About nine years.

I had a very difficult delivery with my first, and didn't begin to feel even vaguely normal again until about six weeks later. I couldn't sit down comfortably for three weeks, and my tear took much longer than that to heal. I can't imagine getting on a bike in that condition. Add that to a bit of PPD, mastitis, and serious sleep deprivation and I could barely manage to get my teeth brushed and hair washed most days!

Second baby was MUCH easier. Easier, shorter delivery, short recovery, easier baby to care for as a newborn. I would have considered a 16 mile ride a month after his birth, but not a 35 miler. Childbirth is hard work and caring for a newborn is intense. Of course everyone is different, but you don't want to overdo anything. Make sure that whatever you do, you get your OB/gyn to o.k. it in advance.

Sarah