Wimpiness...

[DDT (12)]

Wimpiness…

‘Wimp’ is the handle used by my good friend, Paul Mull… If ever there was a misnomer or ‘antonym’ routinely applied, that would be it, at least in his case! He is definitely anything but!!! However, he does have several pals, including this rider… especially including this rider… for whom that moniker would be more appropriate. See, I simply don’t like to ride in rain or cold, and particularly not both combined!

This very morning I was toying around with the notion of going for another ride… Not unusual at all, but this time I was even more serious than usual… I’d had a taste the previous three days after a prolonged period of inactivity, and my appetite had been whetted like it had way back in the very beginning when all of this riding stuff had first begun for this joyous practitioner. I was highly motivated and energized… and then I checked the weather forecast… Darn!

Nothing like exposing ones’ sensibilities and yearnings to the gloom and drama of those folks! They have a knack for making even a perfect forecast seem risky and fraught with peril. Can’t live with them, but can’t live without them either, at least not happily anyway… No rain here, according to them, and none technically predicted for today… BUT! The percentage risk was still there, and there did appear to be some pop-up stuff on radar around throughout the area… in every direction! Dang, talk about a ‘wet blanket’!

I’d gone outside for a first-hand look-see… inconclusive… The walkways in my landlady’s flower garden were wet, but they usually are in early mornings due to the sprinkler system. The driveway beyond appeared dry, though, but the sky was overcast, and there was a bit of fog hanging around up in the treetops… Drats! It surely wasn’t raining, but things certainly did appear damp and threatening!

I decided to do what I often do… I’d procrastinate for now and see if the look of things might improve some in a while… I’m even killing some time here at my smart box collecting and jotting down some bits & bytes of recollections on our most recent ride… Hmmm, maybe I’ll even share them with my buds, if they come even close to sounding coherent…

Ordinarily I’d have been less than even Luke-warm about attending a Super Bowl party. I haven’t actually watched a Super Bowl game since Bret Favre quarterbacked the Packers to victory following the end of the ’96 season… Yep, I’d long-ago pretty much lost interest in all so-called professional sports to a very large extent… However, when my BIL called and invited me down to his place for just such an event… the idea of a fifty mile or so drive grabbed me in a very positive way. Oh yeah! My transportation of choice had figured prominently in that inclination!

I got up around the usual time Sunday morning, but I performed a couple of somewhat unusual tasks… I changed the oil & filter on our girl, for example, and as an afterthought I topped off the air pressure in both her tires. I’d completely overlooked that air thing the day before for that little excursion, and I hadn’t even noticed they were both low especially in the rear tire! OK, good to go now… I loaded and strapped down a few items I figured should be taken (I am out of practice, you see…), and then we were off… No locked-in route, of course, just picking our way generally south and a little bit west… along back roads not traveled in a long while… Yep, another long cut, but what a great ride that was!!!

The sky had been mostly clear, the sun warmer than I’d anticipated, and the traffic pretty light except where I’d expected it to be otherwise… No problems, though, and there was little risk of anything spoiling the jubilation of that scoot!!! Nothing did!

I arrived and met some new folks, saw some long-ago last seen distant family and acquaintances, and began to overeat, as one typically does at such gatherings… Then the long-awaited event got underway… and my record remained in-tact… I nodded off sometime early in the first quarter not to awaken until half-time. Most there were leaving then, so we all engaged in the obligatory hugs and farewells, followed by our host and hostess retiring for the evening (he had to work the next morning, she is still recovering from a recent cardiac event)… My landlady and I agreed the TV channel could be changed to just about anything else, so that was cheerfully accomplished… and my nap was resumed… Arguably the best Super Bowl outing I’ve ever attended!

Monday morning came, and a graceful exit was timed and executed… Dang! I had thoroughly enjoyed myself, and I was mighty glad I’d dropped in after all. Little did I realize that the best was yet to come! That forty-mile straight shot if the Interstate were taken, or the somewhat longer distance if it was not… was made into a superb 140-mile return trek!

