I Hate Dialysis Message Board

Dialysis Discussion => Dialysis: General Discussion => Topic started by: retrorod on March 23, 2013, 01:19:02 AM

Title: Motorcycles and dialysis
Post by: retrorod on March 23, 2013, 01:19:02 AM
How many people who are being treated by dialysis, ride the bike to and from treatments?  RR







Edited fixed title error- kitkatz, Moderator
Title: Re: Mo/torcycles and dialysis
Post by: MaryD on March 23, 2013, 02:03:42 AM
There's someone here who hangs his dialysis bag off his motorbike to dialize as he travels around the USA.  Can't remember his name, but someone else is bound to.
Title: Re: Motorcycles and dialysis
Post by: Henry P Snicklesnorter on March 23, 2013, 03:06:30 AM
.
Title: Re: Motorcycles and dialysis
Post by: iketchum on March 23, 2013, 03:50:22 AM
I have been having in center heamo for almost 5 years and I ride my Goldwing whenever the weather here in Maine permits me.
 :sluff;
Title: Re: Motorcycles and dialysis
Post by: Joe on March 23, 2013, 05:54:03 AM
I do PD, but I ride my 2012 Spyder RT/S every chance I get. My whole PD team wants a ride when the weather gets warmer.
Title: Re: Motorcycles and dialysis
Post by: wbdoug on March 23, 2013, 06:34:16 AM
I too ride as much as possible. I travel a lot on the motorcycle. Like Joe, I am on pd so I only have to go to the center twice a month. Sometimes I feel a little guilty pulling up on a bike.

Bill
Title: Re: Motorcycles and dialysis
Post by: Speedy1wrc on March 23, 2013, 07:25:24 AM
Last Summer I thought about it many times, but never actually did it. There were too many days where I was just too whipped after treatment and I always worried that the day I rode the bike (KLR) that would be on of the days I felt bad and I would be in a bind.
Title: Re: Motorcycles and dialysis
Post by: Joe on March 23, 2013, 10:14:30 AM
I too ride as much as possible. I travel a lot on the motorcycle. Like Joe, I am on pd so I only have to go to the center twice a month. Sometimes I feel a little guilty pulling up on a bike.

Bill

Never feel guilty about pulling up to the center on your bike Bill. The whole point is to have as normal a life as we possibly can, and knees to the breeze is part of it.
Title: Re: Motorcycles and dialysis
Post by: iketchum on March 23, 2013, 11:35:56 AM
I like pulling up to the hospital with my bikers tan and bugs in my teeth.
Title: Re: Motorcycles and dialysis
Post by: Gerald Lively on March 23, 2013, 04:52:02 PM
Rode Harleys for 45 years until my eyesight began to fade.  Was riding my Heritage (only 3,000 miles on it) to dialysis when the traffic ahead at an intersection stiopped and started, then stopped.  I didn't see the brake lights, skidded about 150 feet, scared the crap out of the driver ahead of me who had driven off the stop lane and was out on the grass.  As usual, I didn't react for a few days, and calmly waved the driver back on the road.  Sold the bike two weeks later.  I miss it.  My leathers are doomed to hang in the closet, patches, colors and all.

gl
Title: Re: Motorcycles and dialysis
Post by: Gerald Lively on March 23, 2013, 05:10:50 PM
I should have mentioned that my eysight problem is macular degeneration.  I have these blind spots and for that reason I failed to see the stop lights  on the car ahead of me.
Title: Re: Motorcycles and dialysis
Post by: lmunchkin on March 23, 2013, 05:57:39 PM
Gerald, you always looked like a biker to me!  The only other one on here that I know rides alot is Grump1.  Whom by the way, I have not seen posting as of late.  Hope he is okay.

I ride every chance I get. I love it!  Hope to ride more this year, but one never knows. I have a V-Star 1100.  Just changed the oil & oil filter and geting it ready for riding season.  My husband use to ride too, but lost his lisence when Doc's said no more driving.  It was hard at first, but now says he loves the Schoffered feeling!  He is such a pisser!!!

I wish I could find a kit where I can make it a 3wheeler when I want to take him, then convert back to 2 wheels.  I sure would hate to spend the money on a new Tricycle.  Man them things are High dollar! But sweet none the less.

When hubby was in-center, I went to donut shop and bought some donuts and took them to his clinic on my bike.  But had to go home and get car to pick him up.  I tried doubling him, but he is not balanced well, and bike is too heavy for me to hold up as it is without him.  So I just don't do it!

