I've just given away my last bike
Discussion
I'm 69. I've had a bicycle since the age of 8 or so. I've been a regular cyclist, but for 20 years up until 12 years ago I cycled 250 or so miles a week. Then I got a back problem and it seems I've got a damaged L5 vertebrae and cycling exacerbates the problem, giving me sciatica.
I've cycled a few miles every now and again but I've been doing exercises for my back and I'm getting some relief. But cycling puts me back.
I've sold a couple of bikes I've had but I've just given away my final bike to my son-in-law.
It was a cheapish one, around £600, but I've upgraded the gear set and brakes, but it fitted me from day one. It was as if it was bespoke. And now it's gone.
I'm bikeless.
I feel really quite down. Seeing my son ride off along the road was not a good time. He loves it and even that didn't help.
Enjoy cycling while you can.
I've cycled a few miles every now and again but I've been doing exercises for my back and I'm getting some relief. But cycling puts me back.
I've sold a couple of bikes I've had but I've just given away my final bike to my son-in-law.
It was a cheapish one, around £600, but I've upgraded the gear set and brakes, but it fitted me from day one. It was as if it was bespoke. And now it's gone.
I'm bikeless.
I feel really quite down. Seeing my son ride off along the road was not a good time. He loves it and even that didn't help.
Enjoy cycling while you can.
Sorry about moaning yesterday. I was feeling a bit low. I go to a gym and enjoy the activities. I'm fit. I walk a lot.
At my gym there are a few people, some a lot younger than me, who are recuperating from illness and surgery. I've got it easy in comparison to some of them.
I feel more positive this morning. I've got nothing to complain about. In fact after being X-rayed for the broken vertebrae every doctor who looks at them says how lucky I am.
Keep cycling and don't cycle through 'a bit' of back pain that then keeps you awake at night.
Sorry to whinge.
At my gym there are a few people, some a lot younger than me, who are recuperating from illness and surgery. I've got it easy in comparison to some of them.
Celtic Dragon said:
Was it the position or act of cycling that brought on the problem? Would a recumbent solve the issue? Worth a shot if it keeps you active and happy.
The problem was two fold. I was part of a shield serial for years, training with the long, heavy ones that were popular at the time. This is what probably started it. But the cycling off-road, which was 90% of my mileage, gave problems because of the angle I'd sit and the impacts. I also broke three vertebrae and this makes, or rather made after being told off by my physio, me stand and walk, and presumably sit on my bike, awkwardly. I feel more positive this morning. I've got nothing to complain about. In fact after being X-rayed for the broken vertebrae every doctor who looks at them says how lucky I am.
Keep cycling and don't cycle through 'a bit' of back pain that then keeps you awake at night.
Sorry to whinge.
battered said:
No apology necessary. I'd be brassed off if I had to stop cycling. We all get a bit fed up now and again. You're right to look on the bright side. Enjoy your walking and going to the gym, you're doing all the right stuff to maintain fitness into your 7th decade.
And even more so, considering he's entering his 8th! 
I feel quite sad reading that. Cycling is something i Ioved as a child but stopped when I learned to drive. I then got fat, got married and had 2 children, at which time I realised I needed to stay alive long enough to enjoy my children, so I returned to cycling. And I love it all over again.
I spend most of my life planning group cycle rides, and elaborate events (like family & friends camping) into which I can introduce a group ride. We even convinced our friends to try out our old child trailer for their dog, and did a group ride through the Forest of Dean yesterday with the dog in tow.
I can't imagine life without a bike.
So, as mentioned above, can you try a recumbent? I love the gadgetry associated with bikes, like the trailer I towed, cargo bikes and trikes, and even e-bikes. There must be a solution for you.
Good luck.
I spend most of my life planning group cycle rides, and elaborate events (like family & friends camping) into which I can introduce a group ride. We even convinced our friends to try out our old child trailer for their dog, and did a group ride through the Forest of Dean yesterday with the dog in tow.
I can't imagine life without a bike.
So, as mentioned above, can you try a recumbent? I love the gadgetry associated with bikes, like the trailer I towed, cargo bikes and trikes, and even e-bikes. There must be a solution for you.
Good luck.
Thanks for the friendly, and helpful, replies.
I haven't been on the bike for over 6 months so there's no particular change in day-to-day life. But there's a big hole in the garage. It was, I think, just the acknowledgement that it was over for me when I gave away my bike.
The physios have all said that it was wrong to cycle through the pain in the back that used to hit me after half an hour or so. The fact that it went away after a few minutes was a warning sign. What I should have done was go to a doctor to source the problem. But who goes to a doctor with a pain that goes away? The damage is done now. There was a difference between the muscle pain/lethargy after a climb up a hill to the pain in my back I'd get even when it was fairly flat.
Still, I'm told that with the exercises I'm doing it is unlikely to get much worse for some years, the unsaid bit being 'you'll probably be dead by then'. So a positive and a negative there.
