Family Chill & Grill

After several weeks of work to rehabilitate an angry lower back injury, I felt well enough to explore the physical limits with a short ride.  Nothing like a sore back to make you feel old.  I’ve read the yoga adages, “You’re as young as your spine is flexible.”

I’ve not been feeling young.

My friend Paul and I departed for a short ride to breakfast at the Family Chill & Grill and Firehouse Pizza in Tyrone, Pennsylvania, just 15 miles from home.  A reasonable distance to appraise how things are going.  Unfortunately the place was closed — Labor Day — requiring us to move further down the valley to find a place to eat.

BMW and Vespa

Eventually we made our way to Altoona and Kings Restaurant.  Paul commented on all the old men gathered for breakfast.  I gently reminded him we’re old men…

By the time I rolled the Vespa back into the garage there were 85 more miles on the odometer. As long as I don’t have to pick up anything heavy (like a dropped scooter or a quarter) my back is pretty good.  Another week and I should be back to normal.  Whatever that is now for me.

Paul got rid of his Ducati Hypermotard and replaced it with a 2005 BMW R1200 RT which he plans to ride to New Mexico in November.  With a full fairing, heated grips and seat, and spacious hardcase luggage it will be a fine machine for a ride like that.

I’m not thinking that grand.  I’ll be happy when I can put the dog food dishes on the ground without supporting myself with a walking stick.

Old age and youth — two sides of the same coin.  I need to keep tossing it.