Grumpy, where are you dear?  Hadnt heard from you in a while.

God Bless,
lmunchkin :kickstart;

Title: Re: Motorcycles and dialysis
Post by: retrorod on March 24, 2013, 02:32:48 AM
Thank you friends for the responses. 

Gives me hope for some riding yet.  Much will depend on how much this illness affects me as I go along.  Being a rider on and off most of my life, I'd like to keep going for  a few years yet.  RR
Title: Re: Motorcycles and dialysis
Post by: wbdoug on March 24, 2013, 11:23:26 AM
I wish I could find a kit where I can make it a 3wheeler when I want to take him, then convert back to 2 wheels.  I sure would hate to spend the money on a new Tricycle.  Man them things are High dollar! But sweet none the less.

When hubby was in-center, I went to donut shop and bought some donuts and took them to his clinic on my bike.  But had to go home and get car to pick him up.  I tried doubling him, but he is not balanced well, and bike is too heavy for me to hold up as it is without him.  So I just don't do it!

Grumpy, where are you dear?  Hadnt heard from you in a while.

God Bless,
lmunchkin :kickstart;

Check out this site: http://www.mtcvoyager.com/?gclid=CLjR_cP7lbYCFYdxQgodYUEAWA
It might be what you are looking for.

Bill
Title: Re: Motorcycles and dialysis
Post by: Joe on March 24, 2013, 05:44:17 PM
I ride a CanAm Spyder trike, and love it! And like lilmunchkin, I ride every chance I get. Just waiting for the weather to warm up enough to get the bike out.
Title: Re: Motorcycles and dialysis
Post by: Speedy1wrc on March 24, 2013, 05:58:18 PM
No reason whatsoever to stop riding!

To and from dialysis will depend on how it goes for you.

I don't ride then, but otherwise as much as I can!
Title: Re: Motorcycles and dialysis
Post by: Restorer on March 24, 2013, 07:22:55 PM
There was a guy at my center, 50-60, on the same shift as me who sometimes (depending on the weather, or only weekends?) rode his bike to and from dialysis. I haven't seen him recently, but there have been shift changes all over. Seemed pretty neat to me.
Title: Re: Motorcycles and dialysis
Post by: retrorod on March 25, 2013, 03:32:30 AM
I ride a CanAm Spyder trike, and love it! And like lilmunchkin, I ride every chance I get. Just waiting for the weather to warm up enough to get the bike out.

Hi Joe,

Have chatted with a few CanAm riders and they are a pretty good design for many disabled/aged riders.  They are not cheap to buy, which is a shame.  RR
Title: Re: Motorcycles and dialysis
Post by: Joe on March 25, 2013, 06:18:30 AM
RR, no, they're not cheap. But it cost about the same as my Harley did, so I figure it's a wash.
Title: Re: Motorcycles and dialysis
Post by: CW on March 25, 2013, 01:10:15 PM
I have rode my kawi klr 650 from in center noctournal ... It was difficult bcuz I feel a little spacey afterwards but i am careful not to take off too much fluid so my bp will not be low. My bike is tall and has a high center of gravity so it is work to ride and even harder if you are tired and feeling "washed out" so I dont do it often.
But if you are sensible then I think it can be done safely on a regular basis. If I had a more comfortable bike (Harley or other cruiser) it would probably be easier, jus sayin. Good luckand keep it shiny side up  :thumbup;
Title: Re: Motorcycles and dialysis
Post by: Speedy1wrc on March 26, 2013, 06:29:50 AM
CW. I'm in the same boat. I also ride a KLR. I am only 5'10" so it's a very tall bike for me. I have a lowered seat which helps but it's still tough if you need to stop on eneven ground. Over this Winter I bought a set of lowering links and a shortened stand. I am hoping that lowered a bit will make it easier to ride and I can get out more.

That is when the snow melts.
Title: Re: Motorcycles and dialysis
Post by: malaka on March 26, 2013, 12:01:06 PM
As my KF got worse, it got more difficult to balance at a stop on my Fat Boy.  Ended up selling it and buying a 1974 Honda CL360 which is a whole lot lighter, somewhat lower, and much easier to balance at stop lights and to lift off the kickstand (or centerstand if I feel like uising it).

One concern, however, is that I'm on coumadin due to blood clots.  Road rash could be a real problem.  So I wear helmet, heavy jacket (leather or Levi-style), and boots while riding. 

I son't ride to or from dialysis, however, siince my sessions start at 6:00 a.m. so its a bit chilly to ride there and sometimes I have "wash out" when I leave.  Better safe than sorry. 
Title: Re: Motorcycles and dialysis
Post by: Joe on March 26, 2013, 06:29:48 PM
Should give the Spyder a try. (http://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/signaturepics/sigpic5902_5.gif)
Title: Re: Motorcycles and dialysis
Post by: wbdoug on March 27, 2013, 05:52:14 AM
Ive racked up over 300k on Goldwings but that Spyder touring model is a sharp looking machine.

Bill
Title: Re: Motorcycles and dialysis
Post by: Grumpy-1 on March 27, 2013, 09:26:40 AM
Guess I should jump in here.  I ride as much as I can.  I was on PD until the tubing became infected and now on in clinic Hemo.  Wanting to get back to PD ASAP.  Like others I did PD exchanges where ever I rode.  Some say that was the cause of the infections, Me I'm not sure.  I have rode the the clinic as much as possible and as soon as the weather decides it is Spring or Summer will be riding more.  Both to work and the clinic.

Munckin - there are kits that you can get to convert your bike to a 4 wheeler or a 3 wheeler.  The 4 wheeler is a set of extra wheels that attach to your bike.  can be removed easily and don't cost too much.  The 3 wheel kits cost about as much as your bike (somewhere in the 12k range) they take the place of the rear of your bike.  But with some work you can convert back.   Also, I'm around, but not online as much as I would like.  Thanks for wondering about me. Still working on getting back to visit you some day. 

Grumpy
Title: Re: Motorcycles and dialysis
Post by: CW on March 27, 2013, 10:33:21 AM
CW. I'm in the same boat. I also ride a KLR. I am only 5'10" so it's a very tall bike for me. I have a lowered seat which helps but it's still tough if you need to stop on eneven ground. Over this Winter I bought a set of lowering links and a shortened stand. I am hoping that lowered a bit will make it easier to ride and I can get out more.

That is when the snow melts.

Lol speedy I am with you on that I am 5'7" (shorter than you) and my bike is stock. I decided not to do lowering links I adjusted the preload on the rear shock  a bit and I eventually got comfortable with the height of my bike. Happy riding speedy thanks for sharing I thought i might be the only crazy patient riding a dual sport
Title: Re: Motorcycles and dialysis
Post by: Speedy1wrc on March 27, 2013, 05:16:30 PM
Ouch, that is a tall bike for you then. I wish I could keep mine the way it is since it rides so nice but I can't get on or off it easily. I can't lift my right leg high enough to clear the seat. Then coming to a stop I feel uneasy having to search for footing and tip it to rest on my foot completely. Once rolling though it is one of the best handling bikes I've ever had.

(http://wetzelsracing.com/images/KLR1.jpg)
Title: Re: Motorcycles and dialysis
Post by: lmunchkin on March 30, 2013, 08:19:41 PM
Oh Bill, thank you so much for the link.  I am definately looking into this!  5 to 6 grand is a lot better than 30 grand.  This is exactly what I need.  Do you personally have a Voyager Kit?  They look fairly simple to install, but my bike is as low to the ground as it is due to  my 25" legs.  I love this. Perfect for what we need.  I could put his D. machine on a trailer if we wanted and just travel!  Instead of our short trips in car, we can take the TRIKE!   Again thanks, Bill.

Grumpy, good to see you up and runing.  Those infections are tough, so please be careful.  Been waiting for one of your Nashville tours again.  I know youve got it scheduled again, but when is the question. When do you think you'll be able to do PD again.  Hopefully before riding season, I pray!

Thanks again for the Link Bill. Going to look into it.

