Coping with the forced change from upright to recumbent
I've (47M) been an avid cyclings for a few decades now and really enjoyed riding hard with groups and racing But over the last few years, and even more so recently, I’ve developed severe foraminal stenosis on my left side which leaves me with very numb hands after only about 15’ of mountain biking. I can road ride as long as I keep my head down as much as possible so that my neck is straight. This has made rides longer than 1:30 to be more of a chore and not hugely enjoyable since I’m constantly having to concentrate on how I’m feeling and signs of numbness and discomfort rather than just enjoying the ride.
With this, I think that I’m going to have to change to a recumbent much sooner than I’d like to if I want to continue riding long (1:00+). The thought of this is causing me actual grief and depression. I fear that my riding hard days will end with the change and that I won’t be able to participate in fast group rides anymore.
Does there happen to be any recumbent riders in this group who have had to, for health reasons, made this change? If so, how did you deal with the change mentally?