks, food and some sweets (for the sucre) and go for it. Sure it will be though but the spirit of it being an organised ride will keep you going.
You go and show them girl!

[light_sabe_r]

Go for it Katie! And then come back and tell us all about it! ^_^

[Duck on Wheels]

You'll do fine! You're in way better shape than I was, or am. I'd also never done more than 25+ miles until the day I did 42 in strong headwinds on a comfort bike. They say you can do at least twice as much on an organized ride as you can do on your own, unsupported. As the others say, you may be sore here and there after from being "in the saddle" longer than you're used to, but you'll have fun and you won't mind the soreness, which you'll recover from anyway after a few hours. That's my prediction, at any rate.

[Xrayted]

Hey, little TE sister. I say go for it! Just remember to drink before you're thirsty and take along energy foods to keep you going. I hope you have fun and please come back and let us know how it went. Take pics - we loooove pics!

Cindy

[Triskeliongirl]

Yes, go for it. You'll be fine! And please, come back and tell us all about it.

[bacarver]

I think it's awesome that you are only 12 years old and already a "bikie" and a dedicated athlete! I was totally clueless when I was 12 back in 1972. 50 miles may be difficult near the end but the human body is capable of more than it thinks when it wants or has to succeed. Consider this to be a real opportunity to learn about your cycling strengths and weaknesses. Fuel and water will be important. Also, be tuned into your comfort level (clothes, position on the bike, tight muscles). Take it slow the next day because your body will benefit from a gentle workout and some down time. I admire you. So many kids are lazy and overweight these days. Enjoy the freedom that riding provides. Be proud of your fitness! I work full-time nights as a psychiatric nurse and I've ridden over 1200 miles this year.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Katie-
You will probably be fine. But do drink plenty of liquids while riding that 50 miles, and eat a snack in the middle of it- a few fig newtons, granola bar or something.
By the time you actually FEEL thirsty, you may already be in a serious fluid deprivation state that can make you feel suddenly sick and stop your ride cold.

And remember, you can STOP when you want to if you feel totally wiped out. What counts is not that you finish the 50 miles, or that you kill yourself trying, but rather that you are making the effort, doing a really healthy fun activity, and creating a great lifestyle! Whatever distance you can do that day, even 20 miles, it simply means you are giving your best shot. That WAY beats all the kids who are just sitting on their bums at home in front of a tv or computer screen!

[KSH]

Hey everone! I'm Katie, I'm 12 and have a question.

I want to do a 50 mile bike ride this weekend, and the farthest I have ever ridden is 25ish miles at once. I never feel really tired afterwards though and usually we stop just because we live in a little town adn theres not alot of place to ride.

I usually only ride on saturdays and sunday b/c of school. But I swim 5 days a week and usually run one day a week also and do drylands before swimming everday. Do you think 50 miles is to far? I don't because I may not ride everday but I am in shape. I know that much.

My mom thinks I should wait till I have a chance to ride more but if I wait it will probably be next spring before I can find another one and my sister and swim coach are riding in it too.

Hi Katie!

Well, I first want to commend you on your committment to being physically fit. So many young people today, overlook how enjoyable exercise can be.

If you didn't have a friend/family riding the 50 miles with you, I would probably say not to do it. Being only 12... you need someone you know... to be able to stay back and support you.

Since you have support though, I would say that you should take on the challenge. But, I'm not your Mom and that's just my humble opinion. Your Mom is who you should listen to and communicate with on this.

The KEY to riding long distances... is STOPPING for BREAKS! This isn't going to be a race... right? So, try to stop at the rest stops, get something eat and drink... move around off the bike. By doing this, you will be able to go for HOURS!

Another important aspect, will be NUTRITION! Don't just eat breakfast and expect to go ride for 50 miles. Eat at the rest stops and don't get hungry while riding. I know when I was your age, I did not understand nutrition, or how to eat... AT ALL! So, take the time to learn about how to eat for endurance sports... and by doing this... you will make your Mom feel better about possibly allowing you to go.

