Featured Then---and Now. Thank You To My Forum Friends Who Helped Me Hang In There!

Today's date marks one year since I crashed my bicycle and got off to an early start to the craziness of 2020. It's amazing that an entire year has passed since that day. So much has transpired in that year's time including a pandemic, loss (and gain) of a job, and saying goodbye to our beloved boxer, Annie. I know that many of my forum friends have also experienced major challenges, hardships, and losses this year. As I reflected today on the events of a year ago, I also considered all those who helped me hang in there through the ensuing months. And many of the forum members here are among those who supported and encouraged me as I healed.

So here's a HUGE thank you to each of you who sent encouraging words, made me laugh, shared your own stories of broken bones and recovery, and checked in on my progress through posts and PM's. I am very thankful for your support and I'm blessed by your friendship. In looking back today at the copious messages in the thread I started after my accident, I felt overwhelmed and grateful for the kindness expressed by so many of you--forum friends that I've not even met in person. Yet!

So here are a few photos of then---and now. Of course I marked the day by riding! Riding motorcycles, mind you. Not that blasted bicycle.





On Saturday Mr. Sandi and I rode with our boss and her husband. We'd not seen him in over a year and a half as he had heart surgery in the fall of 2019. He's doing great now. He used to be a motorcycle cop so is an amazing rider. And how awesome is it that Mr. Sandi and I are riding buddies with our boss?!?

The actual date of my crash was January 18th but I crashed on a Saturday so this day also felt like an "anniversary" of sorts based on the day of the month. I did think about riding my bicycle to commemorate the occasion. But then I regained my senses. We did a nice round 100 miles and had weather that was perfect for riding.







Today I rode my Street Glide Special with our buddy, RT. Mr. Sandi didn't join us because he had two "dates" scheduled, one with the guy who trims our trees once a year and the other with his guitar buddy, RS. They two of them set up chairs and amps and music stands on our back patio and play together each Monday afternoon. I really wanted to get out and ride today because it just felt like the right thing to do. I am so grateful now each time I ride after being sidelined for seven months while recuperating. Those bikes were a powerful motivator!

RT and I did an afternoon ride up to the Oracle Patio Cafe, one of our two primary COVID-era riding destination restaurants because they have outdoor seating and excellent safety protocol. But unfortunately on this day the cafe was closed. Not for MLK Day but for the owners to celebrate their 20th wedding anniversary. So we just hung out and chatted for a bit then headed back down into Tucson. It was another beautiful day with temps around 70ºF and our mileage was around 70, too.





What a difference a year makes. One year ago I couldn't walk because of a broken pelvis and I was scheduled for elbow surgery. I still do home PT about an hour each day but functionally I'm able to do most everything that I could do prior to my accident.

I'm grateful for so many things--good medical care, healing, Mr. Sandi's care and patience, friends and family. For my faith. For patience and tenacity and motivation. And for my forum friends who cheered me on. You know who you are! And I thank you.

 

The "self medicating of riding".....LOVE that, @Dartplayer! It is SO true.

 

Thanks, @andyc1. I appreciate your belated get well soon. I still have elbow issues and will most likely have another surgery to remove the hardware that's in there as it's quite annoying. It's especially bothersome with the elbow armor in my motorcycle jackets. And who knew we whacked our elbows on things so frequently? My surgeon said that most people who are thin opt to get that metal outta there. I don't know when I'll have that done, though. I'm not in a hurry due to COVID. Not a good time to be in a medical facility unless a necessity to my mind.

 

I agree about having the engine slung between the two wheels, @steve lovatt Right now I feel far more comfortable and confident even riding my 820 pound Street Glide than I do my 15 pound bicycle. Though each bicycle ride makes me feel a bit better in that respect, I still don't really look forward the bicycle rides as I do the motorcycle rides.

 

Thanks, @Tiglet. Yes, more challenges ahead in 2021. Just because we put up new calendars, COVID and politics and tough stuff doesn't just change like the snap of the fingers. Yes, onwards and upwards.

I've not ridden the Apache Trail in Arizona but am curious about Jamie Robinson's motogeo videos. I'll check them out on YouTube. Thanks for the info!

 

Actually it can get quite chilly here in the desert, Andy! We rode up to a dealership near Phoenix a couple of weeks ago and it was 34ºC when we started. With our speeds and the ambient air temperature, our calculated wind chill was about 16ºC! We do get usually about a week's worth of below freezing overnight temperatures.

But that all said, we really don't have all that much cold weather so that hasn't been an issue for me with the metal bits in my elbow thankfully.

 

Awww, you're welcome, @Octoberon. And thank you for your kind words.

One of the things I've been thinking about a lot lately is that I want to strive to be a more positive force and voice each day rather than a being a complainer and a negative force. That's often easier said than done but in my own small way I am doing my upmost each day to contribute in a positive way to those around me personally and professionally and not be a "Debbie Downer". (Sorry to the Debbie's out there, nothing personal!)