The outreach department at the stroke centre at the hospital run some activities, so I decided to join up with the cycling group.
Had my first session this morning and we spent an hour going around the local park, at our own pace, which is 1 miles in distance per lap. There were 6 of us this morning, all at different stages of their recovery, pushing their own personal boundaries. We use 3 wheel bikes, although they have 2 wheel bikes, which I hope to move onto in the future.
It was great fun and I completed 7 laps, dodging the walkers and the dogs. I was surprised how many people were out at 9:30 in the morning, lots of people getting their exercise in.
I also joined the games group and we play dominoes once a week. Good to get out of the house.
I really enjoy cycling did quite a bit or stroke. That got knocked on the head (no pun intended) following my cerebellar stroke that affected balance.
Roll on 9 months and I took the plunge with my wife watching carefully. On two wheels and managed 100 yards up the road and 100 yards back . Wife in tears, me feeling exhilarated, balance fared well with not a single crash!
Over the last three years since I’ve upped the distance, can easily do 20 miles now, pretty much back where i was pre stroke.
Don’t give up on the two wheel dream, it may be some way off and a lot of wobbles on the way. If it doesn’t happen three wheels should do nicely, there’s a couple (non-stroked) near me who ride tandem trike and are out most find weekends on the country lanes.
I haven’t written anything on here for a few years but really interested to hear about your cycling experience. I’m nearly 5 years post stroke and used to cycle before. I’m walking well. Most people don’t know I’ve had a stroke. But I haven’t got the confidence to even get on my bike. A couple of years back, a physio told me to cycle to cure my central post stroke pain. Not sure how that was supposed to work.
Mary
I used to cycle a lot,since my stroke I wouldn’t feel confident to get back on two wheels,maybe a spin bike.
I am almost back my balance has improved and my walking endurance increased.I am back in the gym 20 minutes on x trainer or on running machine
As the saying goes, there’s more than one way to skin a cat,
If anyone is interested in or want to get back into cycling, there are options.
The 3 wheeled bikes are really a no brainer for those who fear falling off, you just can’t fall off.
Static bikes are another way forward; either at a gym, or you can pick them up relatively cheaply second hand on ebay/facebook, even in charity shops, if you don’t want to buy brand new.
To help with confidence or to learn how to cycle, Bikeability is not just for kids to learn how to cycle on our streets safely you know
So its always worth checking out what’s available in your area on the internet. My local council use Bikeability for schools but other council may use something else and there’s always private companies/sports centres which may be available in your area. Local facebook pages, shop/church notice boards are always other places to check out both for buying second hand bikes or classes being run.
And sometimes all that lack of confidence needs is a hand to hold, while you get back on your bike for the first time since your stroke.
I tried a recumbent cycle earlier this year (2 years post stroke). It went okay, and would like to make my way up the ladder to a tricycle and then bicycle and feel the rush of wind whizz past me. That will be the day.
. Wife in tears, me feeling exhilarated, balance fared well with not a single crash!
