Giving Up Cycling?

[Bethany1]

I'm beginning to think cycling isn't for me. Between the problems I had last year, a serious concussion earlier this spring, not riding because of the high heat and now stitches today I'm about ready to sell everything and give up. I won't be able to ride for a week and a half until the stitches come out.

I'm just tired of hurting physically and emotionally. Obviously it's a personal choice about stopping but at the same time when it works out right I have a good time.

Any thoughts?

[Sylvia]

If you do decide to give up cycling, what about taking a spin class? It can be a great way to get a good workout. Taking spin classes was how I got back into cycling after having not ridden a bike since I was a kid. I've even been considering getting a spin bike for use at home for when I can't go outside and cycle.

[shootingstar]

Be fair to yourself. Cycling doesn't have to be far nor fast nor brilliant. It just is...you.

Put the bike away if it's defeated you. But not really, it's just waiting for you..patiently in the garage or basement.

It's waiting whenever you want and whenever you are ready.

[tzvia]

This is a tough call. Only you can make it, in the end.

I've been there. Bruised ribs so bad I could not take a deep breath for a month. Picking gravel out of my knees and elbows. Giant hematomas bigger than two hands that giggled like a boob and hurt. Had a rattlesnake take a swipe at me and just missed me and somehow missed getting caught in the rear wheel (I promptly crashed anyway in the panic and scooted on my but as fast as I could away from the bike and snake). Lets not forget the heat patches- one of which I forgot to remove (in the car on a road trip) until it had burned me. I am sure most of us here can tell you a similar story. But you know what? Most sports have an element of danger, unless you are into checkers or playing Monopoly. People get hurt doing all kinds of things. Rodney King drowned in his own pool, Sunny Bono died skiing. Weigh the chance of getting hurt against the fun you are having (if you aren't having fun that makes the choice easier), and against what else you could be doing, using your own yardstick.

Hope you heal up quick, it sounds like you took a tumble today :(. Yea, it can be frustrating and painful.

[TigerMom]

As a clumsy and previously unathletic person, it took me 35+ years to find out that I liked cycling. Even though I have had many small tipovers while learning to use my clipless shoes and 2 big accidents (one where I bruised my cheek and gave myself a 3inchx4inch hematoma on my left abdomen that lasted 1 month), I still seem to love cycling but am a lot more cautious with my braking/downhill.

Take time out to heal and figure out which sports you like besides cycling. As others have said, maybe a spin class. Perhaps not mountain biking but riding a hybrid/beach cruiser on the road to go slower than a road bike, but enjoying the scenery is more your style?

I hope you feel better soon :(
______________________________________________________________
2012 Specialized Amira Elite, upgraded carbon handle bars, Jett saddle 143mm switched to 145mm 2012 Selle Italia Max SLR Gel Flow saddle

2011 Specialized Ariel Sport,suspension post,Serfas Rx Women's Microfiber saddle

[Kiwi Stoker]

I'm not totally sure but are you a MTBer? Maybe invest in some slicks and ride the road or bike trails. Less chances of crashing. Speed is a thrill in itself.

And yes, give yourself a chance to heal. It took me 8 months to recover from my broken shoulder and it still isn't OK even today and never will be. But it's better. Slow and steady.

[OakLeaf]

Give yourself time. If you miss it, or if you don't miss it, you'll know, but it's early.

I'm starting my fourth month off the bike, and the PT is starting to suggest I should give up the idea of ever getting back on, and I'm really depressed over the idea (never mind my knees are very unhappy about running being my only cardio). Maybe we can sell our bikes together. :(

[Catrin]

Give yourself time. If you miss it, or if you don't miss it, you'll know, but it's early.

I'm starting my fourth month off the bike, and the PT is starting to suggest I should give up the idea of ever getting back on, and I'm really depressed over the idea (never mind my knees are very unhappy about running being my only cardio). Maybe we can sell our bikes together. :(

((((Oak)))) I am sorry, perhaps the PT will be proven wrong. Regardless hang in there.

