Ahh my first Blog .. but I just had to! I want to share my delight and excitement about riding a recumbent bicycle. I am a 'roadie' a die hard roadie. I had a beautiful Trek that I rode in France, through the Pyrenees, a cyclists dream! Before that I had a real all steel bike that I rode from Canada to central New Jersey in six days. That was a blast! So why do I have a recumbent? Unfortunately I had a tumor in my spinal cord that, once removed left me with neuropathy over 85% of my body and compromised my neck and shoulder muscles. The medical professionals told me I would likely never ride again. I was devasted, I refused to believe it. As soon as I could walk again I mounted my trustee stead - and after 20 minutes I was in excruciating pain. I was determined so I lifted weights and stretched my muscles and lifted so more. I tried again with the same results. After a year I finally went to the bike shop and reluctantly traded in my road bike for a hybrid.

I left the shop feeling deflated but not defeated. At least the new bike would seat me in a bit more upright position. I assumed that this would allow me to ride like the old days - I dreamed of my first century. It would take me much longer I thought, the bike being so much heavier, and of course my neuropathy. However I would finish even if I was the last rider in at sunset!
I took the bike out and after 30 minutes the pain once again came in my neck and shoulders and down my arms. I remained in denial and rationalized that I needed to get used to the new bike - sort of learn how to ride a hybrid. Well, after another year I still couldn't get past the 30 minute mark. By now my quadriceps were getting thin and my waist was getting thick. Every time I saw a cyclist on the road I would stop and watch until the drool dripped off my chin onto my shirt. I felt frustrated and fat. Finally I gave in - ok I thought I will just have to look like a geek, but at least I will have a chance to be out there on the road with the wind in my face, and the bugs between my teeth.

So ... Once again I found myself at the bicycle shop trading in a fairly unused bicycle for a recubment. It was rather square looking, and reminded me a bit of a kids version of the easy rider motorcycle with a chair stuck on top. It barley fit into the back of my car, and so once again I set off determined to be on a bike - any kind of bike.

Once I got it home and out of the car (with great twisting and grunting) I sat on it for the virgin spin. I leaned back and immediately felt relaxed, I gave myself a push and my feet naturally went up to the pedals. Wow what a great feeling, I pushed harder on the pedals and once again felt the blood pump into my legs. The front wheel was so small, I found it to be a bit tweaky at first, but once I rounded a few corners I began to get the hang of the 'lean'. How long can I ride I wondered as I approached the dreaded 30 minute mark. But I felt so comfortable, and yet I was pushing hard, I could feel my heart pumping, a few beads of sweat formed on the edges of my temples. People were turning and smiling as I passed them, they seem to be marveling at the uniqueness of the bike. Could it be that the bike and I actually looked ... 'cool'? I smiled at the thought - well how about that! I was feeling good, no - great, and I had been riding for 40 minutes. I was elated, I felt giggly and free. At last I could really ride again. I didn't have to be on an upright to be a roadie, it didn't matter that I wasn't like the the others on the rode. It only mattered that I was back on the road again. I love my recumbent!