I have a bike ride dilemma.
Tore left Achilles in June and eventually getting back to small (15 mile) Leicestershire loops which are doable.
However a few of us have a 20-miler in T’Peak planned on Sat – Edale/Rushup/Mount Famine/Jacobs Ladder which involves a few hefty climbs, plus it will be cold which ain’t good for muscles and tendons – especially dodgy/underused ones!

Just finished another course of ultrasound and will be seeing a biometrics specialist in Jan so not out of the woods yet.

I really want to go and do it but I have a nagging doubt about doing more damage – when I climb it’s not a 50/50 R/L power put down at the mo and there’s more climbing in a day than I’ve done in 6 months.

If I don’t do that, the option COULD be Cannock or more (dull) local stuff.

What would you do – just take it easy or go or be sensible and bail?

Be sensible and bail…….it’s not just you but you have the risk to your mates of hypothermia whilst keeping you company while medical help arrives if it pops fully again, then the risk to the medical staff/rescue people and you may be taking up a valuable resource that someone who may need them for a more serious unavoidable injury could need.
It’s not just the climbing but the descending that will test your Achilles, especially Jacobs Ladder. Unless you have your Achilles back to feeing 100% it’s not fair to take the risk …for others sake.

Why risk putting yoursef back to square one? Take it easy.

Patience

Having separated my shoulder over a month ago I feel your pain! Feeling almost normal but forcing myself to keep to the road/away from danger in the long run it’ll be worth it, not like it’s peak summer!

I find riding trying to shield an injury makes you hesitant and lose focus, ideal conditions for giving yourself a miserable time &/or another injury….

I’ve been through a recovery from a fully ruptured Achilles. I’d advise caution and patience a re rupture isn’t worth the risk.

At least you’re riding. Decision would be a lot trickier if it was between doing some easy riding and not riding at all IMHO.

Hmmm…thanks people.
Wasn’t sure if I was being a bit of a wuss (spelling?) but there’s enough weight to suggest it’s a bad idea which is what I suspected anyway. Cannock is less demanding with multiple bail options and nowhere near as much climbing so might do that instead. It’s meant to be a lovely crisp day in the Peaks too 😥
Aracer – just a thought but surely if I couldn’t ride there wouldn’t be a tricky decision to make at all 😉

Hmm, don’t know if I put that badly or you’re misunderstanding. I was suggesting if you weren’t riding at all due to injury but thinking about an easy ride with mates it would be more tricky.

Looking at Munrobiker’s ‘getting out there’ current thread makes me still want to go to the Peaks tomorrow.
Thinking of a smaller (14 mile) route with less climbing (Edale/Jaggers/Hope Cross/Hope/bridleway to Mam Tor near top of Cave Dale/Hollins/Edale) I could always get off and walk if things get too much…if I don’t it’ll be a crap half-hearted local ride 😕
Is my compromise ride STILL a bad idea?

I’d have thought walking and pushing a bike uphill could put more strain on the tendon? I know when I push in the peak I can feel the stretch in my Achilles……but I’ve not hurt mine so I don’t really know.

Anything that just involves just pedalling along in a controlled situation is ok ish. It’s mishaps causing uncontrolled heavy dabs etc that I’d be wary of and also being in the attack position, esp on rough stuff, would be a worry for me if I was in your position.

I wouldn’t risk it, even pushing will put a lot of strain on it and you’re a long walk to the car. Also, it’ll be cold muddy and wet – you’ve not ridden properly for ages, there’ll be lots of opportunities to crash and make it worse

If you’re in doubt,don’t- it’s basically a gamble, and it doesn’t sound worth it for one ride. How many future rides are you willing to risk?

What’s the prognosis for a worse version of your current injury? I’ll take risks with half-healed injuries as long as it’s something that’ll definitely heal but I know if I **** my knee tendons again, they’re not recovering by themselves so I’d never risk that.

I know what you’re saying is right.
It’s just the prospect of a crisp, bright day in engaging, picturesque Edale is far more appealing than the boring flatlands of the East Bloody Midlands.
On the other hand that’s better than no biking at all innit!

Looking forward to doing same shorter route in the crispy early(ish) morning,if you can spot me claim your free jellybaby. 😯

sparky – in Edale?
Rub it in whydontcha! 😉

Yep in Edale,it’s going to be awful I’m sure.

Target the same route again sometime in late spring, it’ll give you a target to gently train/aim for.

It’d be a shame to waste the last 6 months healing.

I came off back in November and tore a ligament in my shoulder,riding buddies have been asking me to go out on the usual weekly rides to which I’ve had to refuse,physio sais it will be 8 weeks before I can get back on the bike,I could probably get back on now but I want it better,I’m not getting any younger and things take forever to heal as it is,the last thing I want is my injuries coming back to haunt me when I least expect it,so I hunk you should maybe give it a miss.