Troy, I enjoy your blog and since I split time between Las Vegas and So. Cal. your insight into the poker rooms is great. As a motorcycle rider for the last 40+ years and a motorcycle safety instructor for 10 of that I would recommend that you do not get a bike. You have said that you have wound issues connected to your diabetes even a very small lay down would result in road rash that could become a large problem. My father was diabetic and I saw his troubles with healing.
I have never played at GV but after reading your blog I intend to put it high on my list. Aria is the only room I play tournament in that I have not cashed so you breaking through give me hope.

Let me add one more thing: (you'll love this Troy). My prosthetic guy tells me the overwhelming majority of his patients are either diabetics or motorcycle accident victims.

While I appreciate the overwhelming concern being given for something that I am just considering doing, I assure you I am well aware of the possible dangers associated with it. The original wound that I have is from road rash when I first got a motorcycle, but also being stupid enough to not take a safety course. Luckily I at least was wearing a full helmet otherwise my right side of my face would of taken quite the beating as well. This is not yet decided on, and won't be for awhile. Done a light bit of online research and am still just browsing the thought....again, thanks to all concerned.

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Views expressed are my own and not those of Green Valley Ranch, the WSOP, or AVP.

Took the motorcycle safety training course last summer. Still haven't bought a bike, but very glad I took the course.

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Deep Thinking with Jesse Ventura:
You know we used to laugh at Grandpa when he'd head off and go fishing, but you know we wouldn't be laughing that evening when he'd come home with some whore he'd picked up in town.

Getting quite intrigued with this smaller version of a trike bike...goggle this and watch the video on it...MC_D150TKA. I just dropped them an email with a few questions on it all. For a little over 2K brand new it might be something to consider. Granted I wouldn't be doing any freeway driving with this but it looks fun to run up to the store with or the 10 mile trip to GVR...

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Views expressed are my own and not those of Green Valley Ranch, the WSOP, or AVP.

My suggestion is to check the resale value on used models. It might be hard to resell if it won't get on the freeway. Everyone has their own opinions on what to do. Ill just offer a few thoughts after 25+ years of riding. I bought a used VFR a few years back and it was easy to resell. I needed a bike for a year that could be left parked awhile and not get stolen. Good hybrid bike. Craigslist has lots of good deals. Besides the safety course proper clothing is a must especially helmet. I don't wear a full face now but they are the best choice.

I ride 3-4 days a week in the Bay Area and it is dangerous. Vegas is bad because of the tourists and drunks. Scary even in a car. Been lucky to have only gone down once but lots of close calls. A few dead and maimed freinds tho so I keep the speed down. Cars pulling out,turning or running lights cause most of the wrecks. In the end it's something everyone has to decide on their own. I do it because I enjoy it.

Ended up grinding 10 hours of play at TI this week. I was considering doing 20 hours but was just too wore out after last night at GVR to consider driving down there to play 3 or 4 hours towards it. I guess living so far from the strip is quite the deterrent from driving down there too. So, how'd I do? Well, the first 7 hours were great (Monday late night), had a good assortment of players that I could exploit and grow my stack. Eventually cashed out for a nice $400 profit. The next afternoon, Tuesday, I decided to play it smart, get there early as possible, and get credit for sitting there waiting for a game to start. That worked well to log another 90 minutes in, then we got enough to play. While I am not too comfortable playing short handed I knew that was part of the deal to get hours waiting for a game to start, once you get 4 it is on. We built up to no more than 6 or so during the next hour or two, but then my cards always seemed to second place. Did a standard raise on the button and had the small blind call. My 8s10s flopped the nut straight, (7-9-J). He bet 15, I made it 30, he just called. The turn brought a 3rd diamond, he checked and I bet another 30. He called. The river brought another diamond and he shoves for 150, I lay down and he shows his Ad-Jc. Nice catch, sir….

Reloaded from my original 200 buy in with another 200, lost about 50 of it and then came up with pocket aces, with the small number of players I only raised to 13 UTG, and had the same player call. King high flop, I bet, he raises (board is K-3-5). I just flat call, the turn brings a Jack, I bet pot size, he raises all in. Since I have over half my stack already in, I call and say, "show me your King-Jack." He does and I'm out of there.

So net even for 10 hours of play, other than the $20 in comps and the $50 in money back from the promo. Rather be even than down. Like I said above, if I lived closer I'd probably consider doing it a bit more. I would like to pull a 20 hour week out. Maybe in April while we are all earning hours for that free roll.

Flooring tonight during the swing shift at GVR, then have to do the same for four grave shifts next week there. Since I don't wear shirts and ties too often I'll be hitting up the local Men's Warehouse this week to maybe add another sportcoat to my assortment.

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Views expressed are my own and not those of Green Valley Ranch, the WSOP, or AVP.

Better even than a loss?

But if you are gonna be flooring and are looking for a suite/jacket Id suggest also Express or H and M. I picked up a 50 dollar black blazer and a 15 button up shirt at H and M, and as soon as I get my 'real' world job I'm sure I'll start buying more suits from places like Express and stuff.

Check the Men's Warehouse website, they have some awesome sales. You may not be able to wait and they may have the same deals in their stores but I get all my stuff on line and I'm very happy with them.

Looking forward to seeing everyone at the MGM in a few hours for the tournament!

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Views expressed are my own and not those of Green Valley Ranch, the WSOP, or AVP.