jtwilson

I know there's go to be some other people here who know what it's like to have to stay off the bike for a long period of time. What in the world did you do to deal with it?

Withdrawal is getting bad for me. Cycling is about the only thing I truly enjoy in life. When I broke my elbow a couple years ago, I could at least get on the trainer a week after surgery. Now it's been two months, with ten to go, and two weeks of leave in June being my only cycling prospect until then. The only upshot is that my circumstances allow me to save a lot of cash and plot for the future. But a full year makes for an awful lot of plotting.

Seriously tweaking out here. I'm cycling in my head to fall asleep. Bought three framesets on ebay in the past week and a half - further solidifying plans for an awesome 2013 stable. First a 2009 Cervelo R3 in excellent shape, then a like-new 2010 CAAD9 4, and just yesterday a new 2012 CAAD10 1. I'm not sure if I'll even build up both CAADs right off the bat. Campagnolo Record will go on the Cervelo, maybe Chorus on the CAAD10, and my old DA 7700 to the CAAD9? Cervelo as the 'A bike', CAAD10 'B bike', and CAAD9 'C bike' for Cat5 crits and rainy days?

Maybe it would be better if I didn't have internet here.

hhnngg1

Afghanistan? Props to you and thanks for the service.

Seattle Forrest

I broke a few ribs and fractured my radial head (part of the elbow) many years ago. Was off the bike for months. It was really difficult. Sorry, man. I wish there was some kind of magical silver bullet...

When you're healed up, though, you're going to love that R3.

hyhuu

You came to the right place. Here on 41 we spend more time posting than actually riding so that might work for you also. Let's just say it's kinda like virtual riding and your speed will likely to increase here.

CalvinAtWS

I just spent two years barely cycling at all because of a new job. Ditched the office slavery, and got back into the swing of training and it is looking like a looong road to my former fitness (CAT 3). I started lifting weights while I was in the office job, and I'm glad that I added dome mass to my legs. Hit some squats, stay lean, go running. My speed on the flats is still good, and my sprinting aint bad either. Thanks for the service in Afghanistan.

jtwilson

That's what I'm talkin about. I need to work on my post count, but I should make Cat41 pretty easily with the lack of mileage.

Way to go! What kind of career change did you make, if you don't mind me asking? We stay pretty busy out here, but I try to hit the gym when I can, and keep my cardio up on the treadmill. Just the other day we finally got to do a real run - on trails outside the wire with a gun truck pulling security. It was great, and at ~6,200ft elevation with a couple major hills - a real asskicker.

BentLink

Bide your time...an IED would really taco a rim and the dust would wreck your drivetrain anyhow. Thanks for serving!

PhotoJoe 

I've been going through chemo for a year now. In theat time, I've ridden a total of 29 miles. I get the withdrawal thing. I hate to admit it, but the 41 has been great therapy. I live vicariously through the clowns here. Also, over in the SoCal forum, there is a regular poster (Mr. Beanz) who puts together a lot of ride videos. I enjoy watching those. It's not the same as riding, but it helps. Hang in there, and like everyone else says, thank you for your service!

unterhausen

I had withdrawal for a few months during Desert Storm. I was probably in the best cycling shape of my adult life of the time too. Very annoying.

jtwilson

That's awesome that you have managed to get out and ride during chemo. After reading about how tough it was for L. Armstrong to get back on the bike during chemo ['It's Not About the Bike'] I can't imagine what it must be like for mere mortals!

CalvinAtWS

I went from working in a bike shop to selling cars. I was 24 and needed to try to evolve my career. I am now back in the bike biz at WrenchScience.com where I can use both skills. Stay sharp out there brother, sounds like you're training in a dangerous neighborhood!