Also, have a "plan" for what you will do if you get too tired. For example, before the ride, maybe see if your Mom/Family will pick you up if you poop out at 30 miles. Talk with your Mom and ask her what your plan should be if you don't feel you can make it 50 miles. If you have a plan, that will make her feel better. You also need to have your sister and swim coach in agreeance that they WILL stay with YOU the ENTIRE RIDE. They need to be committed to NOT letting you ride alone, or to wait at rest stops alone. You should have support at all times.

Finally, your Mom loves you and just wants to make sure that you aren't biting off more than you can handle. You might want to have her read these responses... and that will open up the lines of communication, so you can have an HONEST conversation about it.... and you two can then decide what is the best decision to make. Maybe if you two can agree on a plan for the ride... she will feel better about you going.

An example of what the plan might look like:
1) You will always be with either your sister or swim coach riding. You will NOT ride alone.
2) You will stop at rest stops and stay on top of your nutrition and hydration.
3) If you feel tired, you will let your ride buddies know and try to stop and rest.
4) If you have rested and still feel too tired to go on... you will take a SAG wagon if available. If a SAG wagon is not available, you and your Mom will decide HOW you will make it to the finish line, without riding.
5) Call your Mom at each rest stop and give her an update on how you are feeling.

[Lenusik]

Go for it, girl! You are in shape, so you can do it. Just be smart about pacing yourself. If you want to finish it, don't overdo in the first 25 miles. Just listen to your body and drink plenty. Good luck to you!

[luv2ride94]

Mom and I talked alot actually about it and she finally is 100% ok with it.. She really liked your idea of having a plan KSH so we have one set up. I can't wait!!

Now that I am riding for sure I have a few more questions.

I just looked at the weather for this weekend and its supposed to be about 65ish and mostly sunny. What do I wear long sleeves or short? usually I just ride in my shorts and a t-shirt and my helmet of course.

And I have 2 water bottle holders so I was gonna put water in one and gatorade in the other. I'm guessing there will be places to refill too if I need it.

Then some powerbars for when we stop and make sure to eat a good breakfast. Does all that sound right?

Hmmm anything else I need to know? This is my first time for this kind of thing so THANKS for the help!!! Katie

[Mimosa]

I just looked at the weather for this weekend and its supposed to be about 65ish and mostly sunny. What do I wear long sleeves or short? usually I just ride in my shorts and a t-shirt and my helmet of course.
Well, I know budget is allways thight and it is short notice, but there is something called armwarmers (http://www.teamestrogen.com/products.asp?pID=15358). I got one set at home and if I am not sure then I start off with the armwarmers and get them of when it is getting to warm.

And do you have some sporty sunglasses you can wear?


And I have 2 water bottle holders so I was gonna put water in one and gatorade in the other. I'm guessing there will be places to refill too if I need it.

Then some powerbars for when we stop and make sure to eat a good breakfast. Does all that sound right?
Just don't forget that refill, drinking regularely is very important. A fist rule is to drink one bottle per hour (which is a lot I hear you think, but do it anyhow :p ). Start drinking alreay after 15 minutes in the race. And also to eat something each hour (a powerbar is oke).


Hmmm anything else I need to know? This is my first time for this kind of thing so THANKS for the help!!! Katie
You got all the material for small repairs like when you have a puncture?

[KSH]

Mom and I talked alot actually about it and she finally is 100% ok with it.. She really liked your idea of having a plan KSH so we have one set up. I can't wait!!

Now that I am riding for sure I have a few more questions.

I just looked at the weather for this weekend and its supposed to be about 65ish and mostly sunny. What do I wear long sleeves or short? usually I just ride in my shorts and a t-shirt and my helmet of course.

And I have 2 water bottle holders so I was gonna put water in one and gatorade in the other. I'm guessing there will be places to refill too if I need it.

Then some powerbars for when we stop and make sure to eat a good breakfast. Does all that sound right?

Hmmm anything else I need to know? This is my first time for this kind of thing so THANKS for the help!!! Katie

OH! That's wonderful! I'm so happy you get to ride and your Mom feels comfortable with you doing it. She only worries because she loves you.

I have ridden the past couple of weekends when it's been 62... and I basically started out in shorts, a long sleeve dry weave shirt (NO COTTON!) under my cycling jersey. When I got warmed up... I was able to tie the shirt around my waist.

Then again, it got up to 82 degrees.