So check out anything like that, guys. I was told that had I cycled with a road bike, especially one with drop handlebars, with my mileage I'd have had the problem much earlier, but since the middle 80s I've been mainly, probably 80%, on off-road bikes.
I haven't been on the bike for over 6 months so there's no particular change in day-to-day life. But there's a big hole in the garage. It was, I think, just the acknowledgement that it was over for me when I gave away my bike.
The physios have all said that it was wrong to cycle through the pain in the back that used to hit me after half an hour or so. The fact that it went away after a few minutes was a warning sign. What I should have done was go to a doctor to source the problem. But who goes to a doctor with a pain that goes away? The damage is done now. There was a difference between the muscle pain/lethargy after a climb up a hill to the pain in my back I'd get even when it was fairly flat.
Still, I'm told that with the exercises I'm doing it is unlikely to get much worse for some years, the unsaid bit being 'you'll probably be dead by then'. So a positive and a negative there.
So check out anything like that, guys. I was told that had I cycled with a road bike, especially one with drop handlebars, with my mileage I'd have had the problem much earlier, but since the middle 80s I've been mainly, probably 80%, on off-road bikes.
Sorry to read this Derek, echoing what was said earlier have you tried a recumbent bike?
I had a long-term Rugby injury and was unable to ride a "normal" bike for years so got a 'bent and not only was it very easy to ride with an iffy bacy (you are basically lying in a big comfy chair) but the exercise I got helped me back onto a normal bike- I realise that's not an option but if you enjoy cycling I can thoroughly recommend laid back cycling.
I had a long-term Rugby injury and was unable to ride a "normal" bike for years so got a 'bent and not only was it very easy to ride with an iffy bacy (you are basically lying in a big comfy chair) but the exercise I got helped me back onto a normal bike- I realise that's not an option but if you enjoy cycling I can thoroughly recommend laid back cycling.
This reminds me of an interview with Grayson Perry (transvestite artist and avid mountain biker) where he talks about the fear that one day, one ride will be his last ride. That thought filled me with dread! Fully understand how you're feeling, Derek. 
On another point, these recumbent bike thingies... Do you effectively have to learn how to ride again? Surely centre of gravity, steering and everything else must be very different?
On another point, these recumbent bike thingies... Do you effectively have to learn how to ride again? Surely centre of gravity, steering and everything else must be very different?
Kermit power said:
On another point, these recumbent bike thingies... Do you effectively have to learn how to ride again? Surely centre of gravity, steering and everything else must be very different?
They are a bit wobbly to begin with, but an experienced cyclist should get the hang of everything within a few minutes. They are tricky at very low speed but fine once rolling.Derek Smith said:
The physios have all said that it was wrong to cycle through the pain in the back that used to hit me after half an hour or so. The fact that it went away after a few minutes was a warning sign. What I should have done was go to a doctor to source the problem. But who goes to a doctor with a pain that goes away? The damage is done now. There was a difference between the muscle pain/lethargy after a climb up a hill to the pain in my back I'd get even when it was fairly flat.
Them being smart after the event is not exactly helpful. Presumably you were referred to a physio after initially seeing a doctor.If it helps myself and a girl from work both have injuries that both physios and doctors can't get to the bottom of and we end up getting bounced between them. Cycling caused my problem but the doc and physio have told me to carry on.
As for physio, we've both found it helps the original issue and creates another issue which is even worse.
I doubt you could have done anything to prevent the issue.
Thanks for the supportive comments.
I did a bit of research on recumbents and on a visit to my doctor on another matter I mentioned it as an option. I was told that I hadn't taken on board all that I've been told. It would appear that my back is somewhat worse than I thought. I've got numb toes, tingling in my calves and one or two other odd symptoms. It seems that I could have very serious problems if I don't take care.
I'd been given a flyer which said that that if I suddenly find I have no control of my bowls or I cannot feel my legs I should go to A&E immediately. The advice seemed redundant, as if I wouldn't, but it seems there's a significant risk of damaging the nerves to my legs and lower 'bits'. It could have really serious repercussions.
So a sobering chat. It seems that the odds are against the worst happening if I behave sensibly.
I use the recumbent stationary bike at the gym for cardio. I mentioned to my wife that it seems a little bit silly as I go nowhere. She pointed out that I used to ride a 20-odd circular route along the Downs when I had a hour or so to spare. I didn't actually go anywhere then. When on it I shut my eyes and I'm back in the saddle.
I used to ride up Ditchling Beacon when I was around 60 just to overtake the youngsters. Very juvenile I suppose, but it gave me a kick.
I've accepted it. My 28-year-old son lived and breathed rugby from the age of 13 and now the season is about to start has made the difficult decision that because of injury, repeated concussion, he'll have to give up. He's heartbroken but he's off to a velodrome to take up his new sport. So I'll learn from his sensible attitude.