Bethany1, the others have given good advice. There are dangers in any sport or physical activity. Don't be too quick to sell your bikes if you do decide to stop riding, they won't eat if you set them aside for a time - and should you decide later that it is time to return to them they will be waiting for you without further expense.

[westtexas]

Give yourself time. If you miss it, or if you don't miss it, you'll know, but it's early.

I'm starting my fourth month off the bike, and the PT is starting to suggest I should give up the idea of ever getting back on, and I'm really depressed over the idea (never mind my knees are very unhappy about running being my only cardio). Maybe we can sell our bikes together. :(

Oak - another veterinarian I worked with (65+ years old) broke his leg at the femoral head in the hip joint and had to have the whole thing replace. They told him he would never ride again. But he couldn't not ride (I totally understand) and started out on a trike to gain strength. By the time I moved away from Midland, he was riding on two wheels again - albeit with fat crossbike tires, but he was speedy and agile. It wasn't without pain, but the love of the sport kept him going. Don't lose that.

Bethany - don't give up. A lot can happen quickly that disheartens you and you want to just stop altogether. Just take it easy for a while. In my new job, I don't get to ride hardly ever anymore and it's making me crazy. Then when I get on the bike, I get heat exhaustion (ask Marni about when she saw me this weekend!) and I can barely go 20 miles anymore and I'm slow as crap. But I still love riding. I still want to get out there and do what I can, be my personal best. And yeah, it sucks not being able to pass the men on their Cevelo TT bikes in matching kits anymore, but doing my best is good enough for me.

[emily_in_nc]

I have "quit" cycling a few times in my adult life, not purposely, but just because I was caught up in another interest, too busy, recovering from an injury, or dealing with grief/depression. I always come back to it. And most of the time, I end up regretting that I sold a certain bike along the way. If I lived in the US and had a nice-sized garage, I would happily take back all the bikes I've ever sold, from a recumbent to a tandem to a full-suspension mountain bike, to a go-fast racer, since they all have different times, places, and serve different needs and goals.

So my advice to you is to stop cycling for awhile but don't sell your bikes and gear. Just put it away for awhile and see if it calls you back. Cycling is in my blood, and I will always go back to it. But you may not. Give it time so you'll know which way you want to go. Don't be hasty.

[Bethany1]

I wish I could say the stitches were a result of some awesome crash as it sounds cooler, but it from trying to take the clipless pedals off my Fargo. Crankbrothers has a funky design of having to take pedals off from the behind instead of just using a wrench over the bolt.

I got one off using the allen wrench in a few minutes and I had to go under the front chainrings to get to the pedal on the left. It wouldn't come loose and I pushed harder. The pedal suddenly came loose and my left hand smashed into the chainring from the force. Ended up with three stitches on my first knuckle so bending my finger hurts like crazy.

I get that any sport has injuries and some are more prone to serious injuries. It's part of the package deal. The injuries don't bother me so much as it just takes away from riding time while you heal up. I just feel like this summer has been nothing but not riding due to dangerous heat and injuries.

Since it's been so hot, I've started walking/running around the high school track. I run the straights and walk the curves. I've been going up the bleachers and at times dealing with hornets. I didn't think I'd like it as much as I have and while I'm only good for a mile or so for now, it's something I never would have considered before. I guess the heat has been good for something.

I also did some hiking down at the state park that I enjoyed. It nearly killed me walking up hills, but I made it three miles and got some quality time with my daughter. Haven't been able to go back due to the heat as well.

Now I just need a decent pair of running shoes since my 25 dollar shoes are falling apart. Only reason I took off the pedals on my Fargo is because I get stuck walking up the hill back into town and the soles of another expensive pair of shoes are all messed up.

Maybe this Fall it will cool off and if I can stay injury-free I can be out riding. I'll just keep the bikes in the garage for now then.

[shootingstar]

That's great you're doing hiking and some running. Good stuff, Bethany.

