Multiple Sclerosis Isn't Keeping This Cyclist off of His Bike
Name: Lee Sindet
Age: 60
Hometown: Anderson, South Carolina
Occupation: Self Employed Web/Graphic Designer
Time Cycling: More than 30 years
Reason for Cycling: I love to push myself and enjoy all the challenges that come with cycling. Cycling keeps my multiple sclerosis at bay and is so enjoyable at the same time. It’s a win, win!
Before I found cycling, I was a huge skateboarder. Most of my skating was done in parks, pools, and backyard ramps. I then went from skateboarding to skiing. I also played tennis, as well, and have basically been very active in sports my whole life.
I started cycling around 1990. Because I was an avid skier at that time, I wanted to do something in the warmer months that gave me a good workout like skiing did.
In the beginning, I was cycling four to five days a week. I was predominantly mountain biking, but I would road ride when the mountain biking conditions were bad. At the time, I used a Polar heart rate monitor during my training. And in the prime of my training, I had a resting heart rate of 38 beats per minute.
I also did a lot of mountain bike racing—some 24-hour races that were both solo and team events in Warren County, New Jersey, in a trail system at Allamuchy Mountain State Park. It’s a very extensive and technical trail system.
A good friend of mine, Mark, who was part owner of our local bike shop in New Jersey introduced me to all the trails and racing. He was an accomplished mountain biker who taught me about riding technical terrain. He also loved to race in all kinds of events, and that’s when I started racing with a four- to five-person team. After a few of these races, I decided to try racing a few solo events.
For my 40th year on this planet, I raced a solo 24-hour event on a fully rigid, single-speed mountain bike. It had no suspension front or back, and only one gear. But I rode single-speed exclusively for approximately six years.
Today, cycling has also been a huge part of my journey with multiple sclerosis. I was diagnosed in 2006. (My mom and sister both have multiple sclerosis, as well.) I have had symptoms that are pretty common with multiple sclerosis—numb legs and feet. And I’ve had some issues with balance and vision. However, cycling has helped lessen my symptoms.
I try not to let multiple sclerosis run my life. I do my best to not give into it. It has progressed some since my diagnosis, but my family does not treat me any differently knowing I have this disease. They don’t cut me any slack, and I truly appreciate this because I don’t get to feel sorry for myself. I’m not built like that anyway.
Between being older and having multiple sclerosis, I am definitely not as fast on the bike as I once used to be. I continue just moving forward in life. We all have obstacles, but I try and not let them get in my way. I know at some point I may have to hang up the riding thing, but at the moment, I will ride for as long as I can.
Cycling is the best way for me to both stay in shape and have fun. I believe it has also has allowed me to not have to take any kind of drug for my multiple sclerosis. My doctors feel my disease is doing so well because I am so active. Cycling has kept me feeling young and feeling great!
I still ride four days a week. I split the time between road, gravel, and mountain biking. But my favorite type of riding is still mountain biking. I love being in the woods with my bike.
Since moving to South Carolina six years ago, my riding has definitely changed from the riding I did in New Jersey. Most of the local trails here are way less technical than they were in New Jersey. This is probably a good thing because I do not fall or crash as much as I once did. At this point, I do not want to get hurt badly enough that it keeps me from riding the next day. And I would rather not have to pay my health insurance deductible—crashing badly would hurt in two ways!
My mountain bike rides are typically around 10 miles or so. Occasionally, they can be closer to 20 miles if I have the time. My road rides can vary from 12 miles to more than 40 miles.
Gravel rides are pretty much the same as my road rides in terms of distance. I usually do one- or two-day gravel rides each year with my riding buddy, John, who I met on the local trails back when I first moved to South Carolina. We’ve been riding together ever since.
These tips have made my cycling journey a success:
1. Keep trying
Don’t give up. It takes time to build up the stamina. This, in turn, makes cycling enjoyable. It’s okay to feel some pain. Just go slow and you’ll soon realize you are now fit! I am fortunate to love the feeling of totally exerting myself.
2. Enjoy yourself
Have fun! If you’re not having fun, don’t do it. And don’t take yourself too seriously. Exercising should not be a chore. Keep trying different things until something clicks. Cycling just happens to make me very happy. I guess I got lucky. I also enjoy hiking and kayaking.
3. Do some research
Cycling can be an expensive sport and it can be intimidating and confusing when you’re starting out. There is a pretty large learning curve as to what works for you and what doesn’t. Don’t buy the most expensive stuff when you’re starting out. Don’t buy the cheapest stuff either. It took me years to figure out what I liked and what worked for me. Do some research, like on the type of riding you may want to try first. I started out mountain biking. Now I ride road and gravel bikes as well. You can also go to your local bike shop and ask questions. They usually love talking about anything that pertains to cycling!
4. Don’t worry about speed
Finally, my advice to new cyclists would be to just get started. Cycling helps us in so many ways. I have a saying that goes like this: “It doesn’t matter how fast you are riding a bike–it’s always faster than riding your couch!” Heck, it doesn’t even have to be cycling. Just get out there and move.
Lee’s Must-Have Gear
→ POC Optal MIPS Helmet: I have personally used POC helmets, as they seem to fit me best. This is probably the most important piece of cycling equipment, next to gloves and sunglasses, in my opinion. Never get on the bike without a helmet!
→ Rudy Projects Spinshield Air Sunglasses: I wear Rudy Projects. The eyewear is both functional and stylish. Bonus: It can make you just look faster.
→ Fizik Cycling Shoes: They are very comfortable and made specifically for cycling.
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