My right arm is still messed up and has me pretty limited in my functioning, so much so I've been pretty limited on my internet usage cause even typing causes more pain, so I'm chicken pecking the screen of a tablet right now. Good news is that my new insurance has kicked in and I go to see a specialist after work tomorrow.
A world of thanks goes out to Pete from Kansas City, as many of you know, he made the trip of hundreds of miles to come and spend the weekend helping to get Teds Red Sled put back together and of course, spend some quality schmooz'n time with Teddy.
A couple days after Christmas, KingGeek came over for a few hours and helped us continue the process of the rebuild. Being so close to completion but hampered by my arm, made for a very frustrating Christmas break, so his help was invaluable, not only for getting Teds Red Sled back up and running, but for my own spirits as well. We were so close to actually having it running, but since it had sat so long (since Lamonts Bar-B-Q) the battery was low and it kept trying to turn over and would actually start a couple of times, but soon died after about 20 seconds or so. Seeing a little smoke from the engine area brought some concern, so we thought it best to stop where we were and I'd continue with what I could the following day.
The next day, after having the batter on a charger over night and adding some SeaFoam to the gas tank, I was EUPHORIC when I turned the key & hit the start button and Teds Red Sled roared back to life. I wasn't really sure what to expect with all the mods that we've done, especially with the removal of the stock air intake and the adding of the K n N Intake system from KewlMetal, but she didn't sound all that much louder than before. Doc had told me that the system works well in the RT application, but with having the resonator along with all the side panels off, I kind of expected it to be really loud, but was pleasantly surprised that it wasn't.
I couldn't believe that the bike actually started, and with not throwing a single fault code. I thought for sure I screwed up big time, in forgetting to disconnect the battery before we removed the frunk, as I read somewhere that the ECM is ALWAYS powered & to disconnect the battery before disconnecting anything to it, which I'm sure some of the connections in the frunk area are, so we got lucky there.
I quickly strapped Teddy straight to the back seat and took his Red Sled out for a quick test ryde, just to see if it would actually go without blowing the engine or anything catching on fire. Thats the pictures I posted at the beginning of this new for 2013 thread. And YES, that is actually my neighbors house, a solid silver UFO house. He's right up the street from us, so I snapped a couple pics for all of you to see, that we are still alive and Teds Red Sled is just about ready to once again hit the road and start new Adventures here in 2013., thanks in large part to many of you out there in SpyderLovers land that have helped us in so many ways. THANK YOU ALL
Dave I see Teddy has a small jacket on but upset about the Spyder - How would you feel if someone put you out in the Snow with
most of your clothes removed !
Just glad to see the progress on the rebuild is well underway - Happy New Year to you both and I do so hope 2013 will be much more kinder to you than 2012 was at least it looks like you turned the corner - judging by the angle of the front wheels
Out on the road with a half-nekkid Spyder, a sore arm, a cute dog, and snow on the ground...
It sounds as if it's gonna be a GREAT year!
Glad to hear that the rate of progress is increasing!
You know how you get used to something, say like your right arm but then all of a sudden, you can't use it anymore. Sure, you can live just fine without it, we're human, we acclimate and make adjustments, but its just NOT the same. Kind of ironic, as I'm not really talking about my arm this time at all, but more along the lines of Teds Red Sled.
Most of you know how I crafted the Teddy-Cam so I could keep an eye on the lil star while we're riding, without having to keep turning around and actually looking at him, adding to the miriads of other distracted drivers out there on the road. The system worked well for the past 2 years, but I (along with Mother Nature) killed the lcd monitor a few months back, leaving me without my constant watchful eye on The Tedster. Ryding without it, after being so use to it, just wasn't the same and my level of apprehension was a little higher, bringing down the enjoyment level just a bit. I mean, we love get'n on it in the twisties, as I'm sure Lamont and MrOrange can attest to after our ryde of The Dragon, HellBender and all the other great roads we did while enjoying Lamonts Bar-B-Q this past year and the year before even.
But without being able to see Teddy, as I said, adds a little concern to the ryde, especially after our first major incident where I thought I had killed the poor lil guy. Some may see a 'Teddy-Cam' as overdoing it, but I see it as doing what I need to do to make sure the lil guy is safe, without adding me as another distracted driver.
So, with all that said, and my buyout check in hand, I was able to find a unit that is actually designed for the outdoor elements, the first on the market, waterproof 7"lcd monitor to replace the one that died. I couldn't believe it when I found it, and they actually warranty it, unlike all other manufacturers . Most that I've seen are NOT for outdoor use, so if it gets wet, your loss. Sure you can try an aqua-box, but even then, its not warrantied, so your still taking your chances. The new one I found is even rated for High Pressure wash downs, like a car wash, tho I had to laugh when I read the claim that the unit was 'EXPLOSION PROOF!!!' Huh??? Yeah right, are we talking like M80, hand granade, dynomite or what??? Til my brother clued me in that in the industry, it means that the unit can be used in volotile conditions like gas filled rooms and the unit will not produce any sparks to 'CAUSE' an explosion. Still gave me a chuckle tho....
