pmar6004
TOI - South Dakota
Hello to all,
Although I became a member of Trike Talk the end of March of this year, I somehow didn't quite feel that I was really one among you, that was until I made the ultimate commitment, that being putting in my order for a new trike.
A brief history might be in order first... Having ridden motorcycles since the age 16, I thoroughly enjoyed the sport for the better part of 45 years, having owned four Gold Wings, the most recent being a 2002, which I bought new. In October of 2008, my bike riding days soon came to a end when I had a stroke that ended up affecting my right side. I was age 62 at the time of my stroke, just a few years from retirement. Not being able to ride last summer was one of the most difficult periods in my life as I felt that my world had come to an end. If not for the moral support of my loving wife/caregiver, I think it would have. With much physical, occupational and speech therapy, I've regained my ability to perform all of six activity of daily living. Considering how seriously dehibilitating strokes can be, as well as life threatening, I consider myself very fortunate in that mine was not as serious as it could have been. My right leg strength and cordination has improved to where I can walk unassistedly, but my right arm and hand cordination and strength has been the slowest to recover. I'm not able to extend my right arm nor can I grasp things with my right hand. Spasticity, the involuntary tighting of the muscles, has been a problem for me as with many stroke victims. The limitations of my right arm and hand makes the operation of my bike impossible even if I had it converted to a trike and possibly with special hand controls. Since I can safely operate and drive my car, the thought entered my mind to pursue my passion of motorcycling by looking closer at the Stallion. Well to make a long story short, yesterday I took a demo ride on a Stallion and virtually fell in love with the experience, the experience of being one with nature, that sense of freedom that I thought was forever lost, due to my disability, had returned, however briefly.
Now the anticipation and waiting begins as I wait for my order to finally arrive at the my dealership, which I was told might be October or November. Being from SD, that puts me out of this years riding season, for sure. So it will be awhile before I can post a picture of it. Oh by the way I order the Black Cherry color, as I've been told that they are the fastest, LOL. So with that said, I'll close by saying I'm looking forward to becoming a more active participant to Trike Talk and the opportunity to hopefully meet some of you at a rally. Take care a ride safe!
Sincerely,
Daydreamer
Although I became a member of Trike Talk the end of March of this year, I somehow didn't quite feel that I was really one among you, that was until I made the ultimate commitment, that being putting in my order for a new trike.
A brief history might be in order first... Having ridden motorcycles since the age 16, I thoroughly enjoyed the sport for the better part of 45 years, having owned four Gold Wings, the most recent being a 2002, which I bought new. In October of 2008, my bike riding days soon came to a end when I had a stroke that ended up affecting my right side. I was age 62 at the time of my stroke, just a few years from retirement. Not being able to ride last summer was one of the most difficult periods in my life as I felt that my world had come to an end. If not for the moral support of my loving wife/caregiver, I think it would have. With much physical, occupational and speech therapy, I've regained my ability to perform all of six activity of daily living. Considering how seriously dehibilitating strokes can be, as well as life threatening, I consider myself very fortunate in that mine was not as serious as it could have been. My right leg strength and cordination has improved to where I can walk unassistedly, but my right arm and hand cordination and strength has been the slowest to recover. I'm not able to extend my right arm nor can I grasp things with my right hand. Spasticity, the involuntary tighting of the muscles, has been a problem for me as with many stroke victims. The limitations of my right arm and hand makes the operation of my bike impossible even if I had it converted to a trike and possibly with special hand controls. Since I can safely operate and drive my car, the thought entered my mind to pursue my passion of motorcycling by looking closer at the Stallion. Well to make a long story short, yesterday I took a demo ride on a Stallion and virtually fell in love with the experience, the experience of being one with nature, that sense of freedom that I thought was forever lost, due to my disability, had returned, however briefly.
Now the anticipation and waiting begins as I wait for my order to finally arrive at the my dealership, which I was told might be October or November. Being from SD, that puts me out of this years riding season, for sure. So it will be awhile before I can post a picture of it. Oh by the way I order the Black Cherry color, as I've been told that they are the fastest, LOL. So with that said, I'll close by saying I'm looking forward to becoming a more active participant to Trike Talk and the opportunity to hopefully meet some of you at a rally. Take care a ride safe!
Sincerely,
Daydreamer
