A Matter Of Style…

[DDT (12)]

 
Naturally, nothing is truly that simple when it comes to riding. Nope, it seems to this curious observer like anything I can think of is actually a mixture of several different and distinct components rolled-up into a multi-faceted whole. I do think there is often a common thread, though, a particular detail that plays a prominent role in any description that might be offered in explanation… ‘style’.
 
I’ve been asked so many times how long this ride or that meander might take…? Who knows?! The ride from point A to point Z is ‘X’ miles, so… However, weather, road conditions, detours, mechanical issues or not, flat tires, motel ‘No Vacancies’, aggressive or zealous law enforcement… just to name a few obvious and wildly varying factors that can throw any calculation out the window. I could offer a SWAG ‘under ideal conditions’ after doing some elementary math, but things are almost never completely ideal! Then there is the matter of ‘style’ thrown into the mix… A few examples…
 
I simply don’t ride with the same mindset most riders have… or that I even had just a few short years ago. For starters, I’m not focused on the destination or any miles per day pace needed to ‘maintain a schedule’… Often I don’t even have a specific end location in mind! Additionally, I’m not normally facing a ticking clock… I’m retired, single, have no one depending on me, and I own no real estate; heck, I don’t even own a car anymore, so there are no time constraints or ‘urgency issues’ to speak of ever to be considered... weather notwithstanding, of course...
 
Routes, also, are seldom straight-line shots between two known points for this wandering rider vs. destination-bound traveler, not to mention the delightful fact I’m famous for taking longcuts… sometimes going several hundred miles out of the way on a spur of the moment whim. So, to answer the question, “How many days would it take to…” I must answer the only truthful way I know… “I dunno… It could be made in two ‘stretch’ days or it could take twenty, it’s all just according…” In addition…
 
I normally have a somewhat slower pace than many others, which would naturally also color any guesstimate answer I might offer. That is partly because I’m typically in no hurry and partly because I’m long past any urge for speed and exhilaration… No adrenaline junky here any longer! Once in a while I might give the throttle a little extra twist, but those occasions are actually rather rare. I much prefer a ‘cerebral ride’ over a ‘technical ride’ by a rather wide margin.
 
Nope, just a steady, easy glide down some inviting, previously unexplored ribbon of asphalt drinking-in all the sights, smells, and sensations, all the while contemplating the many things I hadn’t figured out at a younger age… I suppose down deep I feel a strong need for some intellectual catching up… Anyway, for this unique rider, my thoughts and ponderings generally have become the big draw for these excursions the magic carpet ride our girl has become… In fact, as much as I do enjoy it, it’s not even the actual act of riding anymore that’s so important to me… it’s all that goes with it that has me so hopelessly addicted.
 
I’ve been known to lay-over for days at a time waiting for better weather… or, simply to rest-up or just pause. Yep, many times I’ve awakened at some motel and found rain falling… only rarely snow or ice, but that too has happened. Anyway, besides the obvious discomfort, it is downright dangerous to be sharing the slick-surfaced roadways with idiots under adverse conditions, so I usually just stay put until things improve… Motels are typically quite happy to oblige…
 
Style is a major factor in another very important way… riding with others. The instant two or more riders attempt to travel together, everything about the ride changes significantly! No longer whatever pace suits at the moment, when to stop, where to eat, when to depart or finish for the day, where to stay, which route to take… everything stops being individual inclination, impulse, choice, or whim and becomes a matter for discussion, compromise, and consensus.

The more the differences in style, the greater the chances of discord, bruised feelings, and overall disappointment in the outcome of the ride. At first glance, it seems to be basic common sense that group travel is definitely the best way to go for any number of good reasons… In reality, however, it can and sometimes does turn into a three-ring cluster snuggle! Great care should be taken in the composition of any group ride undertaking, but particularly so the longer the ride that's being contemplated!
 
Style is so very personal. There are no right ways or wrong ways here, only different ways to achieve or cater to a personal style. Those fortunate enough to have found a particularly satisfying ‘grove’ for themselves are the ones who enjoy riding and exploring the most. It took me many years to find my own particular stride, and even that continues to evolve over time. Good luck to ya, my friends, and happy stylizing!
 
