A post-surgical view
My wife and I have been married for over thirty years. The youth and energy that drove our lives when we began changes and fades over time. And a recent spine surgery that my wife underwent reminds me of the marriage vows I swore so many years ago.
…in sickness and in health…
That surgery reminded not only of vows, but triggered gratitude for health insurance and acceptance of the reality that I wouldn’t be riding for a while. For the last two weeks of July and through the end of August my scooters and motorcycles were idle as I focused on support and care.
And as healing progresses I’ve been able to begin to ride a little. Short trips, errands mostly, and the experience recharges my physical, mental, and emotional batteries.
Viewing the World Again
As much as I enjoy the pocket forest around our home and the natural landscape within, I can feel the pull towards the machines in the garage. On the road again, it’s the perfect time of year when summer dissolves into autumn and the air seems clearer and crisper. Running errands on the Kawasaki W650 is a perfect way to ease myself into riding again.
Dog Vitamins
Both our dogs take a hip and joint supplement. One has a previous shoulder injury which will develop arthritis, and the other is just getting older. The trip to Wiscoy for Animals via a meandering route south of town provided a wonderfully relaxed ride before engaging with the growing amount of traffic coming into town for the Penn State Football game. I stay off the roads on football Saturdays but will brave the day before in the daylight hours.
Tire Valve Caps
Checking the bike before departure revealed a missing tire valve cap. My fault for sure. I must have forgotten to put it back on after checking the air pressure at some point. Can’t imagine it would vibrate off. The bike seems naked in a bad way with the tire valve exposed. So a stop at Advanced Auto for new ones was in order.
The Road Ahead
My favorite time of year to ride is approaching. Autumn with its changing colors, enhanced plant fragrances, and much cooler weather increases my riding excitement exponentially. I’m always puzzled at how many riders are already packing their bikes away for the winter. Even our local Moto-Hang group wraps up in September. I get it though. If you don’t have the right gear, even 60F is frigid let alone riding into the 40s.
I’m uncertain what the future will bring. What I do know is I plan to ride into it. As long as I can accomplish it safely.
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This is very relatable. My wife has mobility issues along with afib, which is currently under control with a second cardioversion. But it makes is tough to get out and leave her alone for any length of time. Even thinking about something like a weekend getaway to ride makes me nervous. Just doing the errands and local spins “around the block” take the edge off, at least. I’m pretty sure she’d let me go, but the worry factor might be a little too much.
I’m sorry that you have to bear the weight of caretaking. Your wife is fortunate to have a man willing and able to provide that kind of support. I think the challenge, or at least one of them, is to make sure we don’t run our batteries too far down. Like you say, a spin around the block takes the edge off of things. And recharges the batteries too.
My wife continues to improve and with it I will hopefully be able to venture a little farther and longer.
Fall is my favorite riding seasion. I feel naked or stinking hot in the summer depending on how much gear I can tolerate. In the fall I can just throw on another layer that gets stripped off at my destination. This past weekend my son and I rode 4 hours to the Delaware Beach. Perfect weather. Cool enough to make a jacket and jeans comfortable, warm enough to not need extra layers.
The weather this time of year is great for riding. I envy your trip to the beach. I hope to get my wife and I to some beach sometime soon.
Hi Steve,
I’m so glad to hear your wife is on the mend and that you’re slowly finding your way back to two wheels. Caring for those we love always comes first, but there’s a quiet magic in how a short, simple ride—even just running errands—can restore our perspective and recharge our spirits.
Autumn is, without a doubt, my favorite season of all. There’s something special about the way the light changes, the clarity in the air, and the earthy scents that fill the road as summer fades. The cool air keeps you sharp and present, making every kilometer feel deliberate and fresh. I’ve never understood the urge to pack the bike away so early either—this is precisely when the road feels most alive and contemplative.
Wishing your wife a smooth and complete recovery. May the road ahead bring you both quiet strength and many clear, crisp autumn miles.
Warmly,
Daniel
You’re absolutely correct about a short ride restoring the spirit and providing perspective on what’s happening in life.
I love the autumn for all the reasons you describe. It goes by so fast now, especially as I get older. Before I know it there will be snow on the ground and I’ll be dreaming of spring.
And thank you for your kind words of support for my wife Daniel. We appreciate them.
May God grant your wife healing and you a life of safe riding.
Thank you Karl.
See how a riding blog can develop into so much more.Steve you have a wealth few only dream of.Thanks for every photo, ride details and always a slice of your life in real time. I sure hope and pray for your dear wife a full recovery and many years ahead God bless u BOTH and Happy riding always. Dr. Don
Thanks Don. I’m always surprised I have been keeping this blog going since 2005. In that time I’ve been able to examine things going on in my life and with riding. I’ve made friends. And somehow it helps keep my feet on the ground through the good and bad.
Wishing Kim a swift and smooth recovery….
Thanks Dom. She’s plugging away with PT now and determined to manage to have some productive mobility.
If one thing is crystal clear is that aging is inevitable for all of us. I hope Kim recovers quickly and that you both find some steady paths to contentment and happiness in the near future.
Thank you for your kind words David. We both look forward to a little more freedom from the medical and surgical realm. You’re right though, aging is inevitable and a mystery. I never know what to expect when I wake up.