Resumed Cycling Following a Two-Month Absence, Renewing Passion for the Sport
In a heartwarming comeback, the author, a passionate cyclist, has pedaled his way back onto the road after a five-year hiatus. The journey, filled with anticipation and emotion, marks a significant milestone in the author's life, symbolising a return of independence and mobility.
The author's cycling journey began on a single-speed bike, affectionately known as his 'pub bike'. However, a tragic accident in the end of May resulted in a broken ankle, forcing him off his bike for the longest time in at least five years. The ensuing months were marked by the author's presence in an orthopaedic boot, a constant reminder of his limitations.
The broken ankle had a profound impact on the author's daily life, making simple tasks difficult. The inability to cycle was a constant source of frustration, especially during the peak summer months of June and July. As the dust gathered on his bike and its tyres slowly deflated, the author found solace in the thought of future adventures.
The author's return to cycling was not driven by fitness, but by a yearning for freedom and independence. Last week, he embarked on his first clipped-in ride since his accident, a 40-minute, 15km journey that brought tears of joy. The author expressed his elation, saying it was the first time he had cried while pedaling since his injury, as it was a return of his independence and ability to get around.
The author's injury has given him a new sense of solidarity and empathy for those going through similar experiences. He has developed a newfound respect and sympathy for those without the fortune to have life on two wheels. The bicycle, he says, is an emancipatory machine, a low-cost and low-carbon option for travel.
The author's road to recovery was not a swift one. The average recovery time for a broken ankle typically ranges from 6 to 8 weeks for mild fractures, with more complex breaks requiring longer periods, potentially several months to fully recover. The initial phase involves wearing a plaster or brace to immobilize the ankle for about 6 weeks, keeping weight off the foot and elevating the leg to reduce swelling.
After the plaster is removed, physical therapy begins to regain mobility and strength in the ankle. Cycling requires stable ankle function and some impact tolerance, so returning to riding may take additional weeks beyond the bone healing phase to safely regain full function and prevent reinjury. More severe fractures or surgeries can extend this timeline, with physical therapy lasting several months and a slow progression back to full activity.
Cyclists, including the author, should work closely with their healthcare provider to determine when it's safe to resume cycling, starting with light, zone 2 effort rides (sustained, moderate pace) and gradually increasing intensity as tolerated.
Some people, unaware of the author's recovery, assumed he was running based on his Strava activity due to his 4km cycling distance. But for the author, the ability to go on longer adventures and explore was a beacon of hope during his recovery, and he is now eager to make up for lost time.
References:
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
- Mayo Clinic
- NHS UK
- OrthoInfo
- Bicycling Magazine
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