God Bless,
lmunchkin   :basket: :bunny: :kickstart;
Title: Re: Motorcycles and dialysis
Post by: Gerald Lively on March 30, 2013, 10:23:02 PM
I hope this comes through.
Title: Re: Motorcycles and dialysis
Post by: Gerald Lively on March 30, 2013, 10:27:19 PM
The picture above is  my old custom bike.  Some fellow went over a cliff and I bought the engine and lower case, then, had it painted and entered it in a show (1982 Redding) and won Best of Show.  This is one of eight Harleys that I owned.  Lotsa art work  that the photo does not show.  The bike is the Barbarian.
Title: Re: Motorcycles and dialysis
Post by: CW on March 31, 2013, 12:57:13 AM
Speedy my klr is in front black/grey pic taken right before a group ride ... Of course i have the only dualsport in the group
Title: Re: Motorcycles and dialysis
Post by: Joe on March 31, 2013, 06:49:28 AM
Nice bikes gents.
Title: Re: Motorcycles and dialysis
Post by: lmunchkin on March 31, 2013, 02:16:13 PM
Wow, Im impressed Gerald.  What a chopper!  A buddy of ours owns a beautiful "Big Dog" chopper.  We were talking the other day about another little day ride.  He is ready & Iam almost ready myself.

Fantastic pix's guys!  Beautiful rides!

God Bless,
lmunchkin :basket: :kickstart;
Title: Re: Motorcycles and dialysis
Post by: Speedy1wrc on March 31, 2013, 06:21:24 PM
CW...wow that's way too new!
Title: Re: Motorcycles and dialysis
Post by: malaka on March 31, 2013, 07:01:06 PM
What Grumpy meant about the 4 wheelers is that they are like training wheels for a motorcycle.  You have 1 in front and three in the back.  The middle one is the one that came with the bike originally, with one added on each side.  I rode one once:  it made turning a wide arc affair as you can't lean over very far.  On the other hand, you couldn't tip over if you tried. 
Title: Re: Motorcycles and dialysis
Post by: lmunchkin on March 31, 2013, 07:02:21 PM
Very unique bike, CW.  You must do alot of off road riding too.  Guy I work with has a dual sport cause he loves to ride off road, but wants to drive to work also.  I would probably love it, but it is too high off ground for me.

God Bless,
lmunchkin   :basket: :bunny: :kickstart;
Title: Re: Motorcycles and dialysis
Post by: Speedy1wrc on March 31, 2013, 07:12:08 PM
They are OK off road, but tall and decently heavy for that. They are not for short riders, though CW seems to do OK. Fortunately there are a ton of lowering kits for those of us vertically challenged. They do however change the geometry and the ride somewhat. CW's is newer and has a lowered Corbin style seat. I added one to mine as well which almost makes it ride able. You can lower them a good 3" which is a lot. I am lowering mine 1" which I hope will be good. On the open road they are very well mannered except being a thumper and vibrating like the dickens. Above about 30mph the mirrors are pretty pointless they shake so much.
Title: Re: Motorcycles and dialysis
Post by: CW on April 02, 2013, 08:23:09 AM

Speedy i totally forgot what I did to my seat... It is actually not an aftermarket seat I took it to a car upholsterer and had him cut it down. So it is the original seat just with less foam padding. He did a good job too because you cannot tell it is the stock seat

Speedy it is two years old now .... Not that old but i bought it brand new in 2011

Lmunchkin thx ....the clear indication that I don't ride off road is that my bike is too clean (no dirt on it) I would like to but like speedy said the bike is top heavy and can behave badly on dirt. You need some real skills to wrestle that pig on dirt. I hope to ride on dirt one day maybe I will get a full fledged dirt bike or a smaller dualsport
Title: Re: Motorcycles and dialysis
Post by: Chuckracer on January 01, 2014, 01:34:56 PM
Boy am I late to the party! I'm 53, a Hemo patient (12 years), been riding since I was 10 and will never quit. My Dialysis center is just far enough away (35 miles) and I am a little too tired afterwards that every time I have ridden in, I really wish I hadn't when leaving (and it always seems like such a god idea at the time!). Fortunately in a couple months a new unit is opening that will only be about 8 miles from me, and I plan on riding a lot this summer.

Here's my kids (The Ducati has been sold *sniff*):

(http://chuckracer.smugmug.com/Other/My3Kids/i-QvfFCtc/0/L/DSC_1852-L.jpg) (http://chuckracer.smugmug.com/Other/My3Kids/31202103_KbmwFZ#!i=2699990717&k=QvfFCtc&lb=1&s=A)
Title: Re: Motorcycles and dialysis
Post by: Joe on January 01, 2014, 02:18:14 PM
Nice rides Chuck! I ride a Spyder now, having given up my Harley Road Glide for a couple of reasons - none of which had to do with dialysis. Love the ride! Here's hoping you can get more riding in with your clinic closer to you.