Is Osteo-Arthritis ruining your life? |
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My name is Maurice Carroll. I’m a former professional motorcycle road racer from the 60's and 70's now getting on in years and suffering from Osteoarthritis. But this has not stopped me becoming a dedicated sporting cyclist, riding in both Sportives and Competition. I have had a good winter training programme and managed to keep the kilo’s from mounting up by watching what I eat, all very encouraging following an accident in 2011 and a poor to average showing during what proved to be a more difficult year than I had hoped for. My 2012 season started with a good ride at ‘La Bernard Bourreau (P’tit Frère) sportif, which started at Ligugé, just south of Poitiers. (See the info on my latest rides). But the real racing season begins with the Championnat Regional Départmental at Sanxay (79) on the May 1st, with a Time Trial in the morning and a race in the afternoon. I’m not great at the TT because I tend to go off too hard at the start and then pay a high price by the finish, but I have been training a bit harder and hope I can beat both my time and position from last year. The race is not going to be easy with the changes in classifications. Speaking to many of my copains (friends) they all say the same thing against UFOLEP, ‘narrow sighted, out of touch with the riders and too much committee interference in coming to conclusions’. Click HERE to read about about my progress this year
Age or infirmity doesn’t have to stop you doing what you want. It can be difficult at times and maybe there are days when you don’t feel like doing anything, but force yourself, it will pay dividends in the end. Where there’s a will, there’s always a way. And don’t be a fine weather merchant - you can only get wet once...but it does get a tad cold at times. Get out of the car and on your bike – or at least or start walking. Its great fun and good for you. You see more of the countryside and become aware of the local wildlife. I’m lucky living in rural France where the roads are much less busy than in UK. Here, drivers are used to cyclists allowing them plenty of room..... well, most of the time. French roads are closed to traffic for even small club events while diversions and gendarme motorcycle outriders are the norm. We really are spoilt and I love it! |
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I have practiced what I preach since the end of last season (October), and am first to admit that it is difficult, especially when you have friends round for a meal or staying with you. But providing you are active, it doesn’t do too much harm to pig out occasionally. If you become a bit more active, a little of what you fancy can do no harm. This site isn't called winerider.com for nothing! And to prove it, I gained just two kilo’s through the whole of the winter. So if I can do it, so can you. Go for it. Please don't forget the helmet. Your head is far more delicate than the road! To follow my progress, go to the Latest Rides page. |
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Copyright © 2012 Maurice Carroll
cycling in France|arthritis|cycle ride|road racing|joint pains|cycle routes in france
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Way back in the 60’s and 70’s, when I was road racing motorcycles, I used to wear a silver bracelet engraved with my name, blood group and allergies. It gave the medics instant vital info when I was unconscious after the inevitable accident. I have just bought a new version called the ‘RoadID’ bracelet.
There's a plethora of healthy eating info being pushed out by the UK government, most of which is over the top with messages that change from day to day. Best to eat as healthily as you can, cutting out the fried food, huge meals and all that grazing in between. Try grilling meat, steaming fish and vegetables and make smaller portions. If you have the time, eat six small meals a day as this doesn’t overload the system and keeps a consistent flow of nutrients to the body. 