jd the nomad

So here I am, and I am very green. I haven't ridden a bike without an engine in a decade; and that's why I'm here now. August 21st I picked a fight at 70mph with a guard rail on my motorcycle and lost. I woke up in a hospital 9 days later with 5 broken vertabre, 5 broken ribs, 2 collapsed lungs, multiple fractures in my shoulder, lacerated liver, ruptured adrenal glands, head trauma, a laceration on my left thigh down to the bone and most relevant of all...my right leg being held on by a 18" rod in my femur (along with no clue how I got there). I'm sure I missed small things, but you get the point. So, now I have limited use of my right, Frankensteinish and nerve damaged leg. So, I need to get my leg as strong and usefull as possible. So, my girl and I bought mountain bikes, which she had wanted to do for a while. Now, she runs marathons and I've spent the last five months in bed.
Anyway...we set out for our first ride today through town and down to the local rails to trails. Let me say, I could not believe how hard the slightest inclines slapped me around like a...well...bad. So, I'm waiting for my power straps to come in, hoping they will keep my lame foot from flopping around on the pedal like a fish on the deck of a rented dingy. And I also hope my next ride can last more than four heart breaking miles. Hope to see you on the trails soon, keep the dirty side down, JD.

Pandrux

Wow, that's quite a story. Welcome to the club. I hope you find the answers you are looking to help you rebuild your life. While my history isn't as dramatic as yours, I'm reclaiming my life from a many year stupor brought on by obesity and inactivity. I'm loving the freedom that comes with cycling.

Good luck!

-Tom

jd the nomad

Thanks! it's been a long road, and I still have quite a way to go. And unfortunately, this is the second time I've had to deal with something like this. Back in '05, I had a double coumpond fracture (tib/fib) just above my ankle on the other leg. That time, it was "on the job", giving me a year to recover. That was not nearly as bad as this or life threatening. And I had to go back to work two weeks ago " light duty" to keep my job. Now, I only have a limited timeframe to be fit for full duty. I'm banking on mountain biking, not only to get me there, but to fill a large void where being on two wheels with an engine left behind. So, I'm throwing myself all into biking as more than exercise, but my new way of life. Cheers.

10 Wheels

Hi jd,

Welcome to Bike Forums.

Take it slow and easy.

Have fun, rest, take days off the bike when you need to.

topps

I'd say you need a roll cage for your bicycle.

1nterceptor

Howdy, biking can certainly help you physically and mentally.
I know it has for me. I used to ride motorcycles and crashed a
few times, I got my moto license before I applied for a car
license I've owned probably over 10 bikes in the last 20 years.
Then I rediscovered bicycles and what they can do to your physical
and mental well being. Got rid of my Honda Interceptor(sounds familiar?)
and never looked back

LeeRoySD

Welcome to BF. I am sorry that is was an accident that led you here. I hope that your recovery and rehab are quick and fruitful. I have been both lucky and healthy so far and may not have much to offer in specific advice. There are many here who have dealt with various physical challenges and can hopefully help you through the rough spots.

orangejulio87

Welcome. When I first started, 4 miles seemed daunting as well. It gets easier and very enjoyable. Just don't go too hard too soon. Good luck with your recovery, I know first hand motorcycles can bite and bite hard.

jd the nomad

Thanks everybody for the warm welcome. I plan to try to chronicle my progress. I'd like to be out in Jacobsburg state park by springand then to Jim Thorpe as my next goal. From there we'll see. Keep the ruberside down. Cheers.

trafficdancer

Welcome, JD! That's quite a shopping list you presented at the ER.....glad you're on your feet and pedals now. Don't let the inclines scare you!