I stopped riding the upright after a few seasons of agony with saddle sores. I was trying to do ultra distances and just could not manage a way to stay in the saddle for the hours needed. The `demise' of my upright cycling was quite sad, in fact. I thought I had lost one of the most productive outlets for energy and very needed alone time.
I had great good fortune in the friendship of Joe Reichert of Amlings Cycle and Fitness in Niles, IL. Joe introduced me to the recumbent just as I was `giving up' on cycling. What a stroke of luck!
It's been just a few years since I've put in any real miles on the upright. And I miss it.
A few months ago I started mixing up my morning training rides between the bent and the upright. My schedule and other demands ended that.
Now, over the cold months, I'll be setting up both the bent and the upright on the indoor trainers. I certainly won't be putting in the hours on the indoor trainer this year that I did last year. But it will be good to get my butt and shoulders `worn in' as preparation for the warmer season ahead.
I'm almost entirely certain that I won't be doing any ultra distances on the upright. I'll reserve that for the recumbent. But I would like to get in a few centuries next year on the upright.
On the recumbent I can push my endurance - time and distance - because I'm not distracted by torn, ripped and bleeding tissue (saddle sores).
On the upright I won't push for time and distance (i.e., ultra endurance events). Instead I'll ride for enjoyment and pleasure.
Just when I thought I had reached the end of cycling in my life I find that I've actually increased it and given it more excitement, variety and pleasure.
Life is like that. I am very, very fortunate.
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