Back on the Bike - Finally!

[@BlackdogADV]

8 months ago I started having leg and back problems. I was all packed and ready to ride up to the Arctic Ocean. Long story short, I had back surgery. I haven’t been on my BMW 1200GS or Husqvarna 701 since. I just bought a Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 mostly because it’s small and low. Been dong short trips, hopefully I’ll ride from Oregon to Arizona in a couple months. I’m 75 and still riding so I can’t complain.

[@bigj2345]

So glad to see you back. I'm happy to hear you're healing. Yours is my absolute favorite KZbin channel and you've been very much missed.

[@SterlingNoren]

Thank you !

[@danny100d]

Glad you’re back! Your videos are the gold standard of ADV MC exploration.

[@mfranquemont1884]

Couldn’t agree more!

[@jonmolofsky8553]

I didn’t know what happened!

[@solarone69]

Sterling, it’s so nice to have you back after your bump in the road. You and I are of similar vintage, and we’ve had similar experiences with deer and injured right wrists. You are an exceptional example of bearing adversity with grace. I just purchased 1998 Trail 90 with 900 miles on the clock. I learned to ride on one in the mid 60’s, and my kids and their cousins learned on one in the mid 90’s. This CT90 was to be for the grandkids and their cousins, and everyone took to it like ducks to water - as did the two older generations waiting their turn to ride (-; I’ll see you sometime at the Jonquil Hotel in Bisbee, and hopefully I’ll be on two wheels.

[@F1since79]

OMG Sterling! I winced watching this. If you recall, I’m the guy who stayed at your motel in September of 2021, as I was starting my solo CDT ride. I was so fortunate to have been able to speak with you then. You were incredibly gracious and it was a highlight of the trip. I completed that ride with no issues at all. My luck held through several more great rides but a momentary lack of concentration bit me and I broke a bone in my left hand as well as my right ankle on day one of the NMBDR in June of last year. I was lucky - only 3 pins in my hand and the ankle didn’t require treatment other than wearing a boot. With the difficulty I’ve had getting flexibility and strength back, I can only imagine how tough you’ve had it. First your adventures inspired me, and now you’ve found a new way to inspire all of us who’ve had mishaps. You’re a legend. I will be at the CABDR-North premier in a couple weeks. Hope to see you there!

[@ckkrons2338]

This demonstrates the pure essence of ADV riding. No tech, nothing fancy, just getting out there. Always quality over quantity Sterling-love it. Glad you are healing. Those sunset shots were incredible!

[@wallacerobertsconsulting2894]

Glad to see you back, hermano; you've been missed. 11 years ago, I crashed my KTM 950 SE off road & shattered my left foot. It'll never be the same, but I can still brake, shift, & walk, so that's good enough for me. Scars are tattoos that have been earned, not bought. Wishing you the best in your continued recovery.

[@danmoore6195]

There's nothing like losing your health in one way or another to make you appreciate what you have (had). An easy drive, simple camp and a small motorcycle are priceless when you've faced the possibility of losing everything. Way to get back out there!

[@jncdi1535]

Glad to see you back. Taking it easy while you heal is the smart approach, especially as you get older. Looking forward to your future posts.

[@stevebratten6592]

A lot of us are discovering the joys of small bikes 🏍️!

[@JoaquinChea]

Wow Sterling, hate that you had that accident, I’m glad to see you’re healing. Those roads look like they are still gnarly and fun even on that cool 125! Kudos to you getting back to riding so soon after a serious injury.

[@leklaus]

I’m so sorry to hear about your accident, and the time it took to heal up. Excited for you to be back on two wheels, I certainly missed your inspiration to just go out and explore. Looking forward to the unreleased content, it’ll help with getting through a New England winter …

[@Flo_Ontheroads]

small bikes are more fun! If we put our egos aside, we all know that 😁. Glad to see you recovering and out in the wild!

[@beachsketch3531]

Great to see you back Sterling! Thanks again for sharing this journey with us!

[@Al_Rowell]

Welcome back! Glad you are on the mend.

[@triman11427]

Happy to see you’re back on the road sharing your adventures.

[@jessrumblin]

THANK YOU 🙏🏼 WE MISSED YOU!

