Originally Posted by
DaveQ24
Absolutely spot on right! I’ve faced and won some major battles in my life, I’m trying to do everything I can to maximize my well-being. But I’m not going to sit in a chair and hide my head under a blanket because life has risk. .......................But where does any of that leave me? Well ... I can make the best informed choices I can, safe vehicle, drive carefully, and so forth. Which is why I suggested to the OP in his situation to consider some safety gear- if full body armor feels like too much, at least knee and elbow pads. After that, it comes down to fate. Why worry about the unknowable?
But, having heard the same comments last summer, I know how the OP feels, and I see it like this - at 58, he’s a big boy and can decide for himself what level of risk he is willing to accept when performing a legal activity in order to achieve the desired outcome.
I commuted by moto for several years, every day, year round, until an incident just like yours, except I was going the same direction as the 90* turner, but I had too much closing speed, and not enough road. Thanks to my full 'Buzz Lightyear Super Suit,' my only injury was a badly separated shoulder, from being the first part of my body to strike the ground.
I too, was determined to get back on the horse, and rode the bike home from the repair shop, although shortly in to the trip, I discovered that, while the bike was fixed, I certainly was a long way from recovered.
I returned to riding, albeit not full-time, and after a year, put the moto up for sale. I just wasn't ready to deal with the intensity it took to ride at the levels from before the accident.
I applaud the OP's decision to return to riding (when the PT says its OK) and I like the idea of the fatbike.
The natural environs of the fatbike; the towpath, singletracks, are much lower intensity, and while tumbles and falls are much more likely off-road, the stakes are much lower.
Also @ the OP, find a Physical Therapist who works with athletes / sports injuries, or is a athlete themselves. They will understand the mindset, and plot a recovery track that works with you better, so you won't be tempted to 'sneak out' and push yourself before you're ready.