Making a comeback

[S.Gill]

Hi my name is Lance and I'm having trouble with my comeback due to a guy called Alberto ! :D
Jokes aside,I have had two spinal fusions over the past 4 years and am now trying to make a comeback.I am battling to get my legs strong enough to tackle the hills again.Besides riding them more often, what I can do to hasten the process ie in respect of strength and nutrition/supplements ? (not forgetting I am a bit resatricted due to my back pain etc)

[Felt_Rider]

Even though I use quite a bit of nutritional supplements myself it is only because my diet is not as well rounded ("balanced") as it should be.

There are no magic supplements that will expedite you progress coming back. However, timing of nutrition is very key. You will sometimes hear about the "window of opportunity" and to me that is where supplements can play a part. For instance I have to commute to the place where I cycle and that commute can sometimes be an hour drive. So for me I don't want to wait an hour to get home, fix a meal and then wait for the digestive process to begin and the nutrients begin to trickle into to my system while the window of opportunity is closing. I always carry enough carbs for a post ride snack (besides what I use while riding) and I have a whey protein drink that amounts to 30 grams of fast digesting high biological value protein. I also have BCAA's and glutamine mixed in both carb loaded (Heed) bottles while riding.

That is my input and opinion for one of your questions.

[jhuskey]

I myself had knee surgery in Feb. ACl torn and both Meniscus were torn and folded. I started riding on the road, much to the dismay of my therapist, two and a half weeks after surgery and am only now begining to feel near normal power again. Although I never have the time to train as much as I would like.
I suggest some cross training, maybe some swimming and rather than straining your back on long rides try shorter intense rides.
With your back it is always important to keep your abs as in good as shape as possible as these muscle groups help hold the back in alignment but I am not sure what your back can tolerate.
Good luck and be patient, recovery just takes time.

[geerfree]

Some light gym work can help

[Felt_Rider]

Some light gym work can help

Just asking because of the type of posts I see from you, but are you here on this forum as a form of spamming this site?

As discussed on other threads, it is more commonly thought that riding a bike will make a better cyclist on hills and not gym work.

[geerfree]

Just asking because of the type of posts I see from you, but are you here on this forum as a form of spamming this site?

As discussed on other threads, it is more commonly thought that riding a bike will make a better cyclist on hills and not gym work.

Just trying to offer some helpful advice. I know from experience a little gym work mixed with hill training on the bike can be very beneficial.