Even though I've been in a lot of hip pain over the last three months, I've worked hard to strengthen them to the point I can ride a bike. I think as I'm moving my legs in one plane with no side to side pivoting, cycling is okay. Certainly the e-bike allows me to back off if I am feeling fatigued and whilst I ease into harder cycling, it allows me just to pedal with minimal effort, particuarly going up hills. I've read lots of stories and reviews about how older people who are less mobile got fit again using an e-bike, or at least gained some freedom they didn't have on the couch, getting them into some adventure they never thought possible. Given the rise in diesel prices - now AUD $2.70 (actually, since I drafted this a few days ago, it's nearly at $3 near us) at the pump - getting to the shops or beach on this will also be good for our wallet.
She's already been given a human name - Sandy. Appropriate or what?
We had two major rides on the weekend - one into the bush gravel tracks behind Anglesea, and the other to Point Roadknight, where we swim every morning, plus a drunken double dink (what do you call it) for Jamie to pick up a bike frame from the other side of town, which was hilarious. I'm not sure the bike SHOULD have carried two of us, and the hills were a struggle, but down hill holding onto Jamie at 40kmph was a hoot.
We are so spoilt for choice in this town. To get to the beach on Sunday, we avoided the roads, and went along the river and then the dirt track down to the sea. I mean, these views, am I right?
A bit of mixed terrain - gravel, sandy tracks, asphalt and concrete and grass, all of which she handled well, as well as a few meaty uphills. Jamie's sure getting fit pedalling behind me!
There was a really big swell as well, so a lot of people had got to this beach because it was right for the size and their ability. I definitely preferred to cycle over surf (I know, right, big call!) because it was so crowded.
The views were just gorgeous. I can't even explain the beauty of this place. We took the back gravel route to another beach and looked at the waves for a while. It's a track I've never gone down - Sandy sure is going to take me to new places!
We also road down a couple of side streets that are no through roads for cars, and saw some pretty gorgeous houses. I'd need another million or two to move to that side of town! Still, there's definitely a downside to moving that close to the sea - house maintenance and rust on the cars for one! Being in a sheltered spot a km and a half a way as the crow flies is fine by me.
Here's Jamie striking a pose. For extra fitness, he ran to the bottom of the stairs and back. Poor boy was knackered by the end of the weekend.
In the distance we could see the lighthouse at Airey's Inlet - this taken with 5x camera zoom. The grandson is looking forward to going up in it because he's not allowed til he is 5.
Honestly, I had so much fun on this bike. In the morning Jamie was off to work and told me to take a break from riding as it was going to rain. He went to work, and I jumped on Sandy to go down the beach - yep, I'm a rebel. I had a beautiful swim and then headed back as the skies opened up. I went back via a huge hill to see if she'd do it, which she did. I got very wet and had so wipe her down and re-oil her chain.
When I went to physio, he told me to ride every second or third day, so I don't send my hip backwards. I suppose I should listen - I don't want to be couch rideen again! I'm one to get carried away I suppose, but I'm also a lot better at listening to advice too. I've been given a lot harder exercises to strengthen my hip and I'm feeling so hopeful that between some 'sensible' cycling, some limited surfs, and the exercises, I'll be having adventures on the bike for many years to come.
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