Backroads in Oregon
 
Spent last weekend modifying the DR:
  1. Added a support for the right side bag to clear the exhaust (Thanks, Bill!)
  2. Shaved down the ridge in the seat foam.
Next is constructing a sling over the seat to carry two 1-liter bottles and my sore butt bones.
Check out the page on bikes for details.
 
Monday's MRI shows pelvic fractures are healed.
Let the conditioning begin!!!
 
Three little bikes went for a meandering ride in the cool of the morning last Sunday. First time in six months I've ridden. It went well. Excepting the seat. After an hour on the seat, my butt began to ache. Specifically, both sides of the sacrum which were fractured last February. So I need to further modify the seat.
1. Shave down the steep shelf ridge near the back. It is right where I usually sit for cruising rides. Very ouchy.
2. Extend the width of the seat, 1/2 - 2/3rds back. The nose will remain narrow so I can scoot forward and put a foot down when stopping.
3. Remove another 1/2" on the overall height of the seat and overlay a 1/2" of medical foam for a bit softer cushioning.

The former fork seepage has been resolved and the carb seems fine (for now). I hope it stays that way.
The most difficult part of returning to riding is getting on and off the bike. I can't just swing a leg over haphazardly. And my ab muscles REALLY need re-educating! Lots of crunches coming up!
 
The new saddlebags for the DR arrived last weekend. It was like Christmas. A support will need to be added and modified for the right sidebag to keep it off the exhaust. Otherwise, it will melt.
Ed shortened the sidestand so the bike no longer sits upright at attention (and falls down). The carburetor was thoroughly cleaned because the bike has sat for five months while my pelvis heals from two fractures.
I go for a short test ride this Sunday morning.
 
Returned mid-week last from a long stay in the desert of Big Bend, Texas. It was hard to leave, more difficult to return here. I'm still not 'here'.