arial2black
A warm hello to all!
Just a quick hello to intorduce myself.

I am returning to bicycling after 20+ years of physical disability.
I was formerly an avid athlete. I'd jogged every day, I'd played basketball in high school and in college, I biked for the fun of it!

I'm going to take this very slowly, as gentle and very sound conditioning methods will certainly be in order! I, too, will need to master "spinning," as my knees are a bit "wrecked" from years of sports and a genetic predisposition for osteoarthritis!

I will have use of a personal trainer to give me some advice as I "train." (My training won't be at the level most of you train!)

I'll be very content to be able to go on moderately lengthy "joy rides!"
I'll do better than that if I can. I often walk with a cane and/or with my service dog for mobility support. I have found I can ride much more easily than I can walk!!!!!

I simply must tell you this: I have been lurking on this forum for about 45 days. The wonderful and very "candid" people here have given me the courage to try to get back on a bike! It's due to the many stories and the encouragement I see for one another here that I have purchased a "beginner" bike and all of the safety equipment. (I'd taken notes on various recommendations on equipment here in this forum.) I am starting with a "hybrid" because I have great difficulty "holding" the "racing position" due to the stress it places on shoulders, etc.

Here's the big news: I have already been on three different rides! I am very excited and have high hopes of expecting more from myself; yet, not enough to exacerbate my conditions terribly. I'll have to learn to maintain a delicate balance between increasing capacity and exacerbating my disability.

I LOVE it!!!! I love riding on the road, the bike paths, etc. I just love it!!!

A very big factor for me this summer will be.... trying to find a way to ride and to stay as cool as possible. Heat exacerbates my condition. I will especially have to keep my neck and head cool. (I have a conditon that effects my central nervous system.) Anyone have specific suggestions for that type of a need?

Thanks so much to all of you. Your instructions, your openess, your sharing has put me.... back on the saddle again!

Enjoy your day!