If I were going to ride and it wouldn't be getting above 65, then I would keep the long sleeved shirt on... and try to find something to cover my legs with. I have leg warmers (which can be removed, but SLIDE down your leg as you ride) and knickers (go below your knees biking "pants")... for such occasions.

Your hydration plan sounds good... and if it's a supported ride... you should be able to refill at the rest stops.

Powerbars and a good breakfast are great. Focus on eating some carbs and protein to prepare for the ride.

GOOD LUCK! You are doing to do great... and if you get too tired to ride... there is no shame in taking a SAG wagon.

You better come back with a full report!

[luv2ride94]

I think I have everything covered and am good to go. Now I'm goin to bed to get a goodnights sleep. I'll come back tomorrow afternoon and tell you all about it! THANKS for all your help! KT

[luv2ride94]

Hey everyone,
This is Angela, Katies sister. We made about 35 miles of the ride no problems having a blast...

Some small animal ran in front of her she swerved hit a rock and lost control. Her and her bike rolled about 3 times I was right behind her and as I got to her she informed me very calmly that her arm was broken and "it feels like its down by my leg but I can see it laying right beside me" well it was not right for sure.

Her elbow was completely backwards. Called 911 lost service and about 4 tries later left her long enough to go to where I got reception. Did I know where I was?? of course not, thankfully a farmer stopped about then and did know where we were and took the phone. 2 riders behind us stopped and helped out also then about 10 minutes later 2 more stopped one was thankfully a Doctor, talk about relief.

Ambulance came, put it in a splint, put her on the gurney and started a IV as soon as we loaded. Ask her pain leval and gave her laughing gas. That didn't work so he gave her demoral? and finigrin? (sp) and she said her pain was down to about a 4 or 5.

40 minute drive to the hospital and then about 1.5 hour wait for x rays the verdict : a severaly dislocated elbow and small fracture.

Then for the fun part -- setting it 2 shots of morphine, and alot of pain later. Its done, I handled it much worse than katie. She was a trooper, never shed a tear the entire day.. The EMT ask if her dad was a military man because this kind of pain brought grown men to crying babies. She actually laughed at that one.

7 hours later we headed home and the future looks like
3-5 weeks in a armpit to finger cast and sling... Shes way bummed not only no bike riding but no swimming.. LONG DAY!!

She wanted to post herself and got about 2 words punched out and gave up. Thanks for all your encouragement to her. Shes a great kid. I'm sure you'll hear from her personally as soon as the pain subsides some more.

[Kitsune06]

I want to be the first to say, then, that Katie is one tough chica. She wins my total respect. :D Best wishes for a quick recovery- those weeks will fly by, I promise!
*hugs!*

[Pedal Wench]

Oh no! Katie, that's awful! I feel so bad that you got hurt on your first big adventure. Please keep us updated on how you are feeling and recovering. You'll be back on your bike in no time.

It also sounds like you've got a wonderful sister. She should be proud of how she helped out in a crisis.

[Xrayted]

Oh katie! I'm so sorry you got hurt on your ride. :eek: From what your sister says, you are one tough cookie. Breaks and dislocations hurt like heck. I'm so proud of you and thankful to your sister for sticking by you during the ride. Great job Angela!! Sounds like you did just the right thing.

As Kitsune and Pedal Wench said, the time will fly right by. Don't push it too hard and listen to your docs. Your elbow will let you know when she's ready to come out and play again. :D

When your feeling better, I'd still like to hear about your ride. Sounds like up until the accident, you were having a great time.

Take care of yourself and hug your sister from all of us at TE!

Cindy

[CyclChyk]

Wow - Katie you are an inspiration. You take care of that arm and come back to let us know how it was BEFORE the accident.

And welcome to TE :)

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Wow- you must be a very strong and brave young woman.
Please, heal well and don't push yourself. You have a whole lifetime ahead to get back into sports and biking again. Lucky girl to have such a wonderful supportive sister and family.

[Mimosa]

Wow, that was some adventure on your first big ride. I hope everything goes well en keep resting, the better things will heal. And when you can type then let us know how it was up until you had that terrible crash.

[Duck on Wheels]

Omygosh! Katie and Angela, you're both heroes for how you handled this. Best wishes for a speedy recovery!

