bruce19

Not on the motorcycle yet. Maybe next week.

Bikey Mikey

Another example of being fit assisting in the healing process.

bruce19

Went to the gym on Weds. and started free weights and machines. Did everything at much lower weights than usual. Felt good but I could tell I have lost a lot of strength over the months. I was just trying to get started again without injury. I also attempted to take my Masi out for a little test ride. Wasn't looking to do any distance but just trying to get a feel for the cycling position on my new neck. It wasn't good. Got about 1/2 mi. and realized that even riding on the hoods was pretty uncomfortable on my neck. Part of the problem is that my Masi is at the top of the size range of bikes I can ride. It's a sloping TT and measures virtually at about 57 cm seat tube and about 57.5 TT. Perfect for me would be about 55 in either dimension. The result is that I'm stretched forward enough that getting my head up hurt. Since then I have felt flexibility returning to my neck and am feeling more "normal" than I have been in a long time. So, I may actually be able to ride it in a month or so. Problem is that now I know that my Masi really isn't the right fit for me. The bigger problem is that it was a 60th birthday present for me from my GF and I absolutely love the thing. Just looking at it is a visual pleasure. Still I know I need something smaller. Not sure what to do. But, this "problem" is a much nicer one to have than what I was facing a couple months ago.

Dan Burkhart 

Glad to see you making progress.
Could you swap out for a shorter stem, or maybe angle it up?

aRoudy1

Congratulations on getting back on the 'horse!' I was never able to find a fit that was comfortable after my accident; I switched to a recumbent and the problem was solved.

ModeratedUser150120149

I suspect having to modify a bike, or even change bikes is pretty common after structural injuries. After all, the fundamental way the body works has been changed. Give it some time and patience. You may be able to modify your bike and riding position and keep your bike. In my case I've swapped stems and adjusted things for a more upright position. But, I'm still goring myself on the front chain ring too often so I may have to change bikes.

Whatever works.

CrankyFranky

It's great to hear that you're really on the mend and strengthening now. Perhaps in a few additional months - or maybe next spring - the Masi as it is now will fit you again.
Besides strengthening exercises, my advice would be to attend to proper stretching too. I'm curling up due to insufficient stretching .
Why not try to get an interim n+1 that is less aggressive in geometry?
Anyway, what a relief it must be for you to have recovered to this point!

bruce19

I'm going to be doing some trail riding with my cyclocross bike. And, if I have to, I may swap out my road wheels to the cross bike and see how that works. The cross bike is a 54 frame and is at the low end of the fit spectrum. Today I got my Ducati back from the shop and rode it home (10 Mi.). My neck was a little stiff at the start but better by the time I got home. I think my 1,000 mi. days on it are over but that's probably a good thing anyway.

BlazingPedals

That's my suggestion too. In my case, though, I'd recommend a long wheelbase bent. Something with passive suspension and a fairly upright seat. And a really bright blinkie on the back.

DX-MAN

bruce19, glad to hear about your progress. Don't rush it, it WILL take time.

When I broke my collarbone in '08, it was more than 8 months before I had what I gauged as my standard for flexibility -- being able to touch my shoulder blades with either hand behind my back.

Not telling you to ignore medical advice, but I'm sure you know that progress in flexibility is a bit uncomfortable, has to hurt to make progress. Let your therapy people know you're involved actively, not just going through their motions, and they'll work better with you (if they're not already.....)

All the best to getting back to all that you love to do.

MickeyMaguire

I am glad you are alive. I hope you mend quickly.

Stopalot

Bruce19 nice to hear your progress. It takes time but you have to push yourself just a little. My injury was last July I am riding up to 40 miles and occasionally over 50, but all rides have to start with a pain pill otherwise I wouldn't make 10 miles.

bruce19

I promise not to try to drag this thread out but yesterday I got on a bicycle for the first time since my accident on July 24th. My gf and I joined club members on a rail trail ride of about 21 mi. We were on cross bikes and I was apprehensive since a brief attempt to ride my road bike let me know that the riding position was going to be painful to the back of my neck. But, it was time. So, I popped an Alleve and went on the ride. At the start my neck was indeed sore. And, it stayed sore for the first 10 mi. but amazingly the soreness all but vanished by the time we got to the end of our ride. It felt really good to be back on the bike and although I certainly wasn't trying to go fast I did hit 19 mph occasionally. Two "feel good" moments...a friend and ex-racer said to me "You are spinning really smoothly...no hips rocking or anything...really nice." And, a club member who said to my gf, "I'm amazed that he's back on the bike this soon and could do that ride." My gf responded, "You don't know him." Felt damned good.

Thank you to everyone who has been so supportive here. It is the caring of friends that makes getting through this type of thing easier.

BluesDawg

Barrettscv 

Great to hear :-)

con

Well done, glad you are back

otg 

X2, and wasn't it a nice day to ride yesterday!

gevad 

It's really, really good to read that you're back on your bike. BTW, I wouldn't worry that you're inappropriately drawing out this thread. Your reports are inspiring and helpful, since your accident could have happened to any of us.

Bikey Mikey

Fantastic!