Cycle North Carolina -> -> What are your thoughts ....
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Lee Ann

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What are your thoughts ....
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I have been riding for about 18 months before my June 21st, 2005 accident.   (Thank God for helmets!!!!) In this accident I broke my right clavicle in two places ... no big deal ... most people crash at least once in their cycling career ... and again no big deal .. its common to break your clavicle ... and even though mine are comminuted fractures that has had NO new bone growth in what has now been 11 weeks is probably not a big deal either, but I can't help being apprehensive and a bit cautious.  After 6 weeks I put my road bike on a stationary trainer and started riding it probably 2 to 3 times a week, although I find it boring ... I feel it was necessary.  Before my accident I was averaging 125 miles a week on the saddle, with 20-22 mile day rides with a big Saturday ride at around 40+ miles.  Three days ago, in spite of my unhealed body I got back on the saddle again, although I am using my hybrid bike instead of my road bike.  I have been riding pain free and have in 11 miles the first ride, 30 the second and 20 yesterday.  Where I live it is virtually flat ... no hills whatsoever ... so ... based on your experience and the information I have provided ... what are your thoughts?  Can I make this ride?  Can I ride 60 to 100 miles in one day?  Can I use my hybrid bike instead of my road bike?  Can I make it through the hills even though I have never ridden in the hills?  Can I keep up?

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Gil

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What does your doctor say? Typically there should be healing at around six weeks and back to pre-break strength at around 10-12 weeks. A hybrid is a good choice, but you may find your road bike to be comfortable. The descents on hills may put more pressure on your clavicle, but I would have thought that you would have been healed by October (does your doctor say you are healing at all?). There will be all levels of riders, and all types of bikes, and keeping up should not be a problem. There will be rest stops every 15-20 miles and SAG vans on the route, and your mileage before the accident had you looking good for this ride. Your conditioning will return faster than you think provided that your are healing. The thing about hills is that after going up, you get to "coast" down. Sound like you are "getting back on the horse", and that is great. Good luck, and best wishes.


I broke my clavicle on the first day of CNC back in 2001. Couldn't ride the rest of the trip, but I stayed with CNC to the end and had a great time. I missed getting on the bike with everyone each morning, but I still saw the state and hung out around a bunch of wonderful folks with bicycles. Even if you had to cut mileage short each day, you could still enjoy the experience of CNC, but you, and your doctor, should feel pretty comfortable with the healing process before you go. Again, good luck!



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Lee Ann

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Thanks for your input ... I had not given any consideration to the downside of the hill and the pressure that might would place on the clavicle ... There is no healing as of yet, we are currently trying a "bone growth stimulator" for 30 minutes a day, hopefully this will work ... but that usually takes an additional 3 to 9 months ... My doctors advise toward physical activities last week was, "as tolerated."

I am seriously considering this ... and your input has given me hope ... cause like you said, even if I had to cut my mileage short ... I would still enjoy the experience ... and two things are for sure ... 1st is that I will not know if I could make the ride without trying and the 2nd thing is that I definetly will not make it if I don't try .... Again, thanks for your time and your input ... Lee Ann

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bAD dOG

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   Thought about a recumbent?  Maybe you can rent or borrow one.  That way, there would be no preasure on your arms.


bAD dOG



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