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Activity Affinity and Socializing

Gerald Wilgus

Gerald Wilgus

Well-Known Member
V.I.P Member
For the past 6 years I have been with two bike clubs in my area and have been very fortunate. They have been welcoming and during social times, like today where we had a pot luck breakfast before riding, I have had no issues. The people have been welcoming and tolerant, allowing me space to just watch and listenif I wish, and joining in when I like, and not bothered by my occasional faux pas. They practice inclusion, both socially and in designing rides for all abilities and have no agenda other than to enjoy bicycling and each other's company. Some are excellent bicyclists but supportive of us who enjoy a less strenuous pace.

I don't know if I am really lucky with this group of people, but in general I think that the focus on an enjoyable activity may set the stage for inclusion. Not only do I enjoy the physicality of a good ride, but I find myself really liking the people and look forward to seeing them. No stress there and, in fact, I am looking forward to planning a ride in the fall as we take turns planning, and thinking of a ride from a local cidery to enjoy some hard cider and a bite to eat after a nice bicycle through the countryside.

Have others experienced such with groups involved with activities?
 
I really enjoy bi riding, since the stroke cannot throw my leg over to get on practicing with chair
hopefully in the next few weeks. could bike for miles in the past usually not with a group. when I WAS younger my ten speed would always be in tenth gear, even going up hill did not need other gears. simply brut force my way up legs very strong. probably from my bout with transverse mylitis years ago. cannot completly straighten them.
 
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Ronald Zeeman said:
I really enjoy bi riding, since the stroke cannot throw my leg over to get on practicing with chair
hopefully in the next few weeks. could bike for miles in the past usually not with a group.
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Have you ever considered going into something like a recumbent where it may be easier to get into the seat? With a herniated cervical disk my road bike became too excruciating to ride. I went into a tadpole trike (two wheels forward and the drive wheel in the back. A bit pricy, but worth it to keep active, and they are a blast to ride. The only negative is that propulsion is all muscle without the advantage of putting weight on the pedals when hill climbing, but if I tire, I can just put the brakes on and sit a little to recover.
 
I have a stationary recumbent in my home gym. was restricted to level 3 when I left the hospital .
fifteen or so years ago i could max out these bikes for one half hour sweat out. before the stroke level level 7 age now concentrating on walking. dramatic improvement even in the last few weeks. walked 2 kilometers today felt almost natural again, last week would have felt like had a 200 lb weight on my back. Brain finally passing the duties to my spinal cord where it becomes automatic. I am too tough to allow my self to throw in the towel on my bike only a 24 inch tire. not sure any more may be 26 inch. Marie likes to dance clubs open for first time tonight after year and a half lockdown. probably still no dancing. boy can she move I Really miss that.
 
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In January I had a minor stroke and I can't even imagine what you have been through, but everytime I'd exercise I would experience a significant TIA. Last month I had an angiography with angioplasty and everything is OK.
 
My wife's brother had a minor stroke last week back to work within days. I am amazed how last I am recovering. We went dancing last Saturday at a private party, probably why walking is improving rapidly this week.
 
Gerald Wilgus said:
For the past 6 years I have been with two bike clubs in my area and have been very fortunate. They have been welcoming and during social times, like today where we had a pot luck breakfast before riding, I have had no issues. The people have been welcoming and tolerant, allowing me space to just watch and listenif I wish, and joining in when I like, and not bothered by my occasional faux pas. They practice inclusion, both socially and in designing rides for all abilities and have no agenda other than to enjoy bicycling and each other's company. Some are excellent bicyclists but supportive of us who enjoy a less strenuous pace.

I don't know if I am really lucky with this group of people, but in general I think that the focus on an enjoyable activity may set the stage for inclusion. Not only do I enjoy the physicality of a good ride, but I find myself really liking the people and look forward to seeing them. No stress there and, in fact, I am looking forward to planning a ride in the fall as we take turns planning, and thinking of a ride from a local cidery to enjoy some hard cider and a bite to eat after a nice bicycle through the countryside.

Have others experienced such with groups involved with activities?
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The nudists I have known are exceptionally welcoming and tolerant and inclusive. (Nudists in more conservative areas maybe not so much.) Groups that meet over a common interest are vastly to be preferred over bars and office parties and socials. Those sorts of things drive me nuts within minutes after arrival, not to mention the sensory overload from noise/music.
 
So cool you found a welcoming group!
Awesome timing reading this - I've recently joined a writing critique group I'm iffy about and we're meeting in a half hour. I'm presenting the first chapter of my latest rough draft - which features two autistic characters. (I'll soon be begging for beta readers in a separate thread!) I told my husband, one nasty or ignorant comment about auties and I'm out.
 
KimS said:
So cool you found a welcoming group!
Awesome timing reading this - I've recently joined a writing critique group I'm iffy about and we're meeting in a half hour. I'm presenting the first chapter of my latest rough draft - which features two autistic characters. (I'll soon be begging for beta readers in a separate thread!) I told my husband, one nasty or ignorant comment about auties and I'm out.
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I wish you luck. I don't know how writers are, but I have had my share of seminar presentations in research. There the knives are out.
 
Honestly I think I intimidated them a bit. I started with an announcement that I would have multiple autistic beta readers, so all comments related to autism would be 'deferred to the pros'. It went smoothly!
 
KimS said:
Honestly I think I intimidated them a bit. I started with an announcement that I would have multiple autistic beta readers, so all comments related to autism would be 'deferred to the pros'. It went smoothly!
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That is very nice to hear! Good going.
 
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