Louis,
The rib will hurt for 3-4 weeks and heal by 6, as said. Experience from racing MX taught me the 6 week rule to be hard and fast. The spinal fractures seem really scary but I have had them, along with 2 laminectomies and a 2-level P.L.I.F. with plates, screws and cages. They actually heal fairly quick and totally if you let them heal completely, in their time, as said above, let them heal completely and don't freak about the time span factor.

Hope all goes as well as it can and that you heal up completely and totally. The bicycle will be waiting for you as patiently as you let it, just take care so you can get back to riding.

Bill