My spine doc told me to stay off the bike, so I had to stay away from this forum because it created a longing similar to a sugar craving!! But, I've decided "screw him" and I'm riding today (ha!! I'll show him!!).

I have arthritis in my neck, compressed disks, nerve impingement and the whole mess is squeezing my spinal column creating pain and numbness in my shoulder, arms, hands (and recently legs.) He prescribed pills that I cannot take (makes me dopey and being perimenopausal, I don't have much more room for "dopey" in my life!). I'll probably have to have surgery.

HERE'S THE GOOD PART

I told him "I don't care what you have to do, get me back on my bike." He said although cycling is terrible for my neck, he has had other cyclists tell him the same thing. I am not alone!

I have a picture of a Lightspeed in my office that I jokingly say is my "after surgery bike." Just gazing at this beautiful picture evokes memories of warm days, long winding smooth downhills in the country and days when the bike has no chain. I would not buy this bike (I would dig deep into the bank account & have another custom road bike if I cannot re-customize my current bike) but it looks so sleek & light. Some women dream of diamonds for Christmas and we dream of Campy & Perls...

I'm missing riding El Tour (the century) next weekend, but I'll be out there next year. Move over Lance...