Those Are The Breaks...

[DDT (12)]

Those Are The ‘Breaks’... 

Which came first: The Chicken or the egg? Heck, I dunno, and a deep intellectual dive into that mystery, frankly, seems entirely pointless to this simple-minded non-intellectual. Still, such an exercise does, however, sort of illustrate the issue of our general ponderings on the order of things and attempts to satisfy our curiosity about matters closer to home or more relevant to our own immediate concerns.   

Typically, a not-so-productive exercise, I’ve found though, so not one receiving a great deal of thought here... I did venture down that path lately, on the other hand, but only for a very short distance... Trying to make sense of a rather strange tendency in a few of my good riding friends. 

Who has the greater penchant for riding his Valk down unpaved roads? No way I could know the true answer to that, of course, but based solely upon my own observations, I’d say Hubcap Mike and MitchO would be the leading contenders for that dubious recognition.... and I’d give the nod to Mitch. 

I’m thinking that guy not only takes those as he comes across them, it appears likely to this casual observer that he just may deliberately seek them out too! I know, a tough accusation to level at a friend, but hey, if we’re going to be honest, we must call ‘em like we see ‘em...   

I’ve been going in the exact opposite direction with my own riding... I not only don’t enjoy riding those dusty, bumpy paths to less visited locations or even simply taking shortcuts, I also find myself very unsteady on loosey, goosey surfaces like that. The thought of going down at this stage of life I find most unappealing! 

Worse, given my current physical condition, I doubt I’d ever be able to return to riding following even one more serious dismount... Things that just aren't fun to start with, but also represent great risk simply hold no attraction for this pleasure only rider who relishes no ‘challenges’ of that sort. Perhaps I can give you some idea of what I mean...   

The motel we’d selected in Lewistown, MT, seemed well-suited for our ‘plans’, so we engaged it for two nights. We were thinking we’d ride up to the Upper Missouri River Breaks NM the following day, then depart the day after for probably Lincoln or Missoula, MT... although the actual destination was yet to be determined.

Naturally we did the GTS thing, had lengthy discussions, and happily looked forward to our next joint adventure and newest discoveries... We decided to delay our protein fix until we arrived in the small village of Winifred, MT, at a bar & grill Dusty had found with his mysterious, magical button pushing on his cell phone.   

I suppose I should have taken that little ‘preview of coming attractions’ more seriously, but I’m inclined to give friends the benefit of the doubt. So, as we rode right past the turn we should have made to exit Lewistown, I’d innocently thought to myself, “Ole Mitch must not have seen the sign...” 

A couple of blocks later, bearing in mind we’re very much still in town, Mitch leads us on an around the block turnaround. Yep, an actual unpaved city street for a block or so, then back to hard roads! Had he actually been ‘warming me up’ with that seemingly innocent boo-boo?   

The ride to Winifred was a rather nice glide... a few sweepers and lots of mild ups & downs following the contours of the hills. The cloudless sky, no traffic, and not brisk wind were an added bonus. The temps were even cool that early in the morning! Forty miles or so, not counting missed turns and such, of pleasant scootering and more than enough ‘happy miles’ to get any rider revved up and ready for some real adventure! 

Dusty led us down an unpaved street in that small town of Winifred, too. Completely unnecessary, as the grill we sought was right on the main drag. Was he doing that on purpose, I wondered? Has he always been this way, or did something later in life pull him in that peculiar direction?

We finally turned the knob and pushed the door open to that den of iniquity... after a local had to intercede on our behalf by showing us ‘the secret’ to entry... and we took our place at the bar. Looking straight ahead we could see a rather complete array of bottles all containing the usual ‘ugly fixer’ liquids there for those in need. 

A couple of locals did stop by for some ‘breakfast’ brews, but we stuck with coffee and more traditional first meal fare. I had my usual bacon, sausage, and coffee. Dusty... oh you know, being a still able guy, he went for the gusto of a full breakfast again. One never knows, just might need some extra energy for the ‘trails’ ahead...

We inquired about the road to the ‘Missouri Breaks’. Yes, the road down to the main observation point was indeed unpaved, as we’d already been told, but so were all the roads leading to that road! Uh oh... It turned out that all roads from that town except for the one we’d ridden in on were unpaved! 

By the time we paid our tab, I’d decided this would be a fine day to loaf back at our motel room! Dusty, of course, eyes twinkling and that trademark sheepish grin on his face, had other ideas... We waved good-bye as we rode away in opposite directions... 

I rode back the way we’d come, and it was a pleasant ride in that direction, too. I spent the day lying around, watching reruns on TV, and napping. When Mitch returned, he had tales of riding varying degrees of loose gravel and/or sand and of sharing those roads and mammoth clouds of dust with big trucks. We were each happy with our respective choices...

The ‘Breaks’, it turned out, were worth seeing, but not enough to entice this scaredy-cat to make the demanding trip himself. Another day of adventure for Dusty, another day of relaxation and blistering afternoon heat avoidance for this preferably cool tenderfoot... 