DDT

[..]

The instant two or more riders attempt to travel together, everything about the ride changes significantly!

I've been lucky to find a couple of riders I would willingly go on a road trip with. But that's all. I've spent too much time - in my mind wasted time - dilly dallying because others weren't prepared. And what is surprising to me is that it's riders with many years and thousands of miles experience who can be the most unprepared. Unprepared for gas stops, irregular meal times, weather, diversions from a loose route, lack of basic bike maintenance prior to blast off etc

[DDT (12)]

The instant two or more riders attempt to travel together, everything about the ride changes significantly!

I've been lucky to find a couple of riders I would willingly go on a road trip with. But that's all. I've spent too much time - in my mind wasted time - dilly dallying because others weren't prepared. And what is surprising to me is that it's riders with many years and thousands of miles experience who can be the most unprepared. Unprepared for gas stops, irregular meal times, weather, diversions from a loose route, lack of basic bike maintenance prior to blast off etc

Paul,

I know exactly what you mean! Yep, same here... Unfortunately, I've been on both sides of those issues over time... I've caused others to have to wait because of my own boo-boos, and I've surely done my share of waiting too. Bottom line, for me anyway, is that group rides, especially long ones, are not something to be done without regard to the participants and all the variables that can interfere with the positive possibilities.  Frankly, avoiding all of that is part of the appeal of solo riding...

DDT

[Wizzard]

I guess I have been lucky. Have never been on a ride I did not enjoy, solo or otherwise. 

[DDT (12)]

I guess I have been lucky. Have never been on a ride I did not enjoy, solo or otherwise. 

Randy,

You are lucky indeed!!! No way I could truthfully say that... Mercifully there aren't all that many, though, but still... Group riding is something I tolerate more than it is something I actively seek out...

DDT

[msb]

The Mrs and I spent many, many years riding solo...all of our longer trips were solo and even most of our longer day rides have been, and continue to be solo (not quite as "solo" as you Bruce, but after almost 40 years riding together, Lisa and I are pretty much one, in terms of riding preferences). Most definitely, riding solo is my, and our preferred riding style...going where we want, when we want, how long we want, how fast/slow we want, etc. Some of our greatest memories are multiple week rides we did on our own, seeing things and meeting other folks along the way at our own pace.

That being said, over the past 7-8 years especially, we've become very close to some of our Valhalla gang that even though we don't live in the same regions...or even country for that matter as pretty much all of them, we've come to really enjoy longer rides with this group...which will mostly get up to 4-6 bikes in total. Because of the distance we reside from each other, most of the time it's the best of both worlds, a good 3, 4, 5, 6 hour ride on our own to meet up, and then the camaraderie of good friends for the rest of the trip. I will admit that it took a while for me to be comfortable riding with 3 or 4 other bikes, but I guess it all depends on who those other riders are. Great friends that are similar to us is one thing...I still don't fancy riding in a group of strangers or lesser known folks.

[The emperor has no clothes]

I guess I have been lucky. Have never been on a ride I did not enjoy, solo or otherwise. 

Randy,

You are lucky indeed!!! No way I could truthfully say that... Mercifully there aren't all that many, though, but still... Group riding is something I tolerate more than it is something I actively seek out...

DDT

I can't say it either. Brenda and I have been very fortunate in riding with the SoCal and AZ guys. Our styles, speeds, stops match up pretty well. But, it always a challenge the larger the group is. We once invited some friends along once. It was terrible. They (contrary to what they told me) were primarily in town, bar hopping, short distance riders. It was embarrassing having to hold up the group because of our friends we brought along. Nobody gave us any grief, but it sure didn't make for a pleasant ride. We have another couple that we ride with that are great. It's hard to get everyone on the same page.