[kamikazejane]

I wish I could say the stitches were a result of some awesome crash as it sounds cooler, but it from trying to take the clipless pedals off my Fargo. Crankbrothers has a funky design of having to take pedals off from the behind instead of just using a wrench over the bolt.

I got one off using the allen wrench in a few minutes and I had to go under the front chainrings to get to the pedal on the left. It wouldn't come loose and I pushed harder. The pedal suddenly came loose and my left hand smashed into the chainring from the force. Ended up with three stitches on my first knuckle so bending my finger hurts like crazy.

I get that any sport has injuries and some are more prone to serious injuries. It's part of the package deal. The injuries don't bother me so much as it just takes away from riding time while you heal up. I just feel like this summer has been nothing but not riding due to dangerous heat and injuries.

Since it's been so hot, I've started walking/running around the high school track. I run the straights and walk the curves. I've been going up the bleachers and at times dealing with hornets. I didn't think I'd like it as much as I have and while I'm only good for a mile or so for now, it's something I never would have considered before. I guess the heat has been good for something.

I also did some hiking down at the state park that I enjoyed. It nearly killed me walking up hills, but I made it three miles and got some quality time with my daughter. Haven't been able to go back due to the heat as well.

Now I just need a decent pair of running shoes since my 25 dollar shoes are falling apart. Only reason I took off the pedals on my Fargo is because I get stuck walking up the hill back into town and the soles of another expensive pair of shoes are all messed up.

Maybe this Fall it will cool off and if I can stay injury-free I can be out riding. I'll just keep the bikes in the garage for now then.

Sometimes just taking a break and doing something different is a good thing.

[indysteel]

That's great you're doing hiking and some running. Good stuff, Bethany.

I agree. Over the past couple of years, I've really come to appreciate the benefit of some diversity in my "athletic" pursuits. I like to hike and run, too, and they've often provided some much needed physical and emotional respite from my bikes and vice versa. My interest in each waxes and wanes, but in an effort to keep it fun, I try to just go with whatever the spirit moves me to do (and sometimes the spirit moves me to just sit on the couch). It's all good. The one thing that I've consistently enjoyed is yoga, but I even have to take a break from it here and there.

So take a break from riding and do what makes you happiest each day.

[Penny4]

I know how you feel about the heat. 3 weeks ago I decided to do a little spin around the neighborhood area, maybe 10 miles at most. It wasn't as hot as it had been (90 vs 105!), so I thought I would be ok. I probably got 3 miles into the ride and thought I was going to throw up and/or pass out. I limped home discouraged and defeated.
I skipped a few planned rides after that, and started making excuses to not ride. I was basically scared to get back on the bike again.
Finally, this past Sunday, I dragged myself out of bed early, and went down to the greenway, to do 12 miles. Well, 12 miles felt so great, I did the greenway 2x for 24 miles. I couldn't believe how happy and great I felt afterwards.
Sometimes you just need some time away from it. You don't have to be all in or all out. Sounds like there are times that you do enjoy it, so ride when the mood strikes you! Sorry about the stitches, but kudos to you for doing your own bike work. I hit the LBS for everything :rolleyes:

[velo]

Bethany, I am quite new *back* to the sport, so I wanted to chime in. I have experienced burn out with cycling. I experienced it bad enough that I quit for 10 years. Now, I had a great excuse (family), but really, if I had the motivation, I certainly could have continued. I *let* life get in the way.

If you are feeling that you want to take a step back, I think that's normal. But please don't get rid of any of your stuff. There is a high likelihood that you will want to come back to it (more recreationally or more seriously or the same level as now) one of these days and you will be glad you kept everything. I know I was, even though it had been 10 years. Take a break, breathe, and perhaps when it cools off and you feel better, you could just go out for short, easy rides and see if it's still in you.

Best of luck and hugs to you. I do know what you are feeling.

[marni]

bethany,

just a thought from someone who lives in stinky hot, humid, summers in Houston. Maybe you could borrow a triners and try just some getle indoor riding in front of a fan, under the AC vent. This is what I resorted to last summer recovering from breast cancer therapy and coping with chemo/hormone therapy.