[rocknrollgirl]

I have been following your thread, and hoping that you would have a great ride. I am so sorry that you had a chic vs mammal incident. You and your sister are both tough girls. Sounds like you are both troopers.

Hang in there during the healing process. Many of us here have been sidelined with illness or injuries, and often you come back stronger. Take care, and please do post the story of your day when you can manage the keyboard.

Thanks Angela for the update....

Ruth

[DeniseGoldberg]

Angela -
Thanks for posting Katie's story, and for being there with her. I'm sure that seeing your face provided comfort through her pain.

Katie -
Healing wishes are coming your way... remember, your bike and the pool will both still be there when your arm is healed.

One idea though, from another person who has a very hard time not exercising - walking can be good too. Not running, no jarring motion for your arm, just walking. That's what I did as I recovered from my own crash (http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/denise2004crash) back in 2004. I went from riding 5 to 6 days a week to not being allowed on my bike at all for five weeks. The first several weeks I wasn't capable of even walking, but then I eased into walking. My walking time grew each day. It kept me sane, and it helped to maintain some level of fitness - much better than not doing anything. So - first give yourself a chance to rest, then ease back to an active lifestye as your body permits.

--- Denise

[Thorn]

Oh...no...Katie....you were supposed to get to join the "I rode 50 miles on my bike" club, but instead you've joined my "I crashed my bike and fracture-dislocated my elbow" club! Arrrggghh....many years ago I crashed my bike (a car pushed me off the road :( ). I dislocated my elbow and cracked the head of my radius. Ouch! I wish I had had a sister like yours taking care of me that day (although a nice stranger helped me out and called the ambulance for me).

Anyway....sorry to hear you've joined my club. Three weeks in that cast isn't that long. Take some time rest and to let the body heal. Listen to your doctors and, just as important, listen to your Physical Therapists when that cast comes off. When they give you exercises to get your arm back into shape, do them with the strength of character we've seen from you on this group and the doctor saw in the emergency room. You'll get better before you know it.

And, don't forget to thank your sister every now and then for having been there for you!

[SouthernBelle]

Oh NO this hurt just reading it. :o

Get better soon!!

[Bad JuJu]

Yikes--so sorry I'm just now reading about Katie's fall! Tell her we're thinking of her, Angela, and kudos to you, too, for being such great big sister. Best wishes for the quickest recovery ever!

[latelatebloomer]

oooh, Katie, I'm so sorry to hear about your crash!! But I"M not surprised to hear that you are such a tough cookie (BTW, that EMT is behind the times - he -or she - should have asked if your dad OR mom were soldiers:rolleyes: )

Hugs to you and your wonderful sister. It sounds like you two are a wonderful match and will have many (less painful) adventures together. Keep in touch!

[Veronica]

Oh Katie what a bummer, but you are one tough cookie. The weeks will fly by though and you'll be back in the pool and on the bike.

Best wishes for a speedy recovery.

Veronica

[cosc]

Katie, I'm so sorry your ride came to such a painful end. I hope your feeling much better and heal quickly.

[luv2ride94]

Hey everone!

Thanks for all the get well wishes.. I feel better everyday only had to take one pain pill today!

Typing still takes forever and I'm tired and going to bed but tomorrow I'll tell you all about the good half of the ride. Cus that part was great.. :D

[Xrayted]

Aaaah, there's our girl! You totally ROCK!!! You obviously knew what you were doing when you picked your TE name.
Only one pill? Glad to see you already making progress. Enjoy getting waited on while you can get away with it. It's the only perk you get when hurt. Rmember to insist that ice cream helps it numb up and will get you off the meds sooner. (it might work :cool: ) Can ya tell I've had experience getting hurt as a kid?

So good to hear from you in person and can't wait for the report when you can handle it. Now go to bed young lady!

(((hug)))

Cindy

[Brandy]

OUCH Katie! I'm so sorry to hear about your crash. I hope that you heal quickly! http://www.millan.net/minimations/smileys/getwell.gif

[mtbdarby]

Katie - what an inspiration! You handled everything like a pro - sorry it didn't turn out the way you wanted to, but every cyclist must have an adventure story to tell, and some scars to back up the story.

Thanks for posting the story Angela - what an awesome sister (where were you when I needed you?). You guys make a great team!