[Ice]

Riding with just Petra and myself is the most enjoyable way for motorcycle travel that we have found.
For years Petra rode on the back and we had tons of fun and now that she rides her own we have found a new sense of adventure and enjoy our travels even more.
I agree with you Bruce, once you get into a group you are bound and limited as to the 5 W's Who, what, when, where, and why. We have truly enjoyed traveling with others, however the bounds that are there a lot of times do seem to put a damper on things as you are always trying to accommodate one another, food, lodging, refueling, ooh and ahs, how long to stop and so on.
The ride taken on your own is the one that seems to always stick with you the most, the people you met, the places you have seen, the unexpected adventure that came up.
That all said we have had some great fun riding with groups, I guess its just more challenging and you have to have the right group of people to truly enjoy the journey.

[Wizzard]

I guess I have been lucky. Have never been on a ride I did not enjoy, solo or otherwise.  

Randy,

You are lucky indeed!!! No way I could truthfully say that... Mercifully there aren't all that many, though, but still... Group riding is something I tolerate more than it is something I actively seek out...

DDT

Bruce, maybe when I have been on as many as you have my opinion will mean something. Outside of that its just me thinking. ( I do that occasionally)  lol. 
To be honest I like to do my own thing most of the time. I like to lead and just do my pace and most of the time I have not heard any negative feedback. But when alone of just me and wife, I like no pace and just wander and not be pushed by anything, and not have a destination for the night planned. Just wind up somewhere at some non chain mom and pop place and meet people and have conversations.

[msb]

But when alone of just me and wife, I like no pace and just wander and not be pushed by anything, and not have a destination for the night planned. Just wind up somewhere at some non chain mom and pop place and meet people and have conversations.

Man, you got that right...best road trips the Mrs and I have ever had, doing the exact same thing

[Willow]

Honestly I have had very enjoyable long rides alone.  I have had greatly thrilling rides with just me and Mama.  I have had very rewarding rides in groups though the groups need to be people I trust and respect.  My favorite group rides tend to be, but not exclusively, with Scott, Raymond, Dana, and my woman.

It is more involved riding in a group.  It is much easier to find agreement when one's riding partners have similar riding styles and preferences.

[DIGGER]

The instant two or more riders attempt to travel together, everything about the ride changes significantly!

lack of basic bike maintenance prior to blast off etc

My pet peave about  riding with others is when leaving on a several thousand mile plus trip with others and they have done no maintenance on their ride prior to leaving.   Had a guy once ride with me and we hadn't gone 30 miles and I pulled him over and told him his rear tire was going flat and we stopped at a truck stop and he put air in his tire and said
"yeah....I haven't ridden my bike in about 6 months the tire is just low".    Left turn indicater bulb burnt out, no raincoat..... geez.....left out of Houston area......2 days later at Grand Canyon he developed a hemoroid problem and headed home.   I kept going to the west coast just meandering around and finished out my trip.    I believe in doing preventive mainenance and checking my bike out thuroughly before leaving.

[Oss]

This is a great post, so I hope I won't ruin it.    

Bruce, you gave me good advice prior to a 17 day trip that was spot on, and I gave you credit for it in my blog.

Wish I could remember what you said, but like I stated it was good stuff  Maybe it was when you get there, there you are.

It is amazing how when riding alone your worries fade away and before you know it you are at a fork in the road.  Take it

[John Schmidt]

Some time ago I had the question asked of me...."how long will it take you to get to...." and I believe it was either California or Colorado. My answer was simply "as long as it takes." But "what if you need to be there by....?" Then you should have asked me 2-3 weeks ago. Maintenance issues, personnel issues, weather & such are all familiar to me as well. I once was riding with a couple that to this day are good friends, he was pulling a trailer with his '88 Wing. I was following and chatting at times over the CB when I noticed the trailer swaying a bit, took me a couple miles to convince him he needed to check it out. When he pulled over, much to his surprise the drawbar on his hitch had slid out of the receiver. The only thing that kept him from losing the trailer & causing an accident were the chains. I discovered the pin holding the drawbar in place was so rusted it had snapped and half of it was still in place.

As for group rides, I don't care for them either. If a destination is in order, sometimes I'll tell the group I'll meet you there. Like you, I've had my day in the sun, I'm no longer in a hurry and have no need to prove myself. Used to be a good man in Florida named Paul, aka Easygoer. We got along great when riding together.   

[DarkSideR]

My "style" couldn't be more drastically different than our weary travelers and his gal. This isn't a bad thing mind you!

