Note: This was a post from 2014, my last post, until now. A LOT has happened between now and then. I fractured my shoulder in three places, lost the use of my right arm, took nearly a year to recover from that.
I just was able to log back into my account today after months of technical difficulties. This was a draft from 2014. I also have access to my previous blog, http://sketchmonkeyblues.blogspot.com/
I am glad to have my blog back! I am also back in my art studio working with mixed media and collages. I plan to revive my blog and post my art regularly! I also now have an Instagram account. More about that later. I am just happy to be back!
In 2004, I flat lined from a heart attack. Had the paddle burns to prove it. Boy was I surprised when I woke up in intensive care after stent surgery. That brought me to physical therapy at UMC Hospital and my first experience with a recumbent indoor exercise bike.
I just was able to log back into my account today after months of technical difficulties. This was a draft from 2014. I also have access to my previous blog, http://sketchmonkeyblues.blogspot.com/
I am glad to have my blog back! I am also back in my art studio working with mixed media and collages. I plan to revive my blog and post my art regularly! I also now have an Instagram account. More about that later. I am just happy to be back!
In 2004, I flat lined from a heart attack. Had the paddle burns to prove it. Boy was I surprised when I woke up in intensive care after stent surgery. That brought me to physical therapy at UMC Hospital and my first experience with a recumbent indoor exercise bike.
Around the same time I was out and about when I came across a gentleman riding a wonderful recumbent trike. I had never seen anything like it outside of the gym. He was kind enough to let me try it out. I didn't hesitate to hop on it even though I was dressed in a skirt. It was incredibly fun. I was hooked.
I headed to our only recumbent dealer, Ajo Bikes in Tucson. I bought a two-wheel recumbent which I thought was more practical than a trike at the time. I started riding to work from Snyder/Houghton to Country Club/Speedway area, just short of U of A. I rode on weekends in Tucson as well as down in Patagonia, Tubac and surrounding areas. It was as if I was seeing all of these areas for the first time.
After "training" with physical therapists at UMC, three months later I was able to ride with the Greater Bicycle Association (G.A.B.A.) on their annual Parker Lake ride (now called the Tumaccacori Century). I rode round trip from Sahuarita to Tumacacori. I was the slowest rider but I was thrilled.
Years later, due to downsizing,I sold my beloved recumbent. I missed it terribly.
Eventually I discovered that HP Velotechnik had created a compact folding TRIKE!! My problem was solved. It wheels into my house just like luggage.
Last year, I rode basically the same G.A.B.A.-sponsored ride. It was a bit longer this time with a fun detour through Arivaca.
I have found people to ride with by joining two local recumbent groups (one on Yahoo and one on Facebook). G.A.B.A. now has a meetup group too. I also meet trike riders out.. I am happy to say that trikes are quite popular now!
We also have more choices when it comes to where to ride. There is The Loop, a wonderful multi-use path where you can ride without worrying about cars! Plus there are more bike lanes in Tucson.
