zandoval 

Been outta it since November 2017. Had a bout of Malignant Melanoma of the scalp. Possibly precipitated by a slow healing wound on my head after a bicycle accident several years ago. Well I finally got thin enough in my hair that I found it and got it treated at MD Anderson Houston. WOW... Even though I've been working in the medical field for most of my life, I just didn't think a simple skin lesion could be so serious. All better now. Went form stage four to stage one no chemo, no radiation. YEAH!

Have not ridden my bike cause I can't wear a helmet yet. I did get a stationary stand but I just can't stand it. I have never been one for treadmills, ellipticals or stationary anything.

Anyway... I finally came back to cruising the bikeforum and hope soon to ride. Its nice knowing youse guys are still here...

Kurt Erlenbach

I've become a bit more serious about skin care recently. I apparently have a bald spot - at least that's what I'm told - so I wear a hat when I'm outside for more than a few minutes. In the summer I load up on the sunscreen on my arms, legs, and neck when I'm riding. Melanoma is nothing to screw around with.

sevenmag

Good to hear you're getting things back to normal somewhat. I had a big patch of skin removed last summer that was a pre-cancer. It was an eye opener for sure. Now I take more precautions.

Oldguyonoldbike

It's good to hear that you're okay. I hope you can get back to cycling soon.
Having spent almost my whole life in sunny, hot climates, I just assume that I will get skin cancer at some point, like my father and grandfather before me. My wife had a pre-cancerous patch removed from her face about seven or eight years ago, and only since then have I taken sunscreen or other protection seriously. Your story is a reminder to be vigilant.

livedarklions

I think we should brainstorm ideas for an under-helmet hat thingy to get you back out there ASAP. Glad you're doing so well!

canklecat

Good to hear you're recovering.

I think the trick to using an indoor trainer or stationary bike is to find the right distraction. I was out for several weeks with two busted shoulders in May and June. A friend gave me his old Cycleops trainer. I tried some training videos on YouTube but they were dreadful.

I sorted through my Amazon watch list of movies and TV shows I've been intending to watch and settled on Orphan Black. Didn't expect much and the first episode didn't really grab me. But I watched three episodes in the first two days on the trainer. Next thing I knew it was season 5 and I'd put in the equivalent to 1,000 miles on the trainer.

When I was finally able to ride outside again, just a couple of weeks ago, I was in pretty good shape. Legs and lungs were good. Biggest challenge was the summer heat, since I missed my window of opportunity for gradual heat adaptation in May. And Texas went from "Oh, nice weather we're having the springOHMYGOD, WHAT THE HECK HAPPENED IT'S A FURNACE IN HERE!!!" I rode two days this weekend with the temps peaking at 110F and felt fine until Sunday morning, then felt kinda queasy from exhaustion.

Anyway, the indoor trainer isn't bad if you can find something to distract you. I keep most of my sessions to the length of a 40 minute episode.

OldTryGuy

BACK

Had another 102 miles completed at 4AM Saturday in darkness aided by moon shine and battery lights. Very little UV to worry about.