So now, having the new unit in hand, Teds Red Sled is now even more apart than in the pictures, as I'm having to rewire the entire bike to add the new 'Teddy-Cam' along with a rear view camera so I can also see behind when we're on road trips and pulling the camper, which is actually a little taller than the Spyder, leaving me guessing when its in tow. I've added a Moto-Lite fuse block to wire everything in and not give Teds Red Sled indigestion by all the power draws, hopefully keeping all its systems nice and happy.
Doc, as soon as I get home from work today, I'm going to take one more reading of the belt tension, and finally get your tensioner back in the mail to you. My heartfelt thanks for all your assistance these past few months and I also apologize for keeping it so long, and for everyone else waiting so long who have been wanting to try it out as well. Its been a long time getting to this point, but dare I say it, we're almost there.
You have been put through the wringer and I sure was glad to see the Sled out of the garage. Do keep us posted too on that arm. Its got to be well before spyderfest!
I'm glad to see progress again. I would be worried that I'd have forgotten critical details learned during disassembly to reassemble with confidence. Glad you're doing such a great job!
I'm also please that you'll see your doctor soon. Keeping you in my prayers.
Happy New Year to you and Teddy!! Glad things are starting to come together for you, and you will be getting your arm taken care of, as well!! I hope this New Year brings you joy and happiness and Teddy gets back on the road spreading joy!!
WOW, can you believe its been 116 days since our last real ryde???
I had to go thru Teds 2012 thread to find the actual date of our last ryde, and it was on 9/9/2012 coming back home from Lamonts Bar-B-Q when our rear tire went flat, just as we came off our home exit.....116 days ago
Had an issue with the Xenon Depot HID foglights, where I thought I had been sent the wrong kit, as the connections wouldn't hook up with the OEM connector. I sent Steve (Xenon Depot/KBcarStuff-Site Sponsor) a PM about the issue and Danny gave me a call back, as Steve is off til Friday. After a little talking, I went out to the garage to verify what we got, and Danny let me know that we did in fact get the correct kit. So why doesn't the connections match up? Well duh Dave! Try connecting it at the right spot and see if that works Hey, its been 116 days since our last ryde, gimme a break I'm lucky I'm not in some mental ward from depression and suicide attempts, ok?
So yeah, BRAINFART ALERT*** as Danny pointed out, its pretty much drill the hole in the cap and then its plug in play (to the correct wire) I realized all was right once again, and we'll be installing the HID fogs tonight after I get back home from my Dr's appointment about my arm. Still got things torn apart, figuring out the best way to go about all the wiring for the Teddy-Cam system and also his heated seat for the winter time rydes, but its almost there.
Was 21 degrees this morning on the way in to work. Gee, I hope I haven't gained too much weight to fit into my 1stGear Thermo Riding Suit, as it was a bit snug from last season, and I know I've gained a little since then
I'm hoping to have us back on the road by this weekend
Tell teddy to stop giving you so many snacks... That'll help keep Firstgear as your "onlygear"
I'm amazed at how far this project has taken you... and us!
Dave, as long as it's all back together by mid-April that you can make Spyderfest. The MoGang is looking forward to seeing their honorary mascot! That's Teddy, in case you were wondering!
Spyder: 2011 RT Limited w/ RT-622 trailer Mods: ESI Brightsides, RT Rear Brightsides, HMT Brake Light, Scuff Guards, Utopia Backrest, Chrome, and more Chrome, Pearl White Rear View Mirrors, Rear Fender, and Dashboard, Black Rear Wheel and Belt Assy, SpyderPops Heat Shields & Bump Skid, Elka Stage 1+ Shocks, 2012 SF Graphics, Silver Carbonfiber Dash, Corbin Arm Rests, Baker A.W., BRP Vented WindShield. BR's Sway Bar, Tricled White Halo Lights, BadBoy Air Horn, Spyder Legs Floor Boards
When I originally injured my arm, I went to my General Practitioner within a day or two, cause the pain from my elbow was so bad, I couldn't even turn a key in the ignition of our car. I pretty much assumed & my doctor concured from her assesment that I hadn't broken it, but more than likely had soft tissue damage. She gave me some muscle relaxers and suggested ice/heat therapy and to limit use as much as possible which I've been doing since. Here we are 6 weeks later, the pain is a constant 2 on a 10 point scale with bursts of 8-9 if I try to make that certain move with my hand, like applying pressure using my thumb, to as where before, that same motion was off the charts, dibilitating whee I'd immidiately drop or release whatever it was I was trying to do. At least now, I can do those things, just grinning and bearing it, but by no means is this a comfortable way to live. So I went to a hand surgery specialist who deals in everything hand, wrist, forearm and elbow related.
Here's a pic of my xray of my right arm thats injured, just verifying what we had already deduced, nothing bone wise was broken or fractured.uploadfromtaptalk1357304129848.jpg
Whoa! REALLY nekkid Dave pictures!
I couldn't bring that pic up slose enough for any details... Were there any signs of chipping in the bonework, or debris laying in that joint?
Nope, nothing bad was showing with the xray, no chips or spurs fractures or cracks, which is what I thought going in. I was hoping that this new specialist would have odered a CT scan or an MRI, whichever one it is that shows soft tissue like ligaments the best, but sadly, he didn't agree & settled for the xray only.
While sitting in the waiting room, I googled the Dr. and was a little concerned by what I found. I don't know how things are done/scheduled as far as doctors go in your part of the country, as I'm sure with all the different insurance companies, HMO's and plans, it can be done many different ways, but here's my experience.
After 3 weeks of not much improvement, I called my regular doctor (General Practicioner) and explained my continuing issue and was referred to call a specialist thats 'in my plan' & to make an appointment to be seen by one of their specialists. I was referred to the Cincinnati Hand Surgery Specialists as they deal with all faccests of the hand, wrist, forearm & elbow. So I called & the soonest I (being a new patient) could get an appointment was 3 weeks out unless my issue was considered as an emergency, which it wasn't. The first available appointment was with Dr. F as the group contained a number of specialists, so I agreed, wanting to get in as soon as possible to hopefully get relief from my symptoms. Hindsite being 20/20, I guess I should have researched the group and their doctors before calling, but I didn't know what to expect & didn't do that.
When in the waiting room, another patient there with her elderly mother was taking a census from all the other patients about their appointment times, cause she wasn't happy with how long they had been kept waiting. When I signed in, I was told the Xray machine had gone down earlier, and that the doctor was running a little behind, but shouldn't be all that long of a wait. I got there at 2:50 for my 3pm appointment & was finally taken back about 3:40, so that gave me plenty of free time to google the Dr. just to see what came up. Seems there's now websites like MedGrades among others that keep track of patients experiences with doctors and shares their ratings with the world.
Whereas the average rating of similar doctors in the same specialist field from across the country was around a 8 or 9 out of a scale of 10, my doctor rated a 5-6 which left me feeling a little deflated in the hopes of my inpending experience with him. Have to admit, my experience mirrored very closely with the ratings other patients of his had given him. Seems many doctors pay more attention to inputting data onto charts instead of acutely paying attention to their patients communication with them at the time, or at least this was my experience among those of his other patients as they rated him low on the scale as well for 'Giving attention & Understanding your issue'.
It wasn't until I was about to leave & asking his reccomendation to where I should propperly keep my forearm brace placed to provide the best support. When originally explaining that the Spyder fell off the lift and I basically caught the entire weight of the bike in the soft tissue inside crook of my elbow, that's where he concentrated his investigative prodding. Noting that the Xrays showed my bones were fine, I had to have suffered a soft tissue trauma, to which my thought was 'No Duh!' On the inside of the elbow, the only thing really that attaches there is the bicep muscle, which I've not had an issue with. I had explained the dibilitating pain is only when I'm applying pressure using my hand, especially my thumb, like when trying to turn the key in an ignition. If he was paying attention, I think that should have clued him in to my issue, but he didn't get that connection & was concentrating on my bicep muscle connection instead of the tendons on the back side of my elbow. Upon my showing him where placement of the brace provides the most relief, he said he thought I would have it in the front instead of at the rear. Upon this realization, he stopped his paperwork & prceeded to poke and prod some more, now dealing with the tendons and ligaments of the elbow. After this, he declares I have Lateral Epicondylitis or more commonly referred to as Tennis Elbow. Really??? I've played tennis 4 times in my life, not that that really matters, but ok, your the specialist, so how do I fix it?
I was hoping he'd order an MRI or CT to visually see what trauma had actually occured, but he said he'd rather I try a dosepack of steroids & start a physical therapy routine and see how I'm progressing in another 3-4 weeks. He's thinking the steroids should help with the pain, try heat applications and take Ibuprophen to help ease the pain.
So, thats where I stand today with my arm issue. No matter how this progresses, Teddy and I are making preperations for making SpyderFest in the Ozarks for 2013. Unfortunately, I have no personal time left at work, but as long as my department is caught up and well ahead on parts, my boss shouldn't have much issue with me taking off that Wed. Thu. & Friday as unpaid days off. Just to get things rolling, I even talked with my co-worker Mary about it & she agreed, it shouldn't be an issue & she even commented, after you guys not being able to ryde for so long, you guys NEED this. AMEN!!!
Last edited by CyncySpyder; 01-05-2013 at 01:44 PM.
Another cliff hanger I see. Your posts are some of the first I read every day and again you leave us hanging out there waiting for more. Get well and I'll see you and Teddy at Spyderfest.
Sorry to keep you hang'n, I updated the above entry on what transpired
Originally Posted by wolfee
Another cliff hanger I see. Your posts are some of the first I read every day and again you leave us hanging out the waiting for more. Get well and I'll see you and Teddy at Spyderfest.