Being Sensible...

[DDT (12)]

Dang! Life absent riding is… ummmm, ‘barren’ sounds like so inadequate a word for that condition… I’m not going to be able to make it much longer; I don’t think. Nope, my self-imposed quarantine sounds so sensible in theory, but it’s proving to be nearly impossible in practice! I read practically every day about one/some of us venturing out… and I become envious… and increasingly so each time I read of such a ride…
 
Is riding worth all the risks associated with it these days? Ask a dozen people, and you’ll likely get a dozen different answers! It’s so easy to start down that slippery slope of ‘reasoning’… the one where we cherry-pick the positive aspects and amplify them, while we ignore or downplay the negatives… We’re so good at that line of 'objective reasoning', too. We do that all the time when it comes to political or religious considerations; any difficult choice can be made so much easier if we only… spin the data ‘appropriately’!
 
I think I may have added a pound or two lately, plus an inch or so to my girth, while vegging in that… you know what. Watching that mind-number in between naps isn’t helping at all, either. In spite of a vigorous digit workout on this smartbox now and then, the expansion will likely continue… unless… There, for physical as well as emotional ‘health reasons’ I’m going to soon be able to justify and self-prescribe a ride… Can’t allow this aging carcass and feeble psyche to slip too far into disrepair… That just wouldn’t be... sensible, now would it…?
 
DDT

[f6john]

How long have you been back at ground zero? I’m trying to rate your self control here

[cookiedough]

get out and RIDE, no traffic. 

Are any of your states NOT allowing anyone to go out and do cycling or in any other vehicle on the roads? 

I find that hard to believe but do see in some states not allowing other state residents to cross into their state.

[GiG]

That's you, Bruce - Captain Sensible!

[mbramley]

 Ohio has been pretty much shut down for a while now but the weather is starting to break. My Valk is with me at work today(we're classified essential). They say here to go outside just distance yourself. Well I don't get much better social distancing than on 2 wheels. It has been suggested by many to protect yourself with gloves or a towel or something when handling the gas pump. Motorman has a you tube video about riding during the virus. He is riding in Hudson Florida during this. Heres the link. link.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4quQ1N7Y648

[scooperhsd]

get out and RIDE, no traffic. 

Are any of your states NOT allowing anyone to go out and do cycling or in any other vehicle on the roads? 

I find that hard to believe but do see in some states not allowing other state residents to cross into their state.

I wouldn't say NO traffic, but certainly greatly reduced from usual
Get out and do some local riding, just to keep your skills sharp, if no other reason .

[Valkorado]

Sensible?!?!?  We don't want no steenking sensible!!!!!  Kidding, Bruce.  Don't want to lose any more American Treasures.  It'll shine when it shines!  Hopefully that's mighty soon.

Your reference to the mind-number got me thinking on some old John Prine lyrics, since they're buzzing around in my head today.

Blow up your TV throw away your paper
Go to the country, build you a home
Plant a little garden, eat a lot of peaches
Try an find Jesus on your own

[Bigwolf]

Bruce,
It is beginning to seem like the cure is just as bad as the disease.  It’s a good thing that you are an independent and deep thinker.  That is a real handy asset in times like these.

[t-man403]

Three of us got in our first ride of the season two Saturdays ago  . It was nice to get out but others that are out seem to be very easily irritated  . It was only 0 C / 32 F out so we stopped so one of our our riders who wasn't dressed for the temps could warm up. We stopped at a gas station with a liquor store attached with not a soul in the parking lot (timing is everything) which only had four stalls anyway. Keep in mind the social distancing. After a half a cup of coffee later some others pulled in for gas and some for the liquor store. Of course all those heading into the liquor store had something nasty to say about our parking to which I replied......timings everything and sorry you had to walk all the way from the curb (20 ft.)  .
Bruce, take a snack and some water with you and make sure the tank is full so you don't have to stop. Pick a ride you can safely get back home on a tank and enjoy the day. Make sure you fill her up before you park so your ready for the next day. Take your camera so you can show us the sites in the area in which you live. Heck, if it ever warms up here I may have to do the same!

[The emperor has no clothes]

I’m going to soon be able to justify and self-prescribe a ride… Can’t allow this aging carcass and feeble psyche to slip too far into disrepair… That just wouldn’t be... sensible, now would it…?
 
DDT

No, it wouldn't be sensible at all ! I snuck Brenda out for a ride last week. It did the psyche good 

[Beardo]

Longest winter ever. Still haven’t had the bike out yet.

With ongoing below freezing temperatures and still snowing every damn day, and working from home for the last 3 weeks...as soon as the weather permits, I’m going for a ride every day. I’ll throw a few rolls of TP and a couple cans of soup in the trunk in case I get pulled over...I’m delivering some essentials to someone, officer.

[_Sheffjs_]

It is good to be “ESSENTIAL” and way less traffic for my commute to work but I suppose it is better to be retired and ride from sea to shining sea.   

[3fan4life]

I've been keeping my limited rides shorter and closer to home than usual.

I've also been sticking to the back roads and taking a cooler with drinks and snacks with me so that I don't have to stop at any stores.

[DDT (12)]

Among the innumerable great reasons for visiting this site is the fact there are so many sensible folks willing to offer encouragement and sound advice! Also, a bit of philosophy can be gleaned from some of the responses, too... Lines (quotes) from songs offered by Seth:

Blow up your TV throw away your paper
Go to the country, build you a home
Plant a little garden, eat a lot of peaches
Try an find Jesus on your own

Yeah, I would be well advised to get out of that recliner (death trap) and turn off the tube... maybe even throw something through the screen! Still, I am trying to do my part and suffer in relative silence, though, along with all the posturing celebs... although I haven't resorted to finding fault with the efforts of others... yet...

