Testing new equipment -- ie: left knee

[Boomer612]

On Sept 19th 2013 I went to the EOM and had a great time... except for the rain on Saturday.

On Sept 27th 2013 I put my bike away and covered it up.. out of site out of mind

that didn't work so good .... I still got PMS (Parked Motorcycle syndrome)

On Oct 1st 2013 I received a new Left knee.. way overdue... so I finally pulled the trigger and had it done.

On Dec 1st 2013 I was walking well.. going up stairs like a normal person (open to discussion about being

normal) I can dance again -- the Electric Slide -- I can twist with 0 (read no pain at all) but when I sat on

the bike it was still all I could do to get my foot up on the peg and shifting was still not an option.

On Dec 26th 2013 I sat on the bike again and it was a little stiff but I felt I could even shift.

On Jan 1st 2014 I went for my 1st ride... it was cold and wow was I rusty... 25 miles. I hit neutral 3 times

up shifting.. down shifted once without the clutch (that actually was very smooth) and the bike drifted right abit????? (me???)...

but all was good.

On Jan 14th I went to a friends house.. He had moved just as I got my new knee and I hadn't seen the house

yet.. my GPS died and I looked for the address by memory (no ugly comments here.. I do not hide my own Easter eggs yet...) needless to say I got very lost... never found the house ( I did ride right by it) so a nice 50 mile ride to a 10 mile destination...

but all was good.

On Jan 20th 2014... my 3rd ride.. I joined the Patriot Guard Riders back on June, 2012 and did 43 missions

last year. I enjoy being out on the bike and the wife likes me being out of the house so I decided to go on

the ride. It was 34 degrees as I left the house at 9:30am. Traveling up I-575 to Canton,Ga and people look at

you like your crazy... I was snug as a bug.. love that electric gear... they have no clue.

I arrived at the funeral home at 10:10am and was happy to see some people I hadn't seen for a few months...

just like the FJR guys, they are the nicest bunch you will ever run into.

 

[Boomer612]

There is that FJR sitting among all those V-twins.. someone has to represent....

This is "Red K".. she is the ride captain for this mission...

We always start off with a mission briefing... something about the person we are escorting... the route...

the pledge of allegiance and a prayer...

We then line up and "Present Arms" (salute) as the casket is carried to the hearse.

We took off with a LEO escort (Law Enforcement Officer). Most escorts we also have motor escorts as many of

them are PGR members but they were not available today. Only 2 exits down the expressway and 30 minutes later

we arrive at the Georgia National Cemetery... Shelter #3..

We quickly set up the flag line...

I am so good looking and photogenic.....(No comments needed here... just let me have my moment...)

 

[Redfish Hunter]

Let me express my happiness to hear you are still around. I have not seen any posts from you here for a while.

My Mom recently had a knee replacement and I hurt everytime I think about what is involved in that procedure.

 

[Boomer612]

The hearse arrives and we "present arms" through the 21 gun salute, Taps and stand for the flag folding

and presenting the flag to the family.

We then fold the flags and return them to the "flag wagon" and have a BS session...

I was meeting some dysfunctional vets for lunch so I left right away...

Words cannot explain how good it is to be out riding again... no missed shifts and the "drifting" has

stopped.. it's like riding a bike (yes that was a pun)

The knee was well worth the aggravation and I was riding again in 3 months... yes, I wish I had done it

earlier... the after effects are that I am going to Gold's Gym 2-3 times a week to keep the knee in

shape and I fear it my help the rest of me too. I'm already in shape... round is a shape..

and if any of you thought about joining the PGR don't hesitate.. a great bunch of guys.. especially if

you are retired and have some extra time...

... and all is good.

 

[Abercrombie FJR]

Nice Ride report Bruce, and good to see you back on your feet and riding on a good knee.

 

[majicmaker]

Outstanding news, Bruce. Glad to hear you're riding again and all is well.

 

[Bugnatr]

Thanks for the report and your patriot guard service. Looks like a nice sunny day and some quality time with friends.

 

[stevec677]

I met "Red K" at a hotel parking lot in Summersville, WV. I believe she was riding with her daughter. A very nice person and a great ambassador for our sport.

 

[Niehart]

Outstanding news, Bruce. Glad to hear you're riding again and all is well.

+1

 

[BikerGeek99]

Hiya, Bruce!

Good to hear ya got a bionic knee - you were hobbling around a bit at EOM.

 

[lonerider]

Glad to hear the new knee is working out for you. I had mine done last June and experienced a lot of discomfort after up shifting a lot. It's gotten better as time passes. Hope yours heals quicker.

 

[Shane]

Just want to say thanks for your efforts that support Veterans and their families.

This May will be 3 years since my Dad's passing, and the Patriot Guard added a lot of meaning to his funeral.

All the best,

Shane

 

[hppants]

Great Ride Report.

I learned about the Patriot Guard on this forum. Being a part of what this forum did for our friend Patriot was quite a humbling experience and reminded me emphatically that the world is still a good place.

Glad you are back in the wind.

 

[Niehart]

Well said Pants, well said.

 

[bgross]

Hooray!

Congratulations on the new knee and on being back on the road, and back with the PGR.

 

[luvtoride]

Hi Bruce! Good hearing things are going well.

 

[Boomer612]

I met "Red K" at a hotel parking lot in Summersville, WV. I believe she was riding with her daughter. Avery nice person and a great ambassador for our sport.

Almost forgot.. I saw Red K 3 weeks ago and mentioned this post from you. She smiled and said "I remember

him"... small world. She was traveling to Niagara Falls, the long way, with her daughter.