John Schmidt
Member
Posts: 15240
a/k/a Stuffy. '99 I/S Valk Roadsmith Trike
De Pere, WI (Green Bay)
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« on: July 04, 2019, 12:39:02 PM » |
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Bike is on the trailer and strapped down, seat off, backrest off, plastic cover over the area under the seat, fuel off, kickstand up. Trailer lights all work, that's a relief. Car is loaded with 6 boxes and 2 trash bags full of my Rita's stuff which I'm dropping off at her daughter's place in Virginia. The second hardest job I've ever had....removing all her clothes, shoes, etc., from our walk-in closet and packing it up for the trip. As I laid it all out on the bed and removed the hangers, her smell permeated the room. That was tough and once done I totally lost it for a short time. All that's left to do is get my stuff ready that I'm wearing in the morning and my shaving stuff, then throw that bag in the car, shut off the water and open the faucets a little to relieve pressure, turn off the washing mach. hoses just in case, shut off the water heater but want to leave the tanks on the commodes about 3/4 full just to keep the rubber parts pliable. Lastly....hook up the bike trailer, lock the garage door, hit the alarm and leave. First stop....N Car., then VA, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, then Wisconsin. Looking forward to some cooler riding weather and a visit with Wayne....Solo 1, about midweek or so. Gonna put some miles on the car finally, see some great grandkids I've never met, spend time with family and friends along the way. When I return I have to face continued treatment for the prostate cancer....some external, some internal. Just hope it works. For now, I really need this chance to get away for a few weeks and relax. I do have a laptop so will be chkg in.  |
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Rams
Member
Posts: 16324
So many colors to choose from yet so few stand out
Covington, TN
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« Reply #1 on: July 04, 2019, 12:47:14 PM » |
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Have a safe and enjoyable journey. If you happen to get lost and end up in KY, give me a shout. We'll do something even if it ain't right.  Rams Frankfort, KY |
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VRCC# 29981
Learning the majority of life's lessons the hard way.
Every trip is an adventure, enjoy it while it lasts.
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RainMaker
Member
Posts: 6626
VRCC#24130 - VRCCDS#0117 - IBA#48473
Arlington, TX
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« Reply #2 on: July 04, 2019, 02:39:49 PM » |
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Ride safe, John.
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 2005 BMW R1200 GS 2000 Valkyrie Interstate 1998 Valkyrie Tourer 1981 GL1100I GoldWing 1972 CB500K1 |
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Bighead
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« Reply #4 on: July 04, 2019, 02:49:18 PM » |
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Be safe John and enjoy.
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1997 Bumble Bee
1999 Interstate (sold)
2016 Wing
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Pete
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« Reply #5 on: July 04, 2019, 03:10:05 PM » |
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Have fun, take your time and enjoy it.
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Disco
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Posts: 4899
Armed Man=Citizen; Unarmed Man=Subject
Republic of Texas
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« Reply #6 on: July 04, 2019, 03:44:18 PM » |
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Glad to know you are treating yourself to some changes of scenery, and your family and your friends with a visit.
Have fun and travel safely!
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2000 Bumblebee "Tourer", 98 Yellow & Cream Tourer, 97 Rescue blower bike 22 CRF450RL, 19 BMW R1250RT 78 CB550K 71 Suzuki MT50 Trailhopper .jpg) VRCC 27,916 IBA 44,783 |
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Hook#3287
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« Reply #7 on: July 04, 2019, 03:55:58 PM » |
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John, have a great trip. I can't think of anyone that deserves a fun trip more than you. Good Luck.
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Oss
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Posts: 12634
The lower Hudson Valley
Ossining NY Chapter Rep VRCCDS0141
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« Reply #8 on: July 04, 2019, 05:00:30 PM » |
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godspeed to you and hope the adventure is all good
Can't imagine dealing with all that has been on your plate.
Give Solo1 my regards when you see him
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If you don't know where your going any road will take you there
George Harrison
When you come to the fork in the road, take it
Yogi Berra (Don't send it to me C.O.D.)
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OnaWingandaPrayer
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« Reply #9 on: July 04, 2019, 06:01:59 PM » |
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John, be safe and enjoy some wind.
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Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005
Member
Posts: 13834
American by Birth, Southern by the Grace of God.
Beautiful east Tennessee ( GOD'S Country )
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« Reply #10 on: July 04, 2019, 06:19:38 PM » |
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Best wishes enjoy the trip you deserve it.
