Ordinary Biker Oz: country roads

Tuesday, February 3, 2026

First Ride of 2026 and First After Surgery!

The sheep in Tennessee country were curious when I stopped by

This may be a lot later than most riders in the southern states of North America, but I went on my first motorcycle ride in 2026 and the first after my aortic heart valve replacement. Wow, it felt great!

In August 2025 my family doctor heard a heart murmur. No other doctor had every mentioned hearing a murmur so it was new development. A echocardiogram was ordered. Two weeks later the doc is telling me I have stenosis in my aortic valve (stenosis is narrowing and stiffening of the valve) which is not good.

A trip to Vanderbilt Hospital in Nashville, Tennessee for more tests and consultation took place. We were told I had a bicuspid valve, which is a birth defect, instead of a normal tricuspid valve and it would eventually fail. A replacement was needed.

October 22 at 5:30am I checked in for a mini aortic heart valve replacement and later that day I awoke with a new bovine heart valve. Recovery was slow at first but in the last six weeks I have progressed well and have gained endurance and strength. So it was time for a ride!

A sunny day and an old country church made for my first 2026 ride photo stop

Fun ahead! No straight roads on this ride

February 2, 2026 was sunny and temperatures rose to the upper 40's. I geared up for a short ride after the longest period without riding since I first started riding motorcycles in March of 2004. I headed to a nearby road that I enjoy and I could not stop smiling. The Indian operated like it should and I enjoyed the curves with confidence.

Although it was a short jaunt, by design, it made me feel good about my recovery and now I am looking forward to more days that are warmer and hopefully dry. Today has been warmer, but rainy.

Short ride but a good one for the first after heart valve replacement surgery

I plan to get some more miles ridden before the end of March in preperation for a trip to the Texas Hill Country. Some friends and I will be heading to the Texas Hill Country for four days of riding and then two days attending the MotoGP races at Circuit of the Americas (COTA) in Austin. Of course we will ride the Three Twisted Sisters while in the Hill Country, eat Texas BBQ and some Tex-Mex!

It was great to be back on the motorcycle after 3+ months and I am so blessed the surgery and recovery has been successful. I am also so blessed to have a wonderful, knowledgeable and caring wife to help me through it all, as well as supportive and prayerful children, family and friends. Thank you all!

Ride carefully and prayerfully!

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Monday, June 6, 2011

Awesome Country Roads

Other bloggers have posted photos and/or comments about the beauty and joy of the less traveled small country road so I resisted making a similar post.

North of Decatur, Texas I took some roads I had never ridden and am glad that I did. I don't really want to concentrate on a particular road or route as much as share some thoughts and photos from the countryside. In Texas we have Interstate Highways, State Highways, Farm to Market (FM) roads, and County Roads (CR). The CR's may or may not be paved, but never have a "shoulder." Most have barely enough room for two full size cars or truck to pass each other.

CR 2360 north of Decatur, Texas

It is the CR's that offer much to see, hear, smell, and enjoy. If you are wanting to eat up some miles the CR's are not where you want to be riding. CR's are about slowing down and enjoying the surroundings. Vegetation, livestock, wildlife, and houses are just a few feet from the edge of the road - you are part of the scenery when riding the CR's.

Getting a photo of the bike on CR 2372 is no problem - there is so little traffic on the CR's.

The way of life and the speed of life is more relaxed and simple. The farms and/or ranches stretch out for miles. Abandoned houses and barns make me wonder about the tales of the area.

I wonder how many have been thrown from this "mechanical bull?"

While exploring the countryside I came across a secluded little lake, Black Creek Lake just off of CR 2461. The lake is off the beaten path but has a lot of charm. I stopped and enjoyed the peaceful surroundings.

Black Creek Lake

A play set for the young with my play set in the distance.

Old cemeteries are abundant in the countryside. I find them interesting. The old headstones tell so much about the residents. Oaklawn Cemetery is a historical cemetery off of CR 2140 that is the final resting place of many from earlier centuries. During the early spring the cemetery is covered with Bluebonnets (the Texas state flower) and is a very pretty and peaceful location. It is very popular for photographs of the pretty flower.

Oaklawn has a lot headstones that are 100+ years old.

Although Bluebonnets don't last long, especially when it starts heating up, the Indian Paintbrushes were still looking good.

Indian Paintbushes

When you are not in a hurry and you have time and a desire to relax take a ride down some country roads. I find it so refreshing and enjoyable. An added bonus is the absolute lack of cages!