Rowan
03-23-19 | 12:12 PM
#551
long time visiter
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 654
Likes: 1
From: in the Northern Tundra
Bikes: 2005 Trek 6700 disc 2007 Orbea Onix 2009 Raleigh One Way
Wow, just read Rowan and Machka's story for the first time. I can only imagine how hard that year has been on the both of you. Glad to hear recovery is going well for you Rowan, and still progressing. No doubt it's largely due to your physical and mental strength before and after the accident. Congrats Machka on your Graduate Diploma ... especially complete during this difficult time. Impressive! You both are an inspiration to us all.
03-23-19 | 08:30 PM
#552
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 18,138
Likes: 324
Bikes: 2 many
I have a fondness for cats. There is way more to their personalities than they get credit for. So to inject a lighter tone and perhaps bring a smile I submit the following video. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pVtryo7Zu1o
03-25-19 | 10:34 AM
#553
aka Tom Reingold
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 44,172
Likes: 6,404
From: New York, NY, and High Falls, NY, USA
Bikes: 1962 Rudge Sports, 1971 Raleigh Super Course, 1971 Raleigh Pro Track, 1974 Raleigh International, 1975 Viscount Fixie, 1982 McLean, 1996 Lemond (Ti), 2002 Burley Zydeco tandem
Boy, that's a rough turn of events. I hope for better luck for you.
__________________
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
05-22-19 | 12:47 PM
#554
Generally bewildered
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 3,038
Likes: 344
From: Eastern PA, USA
Bikes: 2014 Trek Domane 6.9, 1999 LeMond Zurich, 1978 Schwinn Superior
Don't know how I missed this thread for a year, but I did. Perhaps its nicest that I'm reading the most recent stuff now, with Rowan communicating directly and significant progress made. (I recognize that the recent siezure is a setback, but hey, you were communicating well AFTER the seizure - which is great).
I wish you, Rowan, continued progress and (I hope) an enjoyable life during that process for both of you.
BTW, I think that Machka gal is kind of sweet on you. Reading her notes and commentary is quite a love story and charms me.
I wish you, Rowan, continued progress and (I hope) an enjoyable life during that process for both of you.
BTW, I think that Machka gal is kind of sweet on you. Reading her notes and commentary is quite a love story and charms me.
05-22-19 | 12:56 PM
#555
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 15,917
Likes: 3,944
Bikes: 2015 Workswell 066, 2017 Workswell 093, 2014 Dawes Sheila, 1983 Cannondale 500, 1984 Raleigh Olympian, 2007 Cannondale Rize 4, 2017 Fuji Sportif 1 LE
06-19-19 | 03:09 AM
#557
Thread Starter
In Real Life
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 52,159
Likes: 773
From: Down under down under
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A little milestone .... 3 days of cycling in a row AND we made it to the end of the Cycleway 2 days in a row!! 
Friday - Rowan and I got out for a short ride late in the day. It was a lazy day for me after a stressful week, so the sun went down soon after we got out there.
Distance: 7.03 km
Elevation: 44 m
Moving Time: 27:27
Elapsed Time: 28:05
Speed: Avg: 15.4 km/h | Max: 28.1 km/h
Saturday - Rowan and I got out for a longer ride today! And then stopped for fish and chips toward the end of the ride.
Distance: 29.36 km
Elevation: 206 m
Moving Time: 1:40:35
Elapsed Time: 2:35:33
Speed: Avg: 17.5 km/h | Max: 28.8 km/h
Sunday -- Went cycling again. Was a bit chilly out there ... 12C to start and down to 8C by the end of the ride. That's three days of cycling in a row in the middle of winter!!
Distance: 27.02km
Elevation: 171m
Moving Time: 1:28:01
Elapsed Time: 1:31:12
Speed: Avg: 18.4km/h | Max: 29.9km/h
Friday - Rowan and I got out for a short ride late in the day. It was a lazy day for me after a stressful week, so the sun went down soon after we got out there.
Distance: 7.03 km
Elevation: 44 m
Moving Time: 27:27
Elapsed Time: 28:05
Speed: Avg: 15.4 km/h | Max: 28.1 km/h
Saturday - Rowan and I got out for a longer ride today! And then stopped for fish and chips toward the end of the ride.
Distance: 29.36 km
Elevation: 206 m
Moving Time: 1:40:35
Elapsed Time: 2:35:33
Speed: Avg: 17.5 km/h | Max: 28.8 km/h
Sunday -- Went cycling again. Was a bit chilly out there ... 12C to start and down to 8C by the end of the ride. That's three days of cycling in a row in the middle of winter!!
