What did you do on or to your other bike part 2

[rdprdp01]

I wanted to test my back today.  A week ago, I had steroide injections to help lower back pain caused by stenonis (narrowing of the spine, pinches nerves).  I'd say it's been about 80% effective, so very grateful for that.  It may last a few weeks, a few months or possibly longer, but it allows me to avoid surgery, so that's a good thing.

Got away by noon, and decided to cross the Columbia River into Washington.  One of my favorite hiways is 14 which hugs the northern banks of the river.  April showers brings...


Climbed onto an overlook of the Columbia, Oregon on the far side


A good day for a ride.  Temps in the high sixties to low seventies.  The W800 feels great!


Crossed bridge at hiway 97 to head back to OR; there were lots of kite surfers enjoying the strong winds, and a tug:


Started heading back west towards Mt. Hood; very few cars...




One of my new favorite roads, heading towards Tygh Valley






It was getting late, so time to pick up the pace...one last photo a few miles from the main hiway:


A mile later...whoops!  
 
I walked forward but the open track closed after 50 meters.  Wrong bike to try it.  Fortunately, there was another paved forest road that allowed me to make it to hiway 26, which takes me back to Gresham.  5 miles from home it started raining.  Hardly a cloud in the sky when I started...felt lucky to make it back not very wet.  The elevations were colder than last weekend, so I was shivering when I got home.  Back is sore...but I'm happy I was able to last 7 hours (lots of stops).  

A 93 year old gentleman was admiring my bike at a stop.  He said he has a Suzuki with 8k miles on it...and he's ridden it one mile.  Fell over in the grass and has never gotten back on.  He told me he has been married 70 years...the first 40 were great.  Repeated that his Suzuki had 8k miles.  Then he added that there should be a law that you get to change them out yearly after 40.  "Are we talking motorcycles or wives?" I asks.  "Both"...he smiles and wishes me a good rest of the day.

That is a beautiful ride. I am also glad you are feeling better. The motorcycle can help you heal. Trust me.