Backroad Mike Checking in

[Backroad Mike]

First of all, Thanks Dan for setting this up.

Guilty of not posting much on the old place. I am on FB now too. It started as a means to use Marketplace, as I'm there looking for stuff almost every day. We also had to have a personal account to set up a business FB page as well. In 2019 we bought a Kettle Corn business from some neighbors who had shut it down as their health was not allowing them to participate any longer. Of course we bought it just before Covid, so after only 12 events between covid and some health issues, we were shut down for 2 1/2 years. We started it back up in late 2022, and in 2023 we added more flavors, and cotton candy. We did 33 events in 2023 while working my regular 9-5 job. Yes, it was a bit much, so we decided to scale it back to somewhere around 20 events and kept the better ones from the previous year. We are always looking for more opportunities though. Just trying to be more selective in which ones we participate. It is nice that our name is getting out there, and we are receiving invites from organizers asking us to participate at their events.

I've just told my supervisor that I'm not coming back to work when my shoulder surgery recovery is done currently scheduled for April 15th. I've already applied, and my first Social Security check gets deposited on Wednesday. Looking forward to getting back to riding, fishing and golfing as the shoulder continues to improve. Hope to see some of you on the road when we can.

[TXHawg]

Glad you're here.

Keep us posted on the events you are attending. You may be surprised to see one of us show up.

I waited a little to file for SS, as I was teaching MSF classes and pulling in more than SS would allow. I wound up filing for SSDI (disability) because of the back. I get a lot more monthly because of SSDI, so that's a good thing. I don't know if it's too late, but you may want to look into that.

[Backroad Mike]

My disability is short term for the surgery repair, so for now SSDI isn't an option. Actually, still waiting for Met Life to make the determination whether they are paying me for the short term extension to Apr 15th or not. Without going to the VA and starting a claim process, I don't have any long term disability rating. May be something I need to consider.

As for the events. If someone is interested, please send me a PM and I will reply with where to go for the info. I don't want to violate any policies here by posting that stuff. For now, they are all in Virginia. I have been looking at other states, but need to investigate what they are going to require for business and inspection issues.

[TXHawg]

Let's just say the policies are pretty loose here.

I think the rules for SSDI are you have to be unable to perform your job for 12 months. Don't quote me on that. Of course it took 18 months to get approved.

[Margarita]

Hi, Mike. Good to see you and hear how you're doing.

[ScabbyDoo]

Glad you found this place!

[stoney]

Good to see you here Mike!! We're hoping to ride down your way this summer.

[Backroad Mike]

Margarita / Scabby / Stoney;

Sorry not replied earlier. Been busy with recovery and gearing up for the vending season.

I started riding again a couple weeks ago. Been out 3-4 times, nothing longer than 150 miles yet. Shoulder gets a little sore from time to time, and slow speed in parking lots seems to be more taxing than longer runs. We've spent more time in the RV this year than on the bike. Only had the kayak's out a couple times and did some beach fishing. All successful and much enjoyed.

Stoney; Any idea on a ballpark? Better to plan as we have a few events between now and the end of August. Here are dates confirmed busy:
Jun 30
July 4, 6, 14-16, 18-21
Aug: 7-11, 17

Let me know if later than August as we do have events in Sep, Oct, Nov and Dec.

Mike

[stoney]

It would probably be late August or early September if we can make it at all. Lots going on with us as well. I'll let you know if we can make it.