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 I've seen alot of people that thought they were cool , but then again Lord I've seen alot of fools. |
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John Schmidt
Member
Posts: 15240
a/k/a Stuffy. '99 I/S Valk Roadsmith Trike
De Pere, WI (Green Bay)
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« Reply #11 on: July 04, 2019, 06:29:24 PM » |
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Thanks to all, I really need to hit the sack, now 10:30, but probably won't get much sleep. Too cranked up, maybe a Tylenol PM. Hope to take some pics along the way, will get some riding in when I get to Wisconsin, way too hot here with temps in the upper 90's and indexing well over 100...a humid 100 at that. With the load I have for the first 800 miles the mileage for my SUV will really suck but I'm OK with it cuz it will be a much lighter load after that. A couple of my bags, golf clubs, some tools, helmets, and some square tubing with which to build a trailer. Hope to be rolling before 10:00am. |
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old2soon
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« Reply #12 on: July 04, 2019, 07:28:06 PM » |
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lookin forward ta seein ya in the northwest burbs of the windy city. Iffin my thinker muscle-thanks DDT-be wurkin believe it were Asheville where you and I last talked face to face. Lookin forward to see you again soonest. RIDE AND GUIDE SAFE. |
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Today is the tommorow you worried about yesterday. If at first you don't succeed screw it-save it for nite check. 1964 1968 U S Navy. Two cruises off Nam.
VRCCDS0240 2012 GL1800 Gold Wing Motor Trike conversion
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bassman
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« Reply #13 on: July 04, 2019, 07:29:58 PM » |
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Have a safe and wonderful trip John.....looking forward to your "check ins"
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Jack B
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« Reply #14 on: July 05, 2019, 02:48:10 AM » |
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Have a great and safe trip.
Hope to meet up with you once your in Green Bay.
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Let’s RIDE
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John Schmidt
Member
Posts: 15240
a/k/a Stuffy. '99 I/S Valk Roadsmith Trike
De Pere, WI (Green Bay)
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« Reply #15 on: July 05, 2019, 03:25:38 AM » |
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Have a great and safe trip.
Hope to meet up with you once your in Green Bay.
I'll post here when I arrive, probably end of the coming week. |
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DDT (12)
Member
Posts: 4117
Sometimes ya just gotta go...
Winter Springs, FL - Occasionally...
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« Reply #16 on: July 05, 2019, 04:07:12 AM » |
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John,
Yet again you're an inspiration and great example of how to deal with adversity! Among the many things you do so well that I try hard to emulate is 'to keep your eyes down the road'... Not one to sit and brood, you move on to the next chapter in life... One step at a time... hopeful, optimistic, mindful of difficulties, but not bound-up in them...
Your plan is absolutely perfect! Lots of flexibility, lots of 'people' contact, lots of miles and smiles... A most healthy blend of all the things you will need, including a hefty dose of some 'think time'. We're all eagerly anticipating your reports of this new, big adventure of yours!!!
DDT
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Don't just dream it... LIVE IT!
See ya down the road...
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Ken aka Oil Burner
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« Reply #17 on: July 05, 2019, 05:01:31 AM » |
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Safe travels, John. Enjoy the trip!
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Farside
Member
Posts: 2548
Let's get going!
Milton,FL
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« Reply #18 on: July 05, 2019, 05:05:05 AM » |
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Great plan John. I wish you a safe journey and I'm looking forward to following you on here. If you get thru the pan-handle on the way back and want to take a break let me know. 
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Farside
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Bigwolf
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« Reply #19 on: July 05, 2019, 05:44:15 AM » |
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John,
You, my friend, are one tough resilient dude!
As you move. Forward in this new chapter of your life, I wish the following for you: May your roads be pleasant, the traffic be light, the scenery be magnificent, and may peace and serenity be with you.
If you ever find yourself near Cookeville, TN, please let me know. I would love to share a meal and some road with you.
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RDAbull
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« Reply #20 on: July 05, 2019, 06:47:48 AM » |
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John,
I would love to cross paths when you head south again. I get the honor of taking the Granddaughters to Disney World this next week. Ya, I know: it's hot down there, but this is when they can go.
Roger
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2015 GoldWing Trike
1999 Valkyrie Interstate Trike, gone but not forgotten
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Wizzard
Member
Posts: 4043
Bald River Falls
Valparaiso IN
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« Reply #21 on: July 05, 2019, 07:01:44 AM » |
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Hey John, you get close to valparaiso area let me know. Maybe we can meet up for lunch. |
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 VRCC # 24157 |
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Valkorado
Member
Posts: 10503
VRCC DS 0242
Gunnison, Colorado (7,703') Here there be twisties.
