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STAR LETTER RIDE IT OUT!

I’ve just read issue 420 and wanted to thank you for your ‘Get out there!’ how-to feature. As someone who suffers from multiple sclerosis, highlighting the fact that some of us struggle to sling a leg over a bike and go riding is massively helpful.

I’m one of your older readers and have had a bike as long as I can remember, starting with a hand-me-down just after I started walking. Then I had my BMX days in the ’80s, through to getting into MTB long before suspension was a thing. About seven years ago, I started noticing that something wasn't quite right. After numerous tests over many years, I was finally diagnosed with MS, and thought my biking days were numbered, which just added to the despair and loneliness I felt.

There are different types of MS and mine is ‘primary progressive’, meaning that it’ll steadily get worse, but without me knowing the rate of decline. It affects my left side – I’m losing dexterity in my hand and foot, which causes muscle wastage as my right side compensates. The grip of my left hand isn’t what it should be, I never feel like my left foot is planted correctly on the pedal (I have to look down a lot to check where it is) and my balance is affected. And as we all know, grip and balance are pretty much integral to mountain biking. However, right now it doesn't stop me from riding, it just means I can’t get out as many times as I’d like to and I have to stay on blue runs. But the positive impact it has on my mental health far outweighs the insecurities brought on by my condition.

Reading ‘Get out there!’ made me realise that I’m not on my own and other riders have similar (or even bigger) problems to face up to. Not only will the article help others who are suffering, but it’ll educate those who aren’t, so thank you. I’ve never been the type to wallow, and I’m not ready to buy an e-bike just yet. All I ask of MBUK readers is that they don’t judge the middle-aged man going slowly on the blue runs.

Neal, via email

Thanks for sharing your story, Neal. We’re happy that the how-to guide resonated with you, and that you can still get out on your bike. It just goes to show that every one of us will come face to face with adversity at some point, and our attitude can make a world of difference. Your positivity is an inspiration – hopefully this selection