PLEASE DO NOT FOLLOW MY ADVICE... I am not a good role model.

I injured my right rotator... "shoulder joint"... about ten years ago while saving my motorcycle from a low-speed slide. I kept my beloved Kawa H-1 from falling, but wrenched my shoulder really bad. (Ever stuck your elbow in your ear?) In retrospect, I should have tossed the bike, got up, and walked away...

At its worst, I couldn't lift my right arm higher than my shoulder, without having it make noises like an old Toyota with bad struts. It hurt bad enough to make me queasy.

But, being completely unhinged, I continued to ride. Road-bike riding was out of the question, but I discovered that I could ride my hybrid in manageable discomfort. The flat bar and high stem helped, plus, I'd installed mountain bike style bar ends that really helped with my bad arm's reduced reach and strength.

That first ride was eye-wateringly painful, but I went slow, rode smoothly, and shifted only when I absolutely had to. It was Thanksgiving morning and the levee top road was deserted. I taught the rabbits, squirrels, turtles, and other wildlife many colorful words and expressions...

After a week, I'd grown used to the handicap, after a month, I felt much better, even went back to the gym. I didn't even have to restart from scratch. My shoulder still pops & creaks, but it feels just as strong as ever, and (rarely) hurts.

That which doesn't kill you... and doesn't put you in a coma or a wheelchair... can make you stronger.

I'm not saying that you SHOULD ride... just that, if you're obsessed, irresponsible, and stubborn as I am, you CAN.