31 August

A Bumpy Bike Day. A Reset.

by Jon Katz

My struggle with my bike is fascinating to me, and surprising.

I woke up this morning and decided not to ride, then this afternoon, the day was so beautiful I decided to try out my new food pedals. That didn’t work out.

I said I would share the experience, and I will.

I couldn’t get my leg up high enough to get my right foot into one of them, and it was another drama along the highway. I experience fear and panic in a way I have not in a long time.

I simply could not get my right foot into the straps. Every time I got my left foot going, my right foot just couldn’t sync with the pedal. I flopped around for 20 minutes before giving up.

Maria came and watched, and she said I had to lift my leg higher than it would go on these new pedals,  I am returning the pedals I just got and buying some new ones without straps.

My therapist said she thought it was noteworthy that I have no fear of another heart surgery but am terrified of my bike. “You are fearless,” she said.

And I had such a good ride yesterday, once I got through the wind blowing me like a mainsail.

Today was different, nothing seemed to work.

The panic came quickly and went deep.

I hate to quit on things, but I knew to stop.

My head wasn’t right today. The good news is that my incision didn’t hurt at all on the bike, or for much of the day.

So, some decisions.

No more biking on the highway in front of the house. I’m just too preoccupied there, and it’s too dangerous for a learner.

Secondly, Thursday I’m going to the bike store and buying a bike rack. Today, I had a two-inch hitch installed on the back of the Rav 4.

I’ll drive to the safe and quiet country roads I love, park the car and ride to my heart’s content.

I don’t really understand the panic associated with this bike, but I welcome the chance to figure it out and move passed it. I called one of the salespeople at the bike store and told her what was going on. She was very nice.

“I hear this all the time,” she said. “Believe me, you’ll figure it out.” I will.

12 Comments

  1. So glad to hear about the bike rack. Busy roads are just dangerous. I used to ride my horse along roads but people just don’t understand animals like they used to. I trailer to safe places now.

  2. Maybe bike shoes or shoes with heels that will keep your feet from slipping off? Just off the top of my head as I’m not a biker.

  3. Your photos would make great greeting cards. The vivid sky in this one looks ominous. There almost looks like there’s a funnel cloud developing and the contrasting colors between the sky and the landscape are breathtaking. Nice job!

  4. Someone (who knew what they were talking about) long ago told me that people (or dogs, or cats, or any other sentient beings) get anxious when they are pushing their boundaries. It’s the price you must pay for growing.

    So: you’re growing. Congratulations to you for starting a new journey into a bigger world.

  5. Some at home PT and flexing exercise with the legs will gradually acclimate your lower torso to the new pedals. Believe me, I know after riding for over 20 years. The pedal straps really help to provide a power stroke.

  6. Jon, I can hear the concern in your words and I I think getting the bike rack is so smart. You’ll appreciate being able to take your bike somewhere safe and just enjoy it rather than worrying about getting flattened by a vehicle. I just did the same thing; can now take my bike to the deserted, huge and level community college campus near me and ride safely to my heart’s content. Your bike shop can help you make a good choice. Be aware that these bikes are SOOOO heavy (50-60 lbs+) that they can be carried only by certain racks, and getting them on and off a rack can be its own workout. There’s at least one rack out there that has an integrated ramp. It’s not cheap but it’s worth it to not have to lift and place that heavy object!
    Glad to hear about the new cleated pedals. Personally I’d be terrified to be strapped/clipped into pedals in any way.
    Try not to be too hard on yourself right now. Your body is going through a LOT. Your spirit’s going through even more.

  7. “My head wasn’t right today” is something to pay attention to. I am a Farmer in Ontario, I ride bike and motorcycle, 4 wheeler, etc. When I was taking flight training for ultralight flying, one strong point in decision making training was: how am I feeling? A little ill? Anxious? Excited? Dull? And then make a wise choice of ‘Go, or No Go’ based on a rational evaluation.

  8. Yes you are on the right track. I have biked for many many years. I am 69. due to neck surgery needed to transition to a new bike where I could sit up straight. I have done “baskets” “clips” and then just flat pedals. I have had terrible accidents and now am floundering. I got rid of the baskets right away and also the clip. Will spare you the stories. I do believe you will thrive with a bike rack and driving someplace where it is safe and nonthreatening. I do that now. People that mountain bike do that all the time. That is the way of cycling safely for you I would think. It is for me. I don’t mind driving to cycle safely. I come home in one piece and happy. sweaty too.

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