The miles I collect are often gobbled up in hurried blasted directly from point A to B. Rarely do I have the option to meander, which would be the preferred method. However for the last 12 years my job has required me to travel. When given choices to fly, drive or ride, I as often as possible will make the obvious choice.

My style isn't ideal. When traveling on the customers dollar they don't want to pay for you to see the world's largest rocking chair, and are not sympathetic of a delayed arrive because a better road begged to be traveled. Trust me on that one.

"Not ideal" however is only a frame of mind, and time frame. I cherish my travels, and all I've learned along the way. Becoming a skilled and mature ride in these conditions we pay huge dividends. Someday "work"  will mean something entirely different. Children won't need my support and guidance on a daily basis. A then long lasting marriage won't need as much effort.

The thing about style is that it changes. I'll wet my finger and hold it up to test the wind. The wind at my back, and not able to answer the simple question "how long will it take?" will be my style.

[Bigwolf]

“Riding Style”!  
I don’t know how to describe my “riding style”!  I have been hammering along on interstate with a destination and time constraint defining my ride.  I have ridden with small and medium sized groups.  I have taken easy paced multiple day rides solo and without any particular destination in mind.  With the exception of a few group rides, I have thoroughly enjoyed all of that!  Sometimes, even in the rain.

My experience riding long distance over several days with another rider or riders is limited to one very well known motorcycle gypsy.  DDT.  There have been at least a few times that I was the source of frustration for him and once or twice him for me.  Yes, “The instant two or more riders attempt to travel together.................”.   I get it!  It’s true, even for the best most easy going riding friends.  Even so, I have throughly enjoyed every moment of those excursions.

To sum up my thinking on “riding style”, I will say they all give me a sense of satisfaction.  They are all very different and each satisfying for it’s own reasons.  If I must choose, I do like my multi day solo rides with no particular destination the best.  I can’t really explain that.


Bigwolf

[DDT (12)]

Riding ‘style’ is more of a hierarchy of preferences than it is a simple, one-size-fits-all single description with no others suiting us. Most certainly the surrounding circumstances of our lives set the tone and/or boundaries to a large degree regarding how, when, and where we might ride. Do we have limited time available due to other commitments, responsibilities, or deadlines? A need for social relationship maintenance? Bad weather ahead? Limited time and/or limited funds? Those easily are among the primary determinants much of the time.

I identify with all of the responses offered, because at one time or another I’ve found myself in the same situations and doing precisely any one of the descriptions of rides mentioned. I firmly believe there is no one way or style that can be applied in all situations. Naturally, we each play the hand we’re dealt, and we all roll with the flow of whatever is available… And, we each are at a different ‘stage of life’. I have my own preferences, my own comfortable ‘style’, and obviously so do all of y’all. It is interesting, though, that we all have come to such similar conclusions… Common experiences yield common conclusions… Different experiences produce differing views… Sound familiar…? Thanks for sharing your own experiences and observations!!!

DDT

[flamingobabe #44]

yelp...hotglue and I like riding by ourself.....all the above mentioned is what we have experienced....hard to find people who ride...think...like to eat...hotels...and funds that are the same....ww have rode all over the USA and Canada many times....enjoyed every minute....seems lately we ride less...doing different things...still getting out and exploring, just things are different....hoping this summer we can do a 3 week or more trip to Ohio for VRCC Inzane.....life is good

[DDT (12)]

yelp...hotglue and I like riding by ourself.....all the above mentioned is what we have experienced....hard to find people who ride...think...like to eat...hotels...and funds that are the same....ww have rode all over the USA and Canada many times....enjoyed every minute....seems lately we ride less...doing different things...still getting out and exploring, just things are different....hoping this summer we can do a 3 week or more trip to Ohio for VRCC Inzane.....life is good

Hey Darlin'!

Good to hear from y'all! Your riding and adventures are legendary, so your thoughts come with instant credibility!!! I don't know if I'll be at IZ next summer, but if I do make it, I'll look for ya... Hard to believe it was back in '99 in Montrose, CO, that I met y'all for the first time... at the first Valkyrie Gathering of any kind, put on by the VOA... before the VRCC was even formed. I liked y'all right from that first hello, and that has only increased over the decades! Sure is good to hear from ya, my good friend!