By the way, after giving that ‘meaty’ chicken origin subject just a tiny bit of thought, I’ve concluded the egg must have come first. After all, our culture has chosen eggs for breakfast and chicken for other meals later in the day, right...? Coincidence? I strongly suspect not...

DDT 

 

 

[The emperor has no clothes]

I strongly feel not, also. 

(That Dusty fellow is flat outdoing himself) 

[..]

I have tried to resist the lure of a dusty road.

As I'm aging I know I'm not as strong if TSHTF in the middle of nowhere and I need to pick my bike up.

Yeah yeah do the butt to seat walk the bike back to vertical.

In the past I've dusty roaded north from Gunnison CO north through the Kebler Pass.

The forest roads in N GA.

Some stupid places in CO, NM and UT. Plus others less memorable that are just dusty memories.

I believe you are wise to resist the lure of the dusty road when the temptation is whispered in your ear by Dusty Rhodes.

[RNFWP]

Bruce, reading what happened from your perspective, it sure seems that "Dusty" is messing with ya. 
Like you and many others, I know him to be a fine, upstanding, honorable guy. However you may recall the recent InZane ride report where I was witness to him and hupcap Mike, not only intentionally colluding to chase each others dust, but doing so twice only days apart and on entirely unknown roads with only hopeful destinations. 

Being a frequent follower of the BFGPS, or "blue line" as it's also known, so far, those unpaved portions haven't been as perilous as the ones that I've ended up on while riding solo. My own foolhardy experiences have taught me to say never again. At least during the immediate aftermath... Yet while supposedly having learned the lesson, will find myself with seemingly unprovoked positive thoughts when faced with making the decision again. It reminds me of having a hangover, telling yourself that you know better and taking your own advice (and perhaps for a long time) all the while, somewhere in the back of your mind, wondering, will I do it again?

While discussing potential routes for later this week there's a road that that neither of us have been on (that we know of) it looks paved on google. I'll let you know...

I think the answer to the "chicken or the egg" is likened to "did Adam and Eve have belly buttons?"
Just say'n...
RNFWP

[Thunderbolt]

I hope you can figure out that picture problem you described in another post Bruce.  However your word talent almost makes up for the pictures.  Hope your adventures continue and we all look forward to your posting about them.

[DDT (12)]

Rob,

Just having a bit of fun pondering the imponderable! Yes indeed, ol' Dusty is outdoing himself! What an incredible rider he is, though, and one of the best ride partners anybody could hope to stumble across!!! I've enjoyed sharing some memories with him on this outing, and I won't soon forget all the grins we've shared. One of his many strengths is flexibility...

My experience with group riding is that the larger the group, the greater the range of skill levels and comfort zones! A perfect ride for a few might be torture to others! Even with it being just the two of us, we still have a 'range' with which to cope. Mitch is quite comfortable with me doing my thing while he does his... even if that means we split up for a few hours or even days. We never argue and we always manage to laugh at every quirk or oddity that pops up. Yep, he is one of the absolute best! I'm mighty proud to ride with my pal, Dusty Roads!!!

DDT



Paul,

I hear ya, man! My history is not exactly spotless on the unpaved road riding either. Nope, I've deliberately done more than a few myself, but I always conclude it just isn't worth it to this easy rider. Heck, I did it, solo too, just a couple of months ago and nearly got myself into a genuine jackpot in southwestern Virginia!

Some folks really enjoy the challenge, adventure, and odd discoveries, and for them the hazards are worth it. I'm not one of those... Like you, I'm keenly aware of the changes going on with my body and the increasing limitations to my physical abilities, so...

I've always been able to successfully use the 'butt to seat walk the bike to upright' technique, also... until last summer. I actually had to find help to stand our girl back up on a motel parking lot in Wisconsin! A sobering event for sure, and one that factors into my thinking in a major way.

Wise or just plain chicken... I always say to myself 'never again'! Then, I find myself chocking on dust behind one of my dear pals... again. Oh well, we should never say never, I guess, but... Like you I'm going to seriously try to mend my wayward ways!!!

DDT



Ross,

I was only spoofing about the 'Dusty' thing! Anyone who knows Mitch would immediately know better, and anyone who knows me would immediately know I don't 'criticize' others in my posts. Mitch is indeed all those nice things you mentioned, and you can count me among his biggest fans! No, Dusty was never messing with me... I just took the liberty of trying to lightheartedly poke a little fun at the differences in our riding enjoyments...

I liked your analogy of drinking and the hangover! Yes, I've said countless times I'd never again attempt to ride an unpaved road... only to later find myself chocking on those words right along with volumes of dust! It is indeed a lot like vowing to never drink again while suffering from a serious hangover... Then, rationalizing how a little hair of the dog would help and thereby being lured right back for a medicinal nip, and then we cartwheel all the way down that slippery slope! Appears you might have taken a tumble or two yourself...?

DDT



Terry,

I'm still fretting and stewing, trying and failing with the picture thing. I imagine I'll eventually return to being able to post them, but... it could take some time. Oh well, I prefer writing anyway... the pics were always just something I added for others' benefit. With all that in mind, I'm going to have to start taking pics again! I've become rather lax with that lately...

Speaking of laxness... I'm at least a week behind with my stories! Oh well, it does help me avoid TV when I lay-over for a day or two. So far, I've been able to avoid rain and the temps have finally moderated some here in the mountains. More heat to come, though, especially when I head back east onto the plains again, but... such is the life of a biker gypsy! Have I ever mentioned that I do dearly love all of this...?

DDT

[Ice]

Bruce,

You have a unique way of looking at things, as we discovered over the recent days and we love your perception of life.
Chicken or the egg? Honestly does it matter which came first nowadays? As long as there are enough chickens to produce eggs, which in turn become more chickens, in order to "eat more chicken", however also leaving enough eggs to also enjoy those delectable over easy eggs with bacon.
Bacon again is a whole other story of course....

As for Dusty, well by now you should know that traveling with him will be a dusty affair either way and just maybe should be coordinated ahead of time that you will meet at the end of the trek at whatever place you two decided upon. Otherwise you are going to keep knocking the dust off your jacket at the end of the day.

Ride on my dear friend.

[Willow]

I hope you can figure out that picture problem you described in another post Bruce.  However your word talent almost makes up for the pictures.  ...

Bruce, as to pictures, the mark of a good writer is that his words draw a picture in the reader's mind.  That picture may not be exactly the same from one reader to another but it does form the context of the story and allows the reader to be involved in the story.  Actual photos accompanying the story tend to diminish the involvement of the reader.

You are a good writer.  I prefer your stories without pictures.  I do like the pictures but I like them best away from the story.  

[DDT (12)]

Yuri,

Thanks for the comments, as always! Yeah, Dusty and I have long ago come to an 'accommodation' regarding our riding styles... We actually do get along really well, and we both indulge the other nicely. I just couldn't shed this big ol' goober grin as I thought about our recent travels together, so... I decided to spoof some of the highlights in a story or two.

As for my time in the Boise area lately... Well, that deserves an entire story of its own, and I will be addressing that... once I've caught up to that point in this most enjoyable trek to the northwest. You and Petra have a great deal to add to any conversation about riding or life itself, and the visit I just had with the two of you has so far turned out to be the brightest highlight in a succession of truly great highlights on this entire outing.

As always, I appreciate your comments... as much as I appreciated your hospitality! The thought of repeating all of that later on is more than sufficient stimulus for this guy to begin thinking about the 'next' time I head that way!!!

DDT



Carl,

Thank you so much for those thoughtful remarks! Most folks don't actually know how to give a compliment, but you are obviously not in that number. You've shared some of your writings with me in years past, so I know of your own considerable skill in that area. Knowing that adds enormously to the weight of your comments, and I do thank you again for those! BTW, I tend to agree with you on the inclusion of pictures... and the placement of them in conjunction with a story. Thanks for that observation, as well...

DDT

[Bigwolf]

Bruce,
As usual, it was fun to read your posting! 

I did GTS the Upper Missouri River Breaks and looked at some photos just to get some idea of the “prize” for accepting the challenge of the unpaved roads.  I can’t say whether or not I would have accepted that challenge.  It would depend on the condition of the road itself.  Even if the unpaved road is fairly smooth, the dust raised by a vehicle ahead can be downright unpleasant.  I believe that you and Dusty both made wise choices or yourselves.

It has been my observation that Dusty does make a fine travel companion as you said.  I have also noted that Dusty is quite handy with that smart phone of his!

With each year that passes, I am finding it harder to pick my Valkyrie up from it’s side and that situation is made worse when there’s gravel under my feet!  I doubt that it will be too much longer before I deliberately eschew all unpaved roads.


Bigwolf

[Serk]

As much as I love your writing, I have to respectfully disagree on one point.....

These are the brakes:



Edit to add: And I'm fully expecting someone to come along and say no, those are the brake control devices, with a picture of a Valkyrie with the brake rotors and calipers circled.....

[DDT (12)]

Jerry,

I totally agree with you about Mitch (Dusty)! We had a large time our entire time together, but it did, from my perspective, even improve once we returned to our long-standing 'accommodation'... Yes, only one time in my life have I ever praised dust... once while bogged down in an ungodly sea of mud in the Northwest Territories! I constantly muttered to myself, "Dust is my friend! Dust is my friend!!!"

As always, your reply is chocked-full of insight and deep understanding of the challenges and rewards of our preferred way of life... Thanks for sharing those thoughts with us. And thanks for being an outstanding road trip partner yourself...!

DDT



Serk,

It's all in the eye of the beholder, my friend... Brakes are brakes are brakes... so many different usages and meanings... The one inescapable uniform connotation for that word to this gypsy, however, is that all of those are part of the total riding adventure experience. I get your tongue in cheek reference, but it's all good... and oh so relevant!!!

DDT