No, I’m not out on the road, but I did get on my bike up on the trainer! You see, I picked it up from the bike shop where I smartly took it before my surgery knowing I would be frustrated just looking at it recognizing I couldn’t go out for at least 6 weeks.
On Saturday I retrieved it from the bike shop and set it up outside on the patio. The weather, regardless of the rain or temperature was not going to keep me from a much longed for ride, even if it was just on the trainer.
What an experience!
Riding a bicycle is my primary coping mechanism and I’ve so missed it. I felt like I was reunited with a close friend. I’m sure many of you are rolling your eyes thinking ‘who thinks about a bike like that, but a half silly person’. Let me give you some history.
Thirty plus years ago I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, far away from home in a new town and with little support system. My body was breaking down on a daily basis and the doctors had no clue why. In fact, I remember a daily routine I would go through each morning to see what was still working. Could I see? Could I stand up? Could I balance myself or would I tip over? Could I feel all the parts of my body? Normal sensation and functionality seemed to disappear over night.
I knew I needed to have something to look forward to and keep my mind occupied so I would not obsess about what was mysteriously happening to me. The vision I set for myself was to be able to get back on a bike and ride in the open space all by myself. It was imagining the rush of the wind in my face and the feeling I was not subject to anyone’s expectations that kept me going through that turbulent time.
Over the years, there have been countless stressful experiences that’ve tested me in so may ways, but I could always count on the bike to be a welcome reset to what was good in the world for me.
Yesterday I relived that renewing experience for 30 minutes on the trainer.
