DaveQ24

I told myself after my last surgery of 2017, end of November, which was joint repair/replacement/fusion in my foot, that I should be able to ride again, medically, by New Years.

Psychologically, I really want to get out there this weekend.

Practically speaking, conditions are pretty bad. Right at my personal limit where I say “nope”.

Air temps will be in the 0 to +5 F range, windchills in the 0 to -15 F range. Fresh lake effect will add a couple of inches each night. There is about a 12-14 inch snowpack on most of the paths, which are either unmaintained or very sporadically maintained, so basically it will be roads only. Those will mostly be snowcovered, packed snow and ice with fresh light snow on top.

IF I ride, it will be on my fat ebike with studded Dillingers, which is the only bike I own I feel both medically ready to ride (power assist or full throttle option if needed due to foot pain) and has the capability of handling the conditions on the road.

Part of me says “Adventure, go for it!” Part of me says “deathwish, fool, no way!”

Yes? No?

Classtime 

Surgery Sucks. If it hasn't had time to heal, I try to estimate the increased likely hood of having additional surgery in the event of the standard mishap. You guys in snow country are crazy. When I lived there, it was snowmobiles or cross country skis.

GadgetGirlIL

While it sounds like you have all the right gear, I'd be most concerned about the cars on the road. In my area, Chicago suburbs, we haven't had much snow or ice in past years so too many people don't know how to properly drive in these conditions.

rumrunn6

no shame in holding off. how about a temp gym membership for some indoor stationary cycling to start? both my adult kids home from college signed up for just a few weeks & my gym is now loaded w college kids home for winter recess

DaveQ24

LOL to myself. If I wimp out, my fallback activity might be to go sit in the hot tub at the gym with my foot out and just watch the snow fall.

I’m starting back with my trainer next week and my regular boot camp in Feb.

UtahRider

I would just wait.

wphamilton

Difficult conditions increase the risk of stressing the repairs in your foot. I'd say it depends on how comfortable you are with the snow and extreme temperatures.

pdlamb

Would you rather be riding or going through rehab for a second operation next March?


Discretion being the better part of valor, sounds wiser to me to wait.

indyfabz

I shouldn't have to say this, but if you have to ask you shouldn't do it.

jppe

How good is your insurance and is it up to date**********?

mrFreel

I lean the other way. I like the idea of having set a goal and trying to stick to it. That said I would suggest making the first ride easy and short, especially with the weather being what it is.
Whenever you do make that first ride be sure to take it easy and if the foot is giving signals that it is not ready then listen to it and head home. Rehab rides are always tough. I believe the key is to have a conservative plan and to stick to it. This definitely means not pushing the limits too soon.
Regardless of what you decide, GOOD LUCK

rumrunn6

now I want to visit my Mother in Law. her senior center has the most amazing giant hot tub w skylights & no one ever uses it!

shelbyfv

What could go wrong with a bunch of incontinent seniors in a hot tub? OP, your luck is apparently so consistently bad, better stay on the couch awhile longer!

Flip Flop Rider

wait

BobbyG

+1
...and "Discretion is the better part of valor."

Colnago Mixte

How about a compromise. Get back on the bike, but ride conservatively, and be ready to stop and call for a ride home at the first sign of trouble.

But here's the kicker, do it someplace warm like Arizona or Santa Barbara. Beautiful scenery and an enjoyable recovery. A win-win.

If you're staying home though, cold weather and joint trouble go together like gin and tonic. I would not chance it in your climate unless you are very used to, and virtually impervious to the cold.