Good morning Reader,

At 6 weeks after collarbone surgery I was back on the trails. Nothing wild, just mellow trails with smooth corners.

Now, the obvious questions: Is this too early? Is it doctor or physio approved?

For me, yes it was appropriate and 'approved'. I’m an Athletic Therapist, and I’ve been working closely with my colleagues to make sure every step back makes sense. The plan has been steady: parking-lot drills, pump track laps, and controlled exposure to dirt trails, all within what my shoulder (and common sense) can handle.

But here’s where it gets tricky if you’re coming back from an injury. Online, it’s easy to see people jumping back into full-send mode just weeks after surgery and think, “Why not me? Why is my injury taking longer?” What you don’t see are the setbacks that often come from pushing too far, too fast. That slope can be hard to recover from for both athletes and professionals guiding the process.

If your doctor or physio seems overly cautious, talk to them. Ask what they’d need to see before you can take that next step. Open communication beats silent frustration every time. And if they’re still hesitant without clear reasoning, help them understand what your riding actually looks like.

Here’s the truth: many clinicians view mountain biking as an extreme sport. They picture big jumps, hard crashes, and adrenaline seekers. As a result, they often play it safe by slowing your rehab or delaying clearance because they assume you’ll get hurt again on your first ride.

Don’t believe me? I’ve had this exact conversation with colleagues who see mountain bikers as high-risk athletes. Some even admit they hold back on exercise progressions out of fear their patient will return too soon.

If your medical or rehab team still isn’t progressing you at a slower pace than you think you're capable of,a can’t clearly explain why, it’s time to have that conversation. You may even want to ask for a referral to someone who understands the demands of our sport.

Professionally, as an Athletic Therapist, I take an assertive approach—not reckless, but progressive. There’s always a way forward if you do it intentionally. The goal isn’t just to ride again; it’s to ride well, confidently, and without fear of re-injury once you’re fully cleared. Returning to the trail should always be a step-by-step process, not a sudden leap to full send the moment you’re “cleared.”

Patience is still part of the process. Every pedal stroke and cone drill is a reminder that smart recovery builds lasting performance.

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