A Change In Circumstances

For just over six months it was painful and very difficult to move about. Then I had another back operation which helped enormously in easing the pain. Slowly I began to be more mobile but I was unable to lead a normal, active life. The most important thing was an ending of my cycling!

My diagnosis is permanent nerve damage in the lower back, sadly this means it is unlikely that I will get on a bicycle again!

One thing that really annoys me is not being able to ride Lôn Las Cymru - the Sustrans route that goes the length of Wales - from Cardiff to Holyhead. I purchased the maps for the route and had done some preliminary planning, but was waiting for the right opportunity to do the ride. Sadly it is too late now.

November 2007

For three months now I have been going to a fitness gym that specialises in who are rehabilitating from an injury or illness, or who have a disability.

One machine that I have used a lot is a handcycle machine. As this has worked so well, I have decided to try and get back on the road again on a bike! Last Friday (23rd) I ordered a handcycle from bike-on.com.

It is a Top End XLT Pro:

It is hoped that delivery will be before Christmas. I can't wait!

7th December 2007

Sad news, I have been told my supplier in the USA will not get my bike until early January 2008. It seems that the manufacturer is particularly busy because it is Christmas. I wonder if I said mine was not a Christmas present I could get it quicker?

4th January 2008

I am now the proud owner of an Invacare Top End XLT Pro handcycle!

It arrived at London Heathrow airport early Thursday 3rd January, then it was transported to London Gatwick airport early Friday 4th January. I then collected it in the afternoon after it had been cleared through Customs.

The evening has been spent adjusting the seat, leg rests and hand cranks to be in the correct position for me. I can't wait to go for a ride on it!