Not Yet...

[DDT (12)]

Not Yet…

I smiled broadly as the aroma of freshly brewed coffee fulfilled its promise. I was seated in another Waffle House, this time in South Carolina, as I took stock of recent activities. I also thought about all the ‘normal people’ around me. The very pleasant, plumpish, delightfully cheerful server had just taken my breakfast order, so it was time for some long overdue reflection. Another sip, then…

There was a couple with their two small, impatient, bored children and the near futile effort to bring civility to their booth with bribes at first then threats. I wondered how disillusioned each parent may have been with the reality of marital bliss versus the image they each had held during their exchange of vows. Life is indeed a learning experience, as so many surprises await us all along the way. Previously unimagined adjustments are also an integral part of that journey.

An older couple sat near me, and their conversations with other folks who happened by implied they, like the others, were all locals and knew each other. Talk of church activities, recent golf outings, and status of kids and grandkids seemed so ‘usual’ and predictable to this casual eavesdropper. That life simply holds no appeal for this usually solitary gypsy…

I hear that certain 'knock' just about every day. In the past, I've even run with the thought: "Maybe the time has arrived for this archaic rider to 'hang it up' and return to the normal life of..." What am I, anyway?  Am I really too old to cut the mustard anymore? Has the long-term toll on my body been sufficient to relegate me at last to the sidelines?

I don't want to be like some folks who hang on too long in a vain, futile effort to stop or at least defy the clock. Ignoring reality is never a good solution to anything. On the other hand, giving up too quickly can have some dire consequences, as well... For now, anyway, I’m refusing to let ‘the old man in’… The temptation, however, is sometimes nearly irresistible… but not today!

I departed Del Rio, TX, last month and even before reaching the end of the street where I’d been staying, it was plainly obvious that this life suits me to a tee! Wind Therapy and a return to the coddiewomple are surefire cures for whatever ails me, and it rarely takes more than a few hundred yards aboard our girl for that thought to produce a broad grin and glance skyward with thanks being offered to the Almighty for this life!!! I truly am proud to be here, doing exactly what I do the way I do it…

Our first day back on the road included a flat rear tire that ended up being cracked beyond repair. Troutdude and Waterbug came to the rescue and took us to their home and famous ‘Valk Sanctuary’. My good friend has come to our aid countless times and kept us on the road, when we otherwise would have long ago had to find another arrangement. I’m certain I’d have tried other bikes, but none could have ever matched our girl in the most important ways. Would I have ‘settled down’ much sooner or managed to continue the vision quest…? Moot point, thanks yet again to Dennis!!!

After the pause in Louisianna, we returned to Florida to pass some time by visiting family until my next round of doctor visits. A ride to Montgomery again renewed my strong desire to continue on… somewhere… anywhere… Visiting friends while in Bama, however, I also was tempted to rent an apartment or house and linger for a month or two… That ‘old man’ sure has a persuasive, even seductive, way of tempting me to veer off course! I made a few inquiries, but nothing came of them… A near-miss but we did get lucky and break free…

Lacking any other pull on us, we headed towards the eastern Carolinas for that tour we’d begun more than a year ago… It sure is nice to not be in any hurry or wedded to some rigid plan! The span of years is not at all uncommon for us during the fulfillment of ‘plans’ as we eagerly indulge in opportunities for distraction or deviation. Heck, even wrong turns, missed turns, and U-turns have often resulted in wonderful surprises!

Our first recent adjustment came when the weather forecast evolved modestly and upset the travel plans around the timing of the next rain event. No problem, we’d just make a long day’s ride out of the two easy days we’d originally figured on and spend an extra night in the same motel. That resulted in us being in our temporary ‘home’ next door to the Waffle House mentioned already…

We still have no destination in mind. Our ‘plan’ is to wander around aimlessly throughout the Carolina ‘low country’ and enjoy the mild temperatures while remaining mobile. The rest of our plan is to enjoy whatever surprises we happen to come across… whatever they may be… The ‘old man’ undoubtedly will still come knocking, and I expect I’ll continue to ignore his entreaties and not let him in… Someday things will be different I suppose, but not this day nor any right away!

DDT (12)

[John Schmidt]

Bruce, good to hear you're still moving on. As Toby Keith wrote and sang..."Don't Let the Old Man In!"

