June 27, 2005

Visitation HealthSouth Kansas Rehab Hospital

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We are joined on the ride by an alumnus from the 2003 ride.  Fresh in from Jefferson City, MO, Bruce AKA Fuzzy Wuzzy Hibbitt joins the fray.

With his continued run of bad luck, Bruce anticipates being with us until we reach St Louis.

Rather than having individual wanted posters, the Topeka Police Department saves money by posting a group mug shot of the AAA marauders.

Bill refers constantly to the instruction booklet that came with his bike but is still unable to determine which end is up.  Here he is working on his form before entering the Kansas bike toss competition. 

Here the intrepid AAA group is joined by Karen and Mark from HealthSouth, and two of the motormen from the Topeka PD who provided escort. 

James is seen here making motorcycle noises while Bruce, Joe, and Bill hope that their disguises are sufficient to avoid arrest on numerous outstanding warrants committed within Kansas state boundaries.

Evidently Bill's ploy of providing each officer with a days supply of day-old donuts works and we are on our way with an escort fit for royalty.  Probably the best escort of our trip and we thank the TPD for a professional job that reflects greatly on the great city of Topeka.

Here Karen and Mark are shown making sure that all of the riders make it to the HealthSouth facility.  James and Bruce are looking mighty foxy with their afterburner riding jerseys that they have come to love. 

Believe it or not, the AAA riders manage to form into some semblance of a formation for the arrival at HealthSouth.  Fortunately, arraignments will not be until next week sometime and the judge has released the foursome on their own recognizance. 

Mayor Bill, a tough ex-marine gave us a wonderful welcome.  His remarks of support and encouragement were appreciated as Leslie and he admire James's USMC hat.  Such a manly figure, everyone was much impressed.

Following the remarks of Joe, Bill, and James, Bruce was able to help the audience regain consciousness by singing and doing an Irish jig.  Great job Bruce!

Here Joe rises to a new mental standard and fits into the social caste system of a visiting preschool class.  Counselors were called in to reverse the emotional shock these children received when James removed his leg and passed it around to the children for show and tell.  James saved the day, however, when he convinced the kids that they too wanted to be amputees when they grew up.  Their parents were not impressed.

Here Bruce is visibly kicking himself for getting involved with this group of AAA riders.  Bill turns a deaf ear to his complaints.  Joe just snickers in the corner. 

Here is a wonderful service dog in training from the KDS.  The dog outperformed the AAA riders in being able to retrieve small items and to obey simple commands. The dog amazed and humbled the riders. 

Bill takes a turn for the worse and decides to take advantage of the situation and play a little wheelchair basketball.  The sides are chosen up and Joe and James are pitted against Bill and a local.  This is the Wheelchair Basketball championship of the world!!

Another three pointer by Bill.  "They call it String Music in Lexington, Kentucky, Joe", Bill exclaims. 

Joe begins using unconventional and illegal methods, and  holds Bill's score down to only 32 points.  The Championship is over.  Dejected and down hearted, Joe slowly drives off with his head down. 

Our appreciation to the HealthSouth Kansas Rehab Hospital for all of their efforts to put on varied and interesting events.  Thanks to Paul Livingston, CEO for his support and to Leslie Cunningham who devoted so much effort to make our visit a successful one.

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Finally, a sad goodbye to James (Thumper) Thayer who rode with us from Canon City, CO to Topeka.  Unfortunately, his parole was revoked and the Warden wants him back.  James, we wish you well and thanks for the memories... until next year.

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