Can't wait to hear about the first 35 miles. So, how did your mom handle it?

[luv2ride94]

Hey everone!

K heres how it was BEFORE the spill.. (probably lots of typos)

Got up about 6 and it was COLD outside, 37 degrees to be excat so we bundled up and headed out it was about a hour drive to where it started and it was up to 40 by the time we got there.

It was my first time doing a organized ride so just being there was really cool. Lots of different types of people and bikes(mine the prettiest i still think). We started a little late b/c my sisters bike had a low tire and we had to make sure it was alright.

The map wasnt real clear so for the first mile or so we mostly hoped we were going the right way. Then we started catching and PASSING people. That was fun. stopped at the first pit stop at about 8 miles we were still kinda chilly but having a great time and in the next part between pit stops found some great hills. and after the second round of hill s i wasnt cold at all any more :rolleyes:

Nothing exciting between the next 2 stops. the last one we made it to was about 27 miles in and everyone had kinda thinned out into groups really. It was just me and ang but we could see riders in front and there were some nort to far behind us either. We were riding kinda not fast i think averagign about 14 or 15mph. I can't wait to get back on and ride even more.

Anyways thats my story up till about 34 miles and ang already told that story.

[bacarver]

Hi Katie -

I admire you. You sound like one neat kid. Welcome to the crash club. It's no fun earning membership, but you're one of us now. I became a member in June of 2005 when a pit bull attacked me and knocked me off my brand NEW Trek 1500. The dog came out of nowhere and next thing I knew, I was having a very close encounter with hard pavement. Road rash, bruises, severely twisted knee and ankle, and FEAR. It took me a month to heal. That was my first crash ever. I ride smarter now. I have learned some lessons about preparing for disasters, letting my body heal on its schedule and not a schedule set by others, and being very thankful for every chance I get to ride my bike. Be patient with yourself. You are very motivated. You will heal. You will recover. You will ride again! One of the things I did as I was healing was to make a "Boo Boo Book" which contained pictures, a journal, hospital bills, get-well cards, etc. It motivated me. Don't get depressed. Put a smile on your face every day. I now wear a Road ID bracelet that has all my emergency information on it. This is important because I always ride solo. You are terrific. Be proud of yourself.
Barb from Southern Indiana

[silver]

excuse me....

Hey barb, I'm in So. IN too. Do you ever ride in the Bluegrass area?

[KSH]

WOW! I am so happy I found this update! I was wondering how the ride turned out.

Run in with a crazy animal... eh? Sounds like it was a freak accident and you were probably trying to not kill the animal... very sweet of you.

Cast? Dislocated elbow... fracture? How scary! But you didn't CRY? :eek: You are one tough 12 year old!

I hope you can get back to swimming and riding very soon... thank goodness you are young and will recover quickly. It sounds like your ride was going really good before the accident... and you are ready to ride more organized rides in the future!

Here's a speedy recovery with a positive attitude! *Hugs*

[mimitabby]

I'm so sorry to hear about your elbow!! My husband dislocated his elbow too and they told him that adults don't usually get those. well, he got to act like a baby for about a month after that!

You sound like a real trouper. You're already up at the computer.
But how is your beautiful bike?

[Crankin]

You are very tough. I teach kids the same age as you, and I can't think of any of them who would ride even 35 miles (maybe one?). They think 5 miles is a lot!

Get well soon.

Robyn

[Bike Goddess]

Dear Katie- Keep up the good attitude and you'll be swimming and cycling very soon!

Thank you for the wonderful story and for your sis filling us in. Amazing that you can type now given your injuries!

Be glad you're 12- oldies like me would have not survived such an ordeal as well as you did. AND, lucky you- you're bones should heal quickly! Oh to be young and vivacious again!

I look forward to hearing more about your upcoming adventures. By the way (BTW for short) what kind of bike do you have? We'd love to see a picture of you and your bike (and of course, your sis too!!!)

[luv2ride94]

Thanks for all the messages.. I think i needed to read them today i went back to the doctor today and he wasnt very positive at all so you guys helped cheer me up a little.

about my bike..
I have a red white and blue trek 1000. I love it. Its a real cool story how i got it. A guy from cali off ebay GAVE it to me cus im going to (hopefully now) do the 100 mile bike ride for Leukemia and lymphoma and raise money for them.

