Cycling Through Winter: My Journey Back to Fitness After an Accident


I’ve always been a chef — long hours on my feet, running around the kitchen, and working with my hands. But after a motorcycle accident a few months ago, everything changed. A ligament tear was just the start of the physical recovery I needed. I couldn’t do what I loved, and for a while, I struggled with the idea of sitting on the sidelines while life — and my career — kept moving. I’ve always loved cooking, but I knew I needed to find a way back to fitness, not just for my job but for myself.

That’s when I decided to start cycling.

It’s funny, because I hadn’t ridden a bike since school days. But something about it felt like a way to regain my independence and recover physically. I didn’t want to push too hard or rush the process, but I figured cycling could give me a way to ease back into exercise while taking care of my body. A few months into this new journey, I’ve realized it’s not just about recovering from an injury — it’s become a new passion. And now, as winter sets in, I’m faced with the challenge of cycling in the cold.

So here’s how I’ve been navigating this winter on two wheels, a bit of a novice but determined to stay fit and keep my recovery on track.

Why I Took Up Cycling After My Accident

1. Low-Impact, But Effective: After tearing my ligament in a motorbike accident, I couldn’t put too much strain on my injured leg. Traditional weight training was out of the question for a while. Cycling, however, was something I could ease into. It’s low-impact, which is perfect for someone like me, trying to rebuild strength without overloading my joints. The motion was gentle on my knee, but still challenging enough to help improve my cardiovascular fitness, and I could gradually increase intensity as my body recovered.

2. A Way to Stay Active as a Chef: Being a chef is physically demanding. There’s a lot of standing, running around the kitchen, and lifting heavy pots and pans. But after the accident, I knew I needed to find a balance. I wanted a way to stay active without tiring myself out at work. Cycling seemed like the perfect fit. It helped me stay in shape without exhausting myself before a busy shift. Plus, I could ride at my own pace — not too fast or too slow — and still get a great workout.

3. Recovery and Mental Health: Physically, cycling has been great for my rehabilitation. Mentally, it’s been a lifeline. After my accident, I felt a little lost. I was sidelined, unable to do much for myself or my career. But cycling helped clear my mind and lifted my spirits. Each time I rode, I felt a little stronger and more in control of my recovery. The fresh air, the feeling of freedom on the road — it all contributed to a sense of healing that went beyond just physical recovery.

How I’m Adjusting to Cycling in Winter

Now that it’s winter, cycling presents a new set of challenges. I’m used to hot, bustling kitchens, not cold, quiet roads. But I’m determined to keep going. Here’s how I’m making it work:

1. Dressing Smart: One thing I quickly realized is that winter cycling isn’t just about hopping on the bike and going. It’s about layering up properly. As a chef, I’m used to wearing layers, especially in the kitchen, but layering for cycling is a whole different ball game. I’ve learned to wear a moisture-wicking base layer to keep sweat away from my skin, followed by a warm insulating layer, and then a waterproof jacket. The key is to stay dry, warm, and comfortable without overheating. 

2. Protecting My Extremities: I don’t know if it’s the chef in me or just plain common sense, but I quickly learned that keeping my hands, feet, and ears warm is non-negotiable. As someone who works with my hands in the kitchen, I know how important it is to keep them functional, and cold hands don’t help. So, I invested in a good pair of insulated gloves, thick socks, and waterproof booties for my feet.

3. Time of Day Matters: As someone who spends long hours on my feet, I have to be strategic about when I ride. Mostly i look into it to ride in early mornings before hitting to my work as for weight loss also its better to hit your workout in the morning to get the metabolism kicking in, but if someone is in a much more colder climate and cant take that much chill of morning (where i stay morning temperature is around 6 degree Celsius) its better if time permits go for an afternoon ride.

4. Take It Easy: As much as I’m pushing myself to get fitter, I’m also trying to listen to my body. Cycling in winter isn’t about speed for me; it’s about consistency and recovery. After my accident, I had to remind myself to go easy on my knee and take it slow. I start with short, easy rides and gradually increase the distance as I build strength and stamina. My goal isn’t to set any speed records — it’s just to enjoy the ride and stay on track with my recovery.

Why I’ll Keep Riding Through Winter

Cycling has turned into more than just a way to recover from my accident. It’s become a crucial part of my fitness routine and my mental well-being. As a 40-year-old chef, I know that staying healthy and active is key to keeping up with the physical demands of my job. And as winter sets in, I’m not ready to quit just because it’s cold outside. Winter cycling has become my time to clear my mind, challenge myself, and stay fit.

If you’re in a similar situation — recovering from an injury, needing a way to stay active, or just wanting to try something new — I’d highly recommend giving cycling a go. And don’t be afraid of winter! With the right gear and mindset, it’s a whole new adventure waiting for you.   

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