Taking the Long Road: My Journey to the Central West cycle trail
By David
In 2021, my life changed overnight. I had a stroke that left me unable to move my left side. I couldn’t sit up, walk, or use my left arm and hand. I spent five months in hospital and rehab, learning how to live again. That time was full of uncertainty, grief, fatigue, and anxiety, and the loss of who I thought I was.
One of the hardest things was giving up my motorbikes. I couldn’t ride anymore, and that freedom I’d always known suddenly fell out of reach. But through that loss, I found something new - recumbent cycling. I loved cycling before and unfortunately had to sell my beautiful Giant Propel Road bike. Getting back into cycling was one of my goals, so I trialled a recumbent trike at Freedom Wheels with an occupational therapist. They custom-built a trike to suit my needs, with all the brakes and gears positioned on the right to accommodate limited use of my left arm and hand. I still wear an AFO on my left ankle, and the trike has a platform pedal to support the weakness in my left leg and ankle.
Getting on that recumbent bike gave me a sense of purpose and momentum I hadn’t felt in a long time. Since then, I’ve ridden almost daily. I even completed the Mudgee Classic, and now I’m gearing up for my biggest challenge yet. The 360km, Central West cycle trail, which will include a 105-kilometre ride in a single day.
Staying motivated after a stroke isn’t always easy. Fatigue and frustration are real. But I’ve learned to do things step by step. I set small, achievable goals with my physio, celebrate them when I reach them, no matter how big or small, and then set the next one and work towards that goal.
The main goal I’m working toward is independence, getting back to what I could do pre stroke. That’s what drives me. But I’ve also learned not to push too hard. If I do, I get tired, and my spatial awareness and balance take a hit. So now I build rest into my routine. It’s not a weakness - it’s a strategy.
Watching professional cycling on SBS motivates me to get out on my trike and picture myself right there in the action. It might sound simple, but it genuinely helps me stay focused and inspired. I also watch YouTube videos of upcoming rides to get a feel for the terrain. Being mentally prepared makes a big difference, especially as I now experience anxiety following my stroke.
To get ready for the Central West Cycle Trail, I normally aim to ride 100 kilometres each month. I do regular gym sessions, and I ride with two groups, which makes training more fun and social. Living in Sydney, I also ride to Centennial Park and do laps to work at my average speed.
Nutrition is a big focus for me. My brain works harder to do basic tasks, so I eat with that in mind, fuel for my brain and body. Hydration is also key. And of course, I rest. Sometimes my brain needs that, even more than my muscles do.
For Others Starting Their Journey
If you’re feeling stuck or scared to try something new after a stroke, my biggest advice is - just start.
That first step is the hardest, but if you don’t take it, you won’t move forward.
Talk to your doctor or allied health team and build from there. Set goals that bring you joy, not goals to please anyone else. Challenge yourself daily or weekly to keep the momentum going. And most importantly - be kind to yourself and stay safe.
Training for this ride is more than a physical goal; it’s a symbol of how far I’ve come. From not being able to sit up in a chair, to riding 105 kilometres in one day. That’s something worth celebrating.
Whatever road you’re on, I hope my story encourages you to keep moving - one pedal, one goal, one step, one breath at a time.