I've seen quite a few posts by the bikers among us. I was new to the biking world last year when I got my 06 1200 Low Sportster. This year it's new to the band world. I'd like to know from my fellow riders out there if they have any tips on how to handle roadtrips, rallies, etc. I'm looking forward to participating more with weekend trips and want to be prepared with my new stomach. Thanks! :shade:

<p>Sandra, I check the local biker happenings at East Texas Motorcycle Riders Forum . It's for all us folks that live out here in the sticks. Our big thing is getting together at Herschel's (burger joint) on a Friday night, kicking a few tires, admiring everybody's ride and swapping a few ride stories and a bunch of lies. </p> <p> </p> <p>Cindi, I don't know about the seat on the RoadKing, but I think I'm starting to grow webbing between my toes....Eeeeeeeew! Last time I looked, a family of spyders had taken up residence in my motorcycle boots. :-(</p> <p> </p> <p>I did want to clarify something.....my wife had her band placed 18 months ago. The surgery the other day was some female plumbing problems that she has been wrestling with for a while. So far, things are looking good, no problems. Gotta go back in 3 weeks for the all clear.</p>

<p>Don't know if I have posted in this threat yet, but I got my date. . . Aug 6th. I had my appt. with the nutritionist last week and rode my bike to the hospital. It wasn't raining, so I took some back roads and made a pretty good trip of it. Got my pre-op with my doc July 27. Gotta pull out the greenbacks that day, as I am 100% self-pay. ($13500.00) Ouch! haven't even been cut and that smarts! LOL</p> <p> </p> <p> Jim</p> <p> </p> <p>P.S. Hope it dries up for you all over in TX.</p>

Congrats Jim! I know it's a lot but look at the return you'll get on your investment! :whoo: Trust me, it'll be great for you!

I hope we dry out soon too. Lots of riding planned this weekend and on the fourth.

Does anyone know how to 'size' a picture down in here? I tried to post one but it was HUGE...lol

:peace:

I just found this thread. I'm glad to see bandsters are riding! I have not been banded yet. Setting the date for late in July in Mexico if all goes well. I ride a 97 HD RoadKing. I live in the rain forest just north of Texas, better known as Oklahoma. LOL We are about to float away! I'm not complaining though, It beats the heck out of the drought we had been in. My 20 acre pond was down to a mud puddle. I'm glad to see some of you had a rider saftey course. I am a MSF instructor with Oklahoma Rider Education Program. I've been riding for most of my life. Behind my hubby for years till he bought me a 1200 Sportster for my birthday 12 years ago. It felt top heavy (and babysitters were a problem) so I traded it for a Ultra and bought a sidecar so I could pack the rugrats with us. Sold it last year to a friend with 3 kids so they could all join us on the road now that my oldest 2 can ride their own. My moto is " The family that rides together stays together" I can totally relate to the post about riding to eat. That is pretty much what we do. 3 kids and many restraunts later I need this band! well I've rambled on long enough. Ride safe and remember to put sidestand down as many times as you put it up! Renee:)

Whoops its a good thing I teach riding not spelling!

HarleyGuy, congrats on the surgery date. It WILL be worth it.

Renee, good to have you here. I've been trying to get Joy to "drive", but she says she'll only do it on a three wheeler. Maybe a sidecar is the answer? But first, the Motorcycle Safety Course.

It's good to see all the bikers on this thread because I'll probably have a few questions about riding and the band. The first one is how long was it before you could ride/drive again after surgery? I just started riding in December of '05 and I'm really looking forward to riding without the extra baggage. I haven't seen any of you address this question. Did anyone have restrictions on that or other things?

My doctor told me go for it! As long as I wasn't picking it up.I said there was no picking up a 696 lb bike just lifting it off the kickstand and pray no one runs over you during healing .But that's pretty much everyday biker life ,RIGHT ? I had surgery May 25th I rode last Sunday about 80 mi to our

San Jacinto Monument @ Battleship Texas no problems. Hope that helps good luck you ! Sandra:rain:

Cool Randy, Good luck to your wife. Heavy Equipment operator huh, that's

funny I did that during my teen age years with my dad .In Ft Worth Texas. Help build the 820 interchange . So glad I don't do that anymore.

Just sell the parts for the big rigs ! Your doing great on your weight loss.

Wish you the best and any other biker friends ! Sandra RIDE & SMILE

and be safe.

Sorry I meant to reply to you Vicki in my last post ,oops !:faint:

BigHarleyGuy , You betcha ! The best can only come out of it.Wish you the best. Louisiana huh. mmmm I love Gumbo , I have my own little receipe I make a huge pot and freeze so I can feed my Bf and a girlfriend at work who's from Louisiana. She doesn't cook much AT ALL ! So I make extra and take to her,she says its pretty good for a Texas girl.

I have never seen anyone eat so much Tabassco sauce geezzzz.I would be on fire. I like a little spice much not much. She manages to keep her weight off though but she works hard at it.She's a great motivater for me.

Good luck adn you should do just fine. Keep in touch ! Sandra:p

Bigharleyguy !!! I Like The Ticker To !

May have been celebrating a little early. I rode my bike in to work today, and when I got here I had a voicemail from doc's office, saying they want to change my date. Arrrrrgh I have made all the arrangements with my work and have had it approved by my supervisors this is going to be a terrible headache. I am really considering a change of docs. This is not the first time they have ticked me off. So I am not really sure when I will be scheduled.

Jim

Hi again :eek: !

Found a few pics of our ride - said I'd post 'em, here's our Fat Boy!

Hope this works!

Thanks Randy. Sign Joy up! It will do wonders to build her confidence and skill level. I had been riding for years when I took the class. I wouldn't say I thought I knew it all but I sure thought I didn't need a Basic Rider Course. I was so wrong, I learned so much, like how to use the front brake correctly, cornering, the box....the list goes on and on. Once she has her M she can test drive all the new bikes out...fun fun!

Cindi, that is one sweet ride. Makes me want to get out and clean mine up! Hope to ride to class this weekend if the rain ever stops. I don't mind the rain so much if I'm caught out in it but I hate starting out in it.

Anybody coming to Okla. for the state Hog rally this fall?

Renee