On the bike again
Just can't wait to get on the bike again
The life I love is makin' music with my friends
And I can't wait to get on the bike again
On the bike again
Goin' places that I've never been
Seein' things that I may never see again,
And I can't wait to get on the bike again.

Well, after putzing around for months with this crazy 70 year-old back and cantankerous Sacro-Iliac joint, I am "on the bike again."

I think I have figured out how to prevent or stop or reduce or otherwise manage the excruciating pains I have been having. So, I have been taking a few rides. With success.

I go through a stretching, PT and resistance exercise ritual daily for about 45 - 60 minutes, including the Teeter Table (full inversion), which I also use after a ride. Seems to have helped a lot. I especially emphasize stretching the hip flexors, and strengthening my core and the muscles supporting my SI joint. That Teeter Table has completely eliminated one bothersome "walking pain."

The MRI still shows the back all messed up - but the physiatrist said that a whole lot of folks have backs just like that. I still have that "dead" feeling in my leg after exercise - but, what the heck, maybe I will just live with that, or maybe it will get better. Sometimes I am not just sure where the leg is or wants to be!! The doc offered steroid shots into my back, and I am scheduled late March, but I am seriously considering cancelling that appointment, and there are some risks involved, and I might save it for a time when I am in real pain - I hope not.

I don't really care if I go 5 or 100 miles, or if I ride at 8 mph or 20, or if I go for hours or just a short ride. Just being on the bike is fine with me. I did a nice, easy relaxed 10 miles today - combining some chores. Weather started out at 35F, I rode to the gym, swam 45 minutes, rode to the store, then along the creek watching the ducks and the flowing water. Water is so much fun to watch!

So, I am "on the bike again" - at least I hope so - for a bit!

As far as the music part of the song, my gospel a cappella group - so far - has performances confirmed this summer all over Colorado, including Lamar, Limon, Calhan, Colorado Springs, Pueblo, Aurora, Elizabeth and, of course, Parker. We are also going to sing at a wedding - although I will miss that, as I will be in San Diego at that time.

Those are the two most important words you could have written. Great news Denver.

Woo hoo! I'm so glad to hear that you're riding again.

So lets see: We've got you, me and wooblyoldgeeser all rehabbing. Anybody I've missed? Here's hopeing that 2010 can be the "Year of Recovery".

Still have this knee problem that just hurts. Cycling doesn't make it worse though- but still no improvement either.

Just take it easy Dnvr and make certain you get the Recovery ride planned- For all of us.

, and strengthening my core and the muscles supporting my SI joint. up -
.[/QUOTE]
This has saved me for 46 years...still do it every day...
Bud

That's great news Dnvr.

I'm glad to see you're improving.

I still get a little pain from the collar bone from last Decembers injury but all in all I am chomping at the bit - with weather being my big hold up. I am contemplating restarting the commutes with tomorrow morning - it is supposed to be 35 degrees when/if I take off.

Glad to see you are making progress. As they say: "Getting old ain't for sissies". But, you are rising to the challenge and certainly ain't no sissy.

May it continue to get easier and more enjoyable.

Glad to have you back in the two-wheeled world again!

Temp tomorrow will be 67F, and I am going to give a 20 miler a try - down the trail to where we went at the shelter and back, with a pit stop at McD's on the Suplhur Gulch Trail.

You sure know how to make a guy feel bad!

We still have lots of snow. As a matter of fact I'm headed out to shovel some now.

I'm sure looking forward to my May visit and warm weather.

Good to see you posting again. I have wondered about Inversion Tables. Which table did you get and how long do you hang?

Snow shoveled. Sun bright and warm temperatures (+34F) forecast. Life is good.

Next is to decide which Garmin to buy and start my plans for cycling on the streets here and down there.

Thanks

After a lot of research, I settled on a Teeter and found what I wanted on Craigslist for $100.

I started at just a slant, with my wife as spotter, and have built up to about 3-5 minutes totally vertical, hanging and swinging free, with no spotter. Now, I do 15 pound weights lifting with my arms while hanging.

I didn't know one could say Sacro-Iliac in polite company. Well, aside from that indiscretion, I'm glad to hear you are back on two wheels where you rightfully belong. Ride on, brother!

Yeah, I've been checking the weather reports too. It should be a lovely day for a ride. I think I'm going to skip work, dust off the road bike and go for a ride with my wife. Really starting to feel like spring!

Way to go Dnvr. Glad to hear of your comeback.

Glad to hear you're back on the bike.

The physiatrist I visited when I had the back problems last spring gave me the injection in the back and it certainly helped the pain. After one the pain was almost gone and he didn't recommend another.....he said save it in case I needed it at a later date. So far I've been able to avoid further back pain through exercise to strengthen the core muscles.

Outstanding, on the back/pedaling and music fronts!

WHOOEE!!

2 MILE WALK WITH THE WIFE

25 MILES RIDE

30 MINUTE SWIM

NOW SOME STRETCHING

Dinner at church tonight.

That's what I call a good day.