Nervous to Ride Post-op

Was anyone else nervous to ride in their early post-op days? I'm afraid of the following: 1. I won't have the muscular strength that I need to keep my bike up right at stop lights and such. 2. I won't be able to focus as much as I should and possibly get myself in a situation I can't get out of. My bike (Yamaha V-Star Classic 650) was heavy for me when I was pre-op. I'm just worried now that I'm 41 lbs. lighter that I'll struggle with it more. We've had some amazing weather down here in South Texas for December and January. Highs have been in the mid-70s to mid-80s - perfect riding weather. I'm just too afraid to give it a try yet. Any tips or words of encouragement?

Jennifer, make sure you are totally healed up before you think about getting on the bike. Then just take it nice and easy, start with short trips until you get the feel for things. I think you will find it's going to be easier, your balance will be better, there won't be as much fat in the way, so you'll fit the bike better, and if you are getting any excercise in, the added muscles will help with control the bike. Don't ru**** Good luck, steve

Hi Jennifer, I am anxious for my post op ride too. I used to have a v star 650 now I have the roadstar 1700. I am feeling better I know I am still protective of the ab areas. But I am just waiting for some SUNSHINE ... I also have a Kawasaki Drifter 800. Just be sure you are feeling up to it energy wise too. You know how we get tired easily ! I am 11-18-05 surgery date so we are fairly close.... I know how I love to ride and how good it makes me feel. I am chomping at the bit for a sunny day. Oregon is RAIN country this time of year.

Do you have someone you can ride with? Try riding around the neighborhood first, then you'll know if you can handle it yet or not.

Hey everyone; Thanks for your words of encouragement. My incisions are completely healed and my doctor removed my lifting restrictions at the end of November. I wasn't a super confident biker pre-op - drivers in South Texas are not very biker friendly, but as I said, the weight of my bike is my big concern. Usually I ride with my husband. He's got a Kawa Vulcan 1500Fi. Although, he's leaving for Chicago for business on Sunday, so if I don't get a test ride in tomorrow, I'm outta luc****il next weekend. (Chicago in January just seems cruel!) I guess I need to at least give it a spin around the block and see how I do. I'll let you know how it goes. Thanks again! Jennifer

I ride a 2003 Goldwing and stayed off it for six weeks post-op. I started with short rides no more than 15 miles and at 12 weeks out did a 10 day ride from Illinois to Wyoming and Colorado - about 3800 miles. No problems except a sore butt. If you had strength issues with the bike before surgery I would work on that first. My doctor told me to wait 8 weeks before doing weight strengthening exercises Good luck and great riding. Rich