My Journey Riding Bikes Despite Chronic Illness and Disability - Episode 1

My chronic illness has affected nearly every aspect of my life. In this series I explore ways to continue riding bikes despite my illness and limitations. I hope to connect with other people pushing through their struggles and finding ways to continue riding. As we experiment and learn, I hope we can find new ways to keep people in this sport longer, despite health challenges and disabilities. Thank you for your kindness and support in the comments section, we aim to make this channel welcoming to all.

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Gear I use and love:
30% off my helmet and my favorite eyewear: Julbo. Discount applied in link: https://bit.ly/3JD6EbK
10% off all Crank Brothers gear here: https://bit.ly/3tkTKdD using code "hardtailparty10"
5% off 5DEV cranks - Use coupon code "hardtailparty" for a discount code here: https://bit.ly/3c5Ha6b
Velocirax 5 bike rack: https://bit.ly/3xL3vSE
5% off roost titanium bars and stem: use code "hardtailparty22"
Spinergy MXX 30 - https://bit.ly/3AiL4UW (use coupon code "HTPARTY10" for 10% off)
SCC Tech Chain Lube and Cleaner - http://bit.ly/3mlVKPb
Outdoor Vitals Altitude Sun Hoodie - https://bit.ly/3Qpm9Iu
Hardtail Party Shirts, hats, and SWAG - https://shop.spreadshirt.com/hardtail...
Lab Austere hip pack: https://bit.ly/3p37K58 - code "Hardtail.Party" 25% off
Handup Gloves: https://bit.ly/3dhUe8z - use discount code "HARDTAILPARTY"
My shop tools: https://www.amazon.com/shop/hardtailp...
My tire sealant: https://bit.ly/2ULJirZ
Hardtail Party collection by pedal industries - code "HARDTAILPARTY": https://bit.ly/3ilNdqH
What's in my water bottles (Tailwind): https://bit.ly/2Xbxy3q
My hooded sun shirt: https://bit.ly/38NdU1x
Milwaukee Inflator. I love this thing! https://amzn.to/38Vdqrj
Presta adapter: https://amzn.to/3cMADx1
5% off all RSD bikes using code "party" - https://bit.ly/3dj2nZP -
https://amazon.com/shop/hardtailparty Any time you shop on amazon using this link, it helps me, even if it's not bike stuff.
Jenson: https://bit.ly/3WSODuD
Competitive Cyclist: https://bit.ly/3VA3GIK
Elite Carbon Wheels - code "HARDTAILPARTY" for 15% off. https://bit.ly/3ODlm5P

Note: many of my links are affiliate links. That means I get a small commission on purchases made using these links. You don't pay anything extra, but it helps support the channel. If you've learned something from my videos, consider using the affiliate links above. As an Amazon Influencer, I earn from qualifying purchases.


0:00 Intro
0:21 The Purpose of This Series
1:04 I Love Riding
2:50 My Health Limitations
5:10 Listen Twice Before Offering Advice
6:08 What is ME/CFS?
7:05 The Body Battery Analogy
9:15 A Redlining Nervous System
10:06 The Push and Crash Cycle
10:45 Pacing
12:00 Doctors Say No More MTB
12:51 This is a Learning Journey
13:42 Why I Want to Keep Riding
15:40 Feeling at Home in the MTB Industry
16:26 How Often Can I Ride?
17:46 Feeling Like I Don't Belong
18:55 Goals for This Series
20:42 Hypotheses About This Learning Experience
24:40 Conclusion/Summary