Back on the saddle after 7 weeks of no riding

[retiredNH]

Back in April I developed severe back pain, although bike riding did no harm and may have helped. Started narcotic pain killers which helped the pain, but had the usual side effects - nausea, loss of appetite, loss of energy etc. My oncologist then decided it was time to start chemotherapy. That wiped me out even more, made me anemic etc. Stopped the narcotics last month after noticing that the back pain was mostly gone. On my second round of chemo now, but feeling a bit more energetic, so....

Decided to take the bike out for a test run to see how much I could take. Surprisingly, 3.7 miles with 400 feet of elevation (according to my bike computer). I know it doesn't sound like much, but it's a start, after days of barely getting out of my chair. Cancer treatment can be terrible, but biking on a country road can take a bit of the pain away, and ebikes make it possible.

 

[BlackHand]

Glad you're back in the saddle!

 

[dodgeman]

Glad to hear you’re doing better, I hope you continue to improve.

 

[Roamers]

Congratulations! Don't over do it!

 

[Alaskan]

I am so pleased for you.

Just ease back in. Do what you know will not be a strain and then add a little more each time. You will work your way back just keep your expectations within reason and be proud of each step you take back to strength and vitality.

 

[FrankR]

Glad to hear. Kudos.

 

[AHicks]

Back in April I developed severe back pain, although bike riding did no harm and may have helped. Started narcotic pain killers which helped the pain, but had the usual side effects - nausea, loss of appetite, loss of energy etc. My oncologist then decided it was time to start chemotherapy. That wiped me out even more, made me anemic etc. Stopped the narcotics last month after noticing that the back pain was mostly gone. On my second round of chemo now, but feeling a bit more energetic, so....

Decided to take the bike out for a test run to see how much I could take. Surprisingly, 3.7 miles with 400 feet of elevation (according to my bike computer). I know it doesn't sound like much, but it's a start, after days of barely getting out of my chair. Cancer treatment can be terrible, but biking on a country road can take a bit of the pain away, and ebikes make it possible.

Fresh air doesn't hurt anything either. Glad to hear you've motivated yourself enough to get back on your bike. Congratulations, and best of luck regarding your full recovery!

 

[rayray]

Back in April I developed severe back pain, although bike riding did no harm and may have helped. Started narcotic pain killers which helped the pain, but had the usual side effects - nausea, loss of appetite, loss of energy etc. My oncologist then decided it was time to start chemotherapy. That wiped me out even more, made me anemic etc. Stopped the narcotics last month after noticing that the back pain was mostly gone. On my second round of chemo now, but feeling a bit more energetic, so....

Decided to take the bike out for a test run to see how much I could take. Surprisingly, 3.7 miles with 400 feet of elevation (according to my bike computer). I know it doesn't sound like much, but it's a start, after days of barely getting out of my chair. Cancer treatment can be terrible, but biking on a country road can take a bit of the pain away, and ebikes make it possible.

Nice job! Best wishes on a speedy recovery!

When riding on the multi-use paths, I often see people who are obviously struggling, be it with disability, recovery, weight, or whatever. They may be cycling, walking, or even riding on a sit-down scooter, and they’re usually smiling because they’re outdoors and moving. Seeing them enjoy themselves makes me smile too.

 

[retiredNH]

Thank you all for your kind words. While cancer treatment, especially for folks with disease like mine, is not about "recovery" but about buying more time, it's nice to know it's not all straight downhill. Meanwhile, we're having some glorious summer days, without the heat afflicting most of the rest of the US.

Interestingly (at least to me!), my shoulders were more tired yesterday than my legs...

 

[Avg_Joe]

So very sorry to learn you are experiencing this, but delighted to know you're easing back into things - I can sense a smile or grin in your posts! This is a salient reminder to all of us to not take our days for granted, and try to enjoy every single one.

 

[Djangodog]

Thank you all for your kind words. While cancer treatment, especially for folks with disease like mine, is not about "recovery" but about buying more time, it's nice to know it's not all straight downhill. Meanwhile, we're having some glorious summer days, without the heat afflicting most of the rest of the US.

Interestingly (at least to me!), my shoulders were more tired yesterday than my legs...

I hope that you get as much enjoyment as you can. I am sorry to hear that you are going through this. There are of course no words that will make things better.

What part of NH are you in? (I am in Claremont)

 

[retiredNH]

I hope that you get as much enjoyment as you can. I am sorry to hear that you are going through this. There are of course no words that will make things better.

What part of NH are you in? (I am in Claremont)

Claremont? Not too far from you, in Dublin. We're full of beautiful rides here, most of which are on lightly trafficked country roads. I'm trying to build my energy and endurance back up to do my lunch rides again. Last year (and a bit this spring, until health problems) we'd ride to Peterborough, Hancock or Harrisville for lunch via a number of different routes, depending on our mood and ambition. Our favorite goes by 7 ponds.

 

[Mulezen]

You have my permission to use Turbo

 

[Djangodog]

Claremont? Not too far from you, in Dublin. We're full of beautiful rides here, most of which are on lightly trafficked country roads. I'm trying to build my energy and endurance back up to do my lunch rides again. Last year (and a bit this spring, until health problems) we'd ride to Peterborough, Hancock or Harrisville for lunch via a number of different routes, depending on our mood and ambition. Our favorite goes by 7 ponds.

Beautiful area down there. We are both fortunate to be living in a Post Card.

My wife and I ride a lot of country roads as well, (I prefer the good dirt roads for their peacefulness and great views). Being on the border, I have probably ridden more in Vermont than New Hampshire.

 

[retiredNH]

You have my permission to use Turbo

didn't before, but I sure did yesterday!

 

[Mulezen]

After two recent surgeries each time I expected to feel it in the legs…but it was always the shoulders first…two or three rides and that’s gone. And I believe, like you, that my back loosens up from my rides

 

[tomjasz]

I’m happy to read you can ride again! Your ride photos are incredible! Aging is often a challenge here as well. Riding even if under throttle cheers me up.

 

[retiredNH]

Got out again yesterday....wow am I out of shape. At least my shoulders are taking it better.

 

[retiredNH]

Pushed it today. 8 miles, 650 feet of elevation, lots of power use. But it's a beautiful day - sunny and 72.

 

[DaveMatthews]

Good on you!
You're an inspiration!