On The Road Again!

For those who didn’t know/remember I was in my first motorcycle wreck about a year ago. I spent last year in a Wheelchair, a therapeutic pool (that was so soothing), working my way up to a walker, to being able to just walk.

Did I mention that using a walker flat out sucks?

Anyways…the bike was at the shop pretty much through the winter waiting on parts to be repaired so baby didn’t get home till February. So I didn’t have the bike in the garage till I was in good enough shape to sit in the saddle.

So the bike and I have been back together for almost 90 days & I’ve been honestly apprehensive about what would happen when I was able to ride again.

Would I be able to sit on the bike?
Would I be able to handle the bumps?
Would I be able to sit for extended periods on the bike?
Would I freak out with drivers acting stupid?
Would I be able to ride to and past the place where I wrecked?

So yesterday the weather was sunny, the roads were dry and my anticipation was an all time high so I went for it.

I’ll say that donning everything and throwing a leg over the bike was envigorating to say the least. Starting the bike up was easy (once I remembered to turn on the fuel <smacking forehead>) and rolling out of the garage was a snap.

You hear the adage “it’s like riding a bike, you never forget” but yesterday I finally see what they meant. The old habits kicked in and I was off!

I stopped at the local dealership to ask if they wanted to test drive the bike (standard procedure, but since it was ready in February they didn’t get a chance to perform the test ride). The shop manager, Craig, looked me dead in the eye and says “Karl…do you really want to give up riding today? You rode it here, so you tell me.”

After making one adjustment on the bike at the shop (the boot shifter was off slightly), I was back on the road and it was wonderful! All of the MSF training, years of experience and so on kicked in and I was doing very well.

A lunch hour that will stick in my mind for a long time.

So I arrive back at the office and I’m told I look like the Cheshire Cat coming into the office. I do notice that the day is brighter and better for sure.

At this point I am presented with a wooden sign that the guys got for me it simply says “Time spent on a motorcycle is not deducted from ones lifespan” which I couldn’t help but be moved by the gesture. I work wth some really cool guys.

Twice yesterday I went to the corporate office, once I had to go and the other I volunteered. What can I say? I’m willing to make the effort…know what I mean <smile>.

So at the end of the day I take the long way home. I even rode past where the accident occured and no problems.

Tomorrow, I’m grabbing Lynn and heading out!

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