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« Reply #22 on: July 05, 2019, 08:02:07 AM » |
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looking forward to hearing about your adventure +1. Safe travels and happy trails! |
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Have you ever noticed when you're feeling really good, there's always a pigeon that'll come sh!t on your hood? - John Prine 97 Tourer "Silver Bullet" 01 Interstate "Ruby"  |
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John Schmidt
Member
Posts: 15240
a/k/a Stuffy. '99 I/S Valk Roadsmith Trike
De Pere, WI (Green Bay)
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« Reply #23 on: July 05, 2019, 05:36:19 PM » |
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The weather was horrendous, rained so hard had to pull off the road for a while. When I do that I always try to find a bigger rig to park in front of so in case a car plows into that area he gets hit first. You couldn't see more than 30' in front and some jerks were sailing past at regular speeds of 70+. Long stretches of 35-40mph, couldn't make any time at all. Over 8 hrs. on the road and didn't quite hit 400 miles but I was worn out so quit for the day short of my planned stopping point. I'm about 170 miles +/- from Pluggy's house in Vass, NC, my first stop, then on to Virginia. Really hoping for better weather tomorrow. Right now I'm in a Quality Inn(realistically it needs a name change) in Santee, SC but it's clean, the bed seems comfy and the shower was hot. My only real problem is there's the loudest cricket or tree frog right outside my door. Tried to locate him but he shuts up when I go out looking.  The trailer & bike rolled right along just fine, had to hit 80 once because some female wouldn't let me pass. Got next to her cuz I overtook her running at 65, a good 10mph faster than her pace. Decided no way honey and I moved on out. She honked and flashed her lights, I just ignored it. I can't say much good for the condition of I-95 in S. Carolina. Lousy road and repairs to match. Sure do get the lookers and comments on the bike when I stop, always a feel good moment. OK, sack time. Gonna do a little reading first before lights out. My "book" is packed away so I'll use the Gideons freebie this time. More in the days ahead. |
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Pappy!
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« Reply #24 on: July 05, 2019, 07:52:02 PM » |
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John, Lesa and I will be in Tomahawk, Wi. at the end of the month and first week of August for the Antique Outboard national event.
Not sure what your plans are or if you will be close but......you know how to get ahold of me so...
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larue
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« Reply #25 on: July 06, 2019, 05:54:00 PM » |
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Enjoy and ride safe john
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MAD6Gun
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« Reply #26 on: July 06, 2019, 06:31:49 PM » |
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John I wanted to let you know we have dad living with us for a little while. Call me tomorrow or the next day and I will give you my address. Safe travels...
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John Schmidt
Member
Posts: 15240
a/k/a Stuffy. '99 I/S Valk Roadsmith Trike
De Pere, WI (Green Bay)
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« Reply #27 on: July 06, 2019, 06:45:49 PM » |
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John, Lesa and I will be in Tomahawk, Wi. at the end of the month and first week of August for the Antique Outboard national event.
Not sure what your plans are or if you will be close but......you know how to get ahold of me so...
That's about 138 miles NW of DePere where I'll be. Have to see, might be a nice ride. |
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John Schmidt
Member
Posts: 15240
a/k/a Stuffy. '99 I/S Valk Roadsmith Trike
De Pere, WI (Green Bay)
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« Reply #28 on: July 06, 2019, 06:57:40 PM » |
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Got to Pluggy's house(Stu Saunders) a little before noon today, nice area, beutiful home. He has an old CB900(or was it 1000) as well as the Valk. We chatted for a while, used to live in Wtr. Park but haven't seen him in 2-3 years since he took a new job before retiring so did a little catching up. Then he got his lovely bride Nancy to join us for lunch, great time, good food but he was disappointed the BBQ place he wanted to got to on a nearby small airport was closed for remodeling. Returned back to the house, chatted for a bit longer then worked up my best itinerary to my next stop outside of D.C., then I left mid afternoon. Made good time so got as far as far as Richmond, VA and a nice Holiday Inn Express for a surprisingly reasonal price. Actually got a little bored on the road, never traveled alone like that since in the military. Touring on the bike to/from InZane doesn't count. |
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John Schmidt
Member
Posts: 15240
a/k/a Stuffy. '99 I/S Valk Roadsmith Trike
De Pere, WI (Green Bay)
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« Reply #29 on: July 06, 2019, 07:17:16 PM » |
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John,
Yet again you're an inspiration and great example of how to deal with adversity! Among the many things you do so well that I try hard to emulate is 'to keep your eyes down the road'... Not one to sit and brood, you move on to the next chapter in life... One step at a time... hopeful, optimistic, mindful of difficulties, but not bound-up in them...
Your plan is absolutely perfect! Lots of flexibility, lots of 'people' contact, lots of miles and smiles... A most healthy blend of all the things you will need, including a hefty dose of some 'think time'. We're all eagerly anticipating your reports of this new, big adventure of yours!!!
DDT
Bruce, humbling words indeed. As I've often said in the past, I can't handle such things on my own power, I'd fail miserably. Spending time with various family and friends will make for a good time, albeit a bit emotional at times. So far, other than the weather Friday....it's been good. A side note; had a funny thing happen as I was tooling north on the 417 bypass Friday on my way out of town to start this journey. My phone rings and I answered without looking using bluetooth. The caller asked if I was headed north on that toll road....Yes! Turned out to be a good friend of my daughter Toni where I'm headed and also a good friend of mine through her. Said he was in the large white van behind me, was headed to a dealer where he bought it in a town about 45 miles away so we chatted all the way until he turned off. That's when I noticed his daughter following him, she waved and honked. Apparently was going to leave the van for some warranty work. He jokingly asked if I was traveling alone, told him no but didn't explain. He'll figure out what I meant about next Wednesday.  |
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Rams
Member
Posts: 16324
So many colors to choose from yet so few stand out
Covington, TN
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« Reply #30 on: July 07, 2019, 01:50:48 AM » |
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John,
Yet again you're an inspiration and great example of how to deal with adversity! Among the many things you do so well that I try hard to emulate is 'to keep your eyes down the road'... Not one to sit and brood, you move on to the next chapter in life... One step at a time... hopeful, optimistic, mindful of difficulties, but not bound-up in them...
Your plan is absolutely perfect! Lots of flexibility, lots of 'people' contact, lots of miles and smiles... A most healthy blend of all the things you will need, including a hefty dose of some 'think time'. We're all eagerly anticipating your reports of this new, big adventure of yours!!!
DDT
Bruce, humbling words indeed. As I've often said in the past, I can't handle such things on my own power, I'd fail miserably. Spending time with various family and friends will make for a good time, albeit a bit emotional at times. So far, other than the weather Friday....it's been good. A side note; had a funny thing happen as I was tooling north on the 417 bypass Friday on my way out of town to start this journey. My phone rings and I answered without looking using bluetooth. The caller asked if I was headed north on that toll road....Yes! Turned out to be a good friend of my daughter Toni where I'm headed and also a good friend of mine through her. Said he was in the large white van behind me, was headed to a dealer where he bought it in a town about 45 miles away so we chatted all the way until he turned off. That's when I noticed his daughter following him, she waved and honked. Apparently was going to leave the van for some warranty work. He jokingly asked if I was traveling alone, told him no but didn't explain. He'll figure out what I meant about next Wednesday. An excellent tale. Keep doing what feels good! Rams |
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VRCC# 29981
Learning the majority of life's lessons the hard way.
Every trip is an adventure, enjoy it while it lasts.
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DDT (12)
Member
Posts: 4117
Sometimes ya just gotta go...
Winter Springs, FL - Occasionally...
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« Reply #31 on: July 07, 2019, 04:07:20 AM » |
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John,
Yet again you're an inspiration and great example of how to deal with adversity! Among the many things you do so well that I try hard to emulate is 'to keep your eyes down the road'... Not one to sit and brood, you move on to the next chapter in life... One step at a time... hopeful, optimistic, mindful of difficulties, but not bound-up in them...
Your plan is absolutely perfect! Lots of flexibility, lots of 'people' contact, lots of miles and smiles... A most healthy blend of all the things you will need, including a hefty dose of some 'think time'. We're all eagerly anticipating your reports of this new, big adventure of yours!!!
