Our planned trip to Banff, Alberta to send our son off on the Great Divide Mountain Bike Race was cancelled to enable my husband to have his stem cell transplant. So we watched his trackleaders dot move down the spine of the continental divide from Randy’s hospital room.
We have now been home four weeks (Day +42) and we are getting out for twenty mile rides three times a week. It seems to require a rest day between rides, and thus far twenty miles is all Randy cares to do. Back pain and low hematocrit numbers seem to be the limiting factors. Hopefully we can start stretching out to thirty mile rides soon. I have been riding with our dog in a pannier to sort of even out our speeds since Randy rides at a fairly moderate pace.
These rides have been good for the three of us! We have learned that plans fly out the window quickly, and the progress of fighting this disease is slow. I’m still hoping that we can take some sort of bike trip this fall, but we have learned to not plan very far in advance. One thing I am certain of is that the cycling has been extremely beneficial in fighting myeloma, both physically and mentally.
Forums
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Aheckman - Who do you know with myeloma?: husband
- When were you/they diagnosed?: Febtuary, 2019
- Age at diagnosis: 75
Re: Biking with multiple myeloma
Hello Aheckman,
Thanks for the update on your husband's stem cell transplant and getting back to cycling. It must have been interesting to see the riders in the mountain bike race tracking down the Cordilleran backbone of North America! My husband and I always watch some of the 'Tour de France' on TV, and that is very incredible! I hope that you can keep riding, but not be too competitive and just go with what is possible.
It took me a long time to get back on a bike after my diagnosis, even though I was encouraged to do so from a cycling friend with myeloma and a myeloma specialist I met at a conference, who told me I would be back on my bike within a year. I think I was about 2 years post diagnosis then. I was very nervous about falling and getting re-injured, so when I started riding, I didn't wear shoes with clips, just running shoes, and I don't go very fast, and of course wear a helmet. That's what works for me, but of course everyone is different!
Thanks for the update on your husband's stem cell transplant and getting back to cycling. It must have been interesting to see the riders in the mountain bike race tracking down the Cordilleran backbone of North America! My husband and I always watch some of the 'Tour de France' on TV, and that is very incredible! I hope that you can keep riding, but not be too competitive and just go with what is possible.
It took me a long time to get back on a bike after my diagnosis, even though I was encouraged to do so from a cycling friend with myeloma and a myeloma specialist I met at a conference, who told me I would be back on my bike within a year. I think I was about 2 years post diagnosis then. I was very nervous about falling and getting re-injured, so when I started riding, I didn't wear shoes with clips, just running shoes, and I don't go very fast, and of course wear a helmet. That's what works for me, but of course everyone is different!
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Nancy Shamanna - Name: Nancy Shamanna
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Self and others too
- When were you/they diagnosed?: July 2009
Re: Biking with multiple myeloma
Hi Aheckman ,
Assuming the stem cell transplant goes well, it will take some time for him to get back on the bike. He will have to rebuild his immune system and in essence will be starting from scratch, endurance wise. I would suggest, if he does not already have one, to get an indoor trainer and purchase a monthly subscription to an online cycle training program. That will allow him to train and ride outdoor courses indoors online using an iPad or TV that makes the training more fun.
I wish him well on his transplant.
Assuming the stem cell transplant goes well, it will take some time for him to get back on the bike. He will have to rebuild his immune system and in essence will be starting from scratch, endurance wise. I would suggest, if he does not already have one, to get an indoor trainer and purchase a monthly subscription to an online cycle training program. That will allow him to train and ride outdoor courses indoors online using an iPad or TV that makes the training more fun.
I wish him well on his transplant.
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Ron Harvot - Name: Ron Harvot
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Myself
- When were you/they diagnosed?: Feb 2009
- Age at diagnosis: 56
Re: Biking with multiple myeloma
Today (Saturday August 24,2019) I competed in my 11th Hotter-N-Hell 100 in Wichita Falls, Texas. The weather in North Texas has been very hot for the last 3 weeks, with temperatures between 100-103 F (38-39 C) through the period and dangerous heat advisories. The "feels-like" temperature was between 105-110 F (41-43 C). However, we got a break in the heat as a cool front went through on Friday night, and today it never got above 90 F (32 C), with the temperatures during the race ranging between 74-88 F (23-31 C). The wind was light of the NE and the sky was generally cloudy. That made for ideal conditions and I took advantage of it.
I did the 100 mile (161 km) rally in an official chip time of 5:52:05, which is a total time including rest stops. My bike speed was an average of 17.75 mph (28.6 km/h). I cramped a bit in my left thigh and hamstring at about mile 85 and had to spin in the little ring most of the last 15 miles. That kept me under 18 mph and cost me a personal record which is 5:45.
I was very pleased with my effort today as I have actually lost some overall speed due to the increase of my anemia due to treatments.
