Learning to ride a bike... again.

unmitigatedbadassery · July 2011

When I was younger I could ride a bike like a fish swims in water. When I was 18 I was riding about 6 miles every day and I would go everywhere. Fast forward a decade - I am now almost 29 and I can't ride a bike.

At 27, I suffered a major stroke (I'm not looking for sympathy, I'm just explaining) and it affected my left cerebellum which is the center of the brain that controls movement and coordination and balance. I went through physical therapy and I am walking fine now. In fact most people will never know I had a stroke at all.

The problem I am having is that I got a really nice bike for my birthday in November with the hopes of riding the 2 miles to work every day. I hopped on one weekend and started to pedal and BOOM - I was on the ground. I got up and tried again. Same. After 3 crashes (and not moving more than a foot or two) I had hurt my leg and I was done with it. I tried again the next weekend and more of the same. I managed to work up the momentum -and I strongly it was inertia and luck more than ability - to make it around the block once. I was spent after that. I have tried again with pedal>fall>hit ground results. It was difficult emotionally so I haven't tried in several months.

Today I am going to get back on it. Are there any tips for someone learning to ride a bike again at nearly 30.

TruckerChick · July 2011

My dad had the same stroke you did... but he was in his 60s. I feel for you because I know the problems he's been having so I could just imagine what you are going through.

As for riding the bike, I would have to say a lot of your problems have to do with balance. And your balance is effected because of the area the stroke occurred... my dad still cannot bend over without falling on his face... so he stopped bending over.

I guess time and effort will overcome that problem. Kind of like learning all over again how to find your balance... like you did when you were a kid!

On a side note, I, too, recently took up bike riding again. I don't have the issues you are having, but not having ridden a bike for nearly 20 years, and having arthritis of the knee, I am having issues as well.

Together, we can overcome these challenges and we will get on those bikes again!!
Good luck to you!!!

unmitigatedbadassery · July 2011

thank you for your reply. The one time I made it around the block I was so worn out. It felt like I had just ran a marathon. I have a feeling that there is no magical advise for me other than to keep doing it until I get it.

Bumblebee26 · July 2011

I applaud you for getting back on the bike, even though you have fallen. I'm a huge fan of bike commuting and again applaud you for wanting to do this. As for helping you, it may be a little embarrising at first, but maybe have someone help you like when you were a kid, A brother, sister any loved one physically able to hold the back end of the bike while you try for balance. You could also "walk" the bike down a flat strip of road and down small hills taking your feet off the ground occasionally to learn to balance. I hope these ideas help and that you can get back to riding!

Thriceshy · July 2011

I'm going to put something out there that you may not want to hear--you may not fully recover this ability. I don't mean to discourage, but it may not come back to the degree you hope for. If you have a phsycical therapist, ask about balance-improving exercises and bike riding. It's also possible that your current weight may be interfering--I know that when I got a bike at 300 lbs, it was tough. Another thought--even if the balance issue never resolves itself enough for traditional bike riding, you DO have options--there are three-wheeled bikes and three-wheeled recumbent bikes that make riding possible even for folks whose balance (or knees, or backs) won't allow for "regular" riding. My stationary bike is recumbent and is so kind to me, and after torturing my knees and back on a regular street bike, I'm absolutely looking at a three-wheeled recumbent in the future.

Good luck, and don't give up--if you and your physical therapist decide that a "regular" bike isn't going to work for you, look for alternatives! You can do it!

Kris

unmitigatedbadassery · July 2011

Thanks Thrice. I have been told more times than I can count that I may not recover fully. Then again I was also told that I may never use my left hand or walk again. Those were unacceptable to me since I have a 2 year old that needs a fully functioning dad.

I agree that my weight very well could be a factor here. I have lost close to 30 since I last attempted to ride so I am hoping that is enough to see a little improvement.

I don't currently have a therapist. I haven't seen him since Dec of 2009 when he told me there wasn't any more to do.

Thanks you everyone for your suggestions.

Sissy4EverX3 · July 2011

My soon-to-be ex-husband got me a bike last month for my 32nd birthday. I hadn't been on one in 20 years. Now, I've not had the medical problems you've had, but I have to tell you that getting back on that bik efor the first time wasn't easy. I was scared to death. But I did it. Keep trying - you'll get it.

cammons · July 2011

I turned 30 this year and I too am just getting back to riding my bike, to say that I'm terrible at it would probably be the understatement of the century. I don't know what to do with all these gears, I never did anything with the gears on my 5-speed as a kid and so this 10-speed is sufficiently daunting that I stay in the same gear when I ride to and from work (weather permitting) which somehow is actually, I swear I am not making this up, uphill both ways.

Do you have access to a fitness center or gym with stationary bikes? I started trying to remember how to ride by taking spin classes at the gym for months, it isn't quite the same but I do think it helped me build my endurance before trying the real thing again.

You might also want to seek out your local bike shop, my brother has these special brackets that he uses in winter to ride his bikes own bikes in the house. I would bet that the folks at your bike shop, especially if it is one of those independent places with seriously dedicated cyclists as employees, might have a ton of ideas on how to get you back up and riding. (If your ego could handle it training wheels might be just the thing to keep you upright while you build back your balance and endurance.)

Keep up the amazing work!

deb505 · July 2011

Don't give up I haven't been on a bike for 11 yrs. I also got a bike (not for my b-day) but I am hoping that by riding it will help me lose some of my weight. I am 57 yrs. and I ride 1mile per day just started so I am sure it will get better and easier. Take someone along, I take my grandson and it is encouraging mainly cause he has the energy and keeps me going. GOOD LUCK I KNOW YOU CAN DO IT.

unmitigatedbadassery · July 2011

Thank you to all of you who had kind words of encouragement. I wanted to let you all know that as of tonight I can ride a bike again! I made it 2 blocks and had to call it a day because it was burning my quads. A little more every day and I will be back to those 6 mile rides in no time!

misslauren88 · July 2011

anyone got any tips for getting rid of what appears to be welts forming on my inner thighs where the bike seat hits.

evilbanks · July 2011

Dude

I wish you the best of luck. YOU CAN DO IT

Learning to ride a bike... again.

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