
The big seven-oh.
Exactly four months ago, I celebrated my 70th birthday.
As the first male in my family to make it that far, I was feeling pretty invincible.

Party time!
“I’m genetically blessed,” I gloated to a crowd of 50 friends and family. “I’ve got all my original parts: hips, knees, wisdom teeth, tonsils, adenoids, appendix. And, my hair.”
Turns out I may have spoken too soon.

Ready to ski again.
This morning, I got a new right hip.
With rehab on the horizon, I’ll be good as new by ski season.
But damn. Karma is a bitch! Next time around, I’ll be a little less cocky.
Gary,
That’s what happens when you get old
I got new coroners, knees and lenses and are doing well
I look forward to your return!!!!
Cheers
Steve
Sent from my iPhone
>
LikeLike
What’s a new coroner? Sounds like Quincy MD …
LikeLike
Hi Gary. Step one – done. You do look a mite better in the earlier pictures, but we’re sure you will be navigating just fine- and before ski season! Do your therapy. Take care- you and Sara Donna/Pete
On Thu, Jun 25, 2020 at 3:36 PM Riding With Gary wrote:
> ridingwithgary posted: “Exactly four months ago, I celebrated my 70th > birthday.As the first male in my family to make it that far, I was feeling > pretty invincible.”I’m genetically blessed,” I gloated to a crowd of 50 > friends and family. “I’ve got all my original parts: hips, kne” >
LikeLike
Looking good my man. Even you can’t outsmart gravity but you’re bionic now – so, here’s to the comeback! In the meantime, be nice to the nurses and extra nice to Sarah. She does have to live with you, after all.
Smiths sending love.
LikeLike
Am going to walk to Greeley for rehab! Hugs to the Smith fam!
LikeLike
Should be back on golf course soon, getting my butt kicked by Pete!
LikeLike
Ya, you jinxed yourself!!! Knowing you, you will be vroom-vrooming and skiing again soon. Besides, as long as we are all locked down and playing groundhog day, what else do you have to do? Stay well, and obey Sarah.
LikeLike
Thanks, Mama Bear. Obey Sarah? That will never end.
LikeLike
Oh wow. I was relieved to get to the bottom of your post to learn it was your hip and not your heart or lungs or COVID! However, any surgery is scary at your advanced age. Glad I won’t be that ancient for another three years. Whew!
Wishing you a speedy recovery.
Jo
LikeLike
No covid. Took test yesterday (after studying all night). Passed! Hugs, even to Randy.
LikeLike
I guess the Sturgis trip is off? Actually hips are easier than knees or shoulders. You might have some Karma left. We all know that rehab is just another name for PT (pain). Good luck getting back on two wheels!
Clarence
On Thu, Jun 25, 2020 at 3:36 PM Riding With Gary wrote:
> ridingwithgary posted: “Exactly four months ago, I celebrated my 70th > birthday.As the first male in my family to make it that far, I was feeling > pretty invincible.”I’m genetically blessed,” I gloated to a crowd of 50 > friends and family. “I’ve got all my original parts: hips, kne” >
LikeLike
Thanks, Clarence. Will be ready to ride before you know it!
LikeLike
Yes, Clarence. The Sturgis ride is off, though the Sturgis City Council voted recently to go ahead with the rally, anyway. What could possibly go wrong? Hope I’m back in the saddle by Labor Day.
LikeLike
Glad the surgery is over and you now can start the rehabilitation process! You will be good as new in no time! Sending healing thoughts and prayers your way💕
LikeLike
I’ll be good as new my tomorrow morning. Thanks for the healing thoughts, Peggy!
LikeLike
Trust that you’re schussing toward a smooth and straight-forward recovery that will have you soon back on the road again, riding high in the saddle and going whole hog.
LikeLike
All those things are part of my plan, David!
LikeLike
You didn’t speak too soon. You spoke at exactly the right time! You said it when it was true. Congrats on your successful surgery! You’ll be skiing in no time.
LikeLike
Skiing begins tomorrow. In my dreams …
LikeLike
Oh no! I wish you well Gary. (However your blog made me give you an irony chuckle.)
LikeLike
Hugs to you and Dallas!
LikeLike
Sorry to hear you’re in the Hospital. Everybody I know that’s had joint replacement is very happy with it, when was the last time you went on a ride? I’ve only been on a couple of rides in the local in the area. Hour or so max. What do you think about a Lincoln Highway Ride?
LikeLike
Never heard of the Lincoln Highway. Where is it, and what makes it special? We’re already planning next year’s ride, and didn’t even think of Lincoln as being on the route, cuz I’ve never heard of it.
LikeLike
Sorry do you hear about the hip, Gary. I hope it heals quickly. I found that the physical therapy got me walking very quickly after I had mine replaced.
Sent from my iPhone
>
LikeLike
Good for you. Having been there, it hurt a bit watching you walk by our place over the past weeks. You’ll do fine. Just keep away from shoulder surgery, so they say. Take care and don’t rush the recovery. Pete and Donna
Sent from my iPad
>
LikeLike
You’re my role model for lifetime fitness, Pete. I’d walk a mile in your shoes, but don’t think I’m currently capable of much walking, unless around the house and to the bathroom.