I did the 100 mile (161 km) rally in an official chip time of 5:52:05, which is a total time including rest stops. My bike speed was an average of 17.75 mph (28.6 km/h). I cramped a bit in my left thigh and hamstring at about mile 85 and had to spin in the little ring most of the last 15 miles. That kept me under 18 mph and cost me a personal record which is 5:45.
I was very pleased with my effort today as I have actually lost some overall speed due to the increase of my anemia due to treatments.
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Ron Harvot - Name: Ron Harvot
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Myself
- When were you/they diagnosed?: Feb 2009
- Age at diagnosis: 56
Re: Biking with multiple myeloma
Hi Ron,
Congratulations on your achievement at the annual cycling race that you like to cycle in! I hope that the temperatures cool where you live since it sounds way too hot to be outdoors though. Would the organizers of the race consider holding it in the spring or autumn in the future to get around having to race in a heat wave, potentially?
Congratulations on your achievement at the annual cycling race that you like to cycle in! I hope that the temperatures cool where you live since it sounds way too hot to be outdoors though. Would the organizers of the race consider holding it in the spring or autumn in the future to get around having to race in a heat wave, potentially?
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Nancy Shamanna - Name: Nancy Shamanna
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Self and others too
- When were you/they diagnosed?: July 2009
Re: Biking with multiple myeloma
Nancy,
Thanks for your response and kind words. The Hotter-n-Hell 100 (HHH) was set up in 1981 to commemorate the 100th year anniversary of Wichita Falls, Texas. To commemorate the anniversary, a number of different events were discussed. The story goes that someone suggested a 100-mile bike rally. The response from one of those making the decision was purportedly: "A 100-mile bike ride in August? It will be Hotter-n-Hell!!" The rest they say is history. So it has been going on now for 38 years and is one of, if not the biggest, single-day bike rallies in the U.S. Up to 15,000 participate in the event; that is really more than just a rally. There are also professional road races, gravel grinders, and and crit races in town. The entire event lasts 3 days with the 100-mile rally taking place on Saturday. The rally offers a number of shorter alternatives of 25, 50 60 and 75 miles. In addition, a large bike consumer show is held.
Ron
Thanks for your response and kind words. The Hotter-n-Hell 100 (HHH) was set up in 1981 to commemorate the 100th year anniversary of Wichita Falls, Texas. To commemorate the anniversary, a number of different events were discussed. The story goes that someone suggested a 100-mile bike rally. The response from one of those making the decision was purportedly: "A 100-mile bike ride in August? It will be Hotter-n-Hell!!" The rest they say is history. So it has been going on now for 38 years and is one of, if not the biggest, single-day bike rallies in the U.S. Up to 15,000 participate in the event; that is really more than just a rally. There are also professional road races, gravel grinders, and and crit races in town. The entire event lasts 3 days with the 100-mile rally taking place on Saturday. The rally offers a number of shorter alternatives of 25, 50 60 and 75 miles. In addition, a large bike consumer show is held.
Ron
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Ron Harvot - Name: Ron Harvot
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Myself
- When were you/they diagnosed?: Feb 2009
- Age at diagnosis: 56
Re: Biking with multiple myeloma
Sometimes a visual says it all. Here is picture of the start of the HHH.
- Start of HHH
- 2014-HHH-Start-Line-Photo.jpg (92.77 KiB) Viewed 528 times
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Ron Harvot - Name: Ron Harvot
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Myself
- When were you/they diagnosed?: Feb 2009
- Age at diagnosis: 56
Re: Biking with multiple myeloma
This past Saturday, I competed at the Texas Time Trials. I entered the 12-hour, two-man team division with my racing partner David Vriend. Out of the four teams, we came in second and actually finished first in the all-male division. The overall winning team was a mixed male-female.(and a lot younger than us). We did 7 laps on the hilly 26.5 mile (42.6 km) course for a total of 185.5 miles (298.5 km) in 11 hours and 52 minutes. David went first, leaving in the dark at 6 a.m. He did 4 laps and I did 3. Each lap has about 1,200 feet (366 m) of climb, so we did about 8,400 feet (2560 m) overall as a team. A picture of one of the hills is attached, and this hill and all the others I had to take on 3 times.
I have done this race several times in the past, but this was the first time since my relapse and intensification of my treatment protocol. I had a Velcade shot and dex on Wednesday before the race and daily 10 mg doses of Revlimid. I took a dose on Friday night before the race. So I was worried about my ability to do this. The weather was hot, humid, and windy, and adding that to the hills made for a tough day. However, I was able to persevere. I did have cramps at the end of the the second lap and struggled with the third but got through it. My speed fell from a 15.3 mph (24.6 km/h) average on the first lap to 13.3 mph (21.4 km/h) on the last one. Given the situation and increased medication, I was pleased with the result.
