Losing your nerve

[Bikernereid]

Recently I had to have spine surgery which has meant I have not been on my bike for at least 6 weeks and the way it feels to sit down I doubt I will be on the bike for quite some time. The problem is that since having the op I am in two minds about getting back on the bike. On one hand I really miss it (even if I am a newbie) but on the other hand I am really worried about more damage to my spine and more pain. At the moment I am trying to decide whether to get rid of my bike. I am leaning towards selling my little bike and wonder how others who have had major surgery get the nerve to get back on their bike? Any (polite) advice welcome.

[Edbear]

Recently I had to have spine surgery which has meant I have not been on my bike for at least 6 weeks and the way it feels to sit down I doubt I will be on the bike for quite some time. The problem is that since having the op I am in two minds about getting back on the bike. On one hand I really miss it (even if I am a newbie) but on the other hand I am really worried about more damage to my spine and more pain. At the moment I am trying to decide whether to get rid of my bike. I am leaning towards selling my little bike and wonder how others who have had major surgery get the nerve to get back on their bike? Any (polite) advice welcome.

"Polite advice"? This is KB... :)

My advice is never to do anything hastily. Take your time and see how your back progresses. I had a severe back injury back in the mid-80's and was off work three years. While it still niggles, I find the Boulevard the best bike for it.

It's probably more the time off the bike than the injury itself that you're questioning, but one step at a time and see how your friends help you over the next few weeks. They may help you decide.

[onearmedbandit]

I had a massive accident in '97, took the use of my left arm and left me in chronic pain. At the time I considered my options, and decided to give bikes up. I sold my beloved GSXR750 and moved on. 3yrs later I was ready to get back on bikes again, 10yrs later I'm still enjoying them.

Don't be hasty in making your decision, but do what suits you the best. If you think it's time to move on, then do it. If you're not sure, then hold off. No matter what however, you can always come back to riding later on in life, be it 3mths or 30yrs.

[Dutchee]

I had to be off the bike for about 6 weeks last year due to surgery. Selling the bike wasn't an option, but it was a different type of surgery than what you had. I missed the bike like mad, but also lost my nerve a bit and definitely lost the burn for riding. After doing a training course last week at Manfeild, I'm desperately trying to think of some fun rides to do back around Auckland (so boring).
My husband broke his back 5-6 years ago (stable fracture), and by 11 weeks was back on the dirt bikes. He still has a lot of pain at times, but it'ss worse for him when he hasn't been riding for a while - the riding helps manage the pain.
A friend of mine had major surgery a few years ago, and I think all of us riding with her were more worried than she was (again, dirt bikes). She now also rides road/adventure and really gets shirty when she's done something dumb and can't ride.
Actually, thinking about it, everyone that I know who's had major surgery gets back on the bike as soon as possible, but that's the sort of folk we're friends with. It is definitely an individual choice.

I read an article a couple of years back about a young guy in the US who was paralyssed after an accident. As soon as he could, he got his dad to tie his legs to the footpegs and started riding again. He got abused about it, but as he said, it was his choice and he didn't feel he could do any more damage than what he'd done.

If you decide to sell the bike, hang on to the gear, you'll be more inclined to even go pillion if you've got gear, but it'll be when you're ready, not when anyone says you should be.
Take care, heal well.

[Blackbird]

Hi Lily,
Haven't had surgery but just over a year ago, I had a low speed "off" which caused internal bleeding in a leg and it was just over 2 months before I could get back on again. I was a bit gun-shy, particularly as the Blackbird was always a bit tall for me and that was partially a contributor to the accident. When I did get back on, I was still gun shy but riding a bike is part of my soul and I couldn't bear to be without one. However, it caused a re-think of the type of bike I rode and ended up with a Street Triple which was more comfortable, lighter and I could get my feet down flat. Problem solved and not gun shy any more.

Guess it depends how much motorcycling is part of your soul!

BTW, pleased to hear that you met our daughter at long last at the training course in Tairua!

[Bikernereid]

Thanks for all the advice. Bikes have been in my soul since before birth and that is why it is so hard to deal with losing ones nerve. I have always been around bikes whether riding or pillion since I could sit on them, at the track or tinkering on them with my old man and that is why the thought of being in pain sitting on a bike (as I no longer have a coccyx) and being worried about doing more damage (God forbid I have an accident) is weighing on my mind.

Maybe I need to try and spend some time on a track with someone who can advise me and help build up my confidence a bit. But then again I am a bit worried about some nutter thinking a track day is a 'race day' and putting the bejezers up me for good. I am not usually such a 'worried' person but maybe surgery and losing my cousin last week is making me focus on my mortality and health more than usual!!

I think the young kids strapped to the bike sounds fantastic and his obviously has a very positive attitude to life and I shall try and think seriously about his situation before I sell the bike, thanks for putting that story out there!