Germination, Fruit-bearing...
Mitch still needed a couple more hours to finish those tasks identified plus a surprise or two that popped-up for our girl, so... The following morning, he was back at it, while babydoll's pilot stood nearby with both hands in his pockets in accordance with garage rules.
"Man, I'm sure getting excited about the upcoming ride out west!" I casually tossed out... "I sure wish we could share that..."
"I'm thinking about it..." he replied in a matter-of-fact monotone... Why was I not surprised! Mitch did have some legitimate conflicts and commitments tying him down timewise, but... He'd spied a 'window' with just a little tweaking. Heck, he'd even run it by 'headquarters' already and had her permission! A potential 'plan' was definitely starting to take shape.
Mitch has a friend in St. Louis for whom he needed to do some work, which was his biggest obstacle... And that friend was eager to ride during the remaining good weather preceding winter. Mitch figured to ride with this easy rider the first day, then he'd break away for a day, and later rejoin me the second evening somewhere in northern Missouri.
Other things could more easily be slipped or worked around, so, following a call to St. Louis, he was now good to go! Just like that my solo venture had grown into something else even better!
Mitch still didn't have the amount of time available that our girl and rider did, but by making a little uptick in pace and a planned breakaway from us following the burger at the Smokehouse Bar and a blitz home, he could manage to juggle all the tasks tugging at him. What a guy, huh?
We wondered if another rider or two might want to go with us...? A few of the most likely to be able to make such a trip on such short notice were contacted, but... None could break away right then. Then, one of those contacted us back to proclaim an unexpected cancellation of an obligation of his, so... He was able to join us after all. Hasty minor adjustments were made to departure time, etc., and a new plan was put in place...
Two bikes with a vacant slot between them in Mitch's garage...
Ross arrived and the ensemble was assembled...
Three amigos celebrating the departure for Wyoming the following morning... MitchO, DDT (12), RNFWP...
Some Shiner Bocks had been acquired, so the party/celebration had a special 'flavor' to it! All that and dinner that evening provided by Laura & Mitch... Brats, Dogs, and incredible baked beans! Talk about a send-off!!!
DDT (12)
