Today I went for a fun little ride over to my friend Corbi's house. Her cute little cottage is on
the rural edge of town in Walla Walla County, nestled up against an onion field (those
famous Walla Walla Sweets!) We found a huge tumble weed that had attached itself to an
irrigation wheel and decided it would make a great backdrop for the Mundo.
I didn't take Jack out today because he's feeling a little under the weather and I also needed a little time to myself because he's been exceptionally needy of late. My mum wisely says that good parents are the ones that know when they need a break and after getting up at 5am for the last week and being generally run down I just needed some me time. I still feel guilty every single time I leave him, even though he's in perfectly safe and loving hands with his Dad. I just see his eyes well up with tears and my heart breaks,
but I know it's important for both of us and when I get home he is always super cuddly and
happy to have me around, whereas usually I'm just boring old mum!
As soon as I got home I noticed the tell tale tingling of carpel tunnel in my hands, something I've had problems with for most of my life. I'm guessing being more aware of my wrist position in the future will help and maybe some supportive gloves. I had installed a new saddle right before I left and it made a huge difference to my ride, enabling me to go further than I had in the last few days. I know these little things will make a big difference in the weeks to come and not addressing small issues early on can lead to failure in the long run. I feel like I have to set myself up for success at every turn and be very conscientious of making informed decisions. You don't go from being a lazy lug to a cyclist over night, the months ahead won't be easy, but fortunately motivation is easy to come by when you live with a little guy like Jack. I do feel like a cyclist already and it really hits me when I look at pictures of Jack or myself on the bike that I'm finally at the beginning of my journey and I couldn't be anymore excited.
My new saddle that a kind fellow cyclist sent me to help me on my way.
Thank you Brad! You and Cycling Community have welcomed, encouraged and inspired me!
Pedal, pedal, pedal, every little bit counts! You're going to be way ahead of the pack and able to pay it forward come nice weather when lots of other families will be starting out new on their bikes. I think it's great that you're starting now, when you are ready, not waiting for the weather to warm up.
ReplyDeleteThanks kyouell! I thought about this yesterday while out cycling:)"Pedal, pedal, pedal, every little bit counts!"
DeleteIf your having wrist pain, maybe try different grips that offer more support.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.ergon-bike.com/us/en/product/gp1
The Ergon grips have a built out section that lifts and supports your wrist to reduce pain and fatigue. There are also other brands of grips that now offer similar properties.
Thanks shneg20, I will look into them!
DeleteVery inspiring. I have not yet made the plunge into the cargo cycle world, and it's great to hear tales from others about their adventures.
ReplyDeleteThanks heliopolister! Its super fun so far!
Delete(Speaking as a "House Dad" with 2 kids,15 and 9) Sometimes you HAVE to take a few minutes,take some "me time",it's not only healthy for you,in the end it is for your child\children as well.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry to hear of the wrist problems,I hope you take care of them,my friend.
Loving that pic,you're right,that tumbleweed IS the perfect backdrop :)
The Disabled Cyclist
Hey T.D.C. today has been another day that is extra hard work, sick tyke who had me up at 4am :( Glad you liked the huge tumbleweed!
DeleteMy friend got new grips that are super wide and it forces your wrist to stay enlongated. My problem is I usually torque my wrist and add my weight and it puts too much pressure on them. It will be a good investment in the long run to get proper grips to keep your wrist straight.
ReplyDeleteTricia
Tricia- thats what I do, I have to constantly remind myself to let the weight rest through my legs rather than the seat and handlebars...tougher than it sounds!
DeleteI have Carpal in both wrists and Cubital in both elbows...it got to the point that I could no longer ride a DF (upright bike) and so the world of recumbent trikes became my salvation. As long as there is a load - weight bearing - on my wrist's and elbows I am in pain. The 'bent trike took care of that - no weight is supported at all by my wrist's or elbows. Just a thought for the future that you may have to change the load bearing issues.
ReplyDeletePick- I really hope I can find a way to manage it without having to switch bikes this early in the game! I'm sure if I'm more mindful of positioning it will help, but we will see!
DeleteGood to get out I bet! I love that color. It looks good rolling down the road. Glad to see you getting out there on the bike and pedaling away. As long as you keep working at it you will naturally build strength and stamina.
ReplyDeleteJason- Yes I loved getting out on the bike, can't wait to get out again. I like the orange because it was my late sisters favorite color and she always seemed to be wearing it.
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