Thanks, Rob.
Two and a half months have gone by since June and I've had plenty of time to reflect on my ride, my bike choices, my future. I do want to apply for a third attempt, and most likely will next year.
However, in the last couple months I've ridden a total of only 1000 miles or so. I haven't stopped riding, I just decided that after four years of being focused on nothing but the IBR, I wasn't going to spend entire days (or multiple days) away from my family for a little while. My wife and daughter got short changed of time with me, so I've been dedicating more time to them. I've got a grandson who is growing like a weed and he actually likes hanging out with me. My son continues to race amateur motocross and desert events and I really like being his pit crew and head doctor between motos.
A little over two weeks ago I got a new right knee and will get a new left one in November. Recovery on the right knee is going well and if the left one works out like the right, I shouldn't have a problem riding again. Big, heavy bikes may be out of the question, but middleweights actually make really good rally bikes.
I liked my Road King. It fit me well. It was comfortable. I could ride hands off for miles and miles. It held everything I needed for the rally and then some. It had decent fuel range with my aux setup (which will be going up for sale soon). The electrical system was well sorted. The M8 engine, though, is a different story.
As disappointing as the result was, I wouldn't give back the three days I got in the IBR.