I have rode bikes all my life. Racing when I was younger, less so when work commitments took over. On April 1st 2000 I came off my bike, wet leaves. I fractured my spine, shattered the right fibular head and had a number of spiral fractures to various fingers.
Unfortunately, after surgery on my leg, I was brought down with Necrotizing Fasciitis. 27 weeks in hospital, 2½ years on sticks and in a wheelchair, many, many multiple surgeries, more complications, a new infection called Pyoderma Gangrenosum.
I can't walk very far and I can't ride a bike...unless I am cleated in. Reason being, I cannot push down on the peddle with my right leg, but have now perfected the 'push with the left, pull with the right' technique that riding around Derbyshire and Scotland, both renowned for their hills, doesn't hold me back. I very rarely do a ride, inside or out and about, less than 20 miles. Over 62 miles on a sunny day.
60 years old next year and have just bought a DSX 2 2025 Marin, gravel bike as a treat; and will be looking forward to biking, touring/wild camping next year.
November 14, 2025
I set off in lovely warm weather but had to be rescued by the wife 3 and a bit hours later.
I'll mention here that I suffer with hands and feet neuropathy and a permanent broken leg. Smashed fibular head that cannot be repaired. These issues really suffer in cold or bad weather, and boy did it turn cold