The first half had included a slow trudge through a surprising amount of sprawl, mostly associated with the ever-mushrooming Villages complex! Holy cow, I’d heard a lot about that, but… I had no idea there were anywhere near the tens of thousands of transplanted Yankees there now with more on the way, all jammed together down in that expanding sea of humanity… And many of them clamoring for higher taxes and increased government intrusion and intervention into our daily lives… so this area can be ‘improved’ and brought up to speed with the areas they’ve so recently fled… Maybe I should do something about that tinfoil lining in my hat…

Oh well, even the slower ride amongst so many vehicles operated by blue-haired geriatric females, but many by balding white-hair-tufts-around-the-fringes guys, too… All dutifully going about their urgent business of creating congestion and slowing down regular traffic thereby making the highways better places… Shucks, only an ignorant youngster like this rider would think it inappropriate to make an abrupt right turn from the far-left lane… Turn signals are also optional in the wonderful world of retirement bliss and harmony… Nothing could dampen my mood, however…

Once out the north side of Umatilla, though, all of the abundant progress and development gave way to the isolation and solitude of the Ocala National Forest the rest of the way! WOW! Glorious is way too mild of a superlative to come anywhere close to describing it all, but I’ll go ahead and settle for that inadequate descriptor anyway…  It was absolutely fantasmagoric, and our girl was feeling every bit of that too! She gleefully banked the few modest curves encountered, and her throttle seemed extra ‘sensitive’ to those long straightaways… Yessireebob! This is exactly what it’s all about!!!

Heck, I even took a couple of additional unplanned longcuts on that already unplanned longcut! Instead of staying on FL 19 on up to Salt Springs, we made the jog a little west on SR 40 to Forest Road 88, then north to SR 314 and the ride into Salt Springs (we needed gas)… Instead of following our previously expected route to Ocala, we ventured over through Ft. McCoy, then down towards home… Then, as if it were even possible for things to be even better, I hit upon a last-minute notion… more like an inspiration, really!

See, I’d had some BBQ each of the previous two days during rides… Sadly, however, I’d neglected to visit Fat Boys BBQ either time, where I’d dropped in occasionally over the years since that very first visit back in 1970 when my cousin/brother had taken me to it my very first time… My landlady (and former wife) and I have also gone there many times together. Well, better do something about that, I reasoned to myself!!! Nostalgia being what it is, I felt much better for having done so, and naturally I thoroughly enjoyed my meal… I am partial to pig parts, ya know… I even got a rib plate to-go for my landlady… Then, I proceeded to take it to her… Yep, an absolutely splendid day in the saddle of our girl… I wondered who might have won the Super Bowl…?

OK, I just went back outside to check things out again… The sun is shining, but dark clouds are still to be seen… I’m afraid to check with the weather folks… might rile my Wimpiness... Maybe I could just go for a quickie to get some BBQ anyhow…?

DDT

[John Schmidt]

Bruce, your excursion up and through the "Forest" and the continuing routes sure brought back some fond memories. Once had to stop to let Smokey The Bear's wife cross in front of me with her two little ones. Trying to remember the location/name of a little restaurant out in the middle of nowhere...The Dam Restaurant(?) kinda sticks in my gourd?! Glad you got out and about, you know I'm jealous. Up here, it's subzero in the garage so I'm not spending time trying to get the trike up to snuff for travel. As I've often said to the locals...."Wisconsin, ten months of winter, two months of poor sledding." Their response is rather mixed. 

Was still -2 at 10:45am but the sun is shining. I guess that's an improvement in weather, if not my attitude. 

[Valkorado]

I'm thinking some guy who's coddiewompled some 700,000 miles across the hiways and byways of North America in climates ranging from frigid to sweltering doesn't fall under the wimpy category.

Carry on, Bruce!   

[Ice]

Bruce,

First off thanks for the wonderful ride, I was with you all the way (in my mind) and enjoyed every mile of it.
As for Wimpiness....that is probably the farthest thing you are my friend, you are truly an adventurer and when I think of the places you've been and roads you have covered, as well as your most recent health issues and the attitude you displayed, Wimpiness is not the word to describe who you are.
As always keep on roiling down the miles, destroying the bugs and letting us ride along in your never ending adventure and quest.
Hope to see you this year.......