So far this year I have been able to meet all of my goals but have one left, doing a total of 6,214 miles (or 10,000 kilometers) for the year. I have just under 4,800 miles (7725 km) so far with 3 full months to go.
I have done this race several times in the past, but this was the first time since my relapse and intensification of my treatment protocol. I had a Velcade shot and dex on Wednesday before the race and daily 10 mg doses of Revlimid. I took a dose on Friday night before the race. So I was worried about my ability to do this. The weather was hot, humid, and windy, and adding that to the hills made for a tough day. However, I was able to persevere. I did have cramps at the end of the the second lap and struggled with the third but got through it. My speed fell from a 15.3 mph (24.6 km/h) average on the first lap to 13.3 mph (21.4 km/h) on the last one. Given the situation and increased medication, I was pleased with the result.
So far this year I have been able to meet all of my goals but have one left, doing a total of 6,214 miles (or 10,000 kilometers) for the year. I have just under 4,800 miles (7725 km) so far with 3 full months to go.
- County Line Hill at Texas Time Trials.jpg (86.12 KiB) Viewed 431 times
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Ron Harvot - Name: Ron Harvot
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Myself
- When were you/they diagnosed?: Feb 2009
- Age at diagnosis: 56
Re: Biking with multiple myeloma
Ron,
Well done. You’re cycling achievements continue to inspire.
After my stem cell transplant at the beginning of this year, I’ve been able to return to the joy of cycling. I like to approach cycling with a bit of structure to monitor “performance.” Until recently my performance seemed to plateau at pre-transplant levels, I tried to be equanimous about it, but was secretly hoping to see a bit of improvement. After some consideration, I resolved to be thankful I could even swing my leg on the bicycle.
Then, to my great surprise, a measurable and repeatable performance improvement emerged. Of course, that meant a bit more focus, ride frequency, and a bit more rigor. All fun for me.
But alas, 10 days ago I caught an “edge trap” road hazard and went down hard. Broken clavicle and scapula. I’m on the mend and have figured out how to get on the stationary trainer and get the pedals turning. Cinch the sling tight against my torso and ride a bit more upright. Hopefully I can maintain fitness this way and be ready for road riding again.
Considering the myeloma risk we all are facing, it doesn’t seem burdensome to work through this “setback.”
Regards
Fred
Well done. You’re cycling achievements continue to inspire.
After my stem cell transplant at the beginning of this year, I’ve been able to return to the joy of cycling. I like to approach cycling with a bit of structure to monitor “performance.” Until recently my performance seemed to plateau at pre-transplant levels, I tried to be equanimous about it, but was secretly hoping to see a bit of improvement. After some consideration, I resolved to be thankful I could even swing my leg on the bicycle.
Then, to my great surprise, a measurable and repeatable performance improvement emerged. Of course, that meant a bit more focus, ride frequency, and a bit more rigor. All fun for me.
But alas, 10 days ago I caught an “edge trap” road hazard and went down hard. Broken clavicle and scapula. I’m on the mend and have figured out how to get on the stationary trainer and get the pedals turning. Cinch the sling tight against my torso and ride a bit more upright. Hopefully I can maintain fitness this way and be ready for road riding again.
Considering the myeloma risk we all are facing, it doesn’t seem burdensome to work through this “setback.”
Regards
Fred
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Farcical - Name: Fred
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Myself
- When were you/they diagnosed?: March 2018
- Age at diagnosis: 66
Re: Biking with multiple myeloma
Fred,
A broken clavicle and scapula, that is rough. I can relate, as I had a biking accident in which I broke my neck and had four vertebrae fused on Christmas Eve in 2016. I too found new use for the trainer. There are some good bike training programs available if you have a smart trainer or even a fluid trainer in which your cadence / speed sensor and heartrate monitors are Bluetooth capable. Then you can set a training program that will help you build up endurance and transition back to outside. I did one of those for about 3 months after the surgery before I was able to venture outdoors again. When I started riding outside, I put on a higher-angled front stem so I now ride more up right now than before my accident.
Good Luck!
A broken clavicle and scapula, that is rough. I can relate, as I had a biking accident in which I broke my neck and had four vertebrae fused on Christmas Eve in 2016. I too found new use for the trainer. There are some good bike training programs available if you have a smart trainer or even a fluid trainer in which your cadence / speed sensor and heartrate monitors are Bluetooth capable. Then you can set a training program that will help you build up endurance and transition back to outside. I did one of those for about 3 months after the surgery before I was able to venture outdoors again. When I started riding outside, I put on a higher-angled front stem so I now ride more up right now than before my accident.
Good Luck!
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Ron Harvot - Name: Ron Harvot
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Myself
- When were you/they diagnosed?: Feb 2009
- Age at diagnosis: 56