Distance: 27.02km
Elevation: 171m
Moving Time: 1:28:01
Elapsed Time: 1:31:12
Speed: Avg: 18.4km/h | Max: 29.9km/h
A very interesting article I came across about a year ago in the early days of Rowan's recovery ...
https://www.brainline.org/blog/getti...ou-should-care
A quote from the article:
"Certain types of physical exercise have been shown to markedly (threefold) increase BDNF synthesis in the human brain, a phenomenon which is partly responsible for exercise-induced neurogenesis and improvements in cognitive function.
A three hundred percent increase in a protein known to help the brain recover is something to look at quite seriously. Neurogenesis is a simple concept. It is the growth of new brain cells.
Think about this for a moment: engaging in regular physical activity produces a chemical that is proven to stimulate new brain cell growth. This vital chemical keeps brain circuits running smoothly and is increased threefold by regular exercise. I call this nothing short of remarkable.
The good news is that you don’t need to be a daily cyclist to get this benefit. Shared by the doctor who presented at our group, thirty minutes of exercise, three times a week, will release BDNF’s and speed the neuro healing process."
https://www.brainline.org/blog/getti...ou-should-care
A quote from the article:
"Certain types of physical exercise have been shown to markedly (threefold) increase BDNF synthesis in the human brain, a phenomenon which is partly responsible for exercise-induced neurogenesis and improvements in cognitive function.
A three hundred percent increase in a protein known to help the brain recover is something to look at quite seriously. Neurogenesis is a simple concept. It is the growth of new brain cells.
Think about this for a moment: engaging in regular physical activity produces a chemical that is proven to stimulate new brain cell growth. This vital chemical keeps brain circuits running smoothly and is increased threefold by regular exercise. I call this nothing short of remarkable.
The good news is that you don’t need to be a daily cyclist to get this benefit. Shared by the doctor who presented at our group, thirty minutes of exercise, three times a week, will release BDNF’s and speed the neuro healing process."
__________________
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06-19-19 | 03:13 AM
#558
Thread Starter
In Real Life
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 52,159
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From: Down under down under
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We've also started a weekly Pilates class run by a local physiotherapist organisation. It's a very small class and we've got our own programs.
Mine is to get my right hip and lower back in action again.
Rowan's is to work on balance, strength, etc.
Rowan will also be going for a nerve conduction study soon to see if they can figure out what's up with his left leg. No guarantees they'll be able to figure it out, but maybe ...
Mine is to get my right hip and lower back in action again.
Rowan's is to work on balance, strength, etc.
Rowan will also be going for a nerve conduction study soon to see if they can figure out what's up with his left leg. No guarantees they'll be able to figure it out, but maybe ...
__________________
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Last edited by Machka; 06-19-19 at 03:19 AM.
06-19-19 | 03:43 AM
#559
Senior Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 7,381
Likes: 219
Hi [MENTION=4588]Machka[/MENTION],
Immediately before this post to your thread, I noted that you had just responded to a current thread on Fifty-Plus in which [MENTION=6062]Rowan[/MENTION] has been put forward as a standard bearer of head injury recovery.
So I cite it for other readers of this thread, and recognize you as a paragon of caretakers. 
Immediately before this post to your thread, I noted that you had just responded to a current thread on Fifty-Plus in which [MENTION=6062]Rowan[/MENTION] has been put forward as a standard bearer of head injury recovery.
"Acquaintance is victim of Hit and Run, left on side of road"
Robert is now at home but under the watchful eye of his spouse and 3 children. They rotate providing assistance.
Everyone who followed Rowan’s ongoing recovery from his brain injury knows progress from brain juries is erratic and a very long process. Robert still needs assistance for daily tasks….
Robert is now at home but under the watchful eye of his spouse and 3 children. They rotate providing assistance.
Everyone who followed Rowan’s ongoing recovery from his brain injury knows progress from brain juries is erratic and a very long process. Robert still needs assistance for daily tasks….
Last edited by Jim from Boston; 06-19-19 at 06:04 AM.
06-19-19 | 01:53 PM
#560
aka Tom Reingold
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 44,172
Likes: 6,404
From: New York, NY, and High Falls, NY, USA
Bikes: 1962 Rudge Sports, 1971 Raleigh Super Course, 1971 Raleigh Pro Track, 1974 Raleigh International, 1975 Viscount Fixie, 1982 McLean, 1996 Lemond (Ti), 2002 Burley Zydeco tandem
Fantastic.