[The emperor has no clothes]

First you try to convince me you are a loner. Now, you are trying to convince me you are a wimp ?  

I'm a firm believer in self deprecation. If it weren't for me lowering the expectations, I likely would have still been a virgin at the age of 30. And I'm sure Brenda would never have been fool enough to actually marry me. But, are you seriously trying to get me to believe that someone who has held their pee for untold hours while simultaneously evacuating other orifices, all under duress of upcoming nuclear radiation, is a wimp ?

One of those circus "dudes" said something about a sucker born every minute. (I'm really glad you are back in the saddle !)

[Rams]

I've never seen a "Wimp" that was such a Free Spirit.   The two simply don't go together.

Rams

[Bret SD]

Bruce,

After going through all those treatments and suffering through all the associated indignities with admirable fortitude I'd say you're very tough in both mind and body. I know there were some severe periods of darkness and self-doubt you had to overcome.. In doing so you became much stronger and sharper in mind body and spirit.

Some of us seek out physical discomfort  and use it as a tool for developing a tougher mindset. Some of the toughest people I know aren't physical specimens by any stretch, but when the SHTF, they're the ones I would want as both friends and allies.
 
Physical toughness is just an expression of toughness between the ears, it's very invigorating to step out of your comfort zone. I believe it's what we need as humans at any age to keep us sharp, comfort I think is a relatively modern development in maybe the last few thousand years. Before that I don't think we as a species were comfortable very often, so in my mind discomfort is hardwired into our DNA. My philosophy is to use discomfort strategically.. Nothing sharpens the mind and body like pain and discomfort, when dosed correctly they build an internal and external strength level you can't otherwise attain.

I'm looking forward to hearing about your coming Adventures this year and again congratulations!

 

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

I sure do miss riding with Wimp cancer sucks. Very proud to see you are back where you belong in the saddle. 700,000 miles coming soon 

[Thunderbolt]

Glad you got out some Bruce.  Last time I rode down South of Ocala toward the villages I thought I would wear out my left hand from all the stop lights. 
For John Schmidt I think you might be referring to Hog Wild East of the bridge over the barge canal.  They had a lot of stuffed animals on the wall.

[Bigwolf]

I enjoyed the story about going to watch the Super Bowl..........and changing the channel as soon as it was left up to you and your landlady.  That is for sure what I would do!  I am just not a spectator of sports.

As others have said here, wimpiness  is a word that just does not fit with your character.

It’s good to see that you are getting some saddle time on Ali!

[DDT (12)]

Bruce, your excursion up and through the "Forest" and the continuing routes sure brought back some fond memories. Once had to stop to let Smokey The Bear's wife cross in front of me with her two little ones. Trying to remember the location/name of a little restaurant out in the middle of nowhere...The Dam Restaurant(?) kinda sticks in my gourd?! Glad you got out and about, you know I'm jealous. Up here, it's subzero in the garage so I'm not spending time trying to get the trike up to snuff for travel. As I've often said to the locals...."Wisconsin, ten months of winter, two months of poor sledding." Their response is rather mixed.  

Was still -2 at 10:45am but the sun is shining. I guess that's an improvement in weather, if not my attitude.  

John,

While Terry may be right, when I read your reference, I immediately thought of the Dam Diner (aka Duck's Dam Diner) just northeast of the community or Ocklawaha on CR 464C... right next to the entrance to the small, one-lock dam on the Ocklawaha River (don't recall its name off hand)... Either way, though, that brought back many fond memories of some mighty fine breakfasts I've enjoyed there! While I have had other meals there, as well, most were breakfast, and their biscuits 'n gravy were absolutely sensational!!!

Thanks for bringing it up! I think you've provided me with another near-term ride target! I haven't eaten there in many years, but according to GTS they're still open... Mention was also made of the owner having died back in '15... Life goes on, I reckon... and then it doesn't... Reckon I'd better go sooner rather than later, huh? Wish you could join me!!!

