rdf37

History...Bike Accident 2016
Result.... Two broken collarbones, shattered right shoulder blade, 2 broken vertabre, concusion, minor brain damage that resoled itself, several surgeries.
I then sold all my equipment and bikes except fixie that the wreck was on!
I healed but would never be the same. Gave up on cycling
2019... Tried rollar skating on an outing and put skates on and didnt even make it to my feet and broke my leg lol. Surgery and more metal enters my body
2022....Table saw accident that took off 1/2 inch of finger lol
Tally it up and I have 9 levels in back fused, rods and pins in leg, and a short finger. Why am I excited?
Because I love cycling and after all this, my wife and I both decided to get on bikes again! I just had another surgery Tues the 12 of March to replace a neurostimulator that went bad but then Monday before surgery I purchased an GT Grade Carbon Elite. It is staring me down and hoping I can get the doctors release to ride on the 27th of March ( that is 8 days from now and counting).
I am stoked to say the least and just wanted to share. I am 56 going on 57 and looking to regain my joy I get from just riding without any concern on competition and what others are doing. It is back to basics and just riding for the love of riding..
Anyway, thanks for reading and just enjoy the ride!
Randy

_ForceD_

Just wondering if all the fused vertebrae will make it difficult, or uncomfortable to be in a road riding position for long.

Dan

RB1-luvr

be careful!

rdf37

Having been in a kyak last year a few times i was able to switch positions to get comfortable from time to time. Riding should work the same way which is why i went with the drop bars (hand position plays a direct role in position of hip to back. I am very mobile in spite of my medical issues. Time will tell as far as the geometry of the bike. It does put me in a more upright position compared to my race bike from the past. Comfort will be an issue if I am even the slightest off in bike fit. The 55 frame of the GT is the perfect to get fit dialed in. The concern is well noted and if the future does show discomfort beyond what I am capable of enduring....it will be off to the sale the bike world lol. These truly are all the things my wife and i talked about as far as choosing gravel over road and gravel over mountain.
Thanks you for the concern and for the thought
Randy

squirtdad

that looks like a good bike to get the excitement back with..... https://www.backcountry.com/gt-grade...te-gravel-bike

Pratt

May be your nickname should be Lucky.

VegasJen

Good luck! Wishing you the best.