__________________
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
06-24-19 | 07:55 PM
#561
Version 7.0
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 13,844
Likes: 3,858
From: SoCa
Bikes: Road, Track, TT and Gravel
Since Rowan is doing soooooooooooo much better, we moved the thread to Pills and Ills and hope that he will be posting his successes in other threads as he progresses. Sending more healing thoughts and wishing a full recovery.
08-07-20 | 04:17 AM
#562
Thread Starter
In Real Life
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 52,159
Likes: 773
From: Down under down under
Bikes: Lots
Rowan has reached 65 today!
Regarding his injury, he has plateaued, as predicted would happen at the 2-year point. But if all goes well, we'll get out for a little ride this weekend.
Regarding his injury, he has plateaued, as predicted would happen at the 2-year point. But if all goes well, we'll get out for a little ride this weekend.
__________________
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My fave photo threads on BF
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Rowan
My fave photo threads on BF
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Photo Gallery
08-07-20 | 07:42 AM
#563
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 5,960
Likes: 1,381
From: SW Fl.
Bikes: 1999 DAHON Mariner, Day6 Semi Recumbent "FIREBALL", 1981 Custom Touring Paramount, 1983 Road Paramount, 2013 Giant Propel Advanced SL3, 2018 Specialized Red Roubaix Expert mech., 2002 Magna 7sp hybrid, 1976 Bassett Racing 45sp Cruiser
to Rowan
08-07-20 | 09:04 AM
#564
just another gosling
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 20,555
Likes: 2,667
From: Everett, WA
Bikes: CoMo Speedster 2003, Trek 5200, CAAD 9, Fred 2004
Have a wonderful birthday ride! Hope you can get out for it.
__________________
Results matter
Results matter
08-07-20 | 09:49 AM
#565
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 9,685
Likes: 2,603
From: northern Deep South
Bikes: Fuji Touring, Novara Randonee
But the English system (not used any more by England or most of its former colonies) has so many useful units of length. Could he ride his age in furlongs? That's only a bit over 13 km.
Wishing you both a good ride!
09-04-20 | 06:47 PM
#566
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 17,196
Likes: 761
From: Ann Arbor, MI
Bikes: 1980 Masi, 1984 Mondonico, 1984 Trek 610, 1980 Woodrup Giro, 2005 Mondonico Futura Leggera ELOS, 1967 PX10E, 1971 Peugeot UO-8
I just discovered, this is where the Rowan discussion went!
Machka and Rowan, best wishes to you!
Machka and Rowan, best wishes to you!
09-04-20 | 07:00 PM
#567
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 17,196
Likes: 761
From: Ann Arbor, MI
Bikes: 1980 Masi, 1984 Mondonico, 1984 Trek 610, 1980 Woodrup Giro, 2005 Mondonico Futura Leggera ELOS, 1967 PX10E, 1971 Peugeot UO-8
03-03-21 | 03:34 AM
#568
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 16,767
Likes: 85
I just have been browsing through this thread to refresh my memory about all the wonderful people who provided their support by posting on it.
The cycling has been OK for me. Machka has now arranged for us to do 50km rides a month under the Australian Audax system. So that means having the rides' starts, finishes and maybe a checkpoint signed. The 12 done in any of the consecutive months are recorded after finishing as normal randonnees, and there is an award at the end of the year.
There are two other categories that I am hoping to eventually aim for -- 100km a month, and 160km a month (the traditional century distance). At least I think that is how it works.
Machka also has expressed some interest in doing a little exploring at other places, so I have serviced her GT mountain bike, and my old AvantiMTB is back in shape.
I have also converted her original bike that introduced her to racing, a Venture, which ended up too big for her, to a single-speed with a twin-gear hub. I do love my fixed-gear and still do ride it, but in the hllly country becomes a bit of a challenge for me... so flat territory is much preferred on it, whereas the Venture will be able to take a lot of the hills up and down.
There are some other options, including the Bike Fridays, but I really can't go out in the home city without Machka being with me. I still have no driver's licence access because of the brain injury, and frankly, I am a lot concerned about the behaviour of drivers in my area. Which isn't just me -- I had a neuro-psych appointment yesterday and she lives not far from me, and agreed that drivers generally in this city have become dreadful. Sadly, the reminds me of Pcad, and how sad I am he still not around.