The injury, to my L5 vertebrae, is not common to cyclists although not unknown. It seems I should have got a bigger bike when a kid - I grew so fast though - and suspension when off road. (Girly!) But the main thing was that when my back hurt I should have set the bike up differently. Further, I, like everyone, fell off a few times and was hit by a car three times. That probably didn't help.
But if like me you have numb toes or tingling in the legs, especially lower calfs, then see your doctor. I've had the problem for ten years or so, getting slowly worse, so I might have been able to sort the problem out if I'd gone earlier.
It's not helping that, following our tremendous Olympic cycling victories, the roads seem cluttered with bikes round my way. Some of them are fabulous. I've had cheapish bikes, well cheap given how much I used them, the most expensive being £700, as they took a bit of a pounding in my hands. It would have been nice to buy something, if not cutting edge, then new and expensive enough to make kids look at it.
Will take up golf.
Cheers again, guys. Don't feel sorry for me. I've had years of enjoyment. I was in at the start of the popularity of offroad cycling and that was fabulous. I've been chased by farmers and accused of causing erosion, this on bridleways used by loads of horses. An old boy attacked me with a walking stick, this after the Wildlife and Countryside Act allowed cycling on bridleways. I used to commute and once sat at the top of the Downs looking over a mist-filled Ouse valley, with Lewis in the distance, and the castle (and the ugly council offices) just poking through the clouds. I though to myself 'Sod this.' I turned left and went along the South Downs Way, stopping at a pub to phone my office manager to ask if I'd booked an annual leave day. I got home normal time and my wife said that I'd obviously had a good day at work.
Would I do the same again? Yes, but with the right size bike and suspension.
Enjoy your cycling but don't ignore pain and numbness.
I did a bit of research on recumbents and on a visit to my doctor on another matter I mentioned it as an option. I was told that I hadn't taken on board all that I've been told. It would appear that my back is somewhat worse than I thought. I've got numb toes, tingling in my calves and one or two other odd symptoms. It seems that I could have very serious problems if I don't take care.
I'd been given a flyer which said that that if I suddenly find I have no control of my bowls or I cannot feel my legs I should go to A&E immediately. The advice seemed redundant, as if I wouldn't, but it seems there's a significant risk of damaging the nerves to my legs and lower 'bits'. It could have really serious repercussions.
So a sobering chat. It seems that the odds are against the worst happening if I behave sensibly.
I use the recumbent stationary bike at the gym for cardio. I mentioned to my wife that it seems a little bit silly as I go nowhere. She pointed out that I used to ride a 20-odd circular route along the Downs when I had a hour or so to spare. I didn't actually go anywhere then. When on it I shut my eyes and I'm back in the saddle.
I used to ride up Ditchling Beacon when I was around 60 just to overtake the youngsters. Very juvenile I suppose, but it gave me a kick.
I've accepted it. My 28-year-old son lived and breathed rugby from the age of 13 and now the season is about to start has made the difficult decision that because of injury, repeated concussion, he'll have to give up. He's heartbroken but he's off to a velodrome to take up his new sport. So I'll learn from his sensible attitude.
The injury, to my L5 vertebrae, is not common to cyclists although not unknown. It seems I should have got a bigger bike when a kid - I grew so fast though - and suspension when off road. (Girly!) But the main thing was that when my back hurt I should have set the bike up differently. Further, I, like everyone, fell off a few times and was hit by a car three times. That probably didn't help.
But if like me you have numb toes or tingling in the legs, especially lower calfs, then see your doctor. I've had the problem for ten years or so, getting slowly worse, so I might have been able to sort the problem out if I'd gone earlier.
It's not helping that, following our tremendous Olympic cycling victories, the roads seem cluttered with bikes round my way. Some of them are fabulous. I've had cheapish bikes, well cheap given how much I used them, the most expensive being £700, as they took a bit of a pounding in my hands. It would have been nice to buy something, if not cutting edge, then new and expensive enough to make kids look at it.
Will take up golf.
Cheers again, guys. Don't feel sorry for me. I've had years of enjoyment. I was in at the start of the popularity of offroad cycling and that was fabulous. I've been chased by farmers and accused of causing erosion, this on bridleways used by loads of horses. An old boy attacked me with a walking stick, this after the Wildlife and Countryside Act allowed cycling on bridleways. I used to commute and once sat at the top of the Downs looking over a mist-filled Ouse valley, with Lewis in the distance, and the castle (and the ugly council offices) just poking through the clouds. I though to myself 'Sod this.' I turned left and went along the South Downs Way, stopping at a pub to phone my office manager to ask if I'd booked an annual leave day. I got home normal time and my wife said that I'd obviously had a good day at work.
Would I do the same again? Yes, but with the right size bike and suspension.
Enjoy your cycling but don't ignore pain and numbness.
Gassing Station | Pedal Powered | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff