Donny Smith Show

Took Alice to her first bike show. The show is always held in March. Some years, it’s nice enough to ride, this year not so much. It was 33 degrees and rain mixed with snow. But, regardless of weather, once you get inside, you forget all about the weather and it’s all about motorcycles and everything that goes with it. For a few hours, you’re immersed in the biker world and the rest of the world disappears. I love it there!

Sunday wasn’t as busy as Saturday typically is, so it was relatively easy to get around on my crutches. We both had things we wanted to look for…chaps, gloves, boots, etc. We’re both gearing up for our ride. Oh, and the jewelry. She got a ring, I got some earrings. Could have bought a lot more than we did, but always have to consider the budget. I’ve lost so much weight, I needed chaps that fit. Let me tell you, trying on chaps standing on one leg, the salesperson was afraid to get too close to my broken foot and Alice had to grab me and keep me from tipping over from time to time was a challenge.

It was also a great opportunity to engage and network along the way. We ran into the Minnesota Coalition of bike clubs and got a list of events the various clubs will be holding over the summer. We spent quite a bit of time talking to a couple with a booth with biker clothing. Alice found the boots, chaps and vest she wants to get. We told them about our 50-state ride and the blog we’re starting to chronicle our journey. They were very interested and I think we got our first followers outside of our circle. A lot of fun.

I was pretty tired and in pain by the time we got back to the truck. I made Alice drive home, as I was too distracted by the pain and weariness to drive safely, plus it was definitely time for some weed and pain control for me. When I got home, I tried on the chaps again. Turns out my left leg is bigger than my right. We should have tried them on both legs. They were too tight. Will have to contact them and exchange for a larger size. But it will be worth it. I love the chaps.

My foot was pretty swollen and painful from all that time on my feet. Ice and a bath with epsom salts and some more weed and I was feeling better. The only bad thing about going to the Donny Smith show is that it energizes you for the riding season, but you can’t ride yet. Have to just dream about it some more until the weather warms up.