After an MRI and discussions with a surgeon, it appears that my wife is going to have knee surgery. This comes on the heels of a very slow rehab after her thyroid was completely removed and a weight gain that almost broke her spirit. She is retiring at the end of this school term.

My "plan" was to keep Betty and Spinner for about three more years, take day trips and see what the long term provided. Now with my wife's new situation, the price of premium and facing my own desires, it looks like Betty is either going to be sold or pickled. I'm even skeptical about making her a trike.

After first seeing the new 1200 Custom (it has a bigger tank) I laughed, "Gee, a nice third Harley." You learn at my age to be careful what you wish for. I might have to sell Betty and Spinner and make day trips my permanent riding style.

The surgery is a few weeks off, the riding season here has yet to start for me and the bikes are both paid for. Nothing is pressing. But Sturgis might never come again, I'm growing weary of the new 'boys' in the club and I have to take more of a lead roll at home. A "three hour tour" is no longer the lyrics to Gilligan's Island, it's the way I will ride a bike. That's just being an adult. Thanks guys for letting me whine.

wish her our best, if yer going trike, I hear the boss hoss makes the best.

I've heard that, and a few of Boss Hoss models have wandered into our shop. If I ever win the lottery...

The reality is that Betty is paid for and has a custom engine with more than enough power. I figured that my wife could have the comfort of a soft wrap-around chair and luggage capacity and Betty would look the same to me looking forward.

It's still a possibility, but we have this year to get through and some major decisions to make. Besides, I rode Spinner the most last year, and had a blast.