Yea. Ask a doctor that is sports-friendly. Most docs will automatically recommend the most conservative plan because most people do not value exercise. Make it clear that you would like to be back on the bike as much as possble as soon as possible and that it is important to your well-being (it is!).

Thank you all for your suggestions, support, and encouragement. I have been hurting so badly yesterday and today that I honestly wouldn't even consider riding or exercising, so I guess that's good. I'm in a "just give me the vicodin" frame of mind today. But you guys gave me some good suggestions to try when I'm not hurting. And the stories of your accidents really do make me feel better, oddly enough. I don't feel like such a clutz now, lol.

The funny thing is, I fell about 12 miles in to my 30+ mile ride. I knew I'd be bruised, but I got up, pushed the pain aside, and did the rest of the miles, up hills and all. Then I did the tourist thing for the next two days, going sightseeing, sailing. I came home and rode 2 more 14 mile rides that week but I noticed my breathing was more labored and my side more painful. I was even more uncomfortable going into the second week. Now I can't sleep, because only 1 side doesn't hurt and when I have to turn I wake myself up. The thought of pushing it by riding too soon, and possibly landing on this rib just makes me cringe. So all of you who are warning me to be careful of re-injury I think speak wisely.

I like the idea of a trainer, are they really that noisy? I can certainly understand the boredom. Perhaps a short term gym membership for pool use and leg machines would work too, if I can motivate myself to go. I really am encouraged now to rest the rib, but consider alternative exercise. I think that working around my discomfort is going to be the key, as several pf you have said.

Sarals, that accident sounds pretty bad! How did it happen? And Neil, I read about your crash on the forum.

That is true. It turns out my Dr. is (or was) a cyclist, and broke some bones himself when he was hit by a car while riding. Said he would've probably been dead if he didn't have a helmet on.

A short term gym membership sounds like a good idea. Who knows, you might really like it?
There are different types of trainers and some are noisey but the magnetic ones are quieter. I set mine up in front of the t.v. when I use it.
They can be set up with a computer and a program that plays on the t.v. so you see the people you are "riding" with and record all the data. Mine is just a simple resistance unit which I can pick up and throw in the closet in a couple seconds.

Bunnicula, I am one who started back too soon after my crash with my training and aggravated a hip injury I received in the crash. Now I'm off the bike due to that, not the rib. The rib was okay with the torodol prescription (now that the prescription has run out, I can feel it), and as long as I did what my doctor told me to do, it was fine. And it IS fine!

What happened? I hit a power cable that had been placed on the road by a campground to mark the entrance to their parking area at night. They were supposed to remove it and didn't. I was with a group, and was the last rider and didn't see it. I hit it at about 20 MPH and was on the ground before I even knew what was happening. Unlike you, I DIDN'T get up! I spent some quality time in an ambulance and an ER at a local hospital. I don't recommend it! Also, my face saved my helmet, not vice-versa. There wasn't a mark on the helmet (which I have replaced, anyway), but my face didn't fare quite so well. It's healed up just fine, though.

Hey - get well! Get back on that bike! In the interim, walk, do think about getting a trainer, and maybe do some resistance exercises in a pool.

Wow! Sarals, that seems like possible grounds for a law suit, no? It sounds like you had some significant injuries due to their negligence. You must've been in a lot of pain. I really hope your feeling better now and get back to 100%. Small silver lining to that cloud, your helmet is okay.

It's because of where you are, if you were up here, a ride in winter then the trainer becomes the least of three evils:

1) riding outside, if your not at work, it's dark, the sun comes up after 8am and sets by 4, it's cold, it's windy, and where there isn't snow, there is ice.
2) not riding at all, your conditioning is gone by April, your up 20lbs and your back to riding once around the block.
3) the trainer, I actually rode further in February then I did in July.

That's my main fear

Yes, we can ride all year but it is dark when I get home in the winter. I usually sneak out of work early once a week during the dark season but sometime I end up on the trainer even here.

The owners of the campground have been great. I've filled out one of their insurance company's forms, and they haven't quibbled at all. They owned their "oversight" from the beginning.

Funny, the most severe injuries didn't show up until three to four days after the crash. One didn't really get bad until over a week later (my hip). If I learned one thing it's that if the doctor says "rest" it doesn't mean slow your pace while running, it means don't run at all!

Thank you, I am doing well - I hope you are!

I feel your pain. I had knee surgery 16 days ago and the doc said no riding for 4 weeks. Fortunately my PT is riding on the trainer. I too hope my 66 year old body won't lose too much fitness while I'm stuck in the house.

I cheated today. I took a short ride, about 5 miles around the neighborhood. All this talk of stationary trainers made me want to get pedaling, and I was worried that my legs were turning into jello. So I started thinking, maybe I could try a short ride around the block - on the Trek Navigator, a steady bike if there ever was one, and upright position, so no bending - just to see how the rib feels. Well it hurts a lot. A hilly street by my house was not doable, basically anything that would get me breathing heavy was out. I was very nervous about any turns, I noticed, unconscious reaction because I fell taking a turn too sharp. But It felt good to be on the bike, that's why the ride around the block turned into 5 miles. But I won't be cheating on a regular basis, at least for a while. I came home and took a vicodin.

Bike lights? I use them on the trails around here. Just a thought.

I had a decent light years ago and we used to ride mtb on the fire roads. Thought about getting another light but haven't yet. There are mountain lions here, too. I've seen them twice.

Ah yes the old bike make sudden stop rider doesn't make as sudden of stop till the rider slides a few (many) feet.

Happy to hear you made it to the other side to ride again!!

Well, THAT should increase your average speed quite a bit!!

Trainers and treadmills are like the shot one got as a kid when one was ill; needful and useful but still a pain in the A$$!

Lol

I also fractured a rib(s) recently and left hand/thumb from a fall on bike avoiding person who darted across path without looking. Rehab time is 3..6 weeks and depends on extent of fracture and age/health.


I believe that spinning on stationary bike is OK since balance and fall risk are minimized as is a moving accident.
I noticed that I do need to breath smaller to minimize ribs expansion/pain. Same for left hand, not needed for balance and turning. I actually think this is good for rehab and blood flow to heal injuries. Best to consult your Dr. Its really hard not to get on bike again to soon as the weather has been great and I much prefer to be moving and riding vs spinning.


Wondering how long other cyclists have needed to heal and rehab ?


Best wishes for your recovery !

It's been 6 years, so I think it's healed.

I have been very tempted to do the same as the weather has been perfect 70s but did not remembering what an accident is. The stationary bike is really helping to get my deeper breathing working again, nice to feel the rib pain and desire more oxygen. Been very careful with the left had and the fractured thumb/fingers with comfortable non gripping positions on the bars. Thankful for those nice Keiser indoor bikes https://www.keiser.com/fitness-equip...i-indoor-cycle