Early morning riding in the dark; Riding as much as possible in preparation for surge
 

I've been riding as much as possible for two reasons - 1. To get my bod in the best shape possible prior to the back surgery; and 2. I know it is going to be some time after the surgery until I can ride again. I want to get as much in as possible. I am also lifting, resistance exercises, stretching, etc.

One of the things I have been doing is early morning bicycling using lights. I know some of you who regularly do this, but I would suggest to others that, given the opportunity, it is a really fun thing to do, especially if you have a safe place to ride.

I get out between 5:30 - 5:45, temperature right now is usually about 45F, sometimes warmer. I regularly meet a few other folks with lights on their bikes - some are commuters, a couple are as crazy as I am and just ride for fun. I ride our local trail system, which is most uncrowded at 5:30 am.

I have two bikes with lights. I have dual front lights and a red blinkie and small LED white blinkie on the back on my "utility road bike." I wear a yellow jacket, and, overall am quite visible. My mtn bike has a Cateye very bright light, and a red blinkie.

Anyway, if you haven't tried it, give it a go. It is a whole different and fun world out there in the dark!!

Yep, the only part of my job that I really enjoy these days is the pre-dawn ride to work.

5.30!!!!!! That is before the Grandkids get up:innocent:

Yes, but 5:30 my time would be about - ?? 2:30 ?? your time - the perfect time for a ride on the Island.

Good plan. I'm scheduled for neck surgery in a couple of weeks, and I'm pretty much doing the same thing (lots of distance) except not in the early morning. I'll be spending the next week in Florida, building up more miles. But the air is best in the early morning, and it's nice riding as it gets brighter.

Once I'm back riding, I imagine I'll be doing enough early morning rides in the dark, as well as rides home in the dark.

L.

You are a late starter!

I'm out at 5 almost every morning. It's nicer, less crowded and the sunrise is mostly stunning.
I ride for about 2 hr. and then get ready for work.
After work, I try to ride 1.5 hr, but the MUP and streets are very crowded then.

I enjoy the Am alot more.

What is the temperature in New Orleans at 5:00 am?

"Morgen hat gelde im munde."
 

Years ago I read the above phrase in National Geographic attributed to German fishermen in the North Sea. Transl:" Morning has gold in its mouth." It certainly seems so to me, whether cycling or any other worthwhile endeavor.

I talked with the Doc's office today to get a better sense of my rehab progression. Resuming bicycling is going to be a long time away!!

Surgery - Oct 12 (L4-L5 fusion, discectomy, general clean-up, using minimally invasive surgical techniques). 1 to 2 nights in the hospital, then go home and WALK!!

October 25 th - First follow up appointment with the doc

October 26th - Frist Physical therapy appointment

3 months after surgery - my follow up appt with MD, CAT scan to see if and how I have healed.

The nurse told me no bicycling, even on a trainer or stationary bike until 8 - 10 weeks, if then, based upon my progress, I guess.

I asked the PT if I should set up a trainer using my wife's step through mtn bike now, as I will not be able to lift more than 20 pounds until my CAT scan. She will return the call tomorrow (I hope).

You will be in our prayers for successful surgery and a speedy and full healing.

I did that alot with my motorcycle but have not tried it with the bike yet. Always up for some new fun so why not!