Leading a bike ride

Today I led a bike ride with the Over 55 cycling club in Perth.
As leader I had to plan the route with convent toilet breaks and a cafe for morning tea.

There were 11 riders and we rode 45 kilometers.
I never imagined that after my cerebellum ischaemic stroke 8 years ago I would be capable of doing this.

I am now 74 and the average age of the group was about 75.

After my stroke I was in a wheel chair for 3 weeks and walked with a stick for about 6 months. I did balance exercises for an hour a day, every day for a year and now my balance is better than average for my age group.

I had to learn to ride a bike again. I put the seat down so my feet touched the ground and would push off to get the bike going.

I rode with my son 30 year old son as I felt I would fall off if I turned my head to check for cars, so he would go ahead and call out when it was safe to cross the road. I also felt I would fall off if I changed gear

8 years since my stroke I can now ride normally.

I realize I am very lucky.

Best of luck

Ian