Having a recurring medical problem

[Momz]

As many of you may remember, I have a deteriorating spinal chord condition. Thus contributing to my neuromuscular weakness, tremors, partial paralyisis, and lack of motor control.

This last weekend (Color Tour) may hay been my last Valkyrie ride. I can no longer handle my I/S and my Rat Rod is beginning to seem heavier every time I ride it. I was told by several riders this last Saturday that they were impressed by my cornering skills. What they did not see was that I could not move my right foot properly to use the rear break and I could only use two finger on my right hand to activate the front brakes. So I had to use far more body english to get through the twisties. At times I was going far faster than I felt comfortable with.

I've had quite a few falls in the last few weeks and on Friday night I was at Hyprr Daves house when I took a fall. It seems that my shoulder may have been injured but I was determined to ride Saturday. I (reluctently) loaded up on Vicodin 750 mg and Aleve to allow me to ride without excessive pain. Many of the same symptoms that caused me to seek medical attention and finally surgery are starting to resurface.

I may sell both of my Valks (I/S supervalk and the Rat Rod w/extra wheels, pumpkins, driveshafts, trunk, and loads of other parts) and purchase something lighter, lower, more manuverable; like a Victory Jackpot 8-Ball.

I do not plan (and will not) give up yet!

[V-NAV]

Like your attitude, man.  Wish you the best.

John

[POPS 57]

I picked up a used 09 Spyder for my wife. It has the elect. shift. I tooled around on it for a week and i had a ball with it. If you think people stop and ask about the Valk. That is nothing compaired to this bike. Sometimes i could not get on my way because of all the questions. Its an option that i could see if my age or health get the best of me.

[~ Timbrwolf]

...wow George...none of us realized when we were all at Dave,s Friday night that you fell out in the livingroom until it was over. And I know the others as well as Faith and I feel for you, you are a friend to all of us, and a good one at that.
Like I told you on the phone last night....Faith and I had a blast sharing the wind with you and Pam, and the rest of the group, it was a great day of good friends out sharing the wind and life. You were riding so well, that I dont think anyone in the group Saturday realized the problems you were encountering were so serious. And Im sure I speak for everyone when I say that no matter what your decision is, that we will all be behind you and support you 100 %. If there is ever anything Faith or I can do to help, you have my cell number. And If there is a good part to this tribulation fo yours, its that the riding season has just about come to an end, and you will have the entire winter to make any decision that you deem necessary. But what ever it is....we will always help you any way we can George.

[9Ball]

Sorry that you're having issues....maybe these will pass with more healing time.  One can only hope.

You have a good support group in Michigan and they will be able to assist should you need anything.

Here's to better days....hope they are coming for all of us with these nasty medical conditions.

John

[Momz]

Thank you all for your kind words and encouragement.

[Chiefy]

Best of luck to you.

I know 2 wheelers don't take trikes seriously.  But they should.  And the Valk does make one HELL of a trike......

[andym]

As much as I love my two wheeler, I have found the thing that I love most about my Valk is the great people that I have met riding. Many of us may need to consider trikes in the future, so its something worth considering. Knowing the great folsk in this club, Im sure they would rather have you along on a trike, than not at all :-)

[Jack B]

Momz
Take care of your self first.
Hopefully you will get better.
Jack

[Miles]

Sorry to hear about the health problems.   My health issues are different than yours, but can relate to the frustration of not being able to do what you once could.  Hang in there...as you know, attitude and determination are everything in this fight.

If you are thinking of a smaller/lighter bike...the Victory may not be a bad choice...especially the lighter models.  I rode several of the Victory bikes on saturday (demo day at the local dealer).  The Jackpot is much lighter than the valk...and lower.  Also rode the Vegas, and the Cross Tour...similar setup to the Valkyrie Tour.  Really great brakes, and good handling on all the models I rode.  Good cornering (although I scraped the pegs hard) and very stable at slow speed, parking lot type stuff ... much better than the Valk at slow walking speeds with both feet on the pegs.  Also pretty good torque from the 106 ci twin...although the Valk would probably still win in a fight.  Found I had to be careful not to over-rev it (no tach), and it's too dam quiet with the stock exhaust, but a nice ride.  Would definitely need a change to the handlebars and seating position tho...had to lean too far forward for the grips. But then...I had the same problem with the Valk until I bought a backrest and handlebar risers.

[Whistler]

George it was a privilege and one of my highlights to meet you at InZane this past year. To see where you were from what you had described earlier in the year was a true inspirition to many of us. Your infectious attitude and love of life shown through bright and clear. I am sorry to hear of this current set back, but I would echo a thought that the riding season is ending up there in the north land and it does not seem to me, anyway, that there is any reason to get in a hurry. Take the winter and see how things develop, I'll be praying for you and I know others are too! Plus, and this is purily selfish, but I can't buy another Valk right now and that Rat Rod is just sweet!!! Hang in there Brother, JDW

[Valker]

When I can no longer be comfortable holding up my two wheeler, I think I will get a Piaggio MP3 500cc. They let you still lean in the turns, but will hold themselves up at a stop. If I have to stop leaning, I'll get a comvertible.