Originally Posted by
3940dxer
Last year I injured my shoulder, had to deal with 2 surgeries, and was off the bike for 6 months, but I’ve been back on for 6 months, without any pain or issues.
I am a bit younger but what I have found is recovery from injury takes much more time than when young. You were off 6 months. I would expect at least a year to recover your previous fitness. I broke 10 bones in Sept 2021 and it took until mid Summer 2022 before I was close to the same fitness. And I did not take 6 months off. Be patient. I got Covid just after Thanksgiving and my FTP was off 75 watts and very slowly I am regaining my power. I might take 6 months. I think you should ride as much as you enjoy and just be patient. (get checked by the Docs but in the end, you might just need time)
Would there be a way to offload some of your accessories to others on the ride? Any 70 yo should be cut some slack. 10 pounds is a lot.