Solo motorcycle jolly France/Spain

[fifthwheel]

Thank you for your very kind offer, but I have already booked and paid for my Newhaven stopover. Thats a lovely part of the country you live in. I am hoping to film and review when possible the places I stay each night hoping it might help others if they plan to do a similar trip. I am 75 and have hip and back problems so I might be a little optimistic hoping I can do this. I have had both hips replaced this last ten years or so and am waiting for an op to replace my left joint again. This one has become loose and gives me pain. I also have spinal stenosis. If I find it all too much I can always U turn and come home. What with Covid and other things these last few years I have not been able to get away. Thanks again John.

Just an update, this last few weeks I have what the Doctor thinks is Carpal Tunnel symptoms. They think I am impinging a nerve going down my right arm and giving me pain in my right hand. I dont remember the last time I had a good nights sleep, I am taking strong pain killers but they dont make any difference. I have the same pain sometimes in the left hand and can no longer make a fist. I cannot ride the bike like this plus my hip is getting weaker. Long story short today I have cancelled my ferry crossing and both hotels I had booked. I really appreciate all the help I've been given by you all regarding the trip, I cant tell you how disappointed I am having to cancel my little jolly but I realise now how true the saying goes "Do it while you can" In my case I missed my chance. Thanks again John.

 

[Jane And Rog]

Never say never. I had similar with my ulnar nerve in my early 40s but after rest and rehab it pretty much went away, and most of the time now, 20 years later, it’s completely fine.

 

[dryad]

fifthwheel , don't get too downhearted that you've had to cancel current plans, get the carpal tunnel thing sorted out. hopefully the hip replacement will happen soon too, get recovered from those and then once again you can make plans hopefully..

 

[Wh05apk]

I feel for you on this, last week I "pinged" my back again, it has been agony since despite alternating paracetamol and ibuprofen every 2 hrs, we are due to set off for 4-6 weeks in 10 days time and had intended trailering my bmw gs to use, but will now have to leave at home.
Hopefully if we both concentrate on sorting our health out, we will both be back out and riding soon.

 

[Spriddler]

I have the same pain sometimes in the left hand and can no longer make a fist.

That's a great shame but never say never. My philosophy is that if all the human race only ever had just one arm there'd still be motorbikes.

I lost the use of my right arm and hand 12 years ago but modified my h/bar controls on all 3 of my bikes to have the front brake, clutch and switches on the left. Riding again took a bit of practice!

I'm 78 and still ride regularly on club runs and to camping rallies and have toured in the U.K. a lot, plus several tours in France and a tour to N. Spain and back just before Covid.
I operate the throttle (still on the r/h of the 'bars) by Velcro 'ing my glove to one of these wrist-savers in a vertical position and 'shrugging' my right shoulder. It might just help the pain in your wrists/arms.

Motorcycle Grip Throttle Assist Wrist Cruise Control Cramp Rest Set | eBay

Simple installation. Under the action of external force insert it on the throttle. Reduces hand fatigue when the long distance riding ,high speed cruise. Doesn't lock throttle on. Long-distance riding only need to hold a handle bar, without clenching.

www.ebay.co.uk

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[Two Rivers]

Positive thinking, well done

 

[fifthwheel]

An old thread I know but I had my left hip joint replaced just over seven weeks ago and
went for a hearing aid service yesterday on my motorcycle. I asked the consultant when I could ride again
he said when you feel up to it. I must say it went far better than I thought it would although it was only 25 miles round trip.
Now Ive got my confidence back I cant wait until early next year to start my France/Spain jolly. I have waited so long for an appointment re my Carpal tunnel problems it has almost gone away. Would March be too early to set off or should I wait until April/May for better weather? Thanks John.

 

[dazandandrea]

Thsts great news . Go for it. Look forward to following it .

 

[Spriddler]

Would March be too early to set off or should I wait until April/May for better weather? Thanks John.

Well done to be getting on the wheels again.

I've ridden from Sussex through France to N. Spain in May and also June a few times, staying in hotels. Definitely far too early (too cold and wet) in March or even April for most of the ride South. Still too early in my opinion even if you intend taking the ferry to Spain (which I did once in April).

Later..
If you have any stiff/painful joints (esp in your hands (carpal tunnel?) you'll find the cold wind when riding exacerbates them no matter how good are your gloves and riding kit. Even heated grips mainly just warm your palms not the outside of fingers and the back of hands.
Barkbusters on the handlebars are not at all restrictive and make good windshields for the hands.

 

[dazandandrea]

Heated grips and Givi muffs.

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}