DDT
Bruce, humbling words indeed. As I've often said in the past, I can't handle such things on my own power, I'd fail miserably. Spending time with various family and friends will make for a good time, albeit a bit emotional at times. So far, other than the weather Friday....it's been good. A side note; had a funny thing happen as I was tooling north on the 417 bypass Friday on my way out of town to start this journey. My phone rings and I answered without looking using bluetooth. The caller asked if I was headed north on that toll road....Yes! Turned out to be a good friend of my daughter Toni where I'm headed and also a good friend of mine through her. Said he was in the large white van behind me, was headed to a dealer where he bought it in a town about 45 miles away so we chatted all the way until he turned off. That's when I noticed his daughter following him, she waved and honked. Apparently was going to leave the van for some warranty work. He jokingly asked if I was traveling alone, told him no but didn't explain. He'll figure out what I meant about next Wednesday. John, I agree! I never travel 'alone' either, although I seldom have a riding partner with me... Looks like you're already well along on your next big adventure... A mind open to what's going on around it and what might lie ahead is far more likely to move ahead than one totally engaged in recent loss. Grieving is normal, natural, necessary, and unavoidable... Falling into a 'pity-pit' and wallowing in it is not... and, you know all of that, of course! I'm proud of and very impressed with you and your resiliency! No, you're obviously not 'out of the woods' yet, but you are well on your way! I'm sure Rita would smile at all of this, and she too would be happy for you!!! Drive on, my friend!!! DDT |
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« Last Edit: July 07, 2019, 07:15:19 AM by DDT »
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Don't just dream it... LIVE IT!
See ya down the road...
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old2soon
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« Reply #32 on: July 07, 2019, 07:51:14 AM » |
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John, remember as you roll along that you are on the prayer list of a lot of people. The seat next to you may be empty, but we are with you.
Yup Yup and Yup Again!  Lotsa folks here John ridin bitch with you.  RIDE SAFE. |
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Today is the tommorow you worried about yesterday. If at first you don't succeed screw it-save it for nite check. 1964 1968 U S Navy. Two cruises off Nam.
VRCCDS0240 2012 GL1800 Gold Wing Motor Trike conversion
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JimC
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« Reply #33 on: July 07, 2019, 05:15:12 PM » |
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John,
I live in Oconomowoc, Wi. (about 30 miles west of Milwaukee) and straight north of Da Prez.
I am about half way between your stop in Northern Ill. and Green Bay.
If it works out for you, give me a call @ 2six2.441.O333 maybe we can do lunch on your ride north.
Jim Callaghan
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« Last Edit: July 07, 2019, 06:04:53 PM by JimC »
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Jim Callaghan SE Wisconsin
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John Schmidt
Member
Posts: 15240
a/k/a Stuffy. '99 I/S Valk Roadsmith Trike
De Pere, WI (Green Bay)
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« Reply #34 on: July 07, 2019, 06:06:27 PM » |
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John, remember as you roll along that you are on the prayer list of a lot of people. The seat next to you may be empty, but we are with you.
Stu, thanks for the really great afternoon "catching up" as it were. And Nancy....what can I say, she's a special lady. Was good to see both of you. Bruce, et al....I dropped off 6 boxes and two large trash bags of Rita's stuff at her daughter's place in Aldie, VA. That emptied her side of the closet, as I walked out I laid my hands on the stack and thanked her for 30 wonderful years, then left. A little difficulty with my vision for a few miles but did OK. I put about another 225 miles behind me plus the 130 getting to her place this morning, turned over 1100 miles since last Friday. Now in a Hampton Inn on I-79 just south of I-70. Will get to my sis-in-law noonish tomorrow and spend the night, then on to New Haven to check on Wayne some time Tuesday. Once all the boxes and stuff was out of the car, I swear I heard it give a sigh of relief. Weighed around 300 lbs so now when I hit the gas it will actually accelerate. An item of concern....I got a copy of the will from her daughter. Long story short, I may be moving. Not what I planned for or wanted to be doing at age 81 but for some reason Rita never added my name to the deed. Three of my neighbors are attys. and also good friends, looks like our next sidewalk chat might get a bit involved. Stay tuned on this one, hope it doesn't turn ugly. Poking around on Youtube and found this by Elvis. Rita had an old CD of his and this was on it so once in a while she'd put it on and we'd dance to it in the kitchen. What memories. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z8MOIs0Dd5g |
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« Last Edit: July 07, 2019, 07:04:58 PM by John Schmidt »
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Donny O.
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« Reply #35 on: July 10, 2019, 10:58:31 AM » |
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I know you have bigger things on your mind, and don't know me and don't owe me anything.....but Dang its 3 days with no update!! I am enjoying the updates as I do with many peoples adventures and now i'm on the edge of my seat...LOL |
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Donny O.
97 Valkyrie standard that someone tried to make an interstate
87 Suzuki Cavalcade w/California Friendship III sidecar
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Donny O.
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« Reply #37 on: July 10, 2019, 11:40:28 AM » |
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I guess I did not look well enough....if that makes sense. I did see that topic just did not look to see who from and didn't open it. thanks!!
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Donny O.
97 Valkyrie standard that someone tried to make an interstate
87 Suzuki Cavalcade w/California Friendship III sidecar
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