When "X" no longer defines you.

[SoCalSteve]

I’m 65 now and have had knee replacement surgery, chronic sciatica pain and a pacemaker. I never thought I’d not be riding in retirement. When both my cardiologist and orthopedic surgeon told me to start riding an e-bike, I took them seriously…

And, honestly, I really do still enjoy riding. Very much so. When life throws you lemons, get an e-bike!

Best of luck to everyone that’s going through sh$t. Hopefully everyone will find their happy place, even if it means selling all your mechanical bicycles….

[TomP]

Originally Posted by pdonk

As per the weught loss thread I am going through a drawn out illness that is likely going to have long term impact on how I define myself as a person.

Specifically, due to the muscle loss and a few other things I probably won't be able to ride this year. Riding my bike has been a constant defining part of me for nearly 35 years. From mountain biking to sitting on boards of directors and city committee to road riding people have always thought of me and know me as someone who rides and likes bikes.

That is going to change, not sure how I'll define myself and how others will see me.

Has this happened to you, and what did you do to help (re)define yourself?

I wish you the best. I can relate. I've had back problems for years, but other than pain it waas stable. I retired two years ago. Within a month I developed a left foot drop from a decline in my back. Turns out I developed degenertive scoliosis. I have now had three surgeries; decompreesion done emergently, cervical fusion at 2 levels, and a long fusion from T-10 to Ileum. I am recovering and pain is much better. I use an AFO brace, but can walk without a cane. I use poles to hike. I can ride, but not like before.

So, I'm no longer an elite athlete or cyclist. After two years I am coming to peace with it. I've gone back to work part time which helps my sense of self.

I wish I had some words of wisdom for you. Try to not give up and time does help.

[pdonk]

Thanks everyone. It has been a rough year. I've ridden less than 200km outside this year, including riding with my kids.

It's been really tough not riding, not drinking has been easy. I do miss a nice sip of tequila or bourbon.

[buddybikes]

Heading into my first spine surgeon tomorrow, probable l2/3 added to my 2 fused joints below. 3 hrs of commuting there makes me more nervous

Rode my e-bike (on low power) today, I can ride hour or so comfortably daily. More comfortable riding than walking that's for sure.

[deluz]

Originally Posted by buddybikes

Heading into my first spine surgeon tomorrow, probable l2/3 added to my 2 fused joints below. 3 hrs of commuting there makes me more nervous

Rode my e-bike (on low power) today, I can ride hour or so comfortably daily. More comfortable riding than walking that's for sure.

Just curious, what percent of power do contribute from pedaling?
Do you still feel like you are getting a work out and increased heart rate?
Does it make going up hill more like pedaling on a flat road?

[C40_guy]

Originally Posted by pdonk

Thanks everyone. It has been a rough year. I've ridden less than 200km outside this year, including riding with my kids.

It's been really tough not riding, not drinking has been easy. I do miss a nice sip of tequila or bourbon.

Speaking from personal experience, it's far better to focus on what you can do versus what you can't.

I may never ride a century again. Shnit, at ten miles in on a thirty mile gravel ride I was having second thoughts about my day's choices...

I get out into nature almost every day for an hour long walk, a seven mile run or a 10 mile gravel ride. Looking forward to those joyful experiences is what keeps me sane...(while dealing with an ongoing unusual autoimmune issue.)

[russd32]

Hate to get to philosophical, but try to find what led you to cycling to which you were defined. Was it giving back? Competition? Socializing? Pivot your purpose to something that still fills that desire. For a lot of people, giving back is a strong motivator. That turns into church involvement, volunteering, doing surgery 80 hours a week, etc…

I personally will never be fast on a bike due to a childhood injury. I don’t have time to invest now, but I’ve put thought into how I can participate in competitive cycling one day. For me that’ll probably mean volunteering at group rides, races, maybe organizing some races, volunteering in some way to help junior racers. We’ll see what the future brings.

[buddybikes]

Originally Posted by deluz

Just curious, what percent of power do contribute from pedaling?
Do you still feel like you are getting a work out and increased heart rate?
Does it make going up hill more like pedaling on a flat road?

I don't know. Yes I keep my hr in lower part of zone. Hills can burn a bit, but just hit button and then it will not. I can certainly lower the hr by adapting the power.

Met with surgeon, L2/3 need to be fused, but not until teeth work and probably bone meds for a bit.

[C40_guy]

Originally Posted by pdonk

It's been really tough not riding, not drinking has been easy. I do miss a nice sip of tequila or bourbon.

I don't miss drinking either. I do miss an occasional sip of a nice Port, though...

[pdonk]

Just looping back to this thread, especially since Saturday I got out an accomplished my riding goal for the year, 3000km. This included rides with my kids and longer solo rides, but a year without breaking 100km on a ride. A nice steady diet of 2-3 rides a week.

After last year, and still wondering what happened to me, it is nice to return to a sense of normalcy in terms of physical activity and how I feel about my self and riding.

I guess I can define myself again as a guy that rides his bike and enjoys it.

[fourflys]

Originally Posted by pdonk

Just looping back to this thread, especially since Saturday I got out an accomplished my riding goal for the year, 3000km. This included rides with my kids and longer solo rides, but a year without breaking 100km on a ride. A nice steady diet of 2-3 rides a week.

After last year, and still wondering what happened to me, it is nice to return to a sense of normalcy in terms of physical activity and how I feel about my self and riding.

I guess I can define myself again as a guy that rides his bike and enjoys it.

Awesome, congrats!!

[redir]

Way to go pdonk, congrats.

[NHAero]

Great to hear!

Originally Posted by pdonk

Just looping back to this thread, especially since Saturday I got out an accomplished my riding goal for the year, 3000km. This included rides with my kids and longer solo rides, but a year without breaking 100km on a ride. A nice steady diet of 2-3 rides a week.

After last year, and still wondering what happened to me, it is nice to return to a sense of normalcy in terms of physical activity and how I feel about my self and riding.

I guess I can define myself again as a guy that rides his bike and enjoys it.

[charliedid]

Originally Posted by pdonk

Just looping back to this thread, especially since Saturday I got out an accomplished my riding goal for the year, 3000km. This included rides with my kids and longer solo rides, but a year without breaking 100km on a ride. A nice steady diet of 2-3 rides a week.

After last year, and still wondering what happened to me, it is nice to return to a sense of normalcy in terms of physical activity and how I feel about my self and riding.

I guess I can define myself again as a guy that rides his bike and enjoys it.

BIG Like.

[benb]

This is awesome to hear, but did the doctors every figure out what was wrong?

Sounds like a season to celebrate!