Im not real sure what exactly was wrong with it, i know it wouldn't pedal something with the chainring and the handlebars were all messed up im not sure what else. its at the bike shop hopefully not anything to bad.

[bacarver]

Hi Katie -

How are you today? Any pain? Give us an update on the recovery. Be positive and believe in getting better. Don't let despair sneak in. I'm going for a 2 mile walk with my golden and my lab. We'll dedicate the hike to you. We're going to hike around German Ridge park which is an absolutely beautiful recreation area close to our house. I've hiked almost 200 miles this year. I am surrounded by very nice trails since I live in the Hoosier National Forest. Set goals every day.

Barb

[bikerchick68]

you've been given lots of great advice! I'm excited for you and look forward to hearing all about your ride :) have a great time and remember to smile lots... when I'm tired I smile and somehow it just helps! :D

[luv2ride94]

I'm feeling much better almost no pain really. Thanks, and tomorrow I go to a pediatric orthopedic surgeon that specialized in sports medicine.

I really hope he'll tell me something better than last week. That doctor told me only how severe my accident was and that I shouldn't expect a full recovery and then he was gone.

Anyways good news! My bikes done, its getting picked up today, they say its almost as good as new! I hope they are right!

[bacarver]

Hi Katie -

How did the appointment go with the pediatric ortho surgeon? The doctor you saw last week was cruel to you. He needs to take a look at how he treats people. There are good doctors and health care providers out there. They care and they talk to you and answer your questions. They will encourage you and believe in your recovery.

I'm glad to hear that your bike is ok. Expensive bikes usually handle crashes pretty good. My trek 1500 was ok after I was attacked by the dog last summer.

Set goals and focus on getting better.

Barb

[bikerchick68]

DOH! This is what I get for not reading the WHOLE thread! :eek: :rolleyes:

Katie... here I was rooting you on, and you've already done the ride and are in recovery... sorry 'bout that. I'm just back on the bike after a surgery and came late to your story...

dang, sorry you crashed but glad you rode! You'll be back... and passing old women like me in no time! :)

hope the surgeon gave you better news than the other doc...

[luv2ride94]

My appointment today was MUCH better! I really like this doc and liked what he had to say a lot more than the last!

He said mobalizing it is everything or I will loose range of motion so I got a full extension brace so I can move it up and down just not side to side and he said the fracture had already started to fuse so I just have to be careful not to make contact with any hard objects only.

I can already move it more than when we left his office this afternoon and I go back in 3 weeks my goal is i want to be able to fully straighten and bend it.

He said I just became my own worst enemy and best friend and that my speed of recovery was up to how much i could handle working with it. It hurts but I'll live.

AND!! I can get in the water and do kick sets to stay in shape!!!

Anyways today was a GOOD!

[Veronica]

Hey, it's a school night. Shouldn't you be in bed! :D

That's great news Katie!


Veronica

[snapdragen]

Hey, it's a school night. Shouldn't you be in bed! :D

Spoken like a teacher...:rolleyes:

Glad you got better news from the new doctor Katie! You'll be back on the bike before you know it.

[bacarver]

Hi Katie -

I think it's great that this doctor was so much kinder and more encouraging!
He cares about you. He believes in you. Get back in the groove and start exercising in ways that protect your injured wing. It's good that you have access to a pool.

Are you home-schooled? You seem a bit different from the average public school kid. I also get the sense that your family does a great job guiding you.

I have to go to the doctor next Tuesday. I've had left wrist pain for about 3 years and no one could tell me WHY. I discoved a bump/lump in my wrist when I was at work 3 nights ago. I was twisting my hand around (yes, I was REALLY bored) and I saw this "thing" that doesn't belong there. Once I get this thing taken care of, I hope to resume doing push ups again. I had to quit because it hurts too much. And, yes, my new family doctor is very nice. I like her a lot.

Once again, I am so glad you found a nice doctor. Send a thank you note!