I guess I'm just slow... I haven't concluded that the letter in parentheses following someone's name is a reliable way to gauge the effectiveness or worth of their... whatever... Nope, a (D) or (R) just doesn't automatically signal virtue or depravity to this ungifted observer. Maybe with so much time for reflection these days, I can come in time to see the merits of that simple test, but... I dunno... In the meantime, I struggle on...

Some wind therapy sure would work wonders, but... Maybe if someone on the 'right side' of things would trash that idea, then those on the other 'real right side' of things would encourage it and champion the cause... and I could then venture out with virtue and goodness on my side...? We'll have to wait and see...

Regardless, though, I can always count on solid information and suggestions from my friends on here... I appreciate all y'all, and I thank you all for your comments. I am weakening, as you might suspect, and... I may have something substantive to report in the not too distant at all future... with malice towards none, and no parenthetical consonant following his name...

DDT

[scooperhsd]

Bruce - I think most of are saying - "You did good to get home (and not out on the road) to weather this little storm - but don't overthink this either. Use some common sense ( maintain your social distance ) , and stick closer to home until this blows over. Get out for some wind therapy (shorter doses than you're used to, obviously ) but as long as you're careful, I see no reason to not engage in some wind therapy every so often - it will help you to keep your attitude where you're used to."

That's my advice and I'm sticking to it (and living it ).

[Rams]

Bruce,
It is beginning to seem like the cure is just as bad as the disease.  It’s a good thing that you are an independent and deep thinker.  That is a real handy asset in times like these.

While the containment "cure" is definitely putting a crimp in getting out, I really don't think it's worse than catching COVID-19.  Riding is good therapy for our souls and is easily considered social distancing while motoring down the road.

Reference being independent (that's a good thing) and deep thinking (good for Bruce, my thinker frequently gets me in trouble), kind of depends on the individual.   

With the home construction going on and my wife and I attempting to spend all my kids inheritance, I haven't had much time available to actually get out on the fat lady but, I'm gonna try.

Rams

[DDT (12)]

Bruce - I think most of are saying - "You did good to get home (and not out on the road) to weather this little storm - but don't overthink this either. Use some common sense ( maintain your social distance ) , and stick closer to home until this blows over. Get out for some wind therapy (shorter doses than you're used to, obviously ) but as long as you're careful, I see no reason to not engage in some wind therapy every so often - it will help you to keep your attitude where you're used to."

That's my advice and I'm sticking to it (and living it ).

Like I said, 'solid, sensible advice' available here! Thanks for the encouragement... I can't imagine it will be much longer before... I take one for the team and give our girl some much needed relief! Geeez, now I'm starting to get that tingly feeling of nobleness... Only a little more 'spin' and the 'facts' will all indicate a clear 'GO'...!!!

DDT

[Valkorado]

If ya just sit around in the ol' recliner, you could get hit by a runaway truck!  Food for thought.

[Jess from VA]

Go out and walk.  (avoiding close contact)  It's sensible!

We all need it (aerobic and musculoskeletal), you won't get ticketed or arrested for it, you feel better and sleep better and have a better attitude, and you get out of the house (and chair).

Three weeks of it for me.  No discernible weight loss but I don't care, and my pants don't fall down (so there's that).

[DarkSideR]

I had a work trip planned to go to San Antonio that was cancelled due to "The Virus".

I'm all out of patience with this. I will be hopping on my bike shortly and will ride down to San Antonio to work. A nice 800 mile ride will do me wonders.

[t-man403]

I was thinking that maybe a warm bucket of water and a rag ....... ah never mind! 

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

As of right now on Friday the 17th Reb and I are southbound for south Mississippi . Weather pending and if the Chinese Cootie's don't kill us all.

[DDT (12)]

If ya just sit around in the ol' recliner, you could get hit by a runaway truck!  Food for thought.

Seth,

It's working too! Heck, there are meteorites, tornados, lightning, even trees falling... You do make a convincing argument for becoming and remaining a 'moving' target!!!

DDT

Go out and walk.  (avoiding close contact)  It's sensible!

We all need it (aerobic and musculoskeletal), you won't get ticketed or arrested for it, you feel better and sleep better and have a better attitude, and you get out of the house (and chair).

Three weeks of it for me.  No discernible weight loss but I don't care, and my pants don't fall down (so there's that).

Jess,

Now you're starting to remind me of my dad when I first mentioned interest in getting a motorcycle... I was allowed to keep my bicycle, though, but that was long before they were considered kewl... Yeah, my pants are in no danger of falling down either... you are right about that...

DDT

I had a work trip planned to go to San Antonio that was cancelled due to "The Virus".

I'm all out of patience with this. I will be hopping on my bike shortly and will ride down to San Antonio to work. A nice 800 mile ride will do me wonders.

Josh,

You are indeed a brave soul! I couldn't bring myself to recommend such an undertaking for you... but I can certainly understand the need!!! Good luck to ya...

DDT

I was thinking that maybe a warm bucket of water and a rag ....... ah never mind!  

Terry,

Huh? I don't get it...

DDT

As of right now on Friday the 17th Reb and I are southbound for south Mississippi . Weather pending and if the Chinese Cootie's don't kill us all.

Joe,

Man, you and Reb sure do like to live on the edge! I salute your bravado... but, I question your... I am jealous, though! I would so like to join-up with y'all, but... I seem to lack the level of bravado you two apparently posses... Best of luck to y'all!!!

DDT

[t-man403]

I was thinking that maybe a warm bucket of water and a rag ....... ah never mind!  

Terry,

Huh? I don't get it...

DDT

Neither does ALI......