Mom's back on her bike!

**Lise** · 07-09-2007, 02:48 PM

Lo these many years, my mom rediscovered biking. She was 59, trying to quit smoking, her best friend had gotten married and they weren't hanging out much any more, and she needed something to do. She started out riding her own late mother's decrepit 3-speed from the garage. She joined a bike club for the company. That Christmas, we, her three kids, gave her a new bike. The next year she rode 1,500+ miles! The following Christmas, we gave her airfare for a bike tour of the Danube valley with some of her bike club pals! All was clover. She loved her bike, the biking was great for her, she had a new social circle.

As the years went on, she had various health problems, most of which we now understand were undiagnosed diabetes. Why undiagnosed? Cuz Mom's too stubborn to go see the doctor and take the tests. But I digress.

She rode less and less, to the point where she couldn't ride more than a couple of miles without being exhausted.

Four years ago, she nearly died from the diabetes. I found her, took her to the ER, she was hospitalized for 5 days, and came out in stunned denial that this could have happened to her. She stayed in touch with bike club pals, but didn't ride. Two years ago, she began to accept the diabetes and do some positive things.

Today she rode her bike again.

Typical Mom, she had to do a ten mile ride on one of the hottest days of the year!

But she went out with her pal, Ellie, and made it home to email her wonderful news. I am so happy for her. She'll be 72 this fall. She retired from her job as a children's librarian last fall, and her life has gotten better and better. Being back on the bike is a huge acomplishment. I am so happy for her, and I knew you all would be, too!

**sbctwin** · 07-09-2007, 02:53 PM

YEA, tell your mom, CONGRATULATIONS!!! I hope to still be riding when I reach 72....

**rapid cycler** · 07-09-2007, 03:00 PM

Awesome news! So glad she was able to come to peace with her diagnosis and reengage with her physical being.

**rij73** · 07-09-2007, 03:00 PM

That is AWESOME! I would love to see my mom do something positive for her well-being like that. She is 70, and aging fast...

**Ninabike** · 07-09-2007, 03:04 PM

That is so wonderful and a great inspiration to others who may be considering getting back into cycling after health or other issues.

**mudmucker** · 07-09-2007, 04:13 PM

That is so cool. I love to hear stories like that. Go Mom! Go Ellie !

My Dad turned 80 this year. He's dragged an old bike out and he goes. He does 1-2 miles or so.

**annie** · 07-09-2007, 06:31 PM

Awww, that is wonderful!! Go Lise's Mom! Tell her she ROCKS!

Annie

**KSH** · 07-09-2007, 06:55 PM

72 and she rode 10 miles in the HEAT!

That is seriously impressive! You tell her that she is hardcore *fist in the air*

That toally rocks. Congratulations on having an amazing women like your Mother in you life!

**pooks** · 07-09-2007, 07:02 PM

WOW! That's fan-freakin-tastic!

I'm proud to "know" the daughter of such a woman. That made my day!

**Lise** · 07-09-2007, 07:40 PM

Here's a picture of Mom with me at a triathlon I did a year ago May. I'll bet she's lost 15# since this picture was taken.

**LBTC** · 07-09-2007, 09:55 PM

Ah, Lise! You're both so adorable! And you both rock!

Give your mom a big high five from us.

And I'm sending more butterflies to keep her happy, motivated, and safe out there.

Hugs,
~T~

**Duck on Wheels** · 07-09-2007, 10:30 PM

Lost 15#???!!! I'd say she looked pretty fit already! Hope I look that slim and fit another 12 years down the line. Hope I'm still riding my bike too. Waytago Lise's mom!

**ClockworkOrange** · 07-10-2007, 02:15 AM

Run like a dachshund! Ride like a superhero! Swim like a three-legged cat!

Hey Lisa, does this refer to your Mum?

Cos I reckon she is something of a superhero, absolute respect for your Mum, just hope I can be doing the same thing at her age.

Lovely pic of the pair of you.

Sally

**Lise** · 07-10-2007, 04:24 AM

Originally Posted by ClockworkOrange

Hey Lisa, does this refer to your Mum?

Cos I reckon she is something of a superhero, absolute respect for your Mum, just hope I can be doing the same thing at her age.

Lovely pic of the pair of you.

Sally

Thanks, guys! I'll let Mom know how much respect she has here at TE!

Sally, my line about run-ride-swim refers to how *I* feel as a triathlete. Not a great runner, but I love doxies, and sometimes feel like one when I'm running. On my bike I can fly, and feel like a superhero in my own comic book. Swimming--not so great! But I do it! Like a cat, not thrilled about it, but getting it done, with three legs, sort of off course a lot.

**Jo-n-NY** · 07-10-2007, 04:32 AM

What a wonderful post. Sending a big thumbs up to your Mom. Also, thank you for sharing the pic. You both look great!!!

~ JoAnn

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