Barb

[Triskeliongirl]

Wow, I was travelling last week and while I checked in periodically I totally missed this. So sorry to hear about your crash, but its great to hear that things went as well as possible. It was good you planned to not ride alone, and that your sister was able to summon help and stay with you (and much thanks for reporting to us what happened). Unfortunatly accidents are part of our sport, and hopefully if you follow the pediatric orthopedists recommendations you will recover your range of motion and be just fine. I also think its important to learn from our accidents. Just like you had a plan for this ride, think about how you might handle this, or any dangerous situation in the future. Usually there isn't a whole lot you can do if a small animal runs into your wheel, but having a contingency plan sure helps. The League of American Bicyclists offers safety training courses. Maybe when you are feeling better it would be good to take one of those. This might also make your Mom feel better if she is worried about your riding again. Here are healing wishes headed your way!

[luv2ride94]

Lol it WAS a school night but I had to stay up b/c I forgot to take the medicine earlier so I had to wait up to take the last round.

Ha I am homeschooled actually.

My elbow is huge and UGLY today and it HURTS but I made it to almost 45% and yesterday couldn't get past 70 so its worth it! He said it will hurt but it won't actually hurt my elbow to push it.

BACARVER-- I hope its noting serious wrong with your wrist. Good luck on tuesday.

[bacarver]

Hi Katie -

How are you and how is recovery going? One of the other forum participants who goes by "Silver" lives about an hour from me. She and I had exchanged messages. Next thing I know she's in the hospital after crashing at 30mph. She is banged up. Being injured is such a tough life lesson. I hope you are continuing to heal and feel better.

Do you have an indoor trainer? This would be a good way to maintain your fitness.

I saw my doctor today. MRI of my left hand next week. Appointment with an orthopaedic surgeon in 2 weeks. I'm a nurse, but I still find all this stuff confusing and overwhelming. Insurance is driving me nuts.

How long have you been home-schooled? What are your plans after high school? Whatever they are, I'm sure you'll do great.

Barb

[luv2ride94]

Barb,

I'm doing good. Yesterday I got my arm to full extension!!! It hurt but was easier the next time. I guess it just takes a while to stretch everthing back out. I go back to the doctor a week from tomorrow.

I have been reading the post about and from Silver. It sounds really painful...

I have been homeschooled since I started school. My plans for after high school are to swim at a Division 1 school hopefully either Texas, Tennesee, Michigan or Penn State. We'll see though. Hopefully my elbow will heal right and not have any problems that will change those plans.

Have you been to have the MRI yet? Hope everthings alright.

Katie

[silver]

Hi luv2ride94! You were such an inspiration for me while I was recovering! We will get through these things won't we! I'm so glad that you are making so much progress!!!

bacarver, any chance that you will be over my way to see a doc? Is there a chance it is a ganglion cyst? Thank you so much for your encouragement!

silver

[eofelis]

Hi Katie,
I have a book recommendation for you! And all the other ladies on here might like it too!

"Hey Mom, Can I Ride My Bike Across America" by John Siegel-Boettner

You should be able to find it in a library.

It's one of my favorite books and I think you might enjoy it and be inspired by it as I am.

It's about a middle school teaher who takes 5 of his students on a coast-to-coast bike tour, fully loaded! These were 12 and 13 yo kids. They did 100 mile days! They all made it from Va to Ca.

[bacarver]

Hi Katie -

I was waiting for an update from you. Glad to hear a good one. Full extension is A+. It takes time for the muscles, nerves, and all the inner parts to get back to normal. I remember when my right leg was healing after my bike wreck. There were times that I couldn't walk on it at all. I scooted through the house on my butt till my doctor finally agreed to my request for crutches. Then my leg decided to swell 8 days after the wreck and I had to go back to the ER. Then it turned into one huge bruise. Then it felt "wooden" when I started riding again. It took me a year before I could do my full leg stretches. I still have to baby my right knee. I still feel that something isn't right. Cycling agrees with my knees though because the pedalling motion is always the same. I'm really surprised that my ankle and knee weren't broken because of the way I was twisted and slammed during the crash. I must have strong bones. I love milk. MOO
I had the MRI yesterday morning of my left wrist. Not fun. It's hard to stay in one uncomfortable position for over one hour. I'll see the surgeon next Monday. We'll find out what the plan is that day.
Do you still have a cast or splint?
How is your bike?
Do you have any other talents, pets, or hobbies?
Best wishes with the next doctor appointment. Make sure the doctor is nice to you. You deserve it.
Barb