Updated 2026. My mother passed at age 97 (2024) RIP. I will be updating this site so I can help retirees again. Write to me!

My Bump in the Road of Cycling

by George Munkachy
(Prattville, Alabama)

Biking, that is, bicycling, (that is, with pedals) has always been something I get great pleasure from starting from way early childhood.

So when I retired last March 31st, I thought "aha!" Now I can really get rolling on a regular basis.

So of course, on the 8th of May, I take a pretty bad fall where my front tire got caught in some loose railroad crossing timber.

Shattered my left elbow. Not just fractured... shattered. The ortho surgeon said there was a chance he would have to do an elbow replacement, but thank God, he saved my elbow three plates and 11 screws later. The dude is a genius.

As I write this, with some difficulty but getting better on the left hand, I am pending my physical therapy appointment. Range of motion is the main thing at this point, once again I will thank God my skin healed without complication.

Moral of the story?
Do what you love; revisit those activities you loved as a child. Do it.

I am going to ride again. This is what drives me at this point, to get in the saddle.

Find what drives you and do it!

Comments for My Bump in the Road of Cycling

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My Bike is Stationary
by: Canadian Retiree

I agree physical exercise is the key to a happier life. I’m now 65 and try to hop on my exercise bike every day. I also go for walks and exercise at home as much as possible. It takes determination but I feel better when I do exercise.

My retirement is pretty low key. I did take up water colour painting and play my piano a bit.

This pandemic has put a damper on any other activities I was doing. It’s hard to know what each day will bring but keeping healthy is well worth it.
Good call
by: Jane Curtis/Texas

I urge everyone to remember they retired from work, not from life.

I am so pleased you are healing. Make sure you do the therapy. Every time I have had to have something replaced I went through therapy. It was well worth it. I am still mobile and get around by myself without the aid of a machine so I feel good about that.

I think if you read some of my blogs you might understand that I really do know what I am talking about.

Keep pushing forward. You are as young as you will ever be. Enjoy it. You have my prayers for a complete recovery.
I will try to ride again
by: Dan

I did put air in my bike tires a month ago and have take a few short loops around the nearly empty parking lots (since stores have been closed by the "flatten the curve" rules).

Long-range forecast is for rain to end and summer begin in a couple more days. So I am ready to roll.

Keep encouraging me.

Where shall we ride? Dan
Oh my
by: Michigan

George, I too took a spill on my bike but did not get hurt as bad as you, cuts and bruises only, but I found the experience and comments to me so embarrassing, I don't ride anymore. I hope you get back full motion and start riding as soon as possible. Stay safe and heal fast.
Keep moving physically and mentally
by: Michael D. Bell, REALTOR®, Venice Florida and the Catskills in NY!!

Hi George,

I took a fall 2 years ago - a first for me in 10 years of regular cycling. I didn't break anything, just some cuts and bruises. I got back out there the very next day. I hope you get back in the saddle real soon.

I will be 55 this year and cycle almost daily - 7,500 miles per year. I cycle more than I drive a car.

As I've read, "you don't stop cycling because you get old. You get old because you stop cycling." When I see the ages of some of my fellow cyclists, I believe that exercise does have a positive impact on long-term health and positive attitude.

Enjoy the ride!

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