Just wanted to share a a little testimony today. I know some may be judge mental or have snide remarks, but I feel the need to share it.
Approximately 2yr ago I herniated a disc in my back at my L5/S1 during in service training while employed as a Deputy Sheriff. Prior to this injury, I was active in cycling and in fairly good shape. Please don't assume that I feel sorry for myself, because I know others out there have it WAY worse than I do.
Anyways, I recovered but still had the herniated disc. I was able to cycle again and get back after it when I moved back home. Although, I had gained A LOT of weight. With the extra weight gain, getting back to cycling caused a lot of pain so I stopped doing it. Not long after while working on the road, my back started to hurt more and more. I wasn't motivated to workout because of the pain and I couldn't cycle. One day while getting out of my patrol car, my back went out again.
The whole cycle started over again with being out of work and having to get PT and such. This go around though, the doctor told me that if I continued my career in law enforcement it was only going to get worse and regardless, I was going to have to have surgery at some point in my life. The goal was to prolong surgery for as long as possible. He said my disc was completely dehydrated and he was certain I have degenerative disc disease. Well, I was already upset obviously about the fact that I knew I was probably going to have to change careers and I never considered that option.
Some may not consider this a big deal, but for me it was. I asked that doctor if I would at least be able to ride my bike, and if not, what was my options. He said I should never ride a normal bicycle again because it would only worsen my back. I was honestly devastated and defeated. The doctor told me I should research a recumbent bile/trike.
I was upset to hear that I needed to get a recumbent because I remember my momma had one, but to me, it was not cool or good for a work out. So, I just let myself go physically and was just defeated as a whole.
Recently, I've had enough of being out of shape and I've missed cycling for stress relief and fitness. I've done some research on a dealer in Gainesville that sells recumbents. I saw they were pretty darn expensive, but I wanted to go and talk to an expert and take some test rides to see if it would really be worth it. They weren't the same as the one my mom had and there were a lot of different models and colors to choose from. Seemed to be a lot "cooler" than what I've seen in the past.
Well, I drove over to GatorCycle in Gainesville and met with recumbent expert, Michael Spugnardi, and got educated and took some test rides. I was sold! He was very knowledgeable and was the first sales man I've ever talked to that actually was concerned for my health and budget. He had actually had back surgery, so we were able to relate with what it was like to have this injury and not being able to do what we love in cycling. He gave me the best advice by telling me to go home, think about it and see if I can afford it and to make sure I pick the best one that fits me
The last several weeks I've prayed about it, done the budget a million times, tried to close sales to make extra money and researched for hours and hours. Well, today I went and met with Michael, test drove two of the models I was debating on getting and came home with a Catrike Villager!!!
I'm so thankful and I excited that I have a way to cycle and workout without being in pain. I'm looking forward to being motivated again and getting back in shape!
If there is anybody reading this that has similar issues, go talk with Michael at GatorCycles in Gainesville. He is extremely friendly, knowledgeable and patient. He truly cares about his customers.
Y'all will see me around town. read more