My final Velo Ride for a while

[Thruxton71]

March 13th seemed like a good time to ride, the clocks had changed, so the roads will be sparsely occupied at 7am. The night before I did a little bit of headlight ear straightening on my 1952 Velocette MAC, as the last time I rode it I had to throw it down in the gas station parking lot after a Miata Driver stepped in front of me. I put the MAC in the corner, but after last weeks ride on my Suzuki, it was the MAC's turn.

The rear tire is getting a little bald, so this was going to be the last ride till the MAC got new shoes. I pushed it up to the top of the starting road, and coasted into a gentle thump. It was so dark I had to turn on the Headlight, which was upgraded to an LED bulb, up to white from the dim yellow I was used to for years.

At the Gas station the Red Miata was the only other vehicle that showed up. I knew that there was a plot to leave at 8am after the time change, but 7 has always been the time. With heated gloves turned on and a tank full of gas (WHAT?? $9.00 for a gallon and 1/2!!) we were off to Summerland. Over 150 between Ojai and Carpinteria, then 192 behind Caprinteria and into Monticito area. The MAC was running flawlessly, however I stalled in in one intersection, kicking it back to life quickly. Miata politely waited. Over Ortega Ridge, past all the very expensive houses, and down into Summerland to the Summerland Beach cafe (https://www.summerlandbeachcafe.com/).

Unlike most Sunday Mornings, the place was deserted, except for a CHP Harley (I parked next to, must have ruined his day) and a CHP SUV across the street. We got an outside table overlooking the empty parking lot and the ocean, and feasted on Smoked Salmon scrambles and hot beverage.

The ride back was uneventful, however I always enjoy the descent down to the lake on 150, as that is MAC heaven. Roll out with the traffic, and head for home. Park in the driveway, leaking a little oil, the engine creaking with the release of heat.. I was home.

Later that day I accidentally fell and murdered my right foot (kicking foot) so acutely that I scheduled an appointment with a Podiatrist for Tuesday, where, after Xrays revealed a slight break and examination revealed lots of sprain evidence (can you say 'purple foot') I was prescribed a walking boot and rest for 5 to 6 weeks. DAMN.

Hurt in Ojai, but maybe I can catch up on some tire changes!! And finally work on the Thruxton. Wish me luck.

[xjrguy]

Hope your right foot is doing better.

[Thruxton71]

I had an MRI 5/13 and it revealed much traumatic soft tissue damage and assorted bruised bones, but no tears, or broken bones, which I suppose is a good thing. However, I have not swung a leg over any of my bikes since the accident (fall in bathroom.. really?) and am missing the relief it brings to be alone in your helmet focusing on staying between the lines and keeping the rubber side down. The Doc said I will be in the walking boot for more weeks.. and scripted me PT, which I couldn't get an appointment for till mid June! Lot of us old dummies out there, jonesing for the Physical Therapist from hell.

I did unload one of my blown up Velocettes to pharmacist in Minneapolis. This morning I drove up 33 with a helper to gather the hideous replica stock saddle for a 1954 Swing Arm MAC. The young (in his 50's) guy who helped me recommended, after seeing my inventory, that I start unloading the bits on E-bay before demand dies out. Easier said than done.

Ojai, not riding..