Rehab #33 Style (phase 2)

Well I finally got it!  The doctor said I wouldn’t do any harm to my hand/wrist at this point because it had been long enough into the healing process that it should be solid.  So he said I could start riding again.  I never did bring up our little secret, you know, about my new little part time job riding street bikes as a test rider. But since he has released me to ride I couldn’t wait to venture off road to see how I would do on the trail. I believe moto and racing may be out for most of this year.

The very next day I was awake at 0-Dark thirty (about 4 am) and headed out to the garage to hop on my KTM 530 dual sport and give it a go. I guess I had a bit of trouble sleeping in anticipation of my first off road ride in 7 months. I dressed, geared up with back pack, tools, spares, etc and set off into the darkness with my Squadron 2 headlight showing me the way at about 4:30. This headlight is definitely bright enough to ride off road at night with as long as you are not trying to go race speeds.

I was in the dirt in 10 minutes of leaving the house and realized immediately how much better riders all you dirt boyz are than the rest of the motorcycle people that only ride the street. I actually had to use the arm and hand as I stood up for obstacles and bumps. It became quite apparent that this was going to take some time since I rode like a girl (sorry ladies) because I was still trying to protect the hand/wrist.

It didn’t take too long to relax and really begin to enjoy the ride. The fact that I was out there is what really mattered and the sun was not up yet, but dawn was beginning to break. It was awesome!  So I continued to ride at a leisurely pace and had a great time. After about an hour or so I noticed the wrist was beginning to ache so I started back toward the garage. My total time when done was about 2 hours of seat time. I lost track of how many times I smiled and probably giggled in that 2 hours, but it felt great.

I got home, lubed the chain, took off my riding gear and sat down in a chair in the garage to savor the ride and appreciate it.  I did think to stop and take a couple of pictures along the way, just so I could enjoy it again and again.

Anyone need a trail riding partner?

#33

“Time spent in the saddle, is time well spent”

Comments

[Tom Burch]

Great news!! My normal smart*!$ way would be to say let's go race for pinks because I could probably beat you right now.....sadly for me this wouldn't be the case....you know the drill, take it easy.

Cheers
#428

[#33]

#428 You're on! Pinks it is, I like that new yz 450 of yours.
Hope to ride with you soon.
#33