Hi Mary!! I live in Columbus, OH and I've been reading about your back pain. I regret you're in pain and your riding, which has been so impressive, is on hold. In 2000 I herniated a disc in my back and surgery, etc...was being discussed. I took it upon myself to go to the Y and swim for an hour each day--at least in the water I felt "normal" again. In order to avoid additional injury by turning my head out of the water to breath as I swam a freestyle stroke, I wore a mask and snorkel so I did not have to lift my head out of the water. I was able to keep my entire spine stationary as I swam laps for an hour. In three months I was injury and pain free, no surgery, and I went back to working out with weights and riding again in 3 months.

My preferred exercise is bicycling (50 miles/week is my training goal) but I know the pool is always there for me should I be incapacitated. I hope this helps, XOXOX MH