DDT

[John Schmidt]

Bruce, your excursion up and through the "Forest" and the continuing routes sure brought back some fond memories. Once had to stop to let Smokey The Bear's wife cross in front of me with her two little ones. Trying to remember the location/name of a little restaurant out in the middle of nowhere...The Dam Restaurant(?) kinda sticks in my gourd?! Glad you got out and about, you know I'm jealous. Up here, it's subzero in the garage so I'm not spending time trying to get the trike up to snuff for travel. As I've often said to the locals...."Wisconsin, ten months of winter, two months of poor sledding." Their response is rather mixed.  

Was still -2 at 10:45am but the sun is shining. I guess that's an improvement in weather, if not my attitude.  

John,

While Terry may be right, when I read your reference, I immediately thought of the Dam Diner (aka Duck's Dam Diner) just northeast of the community or Ocklawaha on CR 464C... right next to the entrance to the small, one-lock dam on the Ocklawaha River (don't recall its name off hand)... Either way, though, that brought back many fond memories of some mighty fine breakfasts I've enjoyed there! While I have had other meals there, as well, most were breakfast, and their biscuits 'n gravy were absolutely sensational!!!

Thanks for bringing it up! I think you've provided me with another near-term ride target! I haven't eaten there in many years, but according to GTS they're still open... Mention was also made of the owner having died back in '15... Life goes on, I reckon... and then it doesn't... Reckon I'd better go sooner rather than later, huh? Wish you could join me!!!

DDT

Yup...Ducks Dam Diner, forgot the "Ducks" part. Been a few years back for me as well. I'm hoping to make it down that way either before or directly after InZane but you'll most likely be long gone by then. I will add....if you happen to think of a place I can spend my winters w/o breaking the bank, I'm all ears. Had enough of that white crap and freezing my keester off. 

[DDT (12)]

Yup...Ducks Dam Diner, forgot the "Ducks" part. Been a few years back for me as well. I'm hoping to make it down that way either before or directly after InZane but you'll most likely be long gone by then. I will add....if you happen to think of a place I can spend my winters w/o breaking the bank, I'm all ears. Had enough of that white crap and freezing my keester off.  Grin


John,

I went there just yesterday! Had a great ride over and an even greater breakfast! Biscuits 'n gray, of course, with a side of bacon and some sweet tea. I'd taken my 'nap chair' along, also, knowing what would inevitably follow... Didn't happen, though. I was instead visited by that old nemesis of mine... elevated pooperosity! Highly elevated, it turned out too! Everything had been great until thirty miles or so after leaving that eatery (beside Moss Bluff Lock & Dam, BTW)... then everything got pretty shitty after that... I wound up back at the house taking another shower, then returning to my bed for the slumber-recovery muchly needed!






I'm afraid I can't help you much with a residence recommendation down this way... If it were me, though, I'd just load up and go wander around until I found a place that suited me for such. The exploration itself will be unbelievably rewarding, but you will also find that special place uniquely appealing to you. Then you'll find an apartment or house, or whatever, that grabs your fancy... and you'll be quite happy. Come to think of it, a town like Archer or Newberry near Gainesville might suit you... I think I'd start in north Florida, however, as anything south of Ocala would be little different than being back in Orange/Seminole counties again... YUK!

DDT

[John Schmidt]

Yessiree...that's the place & I do recall those biscuits 'n gravy. I used to joke about them...if you eat that as a late breakfast you'll only have one more meal that day. And it will be a light one at that. 

Another spot you might want to check out if you haven't already done so; Hog Wild Country Cafe and out in the middle of nowhere. It's just east of 315 on 310....probably no more than 100 yds or so. Our Valkyrie bunch have made it an RTE a few times. Pick up 315 east of Ocala and head north through Ft. McCoy. CR 310 deadends on 315 from the right. Been awhile for me but if a biker group makes it a destination more than once the food must be pretty good. 

[Bigwolf]

You two are making me hungry!  That Dam Diner looks really interesting! ........ and the biscuits and gravy and bacon!

[DirtyDan]

That’s my favorite breakfast

Dan