As for Dennis and his honey, weather permitting we might stop to see them on our way back from Florida in March. We're caging it down and back, leaving this Thursday for about a month. Retirement does have its advantages...don't have any deadlines to meet. 

[Valker]

Wonderful...as usual. Thanks for continuing to be the guy I want to be when I grow up. 

[Avanti]

The only way to find where you are going is to continue on.

Ride Far Ride Safe

[Mooskee]

Good to hear from you Bruce. If you happen by the NC Coast around Southport, you are always welcome here.

Dave

[Farside]

  Another good write up Bruce. Dennis is the man!  Glad you had a good doc report and are continuing with your prescribed wind therapy, it will keep the "Old man at bay"! Safe travels and I hope you find your way to InZane. Maybe I'll see you there. 

[da prez]

  My deepest jealousy to you Bruce. You are one in a billion (not fact checked) hero. If Biden finds out how happy you are , he will tax it.
  The restaurant issue is lack of parenting. The children did not have adult supervision. I have seen worse , but when we went to eat out , we wanted the calm meal.

         SAFE TRAVELS BRUCE till we rub elbows again!

                                                    da prez

[DDT (12)]

John,

Yes, I'm most pleased and happy to report that we're still out here doing what we do! That Toby Keith song and the story behind it posted by our friend Carolinarider sure struck a chord with this wavering rider... The message made so much sense to me, though, based upon some recent chats I've been having with myself. I visit that subject every day, and so far, ... Well, you've been reading my stuff long enough to know how I'm leaning!

A visit to the Dude's lair in LA is always a special event, and I can think of few experiences that would give Nancy a better glimpse into our Valk world and some of its finest folks! Dennis & Shelia are wonderful friends to all of us, and... Well, I can only say that a slight course alteration in that direction would result in time very well spent!

I don't expect to be back in Florida any time soon... but one just never knows! If I don't see y'all before, I'll look for ya at IZ... assuming I make it this time...

DDT (12)




Eric,

Thank you, sir! Your resume is most impressive in so many ways... We each have our own special needs and goals, not to mention life's circumstances, all of which shape our choices and directions. I'm impressed with the situation you've evolved to, so drive on just like you have been! I know our paths will cross again sooner or later, but dangitall, it does seem to be taking a long time to happen! I need to work on that...

DDT (12)




Gene,

You are so right... again! The credibility of your vast experience is showing, and we all know that you know full well of what you speak. BTW, I'm in agreement to the point I just so happen to be doing that exact thing! I hope to see ya again this year... It's always a pleasure to compare notes with one who has walked the walk... or should that be ridden the ride...?




Dave,

Ya know, I for sure would like to visit with ya again. Those chats you, John, and I had at IZ last year still get some playback in my mind now and then, and I consider our experiences together to be most meaningful and worthwhile! Any chance you might be able to get free for a day or two for some wind sharing and BS-ing?

DDT (12)




Keith,

Yes indeed! Not letting that old man in has become a preoccupation with me lately! I tell it like a joke, but the simple truth is, my doctors do approve of my 'mission' and see no problem with us continuing on... so long as we do things safely. You can tell most don't actually get it regarding the significance and essence of our choice, but they do fully recognize the positive effect it has on this tired old carcass! Yep, I'm still out here following doctors' orders!!!

DDT (12)




Ross,

Dang! If happiness was actually taxable, my personal obligation would be nearly the same as that of the federal government! Looking back now, everything makes sense... The losses, pain, anxiety, self-doubt, embarrassments, failures, every one of those experiences plus all of the good ones were but a prologue, a preparation for what would come later in life! I might also add that all of it was worthwhile now that I can see the whole continuum. Indeed, I am a truly happy person!!!

As for those I observed in the restaurant, my purpose was not to comment on the literal activities displayed or their causes, it was simply to point out I find no appeal in any of it. I'm no longer cut-out for a traditional lifestyle so long as I have a choice... Of course, I can adapt like I've done in the past should the need ever arise, but... Unless or until that happens, I'm going to remain on my present course!

DDT (12)

Ross, PS,

Thanks for the complimentary words! You're pretty special yourself... I judge from your upbeat messaging that you are coping with your own challenges well, so I'm pleased especially with that! I'm looking forward to the next time we can swap yarns and compare scars and laugh lines... and maybe rub elbows as we hoist whatever it is that we can still drink! Geritol, perhaps?   

