United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

hi again!
i agree with the bilateral breathing. for me it helps me ensure i am rolling my body enough. im not all that comfortable doing it in races, but ill get there.

as for the relays...i think we could do a couple of teams..girls and boys...swim happy can lead off the swim, i can do the bike and heddi can run. Dan, you, joel and maybe we can get christopher to do another!!! we can raise awareness and have some fun at the same time.

keep up the good work and keep posting those accomplishments! you are all so helpful!

happy new year!

I just started my base training for cycling this upcoming year. I am most likely not going to be racing this coming year, but I will train like I am. I love to train, and I am able to ride again after my accident. I am very lucky in respect to the use of my affected arm. I am able to ride a bike fairly normal. I have decent use of my lower arm when it is pronated, which works well with cycling. Luckily not muck shoulder movement is needed with road cycling or mountain biking unless you are standing when climbing. Even then I can still do it, but I just have no torque on my right side. My riding will consist of 6 - 12 hours a week for about 8 weeks at a very low intensity with minimal climbing (which is hard for me because I love to climb). Anyway, I thought I would chime in. I have been very depressed lately and I really need a goal to keep me motivated. This forum has been unreal. Thanks JJ

Hi JJ
you have discovered the key to surviving this injury! my first couple times back on the road were a little tricky. the balance thing is a little tough. not being able to stand is hard at times. i did change my gearing and that helped (i live in very hilly terrain). i do not ride alone since im not really able to signal properly. all these things we once took for granted! i changed a bunch of stuff on my new bike to make it work for me.
good luck. enjoy, stay safe, and feel free to email me if you have any questions!

Hey All,

I had to change a bunch of things on my bike too. I am able to grab the handle bars with both hands and break with both hands but unable to generate enough power to shift a Shimano STI (105) lever. So I purchased a set of bar end shifters and moved the shifting all to one side by placing the bar end shifter in the bottom of the drop tube. I've also seen it Jerry rigged to the top of the bar.

I've gotten more movement in my hand recently so 2 months ago I purchased these (https://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?cat ... 20-%20Road) the throw to change gears is pretty short, much shorter than Shimano and still comparable with Shimano components.

I've read that the new Shimano Dura Ace 7900 shifters have a shorter throw but they're pretty expensive.

So I have a set of left over bar end shifters (Dura Ace 9 spd) if any one wants to buy them for cheep off me.

Cheers and keep riding,
Joel