Lazy,hazy summer

Hi there - MM here.

This summer I have ridden a total of 20 miles. That's right , 20 miles, since I slipped a disc in my back at the start of June. Thankfully things are very much better now but still haven't been able to ride my road bike.

But, despite not being able to cycle I've had a very nice summer. Both hubby and I are pretty obsessed with cycling but now I'm able to get back on my bike I realise how nice it's been to have time out.

I had a cool job in a camping and outdoors shop over the summer and met some interesting people and re-ignited my interest in walking/hiking, and I've had some fantastic days hiking in the National Park near to where we live. I've been out more, drunk more, got up late on the weekend and not felt at all guilty for staying at home when the weather's been perfect for a bike ride.

All in all, I now feel refreshed and ready to enjoy cycling again.
Anyone else out there been forced off the bike for some time, but actually found they enjoyed it?

I'm so glad to hear you have an amazing attitude about your involuntary rest and spent it in a fulfilling way.
I fractured my sacrum 7 weeks ago. I was off the bike for 6 weeks and was not nearly as serene as you seem to be. I did manage to keep a mostly upbeat attitude. I do have to admit it forced me to do inventive cross training and that was very rewarding and probably helps my cycling anyway. The body really wants to be used in different ways not repetitively in the same exact way. When I got back on the bike last saturday it was heavenly. I would not have had the same appreciation for biking if I hadn't had the forced break.
BUT and I mean BUT the next day, sunday I had a freak accident at the gym. Still feeling the glow of the bike ride I had a tremendous workout. When I finished showering at the gym I reached up for my towel on the metal rack. The rack tore through my left middle finger middle (PIP) joint. It cut the extensor tendon, the radial collateral ligament, and the joint capsule. So I had to have surgery sunday to repair all that. Now I'm out of commision again.
The attitude difference is noticeable. Last time I was laughing and making sure to have a good time at all times anyway. This time I have actually cried at some point every day for a week.
Now that it's been a week I am begining to see a light at the end of the 6 week tunnel. But I had 2 totally different reactions to being sidelined.
Sorry to have hijacked your thread. I guess I had to get my frustration out.

Poor Doc - that's horrible to get hurt again so soon when you're so nearly there. My thoughts are with you.

I must admit though, it's only now I'm nearly better and had a chance to review the last few months, that I realised the summer wasn't the dead loss I thought it was at points.

One day hubby and I were driving through some lovely countryside on a road I used as part of my regular ride, and it was so warm I cranked down the car window and leaned out. It was so nice to be reminded of the feeling of warm air blowing in my face and over my arms.

It reminded me of all the best things about cycling and even though I've missed this summer, (God willing) there'll be plenty of other summers to come for me to enjoy.

Good to hear that you are healing and that you are looking forward to biking again.

In my case, a biking accident in May 2004 prevented me from riding for 6 weeks, and kept me riding at a low mileage level for the rest of the year. My non-biking exercise was walking, about the only thing that I was able to do. But in my case, it was biking that kept me focused on continuing to do whatever exercise I could do so that when the time came my body would be ready to happily ride once again.

I found that I enjoyed walking (slowly to start, then back to my normal fast-walk pace) but that I still really wanted to be on my bike. I started carrying my camera with me as I walked, and then when I started to bike again. I figured I could use that as an excuse for an occasional rest stop, but as it turned out I just really enjoy playing with the camera. It's a nice addition to my biking addiction.

I'm sending good thoughts your way for your continued recovery (and your return to your bike). You are right though that biking isn't the only enjoyable thing in life.

--- Denise

Woohoo, MM
Tales like yours (ie "enforced" time off the bike, recovery and refusing to give up the bike) are just inspiring (sorry, cliched word, but I can't hink of another.
20 miles, great milestone... and well done on enjoying your break... I know a few who just sulk and pout and like you found, there is still a world out there and other ways to be close to it and enjoy it...
Our summer is just beginning here... gald you found a way to enjoy yours so well!

Sorry to hear about your injury MM. However, it is good that you adjusted well with alternative activities. Tomorrow will be 8 weeks that I am off my bike at least outdoors because of a fractured shoulder. Walking just did not cut it for me so I started riding indoors first on an exercise bike, now my mtn bike on my trainer. I can now reach the handle bars so maybe by the end of this week I will put my road bike on the trainer.

I have not driven either and that I will begin at the end of this week also. I will walk home from PT tomorrow as I don't have a ride home from anyone and I will enjoy my 4 mile walk, but will probably go on the trainer in the morning anyway. I just seem to get the best physical satisfaction from my bike.

Keep feeling better everyday.

JoAnn

Welcome back MM - I missed you! Sorry to hear about your back problem but glad to hear your back on the mend!!