Why the title, Arthritis and Cycling?

As an exercise, cycling seems well-suited to people suffering from arthritis, second only to swimming.  The impact is low and there is no risk of over extension.  Bikes can accommodate a range of riding positions and gearing.

When my knees were at their most painful August time, the most difficult part of cycling was getting on the bike! And the cycling isn't pain free - sometimes my knees ache on every pedal stroke.

I've always cycled - atleast since my early childhood when it was a ticket to freedom.  My experience of cycling and sport has brought some of the mental discipline needed to manage arthritis.  A lot of the value I get from cycling is meditative. It's one of the periods of the day when I'm closest to my subconscious. 

Historically, I would be sensitive to such a warning, examining riding position, shoe cleats and possibly easing off. With arthritis I reckon that some discomfort is inevitable and is outweighed by the benefits to the cardiovascular system.  The paradox of arthritis is that while the limited and painful joint articulation deters movement but after prolonged periods of stasis, e.g. after sitting or sleeping, the joints set, making movement even more difficult.  Overall, I find life is much more comfortable when I'm moving which makes a desk-based job increasingly unattractive.  In fact I wonder how much deskwork was a contributory factor to my contracting the disease.