A few weeks after I woke up blind in both eyes (one day at a time), my husband bought me a small stationery bike from Walmart. Up until the day before the vision loss I walked for exercise, religiously, in all kinds of weather. I have always hated working out but have done it consistently throughout my life. One of the mysteries of my genetics, you know, along with the why did I suddenly have no sight, is where are my endorphins??? Never had ‘em, never will. I exercise to keep my cholesterol and other numbers down and detest every minute I spend walking vigorously (I did NOT move my arms like a true power walker) or pedaling.
Mister Rain recognized before I did that I would need to find a new way to keep moving, at least for the time being. And so the bike arrived and was set up in the dining room, after a few weeks it was relocated to its new home in a corner of the bedroom. For ten years I rode that bike just about every day.
Then on one ride I realized that although it kept my legs active, my heart pumping just the tiniest bit, this bike was not increasing my fitness level. I had begun to see advertisements on TV for Peloton and NordicTrack bikes as Christmas approached. All I knew of either was the Peloton video clips I had viewed showing an instructor in a studio yelling at their riders. Not for me. But I soon came to discover that both of these bikes offer “scenic ride” options that make you feel as though you are riding in locations all over the world. That seemed perfect for me, but could I see enough of the screen to warrant the high cost of the bike?
I did an online video demonstration with a NordicTrack salesperson, then I went to a local store to test a bike in person. The screen was larger than most, enabling me to make out the scenery. (The text in the menus is another story for another day.)
My new fancy bike arrived in March of 2022. For the following two years, the old bike remained in my bedroom. I kept saying, “I need to get rid of this,” but found it difficult to part with my faithful steed. Early on in my vision loss this bike was one of a few things I could still do. For that I was very grateful.
I came to terms with the fact that it was time to donate the bike. It was important to me that someone who really needed it get it, but it was harder to find it a new home than I expected. Finally I called Purple Heart and they agreed to take it.
My new pricey bike is great; it most definitely challenges me. But during the most challenging time of my life, my $99 bike from Walmart was worth more than I can ever say.
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