[@edumazutti]

GREAT to see you back Sterling, and sad to hear about the reason you were away, but I´m sure your wrist will get even better soon! Hope you never have to be away like this again, not only from the channel, but from riding!

[@brianp7938]

Glad to have you back, Sterling! best wishes for continued recovery on the wrist.

[@bacbladerunner]

I'm so sorry for your injury, Sterling. I met you and Eva at the Bisbee rally last April. Hearing your praise for the capability and fun of your little Honda brings me joy. The big bikes are great for some things, but I think too many people get sucked into buying them. I ride a KTM 390, and if your Trail 125 is as good as it is, you can imagine that smaller bikes like the 390 will do anything one could desire. I would really like to see more smaller bikes in the BDR films. Cheers!

[@bikingviking6688]

Personally, I would love to see the direction of your channel swing more into content like this; the van, small bike and more rugged,off-grid destinations. The exhilaration and excitement in your voice really came through in this video. Looking forward to the next one, Sterling!🤘 Take care of that throttle 🤛

[@SterlingNoren]

Awesome! Thanks for the encouragement :-)

[@jerrywormington]

Glad you’re back at it. Stress Free Riding. I just went from a Yamaha Super Tenere 1200 to a Honda CRF 300 Rally. It’s so fun and much easier off road. I know that little Honda Trail 125 has to be a blast. Looking forward to your next adventure on the 125.

[@roberteads9995]

There’s 2 kind of m/c riders. The ones that have made a sacrifice to the motorcycle gods, and the ones that haven’t…yet

[@rbrown1339]

Amen to that!

[@JohnDoe-xm9ql]

It's great to see you back at it Sterling.. Hope your recovery goes well.

[@mikemcgeehan4321]

Glad you're in the process of recovery. Getting older you appreciate that health is number one. Back on the Steel Horse is awesome. 👊🏼

[@simonbarker1454]

Great to see you back on the bike.Slow and steady wins the race… :-)

[@SmokeyDaVan]

Nothing wrong with having a home base in a van and going exploring on a bike! Of course, I’m a bit biased - that’s what I do. 😊 Glad you’re back!

[@shinkle23]

So glad to see you back!! Also glad you can still get out and enjoy camping and ride your bike.

[@amandawildy135]

Glad to see you back! Injury takes time, mentally, physically, and financially. Smaller bikes definitely have their place. One step at a time. X

[@stephenjacques554]

I ride a himilayan 411 and enjoy it alot, easy to pick up and fun to ride. SJ be safe be well enjoy the vids.

[@vcheng552000]

You were greatly missed, and welcome back! I wish you lots and lots and lots of more riding to enjoy, and thank you for taking us all along.

[@johnsaranchuk]

Glad to see you back. Missed your adventures. Good luck with the healing.

[@litl1016]

Man that sucks, but I’m glad you’re ok now and back at. Take your time and get healed, don’t rush back into it too fast. Look forward to see what you do next.

[@Liberty4Ever]

I was so happy to see this video pop up in my feed. I've definitely been missing your videos. I was crestfallen to hear that you broke your wrist. There's that sick feeling after an injury when you realize it's not a sprain and you did some real damage that's going to cause a lot of downtime, pain, and you will never get full function in the damaged portion of your body. I loved seeing the little Honda. I've always been a huge fan of small off road bikes and the Trail 125 looks like a great bike for your van adventures and extended convalescence.

[@DonPlaton]

Sad to hear about your injury. The pins look outrageous. All the best with your recovery, Sterling.

[@tobygabriel5674]

I broke my scapoid wrist bone on a spill while in South Carolina. I rode home to British Columbia, went back to work as a chef and after a couple of weeks, couldn't use my arm. a quick x-ray revealed a buggered arm! 4 and half months later, i'm back. I know your pain! Glad to see you back out again!

[@southeasternnomad]

Glad to see you back. You inspire many of us to get out. Love the Shirt. If you dont go, You will never know.

[@heleti0000]

5 broken ribs, 4 cracked vetebrae, broken collar bone, broken wrist and fingers after coming off at relatively low speed - so I know what you’re going through. Pain goes after about 8 weeks but flexibility in the hand takes a bit longer after the cast comes off - but with exercise, it does come back. Got back riding on shorter trips after 12 weeks, good to see you back on the little Honda. Stay safe 😁🇦🇺👍

[@scoutadv4568]

Sterling! Been worried about you! Very happy to see you back!