DDT

[Rams]

I don't know that I have a riding style, I guess I prefer solo.   
Having said that, there is no one I'd rather ride with than Bruce.   That man has his stuff together!
Of course, he's gonna be in the lead as navigator.   That'll be fun. 

Rams

[DDT (12)]

I don't know that I have a riding style, I guess I prefer solo.   
Having said that, there is no one I'd rather ride with than Bruce.   That man has his stuff together!
Of course, he's gonna be in the lead as navigator.   That'll be fun. 

Rams

Ron,

Thanks. You ain't bad at leading yourself! The rides I've made 'behind' you were always well done, too... I'm thinking specifically of rides in Kentucky back in the day... Anyway, be very careful about letting me be navigator!!!

DDT

[MarkT]

Many long distance rides I've done with others, there have been conflicts in style that detracted from the quality of the ride.  One such ride was a small group ride on a big 2 week 4000 mile Canada trip - led by perhaps the worst ride leader I have ever seen.  In fact I wrote it up on Adventure Rider as a lesson on the need to learn the style of anyone you will ride with, BEFORE taking any long trips.  We very nearly got in a fist fight, he was so bad.  We wound up leaving the group in Alberta; couldn't take his behavior anymore - and finished the ride on the Icefields parkway and the return w/o them - much better ride.  I've done other group multi-day rides that had style conflicts but much less so.  Used to belong to a now defunct Colorado club; we regularly did 300-450 mile LONG day rides and some ride-ins on the western slope, also multi-day, that went much better. With multiple mountain passes, those rides were indeed long and required skilled riders.  Everyone in that club focussed on compatibility and compromising - IOW we were considerate, not the total A-hole the Canada ride leader was.  Nowadays I'm inclined to limit rider groups to the wife and me unless it's riders I know their style and skill well.  She rides her own Magna so we still have a backup vehicle if there's a bike problem.  And since they are both well maintained Hondas, that's way less a concern than it would be if we rode "classic" American iron.  Though I do ride faster and more aggressive than her; have to tone that down except when pulling a trailer - which then I slow down anyway.  Anymore on trips I'm always pulling a trailer, either a Tagalong cargo or a Timeout camper.

IMHO it's important to know your co-riders well, before planning a long trip with them.  And their style is compatible.  Just too many conflicts and committee meetings are likely otherwise.

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

The instant two or more riders attempt to travel together, everything about the ride changes significantly!

I've been lucky to find a couple of riders I would willingly go on a road trip with. But that's all. I've spent too much time - in my mind wasted time - dilly dallying because others weren't prepared. And what is surprising to me is that it's riders with many years and thousands of miles experience who can be the most unprepared. Unprepared for gas stops, irregular meal times, weather, diversions from a loose route, lack of basic bike maintenance prior to blast off etc

Paul,

I know exactly what you mean! Yep, same here... Unfortunately, I've been on both sides of those issues over time... I've caused others to have to wait because of my own boo-boos, and I've surely done my share of waiting too. Bottom line, for me anyway, is that group rides, especially long ones, are not something to be done without regard to the participants and all the variables that can interfere with the positive possibilities.  Frankly, avoiding all of that is part of the appeal of solo riding...

DDT

Our trip out west with you up front was awesome Bruce. Never heard anyone in our group bitch about anything. I'd do it again with that same group hope you feel the same if not thanks for showing me places I'd never seen before.

[DDT (12)]

Mark,

Thanks for the reply... You certainly captured rather well my own thoughts on the subject, my friend. It's all out there, I'm fond of saying... because it is! The good, the bad, and the ugly... Good friends like you and many others on this board make it extremely difficult to not want to share the magic of a road trip with them, and that fact often lures me in and places me in a group of some sort going somewhere, enjoying all the good aspects of group riding.

