For those who might be interested, I'll try to keep this area current with what my near future rides are and other such trivia. If I'm going to be in your area, drop me an e-mail at UnclePhilus@hotmail.com and if possible we can grab a bite to eat. Hope to see you on the road!
Planned Rides And Such
1. After another aneurysm repair in my right leg which reduced some circulation, I am slowly getting back at it. The left leg is at about 60 percent blood flow but it is working and that's what matters most. The right one is not as bad but I do have to deal with the pain from lack of circulation when I do my morning walks. But I can still ride and for that I am very thankful.
2. The 21st Blue Ridge Gathering was held in Hot Springs, NC at the Hot Springs Campground and Resort for a change in venue to better accommodate the folks that want to tent camp. Nothing formal, just some folks meeting up to ride and eat, and eat and ride. Although hurricane weather threatened the event, those of us that stayed had some wonderful day rides on Thursday and Friday. We are looking forward to having it there again in 2023.
3. My knees are doing just fine and I can honestly say that I would not know that I had a replacement if it were not for the scars and some activities that I avoid to prolong the life of the implants. Currently I am walking three miles a day.
4. On November 8th, 2021 I started another orthopedic 'adventure'. Unfortunately, arthritis is a constant companion for me, but not a pleasant one. Both of my shoulders had no cartilage left in them, so I had a complete replacement on the left one. So I thought I would be out of the saddle for probably the next six months. Here's a short ride I took before the surgery. And here's a surprise ride I was able to get in just before 2021 ended. I was able to progress enough that I could get my right shoulder replaced on January 31st. This was the longest I have been without riding since I joined the USMC back in 1971 (18 months without riding) - and it's been tough for me. But I've finally gotten back into the saddle slowly but surely. I'm still not where I want to be but at least I am getting some wind into my ears!
5. 2022 was a little tough as I lost two good riding friends in accidents - within two weeks of each other. Here is my ride to honor one of them.
6. Here's the tale of my 'almost' ride to Newfoundland and the surprising outcome.
7. After SweetTreat's engine died on my Newfoundland trip, I was finally able to install a slightly used engine from one of my parts ST1100s. Here's a little 'test' ride I took once she was running again.
8. Here's my last ride of 2022 and my first ride of 2023 - I hope you enjoy them as much as I did.
9. I did a little 'R&R' run down to Texas that you can read about it here.
10. Due to my numerous surgeries starting in September 2021 and continuing into 2022 and my wife's fall and ensuing surgeries, I have not been able to ride as much as I usually do. Hopefully 2023 will be a better year for her and me health wise.
Now that BlueBelle is fixed up to suit me, I've visited the lower 48 states and almost have the map filled in. I'm closing in on the goal with only Alaska left to visit and have all my reservations in place for it this year. So keep tuned in, cause you just never know where I might show up ....