[@klh3244]

Good to see you back Sterling! I love my little Honda 300 CRF L. That 125 looks fun also! Keep getting better!

[@greybrawn]

Welcome back Sterling, its good to see you back out and about and continuing making great content after quite a serious accident ! I wish you well safe travels....

[@robertkoch1936]

Hang in there Sterling. Was wondering where you got to and missed your videos.

[@yoursacredquest]

"Getting back on the horse" makes for greater appreciation of the ride. It's good your easing into it. Happy trails!

[@canadiantechprep]

Brutal. The downside of motorcycling are the injuries *if you go down. I was in a motorcycle crash in Cambodia...dislocated femoral head, broken ribs, broken jaw. It took a month in traction and eight months to recover. I am fortunate it wasn't worse, but the key for me was to get active again. Love the van camper with the bike. Great setup.

[@MakersTeleMark]

It's really to the point how one animal can affect another. Glad you are pivoting well. And that's why they named it long ago, the Trail! Applies to life too.

[@marklawrence4596]

Sorry to hear about your injury, but grateful to see you're healing. Very glad to see a new video and great fun to see you ride that little honda. You know how to enjoy life on whatever bike fits your need. Thanks!

[@seansteede]

So great to see you back! Saw this come up on the feed and wondered where had you been after enjoying your summer ride through my backyard in BC so much earlier in 2023. I also suffered a broken Tib/Fib in Sep on my last ride of the season and now have a titanium rod in my leg and am 4 months in recovery. So great to see you swinging a leg over the bike about 2 months ahead of me. I'll be taking the slow and easy track as you are doing but can't wait! Great to see you're video coming up on my feed.

[@49otterhound]

Back in the seventies I lived in the Phoenix area for almost 8 years. Every spare minute I spent riding in the desert. Thanks for the memories!

[@jimmallery294]

The Honda trail bike is great for what it does. I rode thousands of miles on dirt as a kid back in the `60's on a yellow Honda trail 90 with the two sprockets on the back. Today it is a 1200 GSA. They are not the same on pavement or dirt. Both have their place. Heal fast and keep the great videos coming.

[@cvogelvogel5724]

Your gratitude is infectious. Happy day to you and congratulations on getting back into the saddle.

[@alanbermensolo4728]

Sterling, wasn’t aware of your injury. Glad you are healing up and back.

[@G0ld3nB3ar]

What a great first ride back! Glad you are able to continue to do what you love. I don't care if it is 125cc or 1200cc, the passion and adventure still comes through. Best wishes for a fast and full recovery.

[@brucegerken1063]

Great video thank you. I know how you feel had a deer take me off my bike 12 broken ribs torn rotator cup happy to be riding again thanks again.

[@AT2021Rocker]

Glad it wasn’t more serious! Work hard at getting movement and strength because your wrist is very very key to motorcycling riding.

[@timdeslauriers6879]

Sterling I hope your wrist continues to get better and that you can chase whatever adventures you want to. Did my both my knees in via accidents of my own and know how challenging the recovery process can be. Take care and focus on your recovery. Good film makers and content creators will always have a place here so your current & future subscribers will be here if/whenever you might choose to return!! Take Care!!

[@LutziferVideographer]

Hello 🙋🏻‍♂️ good to see you back ☺️🙏. Have a safe season!

[@mart7404]

Way to go Sterling. Glad to hear you are back on the trail again. Also, it is nice to see a story about fun on a small bike. Bigger is Better, Biggest is Best, is not always the way to go as you aptly proved in this video. That is a beautiful area and I've explored a lot of it, time for another venture it would appear. Cheers

[@Porsche996driver]

Wow I’ve seen 1-2 pins in a wrist, but that looks like Pick Up Sticks! But seriously glad you’re recovering well and even pushing it a bit out there on that 125! Hope your recovery continues to go well as we head toward spring. All the best.

[@jamesprecious1035]

Giddy Up Sterling. So glad you are back in the saddle and also that you were not more seriously injured playing tango with that dear, Hope the healing continues. Cheers.

