Re:
Nearly back in the Saddle:
I’m sure that everyone on here will understand that I intend to start riding again as soon as I am able.
The Surgeon told me however that I will need 10 weeks to recover from my open Bowel Surgery. I took this as being the amount of time that I will need to be signed off work. I was told not to try and lift anything during this time for fear of causing a hernia, and presumably to avoid straining the internal stitching. Mind you I have indeed coughed, and sneezed since the operation, both of which were an unpleasant experience. Prior to, and far worse than that though, I have also vomited twice - this was 7 days after the surgery, and that was bloody painful across my abdomen.
Anyway, as I appear to be still held together after all of that with no sign of damage, I have this morning started to organise things with a view to swinging a leg over a bike again.
As you know I am in the Mike Muzz club of Seat Post height, but right now, there is no chance that I would be able to adopt anything like that sort of forward reaching, stretched out X.C. racing position. So I decided that my 1997 Kona Koa would be set-up somewhat differently for the purpose of easing into riding a bike again.
I removed the 400mm Post that was fitted, and stuck in a shorter alternative topped off with a very faded X-Lite Kevlar Saddle. The Bars are Easton EA50 Monkey Bar 640mm x 40mm Rise, which brings them above the height of the Saddle. My usual Saddle to floor measurement is 40”, and this now measures 36” - I think it more resembles a Dirt Jumper now, than my usual rides!
It will be 4 weeks on Monday since my Surgery, so I will attempt to at least sit on the thing, even if I need a mount it from a raised step. If I feel comfortable enough, I may even try to peddle it along too.
Untitled by
Philip Mock, on Flickr
Untitled by
Philip Mock, on Flickr
Pip.