LikeLike
Yikes! I guess this is just another sign that this year’s Biker Safari was not meant to be. I’m not sure the hospital beds are as nice in Sturgis. Follow your Doctor’s orders…and then Sarah’s orders. Basically do what you’re told! Wishing you a speedy recovery Red Leader.
LikeLike
Believe it or not, the Sturgis City Council voted 8-1 last week to go ahead with the rally. #morons #science deniers #WhatCouldPossiblyGo Wrong?
LikeLike
I’ll just do what Sarah tells me to do. Can you relate?
LikeLike
Well Gary.
As Jo said I’m relieved to get to the part about the hip and not something scarier.
I’m happy you are doing better and am sure this won’t in any way get in the way of ME having a motorcycle trip next year.
Miss seeing you this summer. But a new hip is on the list of things to be forgiven for.
Rest up , hugs to Sarah and take care of yourself.
LikeLike
We’ll get you a KAWASAKI trip next year, Randy! Am resting now at hospital. Probably going home tomorrow. Food here is great; I may get a meal ticket at Valley View after I go home!
LikeLike
You are the bionic man now! That is the thing with living a long time -parts start to wear out! We wish you a speedy recovery and I am sure Nurse Sarah will have you doing your rehab just as the doctor ordered.
Love Judith
And happy belated birthday. My Mum is 90 tomorrow btw. They both say “Hello” to you and Sarah.
LikeLike
Happy bday to the Queen Mum! Hope all is well, wherever you are
LikeLike
St. George Utah! Your Alma Mater state! Go Utes.
LikeLike
WOW-Was this out of the blue or had you been having a problem with the right hip? Recover fast and the exercise continuously as I know the problem.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It pretty much came out of nowhere. I didn’t even know I had osteoarthritis, and that I was almost bone-on-bone. Lots of good orthopedic docs here in the valley.
I’ll be ready for ski season, assuming there is one.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Prayers go out to you and a speedy recovery!
LikeLike
You have many more adventures ahead of you. Get well quickly.
LikeLike
Making it to 70 in such fine shape gave you the opportunity to host a new hip! Enjoy 😊
Jocelyn and Dave
LikeLike
Apparently I’m a hip dude!. Looking forward to getting back to the ‘hood. Probably this afternoon 🙏⛷🙏
LikeLike
Well, at least you made it to 70 before having to eat humble pie about not having any bionic parts!!
Hope that will be the only one.
You will be back on the slopes in no time once the snow is there.
Say hi to Nurse Sarah for us!!
Hugs, Barb and Jim
LikeLike
Humble pie is humble pie. I ate on this one. Will return to normal soon, with any luck.
LikeLike
Your comments are so😄
Yes your hair&smile is a definite plus….!
Since Clarence feels shoulder&knee surgery are more debilitating…
Then! you must be more resilient, since your Sarah recovered her shoulder surgerylike a rock star😘
See you on the mountain! :))) Xo to both of you
LikeLike
Am planning to have my hair cut when there’s a Covid vaccine. Who’s Clarence, and when are you coming to see our Colorado mountains.
LikeLike
are a plus!! should read before posting!🙄
LikeLike
Good to hear from you, Peggy. Between Sarah and me, we have two new hips, one new knee, and a repaired shoulder. We’re both good for another 30 years or so.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Clarence Blackwell…. your blog friend…. 😀
LikeLike
Wow
Very impressive😘 and yet very surprising… you both are a picture of health and happiness
LikeLike
Greeting to you and Sara,
On a good note…congratulations on a successful surgery and we pray for quick healing along with any PT required.
Do what your doctors say and heal on…vroom, vroom.
Warm wishes-
Jeff and Donna 🥰
LikeLike
Thanks, Donna and Jeff. Just home from the hospital and a little drugged up, but I think I’m with it enough to say thanks for your kind thoughts.
LikeLike
Get well soon young man! Xoxo
LikeLike
Working on it!
LikeLike
Gary,Here’s to your speedy recovery and back on the slopes soon!!!!
Dave and Lorraine
LikeLike
Hi Dave and Lorraine. You guys must be getting ready to head across the country in your 55-foot motor home. Safe travels!
LikeLike
Gary, I been there… 2 times. Cheers to a smooth, fast recovery; I’ve yet to see anything hold you down for long. We still have a lot of two-wheeled exploring to do as well so hit the therapy hard!!
Cheers,
Scott
LikeLike
Hey Scotty! You blazed the trail for me.
Sturgis 2021?
LikeLike
Rats (but you captured sentiments perfectly in your “usual eloquent manner”!! ). Sorry to hear but I’ve always heard hips are a “nothing” (easy for me to say at 65, ha!!). Never a good time but do feel for you dealing with “extra trauma” during traumatic times, but as someone else stated, “what’s a little more down time” in our lives right now!! Know you have the BEST nurse…miss you two! Xox Marde and Ole
LikeLike
Yeah, I do have a pretty awesome nurse! With her help, I’ll be back on the mountain in no time.
LikeLike
You’re awesome! We love you and are so glad you are healthy and strong and recovering fast! 💪👏🥰
LikeLike
I have an excellent role model to follow. Sarah. I. Am. Strong. Like. Bull!
LikeLike
Hey Gary! Looking good. Wishing you a fast and total recovery. Hope your nurses are all as pretty as Sarah.
>
LikeLike
I haven’t missed a putt since coming out of the OR, Dick. Hope you’re doing well.
LikeLike