Yep, any experienced rider sooner rather than later comes across all aspects of group adventures, and... It becomes clear at some point that the need for care and judicious caution are needed before signing on... Some of us are older, and aging faster, than others, along with health issues at any age, plus always changing styles and preferences can tend to widen the gulf between riders over time, so... Good mixtures today may not be so good later on... There is no substitute for at least some due diligence when it comes to decisions of this sort... Of course, complete freedom and widespread knowledge of my own nature does make it easier for this eclectic rider to leave a group at any point, should that option become advisable for me... Like you, I have done that a few times!

I was saddened to read of the 'now defunct Colorado Riders'... Hope that doesn't mean the group with whom I've shared many big-time adventures! That group, including you and June, was always a particularly enjoyable experience. I made some very special friends there, so... Please say you meant the other 'High Country Cruisers' and not the group that evolved from them...! I would very much like to join y'all again one of these days...

DDT

[hubcapsc]

I rode to the Taos InZane:
  alone the first day
  with Britman the second day
  with Smokin' Joe, Punisher and Lance the third day
  alone the next couple of days
  with Wimp and Margie (they were in a van) the next day
  alone the next day
  with Mitch for a couple of days
  with the group at InZane ground zero for three or four days
  with Smokin' Joe and Rodney for a couple of days to get back home

-Mike "zero conflicts that I know of..."

[DDT (12)]

Joe,

Thanks for your comments, my good friend! Yes, I thoroughly enjoyed that trek, and I agree that particular group was very compatible... all excellent riders both in terms of skill and willingness to go with the flow and maintain a harmonious and cohesive group. That was one of the better group rides I've joined, but even so, over time I, at least, did manage to err on the interpersonal level... I can't express how disappointed I am with that one aspect... and it was totally on me! Other than that, though, the entire rest of the group really showed up and contributed!

You happen to be one of the extraordinary riders with whom I'd be willing to travel to just about anywhere... I do hope we can share some major adventures one of these days! In the meantime, I plan to return to 'God's Country', so I'll a least get to share some riding with you and hang out - a very special pleasure in its own rite! I appreciate ya, dude!!!

DDT

[3fan4life]

I simply don’t ride with the same mindset most riders have… or that I even had just a few short years ago. For starters, I’m not focused on the destination or any miles per day pace needed to ‘maintain a schedule’… Often I don’t even have a specific end location in mind! Additionally, I’m not normally facing a ticking clock… I’m retired, single, have no one depending on me, and I own no real estate; heck, I don’t even own a car anymore, so there are no time constraints or ‘urgency issues’ to speak of ever to be considered... weather notwithstanding, of course...
 
Routes, also, are seldom straight-line shots between two known points for this wandering rider vs. destination-bound traveler, not to mention the delightful fact I’m famous for taking longcuts… sometimes going several hundred miles out of the way on a spur of the moment whim. So, to answer the question, “How many days would it take to…” I must answer the only truthful way I know… “I dunno… It could be made in two ‘stretch’ days or it could take twenty, it’s all just according…” In addition…
 
DDT

These are wonderful luxuries that I hope to experience someday.

Not all of us are as fortunate and as blessed as you. (insert jealous emoji here)


I am in the very early stages of planning a 45 day bucket list trip to the west coast.

This will most likely be a solo trip as most of my riding buddies aren't in a position to take such a trip.

I enjoy solo rides, I also enjoy sharing the wind with friends.

The advantages of solo riding are, I can take any road I choose and stop anytime I want for as long or as little as I want.

But, it is also nice to have someone to share the journey with.


To ride with absolutely no schedule of any kind is the luxury that I would enjoy the most.

If the Good Lord is willing and the Creek don't rise, maybe I'll get to experience that someday.

[DDT (12)]

I rode to the Taos InZane:
  alone the first day
  with Britman the second day
  with Smokin' Joe, Punisher and Lance the third day
  alone the next couple of days
  with Wimp and Margie (they were in a van) the next day
  alone the next day
  with Mitch for a couple of days
  with the group at InZane ground zero for three or four days
  with Smokin' Joe and Rodney for a couple of days to get back home

-Mike "zero conflicts that I know of..."

Mike,

No revelations there! IMO, you are the proto-type model of an easy-going, team-playing rider! I'm convinced you could even get along with the Devil himself, as you so easily play your role to perfection in all groups in which we've both been present... (OK, except for leading a group onto 'Hubcap Roads!)

