The sky was clear, sun shining brightly, temp predicted to be in the high forties. Couldn't stand it any longer. It was time.

My first ride of the year is always special. I'm not sure why. Mainly, I suppose it's because it's the first ride of the season (duh), but it's more than that. Although I've ridden earlier some years--New Years Day once--this year is especially special. This year I'm riding for the first time since my double hip replacement last summer.

Man, what a difference. Before, it hurt to put my gear on, it hurt to push my bike out of the garage, it hurt to climb on it, it hurt while lifting my feet from the ground to the boards when I started out, it hurt to shift, it hurt to brake, it hurt to get off and it hurt getting back in the house. Sometimes, I literally crawled up the stairs from the garage on all fours.

Well, I'm happy to say ALL THE HURT IS GONE! Wow, what a difference. If any of you folks have considered a hip replacement because it's affecting your life, DO IT!

Looks like another sunny day today. Glad the wife convinced me not to sell the ST1300 like I'd planned. Today, it gets its turn in the barrel.

 

It's amazing what they can with joint replacements now. I have no idea how they get you back on your feet so quickly. Everyone I know who's had knees or hips replaced is like a new person. I'm glad you're back and comfortably in the saddle again

 

Glad to hear your surgery was a success and this 1st ride is definitely iconic. Enjoy and ride-on for many years to come!

 

I am glad for you, both the ride and the hip job, along with many more safe rides coming your way. Wish I could afford such a thing. Also back, shoulder, both knees, wrists, a few digits and so on. But I learn to live with the pain and ride as much as I can. Aleve is always with me.