DDT (12)

[Mooskee]

Bruce, I find myself spending too much time in the shop, and not riding enough. You showing up would be the perfect excuse for me to lay down the tools and get some wind therapy. John is supposed to be coming in next week, and Trout Dude is supposed to drop by and pick up a a fairing. Come on anytime. We will ride, chew the fat, eat something good, and tell some stories. The first liar will never have a chance!
 

[Valkorado]

Carpe diem, Bruce!   

[The emperor has no clothes]

We still have no destination in mind. Our ‘plan’ is to wander around aimlessly throughout the Carolina ‘low country’ and enjoy the mild temperatures while remaining mobile. The rest of our plan is to enjoy whatever surprises we happen to come across… whatever they may be… The ‘old man’ undoubtedly will still come knocking, and I expect I’ll continue to ignore his entreaties and not let him in… Someday things will be different I suppose, but not this day nor any right away!

DDT (12)

It’s not too late to turn around and head west young man. Things are starting to get nice here. 

[DDT (12)]

Dave,

Stuff happens... With my life being the way it is, way too short notice of possibilities is hard for most folks to deal with and/or work around. Sorry about that, but... you know... Maybe another time. I sincerely do appreciate the thought, though!!!

DDT (12)




Seth,

Always, my friend! Always!!!

DDT (12)




Rob,

I suppose you know what you've done, right? I'm finishing a trip to coastal Carolina that I began more than a year ago... Now, thanks to you I'm pondering that incomplete ride out your way I was making when I wimped out in Del Rio, TX several months ago. So much unfinished business... so little time... I have no idea where I might be in a week, but... it's not out of the question I might be headed west... yet again! I have mentioned that I love my life, haven't I...?

DDT (12)



Mitch & RNFWP,

Are y'all reading any of this? There are some pretty good burgers to be found out in Arizona and all along the route in between...! Just saying...

DDT (12)

[t-man403]

Rear tire!
Were you not darkside?
How many miles did you get out of it if you were and what did you replace it with?

[thedon]

Another great read Bruce. Keep the old man at bay, he ain't you.
Ride safe
Don

[DDT (12)]

Terry,

We had been Darkside, but when I stopped by Trout Dude's for a rearend service several months ago, he recommended changing it... It had about 30K miles on it and was wearing down. The only rear he had on hand at the time was a Michelin m/c tire I'd bought before, so we put that on.

Those had a history of cracking, and that one did too... Something over 20K miles on it. No evidence of a puncture we could find, but it sure had cracked down to the cord in several places. Anyway, our girl now sports a new Shinko rear m/c tire (again, what he had on hand). I like it so far... We have had a couple of Shinko front tires, and we do like them, so...

DDT (12)





Don,

Thanks, my friend! I wouldn't turn the clock back even if I could... However, I'd danged sure stop it if I could! I've been smiling hugely all day today... I'm afraid to check if my face might be cracking... The old man has successfully been kept at bay another day, so tomorrow I'll shoot for another... It sure is fun being me most of the time!!!

DDT (12)

[RNFWP]

Mitch & RNFWP,

Are y'all reading any of this? There are some pretty good burgers to be found out in Arizona and all along the route in between...! Just saying...

DDT (12)

I pop in here and get caught up a couple of times a week. Some good reading... 
Troutdude passed through here a couple of weeks ago and I missed him. I was out of town.
Are you still wandering around the Carolinas? I can't eat a burger now without comparing it to all the good ones tried last fall.

[DDT (12)]

Ross,

Yep. I'm in Greenville, NC, for a couple of days of R & R... I'm also mentally working myself up for another epic ride, most likely to complete the scoot out to Arizona began last December... I figure to 'stand on the corner' again plus gawk at the London Bridge another time. Yes, of course I'll also have lots of burgers and reminisce about all those we consumed on our last outing. I might even swing up through Seligman, AZ, along old Route 66 and stop at a place there that serves a darned good cow patty on a bun!

Hey, I got an idea... Reckon Jill might grant you parole...? We could even stop in Paris again and view the Eifel Tower with possibly Daniel with us... like we did way back yonder... Heck, if it ain't too cold, we might even wander up to Meers, OK, for a gen-u-ine Meers Burger. Another friend (you'd like him) is planning to accompany me on this outing, so you could round out the crew nicely... Roll it around in your thinker compartment and of course consult with headquarters then let me know what shakes out...

DDT (12)