Clifton’s Place

Tonight’s subject: Motorscooters!  I have had, and ridden, some kind of bike since I was 14 years old, so we are looking at nearly 40 years. I started out on scooters, and I have ended up on scooters. Over the years, I have had a number of street bikes, but found myself unable to ride them several years ago when my feet started falling off. For non-riders, shifting of gears is done with the left foot, and mine is fake so I am unable to use it for that purpose. In addition, my legs are no longer strong enough to hold up a large street bike when I am stopped. My scooters are the answer, being lighter than a street bike of comparable engine size, and having automatic transmissions, so there is nothing for my fake foot to do. The "small scooter" has a 250cc engine which is small, but quite adequate for around-town use, though I have taken it on some trips (from Birmingham to Knoxville TN, Panama City FL, etc).  The "big scooter" is really a motorcycle with a step-thru frame and smaller wheels - 600cc engine, 0-60 in 5 seconds, top speed over 100 mph, cruises at 70 effortlessly, and will carry luggage, so it is a marvelous highway machine.  I ride for enjoyment, and get a bunch of it. And I have the only handicapped motorcycle plates on the block, so I can park nearly anywhere!  I am a member of the Birmingham Scooter Syndicate, the Valkyrie Riders Cruiser Club, and the Southern Cruisers Motorcycle Club.

I have been told that while we wait for this thing to ramp up as a regular blog, I should use the time to aquaint the readers with me, and give some warning as to where some of my opinion originates. The issue for today is Disability. I am, in several ways, disabled. I am a type 1 (insulin dependent) diabetic, getting more brittle as years go by, (my glucose gets harder to control) and along with that comes a world of complications. I have had three heart attacks, with resulting congestive heart failure; my present heart function is about 30%. As a result of injury to my feet, I have lost one leg just below the knee, and have about 2/3 of a foot on the other side. Needless to say, I don’t get around very well. I walk with a cane, and use a wheelchair or mobility scooter at times. None of this has stuck me at the house. There are a number of things I can not do these days, and a number of things I need assistance to do, but I keep doing.

My point is this - when you see someone like me hobbling or scootering along, do not look at it as a tragedy, but as someone just using the tools they need to get along. Some people need eyeglasses, some need hearing aids, and some need the equipment I use. Same difference. Other subjects to come…

Welcome to my blog. I  set this up at the suggestion of some friends, but I’m not sure what I will do with it - I can’t imagine my life being interesting enough that anyone would care to read this. But I will try. The whole thing will begin with the new year, January 1.