Sorry to hear about your illness, I was hit with bowel cancer in October, all removed and given the all clear now but radical surgery and muscle wastage due to inactivity whilst in the recovery stage, however I just wanted to say that at times I thought I’d never get back to fully fit, weeks would go by with no improvement, but then there would be a step change, then another plateau with little improvement, then another step change until now where I’m back to normal life, I still have to be a little careful of lifting heavy objects because there’s a danger of hernia where they went through the stomach wall but in general fully fit, so here’s hoping that you to will get these sudden improvements Congratulations on upgrading from a Harley btw
Sorry to hear of your problems, but thrilled for you that you're now in recovery. Don't overdo it, but I hope you continue to see steady improvement. For my part, I'm now feeling some positive impact from the biologics infusion I had a couple of weeks ago. My second infusion is on Wednesday, so fingers crossed that the treatment produces the desired outcome. Oh, and I've not "upgraded" the Harley (it's all the bike I could want, and I love it). I'm just thinking about options should it transpire that I need something lighter going forward.
Sounds good, it’s terrific what they can do for us these days, I didn’t even need chemo because the surgery was so successful, keeping a positive mental attitude can be difficult at times, there’s a lot to take onboard and deal with , realisation of one’s own mortality being amongst them!, yes sorry about the Harley dig, I can’t help it, I think it’s genetic!
Sorry to hear that u are not well we can pray for you for a healing Keep positive and you could always go royal enfield 650 nice light bike All the best mate
@learningtofly Oh my, I've just now see your initial post and all the ensuing responses, both your and forum friends. I am incredibly sorry to learn of your ulcerative colitis diagnosis. You've certainly have been through the wringer health wise, my friend. I can't imagine what you're going through but I'm sure it's especially frightening to not know what the future holds. You are right--life can be a bitch sometimes. It's completely understandable that you're feeling depressed (and probably a bit angry, too). But it does sound like you are getting excellent medical care, thank God, and that you know the importance of a positive mental attitude. Our bodies and minds and emotions are not the disconnected entities that we often believe them to be and our outlook on life and our circumstances is powerful. I've added you to my daily morning prayer list, and I'm sending healing and positive thoughts to you across pond. Of course, as we're both Harley aficionados, my motorcycle advice is a wee bit different than others here as you might expect. I'd encourage you to not jump the gun and be in a hurry to sell or trade your Harley--which I know you love--I've seen it in your face in photos here on the forum and I've heard it in your "voice" in your posts. You've said the future remains uncertain so I absolutely understand why you're looking at other motorcycle options. I would be too. I also understand that you just want to ride and go to football again. I felt similarly after my bicycle accident left me dependent on others and unable to ride a motorcycle much less walk. My circumstances pale in comparison to yours, though, in that you have a disease that will require lifelong management. I had injuries I was certain would heal (well, some days I wasn't so certain). But I couldn't ride at all for seven months and at that point could only ride my (lighter) Triumph. It was another two months before I could ride my Harley. And I had many, many days where I couldn't fathom ever being able to ride my "big" bike again because I was so weak and had lost so much muscle mass. (And, hey, I didn't have that much to begin with!) I don't mean to be focusing my own struggles but am using my example only to share with you some things that I learned. I had to learn to be patient (not my fortè) and to take one day at a time. I had to learn I couldn't control or plan for everything. And I, like you, had to face the possibility that I might not ever again be able to ride my Harley. But little by little, day by day I regained strength. I believe you can, too. I will pray for you for strength, courage, and patience. And for healing. P.S. Hey, just a thought. Can you swing having two bikes or at least two during the time you're going through treatment and regaining strength? I love my Triumph and have that bike to thank for being able to ride again sooner after several surgeries than I'd have been able to if I only had the Harleys. I've realized that it sort of served as a "bridge" between not being able to ride at all and when I finally had the strength to ride my Harley again. Maybe you could find an inexpensive, light "therapy bike" for your physical, mental, and emotional health. And that gorgeous Sport Glide can wait patiently for you.
@learningtofly: Welcome back! Your idea with the T120 I can only support! I also ride mine as a 2nd bike. The handling and the driving pleasure is brilliant. You just need to swap the original tires, Pirelli Phantom, then it is a perfect bikes. Also long stages with 500-600 km at a stretch (with a fuel stop) are no problem. I have mounted the brown seat against a comfort seat in black from the Triumph accessories. Very comfortable! Up to now I did +10,000 km in just under 7 months as a 2nd bike with it. You will love the T120!
Thank you so much for that, Sandi - I really do appreciate it. You're also something of an inspiration in such matters. Sadly, I don't have room for another bike. Some years ago my ex-wife made off with the garage (and the house attached to it) so these days I have to make do with the patio. I do keep a fitted cover over my bikes, though, and then cover that with a Ridehide. Anyway, I got past a hairy moment a few days ago when I'd made up my mind that I was going to call my Harley dealership to hand the SG back when I got up the next morning. Thank god I spoke to a good friend and fellow SG owner that evening, though, as he soon talked me out of it and now I feel committed to trying to make it work for me. Thanks for your thoughts and prayers.
Thank you, Markus. Yes, it's beginning to feel like - IF I have to change my bike - the T120 is the best all round option. That said, another R9T would also work for me, so that would be in my thinking as well. The Bobber may just lack a little practicality, and I'm not sure about the beach bars and big bar mirrors on the Speedmaster (and I'm not sure what other acceptable bar options there would be).
I’m a bit late onto this thread. So sorry to hear about your problems. Like all before me thinking about you and hoping things improve for you.
This is the limited edition R9T 100 Years. It's stupidly expensive at over £18k but it comes with literally every option available (including tubeless spoked wheels). It also has the LE-exclusive chrome paint job. As close to perfection as you can get IMO.
Just seen your posts @learningtofly, so was saddened for your issues but really happy the new meds are having some recovery benefits. Thoughts and prayers with you and your ride decisions I purchased the Speedmaster for its weight while struggling with ankle and knee issues and loved it dearly for last 45,000km
Anyway, the Harley is booked in for a service and it's first MOT on 24th/25th of this month. My Harley and Triumph dealerships are not only both Lind but they very conveniently share a large double unit (its brilliant for window shopping ). Assuming I'm well enough to get there (!) I've therefore arranged to take the T120 demonstrator for the day and overnight so I can see how it feels... should the need arise. Really looking forward to it, and again I do think this configuration is absolutely lovely. Off to the hospital (which bizarrely is literally over the road from the Harley/Triumph dealership) in about an hour for my second biologics infusion . Wish me luck.