You're another of those riders with whom I'd be willing to head off into the heartland and home of all we love so much in terms of 'riding country'! Always appreciate your comments and stories... and, of course, your replies... Thanks for being you, my friend!

DDT

[3fan4life]

I rode to the Taos InZane:
  alone the first day
  with Britman the second day
  with Smokin' Joe, Punisher and Lance the third day
  alone the next couple of days
  with Wimp and Margie (they were in a van) the next day
  alone the next day
  with Mitch for a couple of days
  with the group at InZane ground zero for three or four days
  with Smokin' Joe and Rodney for a couple of days to get back home

-Mike "zero conflicts that I know of..."

Mike,

No revelations there! IMO, you are the proto-type model of an easy-going, team-playing rider! I'm convinced you could even get along with the Devil himself, as you so easily play your role to perfection in all groups in which we've both been present... (OK, except for leading a group onto 'Hubcap Roads!)

You're another of those riders with whom I'd be willing to head off into the heartland and home of all we love so much in terms of 'riding country'! Always appreciate your comments and stories... and, of course, you replies... Thanks for being you, my friend!

DDT

Actually, those "Hubcap Roads" are all part of the adventure.

Some of us may even be taking bets on how long it will take to be on a dirt road. 

[DDT (12)]

I simply don’t ride with the same mindset most riders have… or that I even had just a few short years ago. For starters, I’m not focused on the destination or any miles per day pace needed to ‘maintain a schedule’… Often I don’t even have a specific end location in mind! Additionally, I’m not normally facing a ticking clock… I’m retired, single, have no one depending on me, and I own no real estate; heck, I don’t even own a car anymore, so there are no time constraints or ‘urgency issues’ to speak of ever to be considered... weather notwithstanding, of course...
 
Routes, also, are seldom straight-line shots between two known points for this wandering rider vs. destination-bound traveler, not to mention the delightful fact I’m famous for taking longcuts… sometimes going several hundred miles out of the way on a spur of the moment whim. So, to answer the question, “How many days would it take to…” I must answer the only truthful way I know… “I dunno… It could be made in two ‘stretch’ days or it could take twenty, it’s all just according…” In addition…
 
DDT

These are wonderful luxuries that I hope to experience someday.

Not all of us are as fortunate and as blessed as you. (insert jealous emoji here)


I am in the very early stages of planning a 45 day bucket list trip to the west coast.

This will most likely be a solo trip as most of my riding buddies aren't in a position to take such a trip.

I enjoy solo rides, I also enjoy sharing the wind with friends.

The advantages of solo riding are, I can take any road I choose and stop anytime I want for as long or as little as I want.

But, it is also nice to have someone to share the journey with.


To ride with absolutely no schedule of any kind is the luxury that I would enjoy the most.

If the Good Lord is willing and the Creek don't rise, maybe I'll get to experience that someday.

Mark,

Your always well reasoned responses are appreciated, ol' buddy! No doubt, my situation is quite unique, bit so entirely well-suited for this atypical rider! You are one of those I've observed over the years that I can see actually living a similar lifestyle! Our circumstances are different in several important ways, of course, so obviously your own experience would be unique, as well.

Still, you do seem to be adaptable in all ways that lend themselves to maximizing an adventure like that! Also, I do expect that in time, things will work out for you to do much of what you now think you'd like to attempt... Good luck with that!!! I look forward to reading about your future travels, just as tales of those so far have been good reads...

DDT


P.S. As far as 'Hubcap roads' go... different strokes for different folks!!! Personally, I prefer to stay on paved roads... I know some, you and MitchO for example, see things somewhat differently... Oh well...

DDT

[hubcapsc]

I rode to the Taos InZane:
  alone the first day
  with Britman the second day
  with Smokin' Joe, Punisher and Lance the third day
  alone the next couple of days
  with Wimp and Margie (they were in a van) the next day
  alone the next day
  with Mitch for a couple of days
  with the group at InZane ground zero for three or four days
  with Smokin' Joe and Rodney for a couple of days to get back home

-Mike "zero conflicts that I know of..."

