Just noticed this thread.
Sorry to hear this JC, I was hoping to be able to keep up with you some day...
I hear you all on the pain thing. I've had back problems since I was 11 years young, when I fell out of a tree and damaged my spine. I had managed to get myself healthy, but when I was 27 a ladder came out from under me and I fell with my butt between the rungs. It broke the outer process of my vertebrae. A few automobile accidents caused by others did much damage to my neck and this is pain I deal with every day. I've crashed a few bikes, but fortunately not been hurt more than a few scratches. Ego bruised, but that's all. I've been very lucky to date in that regard.
My problems are minor compaired to what most of you are dealing with, so you'll hear no moaning from me.
About a year ago last week I had a 90% blocked artery on my ticker that nearly took me out for good. But that turned out to be a blessing. After getting my BP and blood sugar under control and losing about 30 lbs, I'm feeling better than ever and hope to have another ten or 15 years in the saddle.
At 61, that's not an unreasonable expectation, but I'd rather be riding with my buds than seeing them giving it up, especially since I've just met y'all. Hopefully we'll see you at some of the future GTGs. JC, you and Terri been instrumental organizing so many rides, you will certainly be missed by many. At least I've been able to do two of them.
I send God's speed and healing prayers to all who have such difficult health issues. It does come with age, but heck; it doesn't make it any easier. I've always said that I'm going to live hard and come sliding into home plate fully used, bruised and drained when I go. I know there's a saying out there, but that was my version...live well all. Main thing; doing what we are passionate about, means we lived life to the fullest. We can't ask for more than that. Right?