Several years ago I fell, gave myself a concussion, broke two ribs and collapsed a lung- 4 months off the bike, two months of indoor training and then riding and a month later, got brushed by a trailer of yard equipment and cracked the previously broken ribs and gave myself another mild concussion and road rash and embedded gravel instead of a collapsed lung. Another 6 months off the bike and easing back into training.

I don't recommend this method of taking a break away from cycling, but I will say that during that time off I was able to do some cross training and realize that I really really missed the bike. Since them (knock on wood) I seem to have exorcised the demons and am now really enjoying riding again.

Be patient with yourself. We are in here for insanity not stupidity. Maybe biking is for you and maybe you ust need to take a break and rethink why you are doing this and is there something else you would rather be doing.

Whatever you decide, it not locked in stone and you can always change your mind. ust hand onto the equipment and gear because if you try to replace in future years, you know it is going to cost more.

[marni]

Wet Texas,

so glad to see you posting because it tells me you got back home safely . I felt badly that I hadn't offered to ride back with you to make sure you made it ok. It was a little scary that the color of your face matched your hot pink bike.

Thought I was going to die Tuesday on my ride, nothing like triple digits temps at 10 AM.

[radacrider]

I have to agree with the take a break, keep the bike recommendations. To focus on my newborn son and as he grew, I took a break for 10 some years from being very active on the bike (we are talking doing the long ride events 100-200 milers). But, I kept my treasured bike. Then about 5 years ago, my son became very interested in riding more and we did some fun rides and a bit later, he started bike commuting for school.

That re-kindled and re-awoke my joy of riding. Now, I love commuting as it allows me to ride daily. I don't have the competition bug or endurance ride bug, but I still love being on the bike. I don't think it ever really goes away.

Yes, I am riding my original '89 RADAC on these nice days for commuting - still my most favorite bike.

Take care, be gentle with yourself.

[Bethany1]

Thanks for all the replies. They really helped.

After sulking for a few days with a sore hand and being terribly cranky, the weather was too irresistible and went for a ride. Wednesday I pulled out my Fargo and hit the trail. I got out a couple of miles and realized my back tire seemed flat and headed back to the car. I always carry my big pump in my car and my tire was at around 50psi. I thought I'd inflated it to 60, the max on my tires. Hmm.

Pumped it back up and headed out again for a test. Went a little further this time and everything seemed to hold up but I was getting tired. The wall of no speed hit in again and feeling like I was working much harder than I should made things frustrating. I sulked home and wondered what to do.

Yesterday's weather was again too tempting and my Halo sweatband finally came in from Amazon.com. Everyone on different sites seemed to love theirs and thought I'd give it a try. Wow. Made it 12 miles without getting sweat in my eyes or dripping into my glasses. Should have bought one a couple of months ago.

I figured I'd try for a power ride instead of a measly 10mph that I can't seem to shake. Hit the first hill and the wall of no speed hit in again. Six miles and three hills in, it finally hit me that that my saddle was too low. I raised it another inch and suddenly I was able to power up the hills much faster and my speed increased.

Uphill went from about 3-5 mph to around 10mph without gasping on every hill back home. It's hard to believe that once inch would make such a huge difference. It's probably been too low all summer causing most of my frustration. I'm sure the 80 degree temp aided in feeling so much better instead of fighting 90-100 degrees all summer as well.

Best ride all summer although my hand is protesting some.

When in frustration, check the fit of your bike. Something I hadn't thought of all summer. Huge Duh.

I need to fiddle some more with mine after yesterday's ride. I think the saddle needs to be a little higher and the bike feels a little cramped. I've become more flexible from the walking/running as well.

Again, thanks for all the replies and for dealing with my whining.

[emily_in_nc]

That's great news, Bethany! Thanks for the update, and glad you're sticking with cycling. Little things can make a huge difference...and fit is not a little thing at all!