Wildguzzi.com

General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: vintagehoarder on September 05, 2024, 12:39:19 PM

Title: I'm back after 16 months!!
Post by: vintagehoarder on September 05, 2024, 12:39:19 PM
Well three ankle surgeries later, 16 months and 30 weeks of no weuight bearing on my left leg, I finally got my first "motorcycle"  ride in Labor day.  Did about 150 miles of Northern Kentucky and Southern Indiana back roads, crossed the Ohio river 3 times. 78 degrees and beautiful!  Completely soul replensihing!! 

Although Enzo at Cadre Cycle, my brother from another monther.  Sold me the 09 Vespa 250 GTSie so I could at least to get a ride in now and then in a boot or a walking cast, and it kept me from losing my mind.  Sold my convert a little to early.

The down side is my left ankle is now fused so looks like I am relegated to a convert (automatic) or heel toe shifter. Can't hook a shifter on a pegs bike anymore, ankle doesn't bend that way any more.  At least not yet, still healing.

(https://photos.smugmug.com/2014-Moto-GUzzi-California-Touring/i-6spKmkz/0/NhG32FzRtZbKJpSSPhrddP8kRZvJWRFVC3h7qD8j9/M/20240902_132305%20%281%29-M.jpg) (https://curtedwards.smugmug.com/2014-Moto-GUzzi-California-Touring/i-6spKmkz/A)

(https://photos.smugmug.com/2009-Vespa-GTS-250-ie-Super/i-RPrDhJX/0/MPZKqFF8wZxvq3PHVT6ds85BRJJw92L5gSsHxQStC/M/20240810_140632-M.jpg) (https://curtedwards.smugmug.com/2009-Vespa-GTS-250-ie-Super/i-RPrDhJX/A)
Title: Re: I'm back after 16 months!!
Post by: jrt on September 05, 2024, 12:46:03 PM
Welcome back!  Good to hear you are making progress, and I hope your ankle flex comes back.
Title: Re: I'm back after 16 months!!
Post by: guzzisteve on September 05, 2024, 04:15:21 PM
I have a rebuilt ankle from taking a street corner at 45mph, had to have the screws removed after 3 mo. My body doesn't like stainless.
I will make you a hand shifter if you want. I can do that.
I also have a sticker that says " If you don't limp, you ain't shit!"
Title: Re: I'm back after 16 months!!
Post by: Pescatore on September 05, 2024, 09:03:18 PM
Nice looking cousins you have.  Love the trim on the Vespa.
Good luck with the ankle. Sounds like you have the will, so you'll find a way.
I am curious about the hand shifter.
Title: Re: I'm back after 16 months!!
Post by: Kiwi_Roy on September 05, 2024, 09:23:09 PM
Welcome back  :thumb:
Title: Re: I'm back after 16 months!!
Post by: Beowulf on September 06, 2024, 02:51:14 AM
Glad you are back. I’m sure you will find another convert if that’s what you are after. I can’t imagine the patience required by you in that. But I’m glad you got something to ride and may your travels continue to be fun.
Title: Re: I'm back after 16 months!!
Post by: kballowe on September 06, 2024, 08:17:57 AM
Welcome back !

 :thumb: :thumb: :thumb:
Title: Re: I'm back after 16 months!!
Post by: vintagehoarder on September 06, 2024, 10:13:02 AM
I have a rebuilt ankle from taking a street corner at 45mph, had to have the screws removed after 3 mo. My body doesn't like stainless.
I will make you a hand shifter if you want. I can do that.
I also have a sticker that says " If you don't limp, you ain't shit!"

To funny...

This is the mods to my ankle, foot and leg.

(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-TQbVVNc/0/Kbjzvtnqb4sbtvkQQccdgNR24NKqTQSrfLGXvm8nc/M/i-TQbVVNc-M.jpg) (https://curtedwards.smugmug.com/Forum-Post/n-zvp7tH/i-TQbVVNc/A)

(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-J78bTV8/0/MxZfR7ZjHdrNxMx3gvVm9dtkRdPWWq2vgjrVDH5VG/L/i-J78bTV8-L.jpg) (https://curtedwards.smugmug.com/Forum-Post/n-zvp7tH/i-J78bTV8/A)

Title: Re: I'm back after 16 months!!
Post by: vintagehoarder on September 06, 2024, 10:14:48 AM
Thanks everyone, as long as I can do the heel toe I will be fine, my 73 Eldo and the 1400 boith have that. Just some of the old Vintage stuff will give me a problem, haven't given up yet.
Title: Re: I'm back after 16 months!!
Post by: SemperVee on September 06, 2024, 01:52:57 PM

 Welcome back to the Cult. "Adapt, Improvise and Overcome" has always been my motto (via 22 years in the Marine Corps)
Title: Re: I'm back after 16 months!!
Post by: Frulk on September 11, 2024, 12:30:58 PM
Man, that’s a beautiful Vespa.
Title: Re: I'm back after 16 months!!
Post by: bigbikerrick on September 11, 2024, 05:34:48 PM
I also had my left ankle fused , after a motorcycle accident in 2007. Although I prefer a heel and toe, I can shift a conventional shifter by flexion of the joints in my forefoot. You will learn how after it all heals real good. You also adapt by hooking your toe under the shifter,and lifting your whole leg to upshift.
Rick.
Title: Re: I'm back after 16 months!!
Post by: dguzzi on September 12, 2024, 03:31:59 PM
  I think I want that sticker!
 Guzzi seems to like that 'lift your whole leg to shift' concept anyway!!