May 6th Update:
I've still had issues with both knees. Went in to a primary doctor this week and had both x-rayed. The radiologist came back with a inconclusive report. The left knee will get another injection on Monday. I've had three such steroid injections in that knee over the last four years, it is bone on bone. But there does not seem to be a problem with the right knee, which is much more painful. I'd hate to think it is arthritis that I will have to deal with from here on.
Anyway, I decided that I have to try a ride. Lady Val has been sitting in the garage since my original post. It's a glorious Minnesota day, blue skies with pillow clouds and temp around 60. My favorite route over to the Mississippi River was in order. North from Rochester and then East through Hammond and Millville, a route that follows the Zumbro River. Riding easy, not pushing it the first day out. I immediately noticed that country air. It's been very wet here and the farmers have had trouble getting into their fields. It appears that some have used the time to clean out their barns.
Going through Millville, I noticed that the Rod and Gun shop was open for business. I normally go through here on Sunday so I had to stop in. For a small shop, they had a large assortment of firearms. I asked if they do smithing but the answer was an understandable no, such a shame. Traveling on I pickup MN-60 heading into Wabasha. This road has both curves and straight sections passing through the bluff country that lines both sides of the Mississippi River. Started to take note of my lines through the curves, hopefully to get back in good form. Stopped at a gas station in Wabasha just for a bottle of water and a snack, only 50 miles on the odo. Neglected to take water from home as I always do, chalk it up to a senior moment. Thought about popping into Slippery's for lunch, we haven't been there since the Grumppy Old Men Fest. But then I remembered that diet I placed myself on just yesterday, got to get weight off my knees.
Crossed over the River into Wisconsin, and in Nelson turned right down WI-35 south. Managed to pass the Cheese Factory without stopping for ice cream. Traveled somewhat slowly toward Alma, a quaint little river town, but along the way I encountered drivers slowing and stopping for the 100 mile garage sale which was going on this weekend. Now I had the opportunity to practice my slow riding skills. In Alma, rode up to Buena Visto overlook directly above the town. I was going to walk out to the point, but got caught up in a conversation with two other bikers. One had owned a Valk in the past and was now riding one of those high dollar BMWs. The other rider was on a new Indian.
On the road again, I headed North back through Nelson and on through Pepin and Stockholm before turning around for home at the Maden Rock outlook. The trees are just in the process of leafing out and it's beautiful all along the river. Heading back the way I came all the way to Wabasha where I finally had to stop for gas. Headed South on US-61 on the Minnesota side to Kellogg where I pick up MN-42 toward home. What a day in the wind, 140 miles on a great machine, and my knees do not hurt a bit...
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For two months, I've been thinking about my ability to ride this year. My lower back and both knees have been giving me grief, and I've considered not traveling to Inzane this year.
But I managed to get the Valk back together and this morning moved her from the basement workshop to the garage. To my surprise, the fuel rails did not even leak this year. After gathering up the riding gear, I took a short ride into town to top off the tank.
Boy, how just getting behind those bars and taking a short ride after a long winter can revegorate an old fart like me. The pains seem to be much more manageable after a little wind in your face. Hope to see everyone in Billings this year...