So... apart from that, I hope everyone in this 50-plus group is good and healthy in what has been difficult times everywhere in world. Oh, and part of the great news is that Machka finished off her Masters Degree at university.
The cycling has been OK for me. Machka has now arranged for us to do 50km rides a month under the Australian Audax system. So that means having the rides' starts, finishes and maybe a checkpoint signed. The 12 done in any of the consecutive months are recorded after finishing as normal randonnees, and there is an award at the end of the year.
There are two other categories that I am hoping to eventually aim for -- 100km a month, and 160km a month (the traditional century distance). At least I think that is how it works.
Machka also has expressed some interest in doing a little exploring at other places, so I have serviced her GT mountain bike, and my old AvantiMTB is back in shape.
I have also converted her original bike that introduced her to racing, a Venture, which ended up too big for her, to a single-speed with a twin-gear hub. I do love my fixed-gear and still do ride it, but in the hllly country becomes a bit of a challenge for me... so flat territory is much preferred on it, whereas the Venture will be able to take a lot of the hills up and down.
There are some other options, including the Bike Fridays, but I really can't go out in the home city without Machka being with me. I still have no driver's licence access because of the brain injury, and frankly, I am a lot concerned about the behaviour of drivers in my area. Which isn't just me -- I had a neuro-psych appointment yesterday and she lives not far from me, and agreed that drivers generally in this city have become dreadful. Sadly, the reminds me of Pcad, and how sad I am he still not around.
So... apart from that, I hope everyone in this 50-plus group is good and healthy in what has been difficult times everywhere in world. Oh, and part of the great news is that Machka finished off her Masters Degree at university.
03-03-21 | 06:25 AM
#569
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 5,960
Likes: 1,381
From: SW Fl.
Bikes: 1999 DAHON Mariner, Day6 Semi Recumbent "FIREBALL", 1981 Custom Touring Paramount, 1983 Road Paramount, 2013 Giant Propel Advanced SL3, 2018 Specialized Red Roubaix Expert mech., 2002 Magna 7sp hybrid, 1976 Bassett Racing 45sp Cruiser
I just have been browsing through this thread to refresh my memory about all the wonderful people who provided their support by posting on it.
The cycling has been OK for me. Machka has now arranged for us to do 50km rides a month under the Australian Audax system. So that means having the rides' starts, finishes and maybe a checkpoint signed. The 12 done in any of the consecutive months are recorded after finishing as normal randonnees, and there is an award at the end of the year.
There are two other categories that I am hoping to eventually aim for -- 100km a month, and 160km a month (the traditional century distance). At least I think that is how it works.
Machka also has expressed some interest in doing a little exploring at other places, so I have serviced her GT mountain bike, and my old AvantiMTB is back in shape.
I have also converted her original bike that introduced her to racing, a Venture, which ended up too big for her, to a single-speed with a twin-gear hub. I do love my fixed-gear and still do ride it, but in the hllly country becomes a bit of a challenge for me... so flat territory is much preferred on it, whereas the Venture will be able to take a lot of the hills up and down.
There are some other options, including the Bike Fridays, but I really can't go out in the home city without Machka being with me. I still have no driver's licence access because of the brain injury, and frankly, I am a lot concerned about the behaviour of drivers in my area. Which isn't just me -- I had a neuro-psych appointment yesterday and she lives not far from me, and agreed that drivers generally in this city have become dreadful. Sadly, the reminds me of Pcad, and how sad I am he still not around.
So... apart from that, I hope everyone in this 50-plus group is good and healthy in what has been difficult times everywhere in world. Oh, and part of the great news is that Machka finished off her Masters Degree at university.
The cycling has been OK for me. Machka has now arranged for us to do 50km rides a month under the Australian Audax system. So that means having the rides' starts, finishes and maybe a checkpoint signed. The 12 done in any of the consecutive months are recorded after finishing as normal randonnees, and there is an award at the end of the year.
There are two other categories that I am hoping to eventually aim for -- 100km a month, and 160km a month (the traditional century distance). At least I think that is how it works.
Machka also has expressed some interest in doing a little exploring at other places, so I have serviced her GT mountain bike, and my old AvantiMTB is back in shape.
I have also converted her original bike that introduced her to racing, a Venture, which ended up too big for her, to a single-speed with a twin-gear hub. I do love my fixed-gear and still do ride it, but in the hllly country becomes a bit of a challenge for me... so flat territory is much preferred on it, whereas the Venture will be able to take a lot of the hills up and down.
