Finally got around to asking the doctor what the hell was going wrong with wrist/hand. Using the left hand while riding the FJ was getting more and more difficult. Turns out one of my problems is called carpel tunnel. So yesterday I had surgery that will hopefully allow the nerves running into the hand to regenerate. Only time will tell if I waited too long to do something about this. Riding puts a lot of stress on the wrist and can cause these kinds of problems - especially as you get older. If anyone is experiencing pain and numbness in the thumb and fingers, that is what this is. Waiting to do something about it and hoping it will get better on its own is not the right answer. See a doctor. Surgery isn't all that bad. And hopefully it will keep you riding for many more years!
Had that done years ago on my left hand. Worked out great. Was able to sleep without my hand going numb
An occupational hazard on many jobs where there is a lot of vibration (jack hammers, and chainsaws - where we called it "white finger" because the fingers lost circulation too).
One of the things I'm glad I've retained is my core strength going back to when I was a hard core paddler. My torso keeps me upright. The hands are just resting like a feather on the grips of the FJ while I'm at any decent speed so there's no weight on the wrists unless I'm decelerating. But don't worry, like any geezer, I've got other physical setbacks I wouldn't wish on anyone.
Speedy recovery and enjoy the clutch again! :good2: