Playing the guitar is everything to me. I'm looking to start road biking....

[sw0mgt]

...Is it worth the risk of injury? I'm a 20 year old guitarist who is entirely focused on playing songs for a living. The guitar is everything to me... it is the food for my soul and the purpose of my being here on Earth.

I'm looking to pick up some new athletic hobbies to get my body (and mind) back into shape. I'm thinking about road biking, but I am worried about the risk of injury. An experienced cyclist told me it is similar to motocycles.

I'm sort of a clumsy person, so I could definitely see myself getting into some nasty spills. So the question is... should I risk injuring my wrists/hands for cycling? I'm not sure I could handle a screwed up wrist.

[McG]

I have been road cycling for 42 years. I have never injured my hands or wrists. I am not above average on the "clumbsy-ness" scale (meaning I do my share of "Doah!" moments).

I don't think bicycling is that risky of an activity to do. If you run do you fall down each time? If the answer is yes, don't ride.

[silverbullet]

Most common cycling injuries are road rash, and broken collarbone. Cycling gloves significantly reduce any risk of road rash to the hands.

Obviously anything can happen, but I don't see cycling as any more a risk to your dexterity than crossing the street on foot. Especially if you're oblivious in Ipodland.
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Note to Rusty: I won't debate my strangeness, but I do have a face....

[Roberto]

Two of my riding friends play muscial instruments (sorry, I'm dumb and forget wich). That doesn't stop them from riding hard, we do mountain biking.

You could try different types of riding, you don't have to go to the hardest one out there. Cycling is fun, but you should be able to determine up to which level of risk you're trying to do.

[Yossarian]

Be careful, stay within yourself and you won't get seriously hurt. I bike thousands of miles a year and I fall maybe once a year. The worst injury I had was some stiches in my elbow. Keep your hands on the handlebars and make sure when you do fall that you fall onto your shoulder.
My bigger concern for you would be time. If you get addicted to biking the way I am you will be spending hours a day on the bike which would cut into your guitar time. A gym membership might be a better alternative foryou.

[rusty]

I wouldn't ask faceless strangers to tell me what sort of personal risks I should or shouldn't take. I think that you're going to have to answer this question for yourself.

[tom p]

With bikes, there's more chance of injuring your legs or side of your torso. If you fall quickly, there wouldn't be enough time to get your hands into position to help mitigate injury.

Look at Tommy Iommi, he turned out alright and he is missing a bloody finger!!!