Mike,

No revelations there! IMO, you are the proto-type model of an easy-going, team-playing rider! I'm convinced you could even get along with the Devil himself, as you so easily play your role to perfection in all groups in which we've both been present... (OK, except for leading a group onto 'Hubcap Roads!)

You're another of those riders with whom I'd be willing to head off into the heartland and home of all we love so much in terms of 'riding country'! Always appreciate your comments and stories... and, of course, you replies... Thanks for being you, my friend!

DDT

Actually, those "Hubcap Roads" are all part of the adventure.

Some of us may even be taking bets on how long it will take to be on a dirt road. 

Me and Mitch stuck strictly to the freeway, and avoided hillclimbs   



-Mike

[DDT (12)]

Mike,

A 'free' way, perhaps, but not what many of us usually think of as a 'freeway'! That's a great example of when I might depart a group! Just keep on being you, my friend, and we'll keep on talking fondly about you!   

DDT

[..]

I rode to the Taos InZane:
  alone the first day
  with Britman the second day
  with Smokin' Joe, Punisher and Lance the third day
  alone the next couple of days
  with Wimp and Margie (they were in a van) the next day
  alone the next day
  with Mitch for a couple of days
  with the group at InZane ground zero for three or four days
  with Smokin' Joe and Rodney for a couple of days to get back home

-Mike "zero conflicts that I know of..."

I rode with Punsiher, DDT and BigWolf for a few minutes on the return leg from Taos. 

[DDT (12)]

Paul,

Yep, and we enjoyed your company, too... right up to the moment you disappeared over the horizon in front of us!    My companions could and probably would have stayed with you... but, they were busy baby-sitting a simple geezer doing what he does... Oh well, we should always do our own ride if possible... just as you did... Always a pleasure to have you around, though, even if only briefly...

DDT

[..]

Paul,

Yep, and we enjoyed your company, too... right up to the moment you disappeared over the horizon in front of us!    My companions could and probably would have stayed with you... but, they were busy baby-sitting a simple geezer doing what he does... Oh well, we should always do our own ride if possible... just as you did... Always a pleasure to have you around, though, even if only briefly...

DDT

I hung around for a while at the Headwaters of the Rio Grande for a few minutes!

I was so surprised to meet you and BigWolf I didn't take any photos.
 apart from these






I think that is one of the most beautiful views in the lower 48. Photographs don't do it justice.

[MarkT]

The headwaters of the Rio Grande is also one of the best twisty roads in Colorado - particularly going over Slumgullian Pass.  A lot of interesting history along the Silver Thread Scenic Byway - Hwy 149 - as well.

[MarkT]

Bruce, yeah I was speaking of the High Country Cruisers.  There was a good reason it folded up having to do with member abuse by the webmaster aka "Web Nazi" who I won't name.  That's why we left the club while we were the earliest members and co-founders of it.  Not to mention one premier leader - also a local foothills town mayor - was busted for pedophilia after we left - pretty much a nail in the coffin.

The local chapter of the VRCC has been inactive this last year partly due to covid and also since our local most active member/leader - Damon - sold his interest in the VRCC, and his Valkyries and moved on to riding a Africa Twin. Looking for dual-sport type adventures and less road riding.  His casa was a good central meetup point and no one has stepped up to replace him or organize rides.  Pretty sure we aren't the best for that as we are less central and have a bit of dirt road (albeit only 3 blocks) to navigate. And don't have a really nice back patio to host BBQ's like Damon does.  Though plenty of parking and can support workshops with multiple lifts and many tools.

[hubcapsc]

I think that is one of the most beautiful views in the lower 48. Photographs don't do it justice.

I guess it caught my eye too...



-Mike

[..]

I think that is one of the most beautiful views in the lower 48. Photographs don't do it justice.

I guess it caught my eye too...



-Mike

 

[DDT (12)]

An inspiring view for certain! One of my personal favorites... On that particular occasion I just happened to be with a good friend, when another good friend happened by...  Geeez, I sure would like to head that way right now!

DDT


Big Wolf & Britman... Our girl appears to be between them...