There are some other options, including the Bike Fridays, but I really can't go out in the home city without Machka being with me. I still have no driver's licence access because of the brain injury, and frankly, I am a lot concerned about the behaviour of drivers in my area. Which isn't just me -- I had a neuro-psych appointment yesterday and she lives not far from me, and agreed that drivers generally in this city have become dreadful. Sadly, the reminds me of Pcad, and how sad I am he still not around.
So... apart from that, I hope everyone in this 50-plus group is good and healthy in what has been difficult times everywhere in world. Oh, and part of the great news is that Machka finished off her Masters Degree at university.
x 2
03-05-21 | 08:44 PM
#570
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 12,940
Likes: 363
Rowan,
Just reading our post has made my day-week-month, heck, the year for that matter. It is so good to see that you are able to get some cycling in, and you have a wonderful lady to be your guide too. You truly surpassed early expectations for your level of recovery, prayers and hard work won the battle. You and Machka always have a place to stay, and another good meal or three, should you both get back over our way. Sharing my birthday with y'all was so much fun and great fellowship.
Oh, Chapeau to Machka on earning her Masters Degree, perseverance thy name is Machka.
Bill
Just reading our post has made my day-week-month, heck, the year for that matter. It is so good to see that you are able to get some cycling in, and you have a wonderful lady to be your guide too. You truly surpassed early expectations for your level of recovery, prayers and hard work won the battle. You and Machka always have a place to stay, and another good meal or three, should you both get back over our way. Sharing my birthday with y'all was so much fun and great fellowship.
Oh, Chapeau to Machka on earning her Masters Degree, perseverance thy name is Machka.
Bill
03-10-21 | 02:49 AM
#571
Thread Starter
In Real Life
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 52,159
Likes: 773
From: Down under down under
Bikes: Lots
Rowan,
Just reading our post has made my day-week-month, heck, the year for that matter. It is so good to see that you are able to get some cycling in, and you have a wonderful lady to be your guide too. You truly surpassed early expectations for your level of recovery, prayers and hard work won the battle. You and Machka always have a place to stay, and another good meal or three, should you both get back over our way. Sharing my birthday with y'all was so much fun and great fellowship.
Oh, Chapeau to Machka on earning her Masters Degree, perseverance thy name is Machka.
Bill
Just reading our post has made my day-week-month, heck, the year for that matter. It is so good to see that you are able to get some cycling in, and you have a wonderful lady to be your guide too. You truly surpassed early expectations for your level of recovery, prayers and hard work won the battle. You and Machka always have a place to stay, and another good meal or three, should you both get back over our way. Sharing my birthday with y'all was so much fun and great fellowship.
Oh, Chapeau to Machka on earning her Masters Degree, perseverance thy name is Machka.
Bill
I hope you are well.
__________________
Rowan
My fave photo threads on BF
Century A Month Facebook Group
Machka's Website
Photo Gallery
Rowan
My fave photo threads on BF
Century A Month Facebook Group
Machka's Website
Photo Gallery
04-12-21 | 12:14 AM
#573
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 969
Likes: 19
From: Coimbra, Portugal
Bikes: More bicycles than I can ride at one time: 2 custom made tourers, a Brompton 6-speed, and an Indian-made roadster.
I have been away from this forum for some time as I have finally retired (at the age of 72) and now live in Portugal. Learning Portuguese is tougher than anything I have ever done - including the Savannah Way.
Blessings to both of you. Still remember my stay at your home in rural Victoria back in August 2011. Soon, I will be back in OZ to finally do my Cape York trip - but the country has to open up first.My bike and gear are patiently waiting for me in Victoria.
Rowan, you and Machka are an inspiration to us all!
Blessings to both of you. Still remember my stay at your home in rural Victoria back in August 2011. Soon, I will be back in OZ to finally do my Cape York trip - but the country has to open up first.My bike and gear are patiently waiting for me in Victoria.
Rowan, you and Machka are an inspiration to us all!
08-20-21 | 09:31 AM
#575
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 15,917
Likes: 3,944
Bikes: 2015 Workswell 066, 2017 Workswell 093, 2014 Dawes Sheila, 1983 Cannondale 500, 1984 Raleigh Olympian, 2007 Cannondale Rize 4, 2017 Fuji Sportif 1 LE
Just checking in on the Rowan situation after a while away .... much better news than I had feared I would find. Both Rowan and Machka are inspiring.