Happy to be getting back on my bike

*This is a collaborative post sharing why I am happy to be getting back on my bike again and some practical things I have to consider to do that safely*

It’s taken a long time, several surgeries, a lot of rehabilitation, an exercise bike during lockdown, seeing my family go off for long cycles leaving me at home but I am finally getting back on my bike. 

A brand new bike. 

My family are avid cyclists. My husband commutes to work on his bike, and has done for many years, and has cycled in some semi professional races as well as enjoying bike time for exercise and pleasure when he’s not racing to his office in London. He has passed his love of cycling onto our children, who both have bikes and cycle to school or with him on the weekends. 

I used to be a cyclist. Before my children were born I also commuted to work, on my bike, 10 miles a day. I had a very nice bike and all the kit and it kept me fit and was a cheaper alternative to public transport. I enjoyed it and was devastated when I was told in 2015  that I could no longer cycle due to a serious knee injury and long term knee joint issue. The injury was not from cycling but the cycling was doing more damage. 

I sold my beloved bike, put my cycling kit into storage and tried to pretend it didn’t bother me too much. 

Fast forward to 2017, after nearly two years of minor procedures, a lot of appointments with specialists and regular trips to a sports injury specialist for physiotherapy and it was decided that I needed a partial knee joint replacement and tendon releases in my knee. This would stop the pain and issues I was having, restore me to full mobility and fitness and give my knee at least ten if not more years of new life. 

When I had the surgery, my surgeon didn’t promise me I would be able to cycle again, but he said that if recovery went well, and my knee healed, I MIGHT be able to get back on my bike at some point. 

It’s taken a lot of hard work, a fair bit of blood, sweat and tears, but recently, I was told I was safe to cycle again. 

I have been working my knee back to health and cycling ability using a trust exercise bike, at home, taking things very gently. 

And now, I am ready. As I will be returning to work in the next few weeks, cycling instead of using public transport is my goal, and I hope to be able to get myself cycling fit to be able to also join my family on their bike rides too. 

The bike options are being discussed, and I am in the process of picking my bike, ordering a new helmet, and making sure I am ready to go. 

Whilst we are passionate about cycling we are also very safety conscious and security-aware. The husband has not only had his bike stolen but also had a serious bike accident a few years ago so insurance for our bikes and also in case of accidents is very important to us and making sure we have appropriate cover for my bike is top of my list. Whilst we do have home insurance cover and health insurance, we have actually found that comprehensive insurance specially created for cyclists is a better option both financially and practically too.

Because I am parking my bike near where I work, and also riding in city traffic, making sure that both the bike and I are covered fully is a priority. It helps to feel confident that you are covered by good insurance when you are using your bike regularly for either work or play. 

Laka bicycle insurance is a compprehensive, designed for cylists insurance that covers theft, damage, vandalism, and even when you travel with your bike.

NOT ALL BICYCLE INSURANCE IS CREATED EQUALLY

Your bike(s), helmet, clothing, GPS and a whole lot more is covered. And that’s without excess and always for its original value.

Claims are handled by a team of cyclists. Meaning you’ll always be helped by real-life experts that know what you’re going through.

The big one. Bikes and accessories are covered against theft anywhere in the world. As long as you’re using a Sold Secure Gold lock.

Whether it’s a traffic accident, race crash, even damage in transit by a third party, you’re covered for any accidental damage to your bike and accessories. And if someone intentionally breaks your gear, we’ll get it fixed or replaced pronto.

Don’t be at loss if an airline or courier loses your bike or gear – you’re covered with Laka.

It’s taken a long time, and at one point I thought it wouldn’t happen, but it looks like I really will be safely back on my bike soon.

The only problem I have is finding a pink cycle helmet, so far I haven’t found one that I like, but at least everything else is good to go….

If you are looking to get back on your bike, start cycling or are simply buying a new bike, then you really do need to think about cycle insurance. Whilst your home cover or travel insurance might offer you some level of cover, having insurance that’s tailored to your needs and specifically for cyclists is essential. Why not check here and see how much cover you can get for peace of mind and happy cycling.