Originally Posted by big john (Post 13034260)

I bought a trainer from an lbs that they were using to set up bikes so it was used, but not much. It was cheap but I still hate it.

Originally Posted by Wogster (Post 13041141)

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:

2) not riding at all, your conditioning is gone by April, your up 20lbs and your back to riding once around the block.

Originally Posted by Wogster (Post 13041141)

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.

Originally Posted by Bunnicula (Post 13041068)

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. ;)

Originally Posted by Bunnicula (Post 13030987)

But today I found out I have a fractured rib. It's my first broken bone, and yes, I did it biking. The Dr says not to ride or exercise for 6 weeks, and I'm concerned that the progress I've made will go right down the toilet.

Originally Posted by big john (Post 13042099)

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.

Originally Posted by DnvrFox (Post 13049063)

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

Originally Posted by sarals (Post 13038456)

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.

Originally Posted by big john (Post 13050968)

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.

Originally Posted by big john (Post 13034260)

I bought a trainer from an lbs that they were using to set up bikes so it was used, but not much. It was cheap but I still hate it.

Originally Posted by Wogster (Post 13041141)

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.

Originally Posted by DnvrFox (Post 13052795)

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

Originally Posted by John_V (Post 13034167)

Sorry to hear about your fall and fractured rib. This was going to be my suggestion but I was beaten to the punch. Borrowing or even buying a trainer will keep you cycling without falling and re-injuring the rib. Depending on the type of bike you are riding, you can even ride sitting straight up and still keep the legs going. You also won't have to worry about riding in the heat. Then, when your ribs heal, you have a way to still ride during the winter months. You might ask your doctor if riding on a trainer would be OK.

Depending on the type and make, trainers can be very inexpensive. I have seen magnetic trainers at Dick's Sporting Goods for under $125.00. They may be a bit noisier than some of the more expensive trainers, but they do what they are suppose to do. You can also try some of the LBS in you area to see if they have any discontinued models in stock. They normally let those go with a decent discount just to get rid of them.

Originally Posted by joesch (Post 20024082)

Best wishes for your recovery !

Originally Posted by Bunnicula (Post 13048474)

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.