[@samsonbiker5140]

Sorry about your injury but glad you're healing well. Missed your videos so much very happy to see you back to having some more two wheeled adventures and filming it for us to enjoy! 👍🏍😁

[@johnfowler3873]

Good to see you back! Glad you are healing.

[@DrMark920]

Welcome back. Glad you're healing up. Thanks for sharing the trip with us.

[@DualsportChic]

Ahhh the joy of a little bike!! So glad you are on the mend and back on two wheels Sterling. Yours truly . . .16 hp at the rear wheel. 🤗

[@chuckusa1139]

Great video. You reminded me it's all about the ride. Glad you're back! 👍👍👍👍👍

[@bryandees8242]

I wondered why you went silent. I'm glad you're on the mend and back on a bike. I enjoy your content. 1000cc bikes are so cumbersome. Most of the ADV community knows this thanks to successful marketing and popular shows like Long Way Down the standard appears to be a 1-liter BMW. I appreciate seeing folks like you and others Noraly doing thousands of miles on their CRF 300 for example, riding lighter bikes. It really makes sense to ride smaller lightweight motorcycles off/on road. I ride 2-up on a 650cc Vstrom long-distance throughout the Pacific Northwest and Canada without issues. Plenty of power for us.

[@bobdowler7326]

It is good to see you back, Sterling. Thank you for sharing a bit of your story and keeping a positive outlook. Our action and reaction to the rocks in the roads is where we find our true selves. Stay safe. Peace.

[@g.narendiran3822]

Nice to see you brother I hope you are doing well It is very amazing and happy to see you on the road after recovered form that accident. I all watching old videos with make me better. Take care ride safe bro. ❤

[@kdonoghue]

I broke my schafoid on my left wrist when I had a head on crash in Kathmandu with another bike. My wrist is still not the same. It is a very hard bone to heal, I hope your recovery is better than mine.

[@timstanton2241]

Thank you so much for sharing. Best!

[@glennscott8487]

was wondering where you were. sorry about the wrist. looks like you're on the mend. the joy of a small bike is under stated. keep going!!!!

[@LASadvgrrl]

WOW. Had no idea about your wrists Sterling. Welcome back and stay healthy right? Great video and I agree about motorcycle camping when you get older. Be well.

[@zemquoi]

SO glad you are healing and back in the wild! Missed you Sterling!

[@josephcalabro4538]

I was wondering what happened to you? Sure glad you’re back. Enjoy watching your footage.

[@luisbraz-ruivo]

Glad to see I am not the only one enjoying the smaller bikes. The reason for the enormous displacement and heavy bikes it is just economics. Brands can’t charge north of $25K for a 125cc bike….but as you say, the smaller displacements are so much more fun…..the worry factor is much less than on a big bike and enjoyment factor is much more. Stay safe and heal your hand. Hope to meet you sometime at your motel.

[@bcinspectorman]

All the very best and thanks for this journey! May make it down next Fall. Cheers.

[@SomeGuyRides]

Love it when the CT125 makes an appearance. Glad you’re healing up…

[@gregc6661]

Sorry you got injured, glad to see you’re back and hope you continue healing and getting stronger Stirling.

[@rmichael9185]

Yet another very interesting and well made video. Welcome back. I had a similar injury in 2019. It will take time but will improve. Keep going 👍🏻

[@grahamhiggins1]

Great to see you Sterling. You’re absolutely right about these small bikes, it’s no accident that Itchy Boots chooses a light Honda to cross continents. The matcho nature of men makes them want big engines even if they struggle to pick them up and get real anxious about dropping them. I’d go for a Dax or C90 every time!

[@Shiplap4]

Ahh I wondered where you had gone , great to see you back .

[@woundedtiger7547]

That's the bike that I want to get. Being able to camp, trailer, bike rack into a BDR an do loops rides. An it would give you more time to check it out that. Glad your ok. Thanks for sharing.😀🙃🙂😃

[@Dalevd]

Glad you are back…all the best…

[@jhorrocks8108]

As I watch another great vid, Sterling (THANKS for the hard work!), I remember reading something recently about driving "racing" cars that was attributed to James May. Something along the lines of "You'll have more fun driving a slow car as fast as you can, vs. driving a fast car as fast as you're able/willing to go." In the '90's I did a few laps in a retired NASCAR car at Dover DE. There were three things going through my mind: #1 Am I going fast enough: Answer NO. #2 Can I go faster: Answer YES. #3 SHOULD I go faster: Answer bouncing between YES and NO.

