Long-time readers will remember that I suffered a stroke in January 2019. Ever since, my left leg has been too weak to depress a clutch, and I have not been able to drive a manual-shift car.
I have been working at physical therapy every day, and it has begun to pay dividends.
Last week, I took the SCM 1965 Alfa Romeo Giulia Spider Veloce out for a drive for the first time in over six years. I was able to operate the clutch and shift through the gears.
I am overwhelmed with joy. I never thought I would be able to drive this car again.
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41 responses to “Keith’s Blog: Back in the Saddle”
Lovely news, congratulations! It’s been a heck of an adjustment for you, but for subscribers, a silver lining: your articles about a car enthusiast’s journey amongst the automatics has been interesting reading. Some struggle with age or injury. Me, I just want to drive one of those transmissions that’s always manual except when stuck in heavy slow traffic and it morphs into an automatic. It’s called a magical transmission (or at least magical thinking!) and they’re only available at Hogwart’s. Here’s wishing you continued healing — and heel-toe-ing!
Congratulations Keith. Rehabbing is no easy task. Your outcome is a reward of hard work and dedication. Nice going. Mike J.
Good job Keith! Your perseverance is admirable. That Giulia sounds sweet, and damn the RAV4s!
So glad to read this Kieth! It’s been a long time and your hard work is finally paying off. Great news for you and all the readers looking forward to more manual reports.
Congratulations, Keith. This is excellent news. No doubt other functions have returned slowly as well. Hard work pays off, with the prayers and support of many friends. I look forward to hearing more.
Congratulations! Hard work pays off.
Fantastic news, Keith!
As someone who just had knee replacement, and suffered from polio as a child, I can relate…
Congratulations!!!
CONGRATULATIONS KEITH!! Your commitment, perseverance and dedication is an inspiration to us all. Thank you!
Keith, Congratulations! Glad to see you are back in the saddle doing the things you enjoy so much.
Congratulations Keith! Quite an accomplishment to come back so far from a devastating injury. I look forwards to being able to read about your future Alfa breakdowns behind the wheel. ;p In all seriousness, well done sir. You will now be an inspiration for others, such as my mother whose mobility becomes compromised. Enjoy the future drives!!
Keith, Congratulations and I applaud your determination. I look forward to seeing you go through the gears on a drive in the near future.
Congratulations Keith! So glad that all your effort has paid off. I am taking some inspiration from you since I am currently in PT for some chronic back and neck issues. Keep on shifting! Rowing through the gears is good therapy itself!
Huge CONGRATS!!! What an accomplishment…smiles all around!!! 👍👋😎
Congrats!
Congratulations Keith! I appreciate how much this means to you and am very happy for you. You have made amazing progress. Keep it up my friend
Wonderful news! Your determination knows no bounds. You never gave up. Vintage Alfas are the best!
Congratulations on the awesome first manual drive in 5 years! It’s been a long time coming, and I know you’ve been wanting it just as long! Keep up the practice in your own area like you did, and soon you’ll be hitting the twisties on the back roads with the AR club runs.
Great news, Keith. Keep up the progress. It’s awesome how cars can provide the inspiration to keep moving forward – in every way.
Keith, that’s truly wonderful news! Here’s to many more 3-pedal miles.
Congrats on a huge and positive achievement! A whole lot of physical and mental work. Well done, enjoy the drive!!
Woo hoo!! Great news Keith, Congratulations!!
PT is no fun, buy the payoff is worth it. All that hard work has paid off. Keep it up!!
Not me crying at my desk seeing you hitting this milestone! Yahoo, this is amazing. So happy for you!
Well, how about that. The difference between cars and people is that people heal; cars don’t. This is why they need us. Congratulations!
Wow! Truly great news. Your persistence has paid off! The human body’s ability to repair itself, given time and exercise, is amazing. Now, about that defroster that doesn’t work…..
This is awesome
Super proud of you!
Wonderful, well deserved, Keith. This must feel better than winning Le Mans! Never lift 🙂
Congratulations, Keith! All the best and safe travels!
Great news. I wish your continuing improvement.
P/S More Porsche stuff 😉
So very happy for you Keith! A fitting reward for your hard work
Wonderful news! Congratulations and keep the pedal to the metal!
Congratulations wonderful news being handicap myself I can really appreciate your success in getting behind a wheel of a stick shift. Best wishes moving forward.
Outstanding news Keith! Congratulations.
Such great news to hear that your hard work with pT has paid off. Soon you’ll be double-clutching & heal & toeing your way all over. Congratulations!
Hi Keith. This is the first time I have logged on in ages. And the first thing I see is this wonderful news! Having been there and done that I know the feeling. You must be ecstatic!!
Kudos Keith. It is wonderful that you can row through the gears once again!
Great to hear, Keith!
Tears of disbelief and then joy as I watched this – even your voice is smiling as you recount this journey that has been hard fought with this sensational video !
Way to go Keith !!! I enjoyed your video more than the in car camera feed from Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari at last weeks F1 race. Congratulations on your hard earned accomplishment and wish you countless more happy stick-shift miles.
I think that this is super fantastic!! Congratulations! The hard work paid off, good for you for making this happen. Never, never give up! Keep driving….
EXCELLENT! I’m so happy for you! Lesson here – persistence DOES pay-off in the long run.
And….this was no easy task with rain and traffic.
Congratulations! 👍🏻👍🏻