Back to Mt. biking-Week 21
I’m happy to report I am back out on my mountain bike and ripping up the singletrack. Well, okay, not really ripping it up just yet, but definitely back to riding intermediate trails and climbing hills again. I can handle most rocks, roots, turns, climbs etc. as before but have not even attempted any of the most difficult technical trails and no jumps or log piles just yet. Mostly it’s great to be back riding and having fun on my bike. I took my 9 year old son camping this weekend and we rode a 10 mile trail called Rock Lake Trail in northern Wisconsin. We both were challenged by the terrain but finished well. Then today we rode Lebanon Hills 6 mile intermediate loop and it felt great. So if you are just starting out or a few weeks in, please be encouraged and know you CAN return to your favorite sports. Lot’s of patience and lots of work will help you get there. Keep going ATR friends!!
June 29th, 2009 at 11:47 am
Good to hear from a fellow biker! I look forward to the day I can mountain bike without the boot, although the boot has been awesome for getting me back out there really soon. It’s going to be a difficult transition for me as now I’m bootless, but scared to do mountain biking without it. Are you scared of falling off your bike towards your bad side and re-rupturing?
June 29th, 2009 at 3:53 pm
Thanks for your posts…they have been an inspirational just starting my journey. I’m 18 days post op…I ride horses and bikes with my kids…can’t wait to get back. The bike will probably come back before the horses, LOL. We don’t do off road/mtn bike stuff…just 20-30 mile road trips…can’t wait ! I know God has a plan in this, so I’m game to see what it is ! God is good !
June 29th, 2009 at 9:02 pm
Hi Peter and Michelle, Thanks for stopping by and sharing your comments!
Peter–At 21 weeks I am feeling pretty good about the general strength of my AT and calf and riding is not too difficult so I’m not really afraid of falling on the bad leg, mostly because I am not riding the really narly stuff yet so the risk of a bad fall is much less. I do ride with clip in pedals set to the lightest tension and have had to click out fast a few times with my bad leg to keep from falling over and it has not been a problem (not sure what week you are in but I only started riding with clipin pedals about 6 weeks ago) Be careful on your return to riding now that you are out of the boot-the transition is a tough time as you have to step back a bit to move ahead. I must say though after riding 3 days in a row my AT was a bit sore today-nothing bad just need to rest it before my next ride.
Michelle–All the best as you progress in the journey–you are past the worst and every day you are now getting better and closer to full recovery. It’s a long road back but you can do it. This site helped me a ton and I learned from others and kept going. You can too. There are interesting lessons along the way–you have a great attitude and God will see you through the difficult days ahead. Just keep trusting and stick to your recovery plan and you will be back on those 30 mile rides enjoying time with your kids again soon!
July 27th, 2009 at 6:45 pm
Bode,
Good to hear you are progressing and getting back to enjoying the thing you love. I’ve got a few miles on my bike too, trying to get the cost per mile down a bit. Also went on a four day scout camping trip to Black River Forest in WI. Hiking, fishing, sleeping in a tent. Had a good time and didn’t have any problems with the heel. Just played tennis last night too and feeling good today too. Keep up the good work!
July 31st, 2009 at 8:39 pm
Hi IowaJim, Thanks for sharing-sounds like you are enjoying life again too and lot’s of great outdoor activities. I had my 6 month checkup with the Dr. who says all is well and I’m officially set free. My ATR leg is still not as strong as my other leg but progressing nicely. I need to do more exercises to strengthen my calf muscle. It’s been hard to remember to keep at it now that I am back to biking. All in due time… Great job getting back to tennis!