Winter preparations are underway as my motorcycle riding season comes to a close. I've just wrapped up a busy October, logging 9,000 miles towards my ambitious goal of a million miles for Multiple Sclerosis. It wasn't just a solo ride; I hit the road to three major motorcycle rallies and an MS patient event for the charity, MS Views and News. My journey began in Birmingham, Alabama, at the Barber Vintage Festival, a meticulously organized event held on the pristine grounds of the world's largest motorcycle museum.
A week later, I ventured to Daytona Beach for Florida's second-largest motorcycle rally, Biketoberfest. Time was tight, so I took the scenic route, meandering from the southern tip of Florida all the way to South Padre Island, Texas, before reaching my final destination in Burnet, Texas. Touratexas, an off-road adventure rally, offered a thrilling experience, despite some unexpected rain that flooded the campsites. Sharing my story with fellow riders was a highlight.
The rally concluded on Sunday, and I eagerly anticipated the 2,000-mile journey home. October was a busy month, with 23 days spent away from home, a testament to my dedication. Now, I'm assessing my gear, mission, and health, preparing for the winter maintenance that lies ahead.
My ongoing struggle with vision in my left eye has reached a critical point. The optic nerve is damaged, and despite three surgeries this year, sight recovery is unlikely. My focus shifts to improving my good eye's vision to regain the ability to drive at night. A recent surgery has shown promise, offering a glimmer of hope.
Carpal tunnel syndrome has been a persistent issue, affecting my hands during rides and even while sleeping or using my phone. Surgery on the left hand was performed last week, with the right hand scheduled for next week. My goal is to heal in time for the snow shoveling season, a challenging feat.
To address my new health challenges, I plan to enhance my motorcycle. I'll be installing an electronic cruise control from Veridian, a sleek device that reduces nerve damage in my hands. Additionally, I'm excited to test a smart blind spot monitoring system from INNOVV, featuring front and rear dash cameras and an active ThirdEYE detection system, which will be invaluable given my 50% vision loss. These upgrades aim to enhance my riding experience and safety.
My Tenere 700, with 28,000 miles already on it, requires its first valve check. Given my vision and hand issues, I might seek professional help at the Yamaha dealer. Autumn also brings the creation of my limited-edition, hand-numbered calendar, featuring photos from my previous year's journey. Each month showcases a unique memory, and purchasing the calendar directly supports my mission and keeps my bike running.
Have you secured your calendar yet? Visit www.Longhaulpaul.com/calendar for more details. Explore the world of Veridian cruise control at www.veridiancruise.com and discover INNOVV's smart blind spot monitoring at www.innovv.com. For a glimpse into the Barber Vintage Festival, visit www.Barbermuseum.org, and learn more about Touratexas at www.austinmotoadventures.com/touratexas-rally/. Lastly, stay informed with MS Views and News at www.msviewsandnews.org.