[@mikedenton6485]

Hey Sterling, nice to see you back in the saddle again. Great video, the 125 looks like a little work horse. Looking forward to seeing some more videos. Stay healthy.

[@paulocarreiro5855]

Welcome back! I hope you heal fast.

[@Solitarius-Lupus-Moto]

Quality over quantity...nice to see you again Sterling.

[@izzychen7537]

Welcome back!! I was wondering what happened to you. Got me worried there for a bit Buddy! I am an avid watcher of your videos.

[@varadgunjkar5837]

Missed you buddy. Love from India 🇮🇳

[@techdragn]

Welcome back. I wondered why you were not posting videos. You were missed. I hope you heal completely.

[@KennanPardini]

So sorry to hear about your injury Sterling. Very happy to see you back. Having just been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer I haven’t had the energy to get on my GS. One of my motivations is to get well so I can get out and ride and camp again in my beloved Northern California Sierra Nevada mountains. God Bless!

[@fkitbaylife902]

Was great to meet you and Eve at your motel hopefully we can go for a ride sometime

[@Ecmodaaz]

I'm sorry to hear about your injury. I'm glad to hear you are getting back on a bike. Smaller bikes are fun. Thanks for sharing.

[@markbevans8564]

So very glad you are on the mend Sterling. Ouch! And getting out for you enjoying the beauty of your areas while testing out your wrist looks great. Thank you as always for taking us along…

[@solomoto4706]

Glad you’re back, Sterling! You’ve been missed. Just rub some dirt on that wrist- you’ll be fine. That lil’ red Honda looks like a blast to ride!

[@howarddawson252]

I had no idea what happened. Hope the healing goes perfect. I am a land surveyor and I'm 69. I use a machete as a tool everyday. Several years ago, I accidentally cut the back of my left hand. I severed all the extender tendons for those fingers. After surgery and three different casts it all healed. Oh, I am left handed. Yes, it was stiff and sore for months. However, with work the flexibility and strength came back. Even after a year I could tell improvements were still coming. Also, I traded a Vstrom 1000 for a Klr 650. Not the smallest bike in the world but the stress level dropped tremendously going to a smaller bike. I can relate. Glad your back. Thanks.

[@SterlingNoren]

Thanks for the comment, you clearly understand what I am going through :-)

[@nerdlywehunt]

Hope to see more of you and girlfriend Eve in some future videos.....welcome back

[@barberchannel]

This is great to see. Glad that your recovery is to the stage where you can ease back into riding. My wife and I have his & hers Trail 125's. Your comments about their capabilities (and limitations) are spot on. We look forward to your upcoming videos about our favorite little trail bike,

[@SterlingNoren]

Right on! I cant wait to take a Sterling-and-Eva trip with the little bikes!

[@barberchannel]

@@SterlingNoren I put Shinko 244’s (2.50 front/3.00 rear) on our Trail 125’s and always carry a 13 tooth CS (front) sprocket for each bike in our tool kit. Swapping in the 13 tooth sprocket is about a 15 minute trailside task. Gearing the CT 125 down for trail riding makes it even more capable…and fun. Back on the road it will still hit 50 mph and its speed is less effected by hills and wind. The 13 tooth sprocket makes the speedometer and odometer optimistic so I don’t run them other than when needed for challenging trail conditions. Thanks again for your highlighting of the Honda Trail 125. It’s great when a person of your stature in the ADV community brings attention to them.

[@bmwlane8834]

Glad to see you back! Hey I noticed a new kitchen knife. Lol. Heal fast!

[@drdubb76]

Sorry to hear of your injury, but glad you are coming back and producing more content.

[@randypower]

So glad to see you back and mostly well from the trauma. I've shed my big bikes over the years in preference to smaller, lighter, way more fun bikes, and it's really nice to see your discovery of that joy. Cheers, amigo

[@AndrewM83]

Glad to see you post again Sterling. Hope the hand heals nicely to get you back to where you were! Be safe