Vacation shows the NEED for a bike

[Sky King]

Yeah to fun new to you bikes

Knees..... I do my best to start every day standing next to the wall doing shallow single leg knee bends for 3 minutes - each leg. Then is off to toe raises on the stairs.

I have my saddle set so when extended, my knee has only the slightest of bend, again to keep pressure off of the joint
When we tour for more than 3 consecutive days I have learned to live with a swollen knee (thank heavens for ibuprofen)
So far (56) I have been able to put off the total knee and fingers crossed that is the case for a long time. However with that said, the minute this knee interferes with my riding, it is coming out. I know several bike riders with fake knees so am confident that it won't be the end.

[Rebecca19804]

However with that said, the minute this knee interferes with my riding, it is coming out.

Yes, except for the ortho's stupid "you open that knee up again and your cycling is over" statement, those are my priorities too!

I know several bike riders with fake knees so am confident that it won't be the end.

I don't, hence my fear. I know two very strong cyclists, one with an artificial leg (including mechanical knee - and cycling does eat them up, he gets a new leg every few years!) and one with no knee cap. But neither situation is applicable to me, other than perhaps to give me nasty ideas of doing something really DRASTIC if the knee does start restricting my cycling!!!!

This thread has really cheered me up!

[Rebecca19804]

Knees..... I do my best to start every day standing next to the wall doing shallow single leg knee bends for 3 minutes - each leg. Then is off to toe raises on the stairs.

I do 20-30 minutes of stretching and strengthening (about half of that specifically targeting knees and leg muscles) morning and evening. Makes all the difference. Plus 1-hour Pilates class once a week.

I have my saddle set so when extended, my knee has only the slightest of bend, again to keep pressure off of the joint

Yup! And shorter cranks (160).

When we tour for more than 3 consecutive days I have learned to live with a swollen knee (thank heavens for ibuprofen)

As my orthroscopy recedes into the past, I'm getting swelling less often and my cycle mileage is increasing so fingers crossed. Ibuprofen doesn't do a thing for me. Diclofenac helps a bit.

Sorry, think I've hijacked the OP!

[Pax]

... Yup! And shorter cranks (160).

I'm going to have those installed on the road bike if I start doing longer miles. The young guys at the LBS don't get that at ALL!

.As my orthroscopy recedes into the past, I'm getting swelling less often and my cycle mileage is increasing so fingers crossed. Ibuprofen doesn't do a thing for me. Diclofenac helps a bit.

Sorry, think I've hijacked the OP!

No hijack at all, us busted-up-knee gals need a place to share our issues.

[spokewench]

I'm not sure about these fears about knee replacement and no cycling? I have a friend who has a knee replacement and she races.

[Dogmama]

My hand surgeon told me my trigger thumb would never bend again without surgery. I started my own rehab, supplements and today it bends!

I think that if all you have is a hammer, the whole world looks like a nail.

Pax, I'm so happy for you! Bikes give us so much joy!

[Jo-n-NY]

Any bike that puts a smile on your face is a great bike. I am so happy to hear you knee issues are not really issues on the bike. Enjoy your new ride when it comes in!!!

Looking forward to seeing an update post with a pic

[Pax]

Any bike that puts a smile on your face is a great bike. I am so happy to hear you knee issues are not really issues on the bike. Enjoy your new ride when it comes in!!!

Looking forward to seeing an update post with a pic

We got slammed with a snow storm yesterday, I hope to get over to the LBS and pick her up on Saturday!

[Biciclista]

we are waiting. hurry up, snow! go away!