Happy Birthday To Me!!!

[DDT (12)]

Happy Birthday To Me!!!

Man, sitting around waiting on a sprained ankle to recover sure can become a drag after a while. No pain, mercifully, but sudden twists, turns, weight shifts, stepping on acorns, or other routine moves we automatically do that normally go largely unnoticed… well… When we’re not on top of our game, little ‘sensations’ can occur, and weaknesses can be exposed and amplified. I’m slowly learning to anticipate many of the anomalies and minor ‘feedback’ feelings…

One thing I have noticed more than anything else, however, is the reality of PMS and the effects that can have on moods along with speech characteristics like tone, volume, even inflection and word choice. While we may not notice it much ourselves at first, those around us apparently do!

So, at the first mention of a birthday ride for this wounded road warrior, I naturally assumed it was a charity offering and a kind gesture towards this sullen brooder. I later figured it just might have been a self-defense offering by my friends, as well!

Whatever the source of inspiration, though, my friends did come up with an idea to do a birthday ride commemorating my most recent longevity marking milestone. They further explained that it just wouldn’t be the same if I didn’t accompany them, but that they were also fully aware that I was still a few days off from being able to mount our girl again and twist her throttle while in motion (I had done that already to measure recovery progress but while strictly stationary without actually moving any). Barb Bartz had the sensible, efficient, and practical solution… I could just ride on her trike… behind her…

Practice for the better days to come…


You know how you get that fleeting momentary hesitation sometimes… Like when somebody says, “Let’s go bungie jump off the Golden Gate Bridge…” or “Wanna go skydiving over the Grand Canyon?” OK, it wasn’t really a jolt exactly like that, but I did give pause for just an instant.

I’d seen Barb ride many times, so I knew she was a skillful rider. However, I’d never even been aboard a trike but once before, and that was behind Attic Rat the previous month for a two-mile round trip to a Burger King. Hey, it was my birthday celebration, after all, and it certainly would ease at least one of my major ailments… “Heck yeah!!!” I gleefully exclaimed!

My pilot that day, and a very good friend… Barb Bartz…


Instructions on how to mount and how to position my ‘features’ were given then implemented…


The big moment arrived, and… we were off…


There is no banking the machine in curves, so the riders’ weight must be leaned in exaggerated ways to avoid centrifugal force slinging the riders off the machine… Barb had the handlebars to hold onto, of course, and her trike had arm rests for the passenger that received a real test that day, as this XL passenger newbie became comfortable with the experience.

She spanked the curves nicely, though, and very soon I was relaxing and really enjoying this quite new to me experience. I was even able to ‘pretend dance’ back there plus do some expressive ‘zeal gestures’!  So pleasant, in fact, I decided that a trike would indeed be a nice way after all to move on when two wheels eventually become too dangerous for this rapidly aging rider! My riding days could be enjoyably extended virtually indefinitely!

Barb’s ride comes complete with a GPS arrangement that… Well, first, let me say it is pretty doggone good and it served us very well. It does have a little… ummmm… Something about it that led us to Pikeville, TN, instead of Crossville, TN, via the back roads with no signs that we were enjoying. It is possible, I suppose, that perhaps some operator error might possibly have been involved, but I don’t know that for a fact. I do know it was not due to lack of studious staring and serious button pushing by the operator.

Indeed, I kept seeing her staring and pushing and studying so much it occurred to this non-techie guy that the GPS was so impressive I’d be willing to bet a month’s Social Security check that it would get us all the way to the scene of the crash! Another example, though, of worry being futile and unnecessary: Barb always only looked for short spurts, and that never caused any close calls. Her riding skills and familiarity with her equipment always had us completely under control while safely in our lane and free from danger.

So, instead of picking up Subway sandwiches and having a picnic at a state park, we pulled into the Butter Dish Restaurant suggested to us by a good ol’ boy at our gas stop. Fortuitous coddiewomple type happening for sure. We weren’t where we thought we would be eating what none of us had thought we would be, but we were all having a wonderful time enjoying a delicious meal and great conversation. So good, in fact, none of us thought to take any pictures…

More back roads riding, then we found our way home without any more dipsy-doodles or surprises from that awesome techno gadget. The motorcycle ride portion of my birthday celebration concluded with a huge spiritual lift that only wind therapy can provide, but… The celebration itself still had a couple more wrinkles left to delight us…

DDT (12)

[GiG]

Hey, Happy Birthday, Bruce!
Here’s hoping your
brooder gets less sullen

Cheers, GiG - seems to be an epidemic of lower extremity proportions  ( lulu sez im too young for trike )

[DDT (12)]

Gig,

Thanks, my friend. My 'sullen' has subsided considerably thanks to the wind therapy and TLC from my friends. It should vanish if all goes well Thursday... We're taking a hamburger run to Dovie's shakedown ride (I'll be aboard ALI for the first time) to see how my extrimities have progressed. A 'dry run' of sorts to see if I'm ready for the ride to Robbinsville the following day... Wish me luck!

DDT (12)

P.S. Please tell Lulu she can be my first passenger if I do go to a trike one of these days...

[Oss]

Have to say I thought of this commercial while reading your post

https://www.google.com/search?q=commerciAL+WITH+BLIND+%2CMAN+ON+MOTORCYCLE&rlz=1C1RXQR_enUS939US939&oq=commerciAL+WITH+BLIND+%2CMAN+ON+MOTORCYCLE&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUyBggAEEUYOTIHCAEQIRigATIHCAIQIRigATIHCAMQIRirAjIHCAQQIRirAjIHCAUQIRiPAtIBCDk1NzRqMGo0qAIAsAIB&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8#fpstate=ive&vld=cid:0be22f6f,vid:tAM-E6PApmQ,st:0

Never a doubt that Barb did a great job assisting your birthday and we are glad it worked out.

[Jess from VA]

Happy B-day Bruce.     

You're more adventurous than me, I won't go on back with anyone.  I'm askaird. 

That sure is a nice looking trike (love the wire wheels).   

[DDT (12)]

Evan,

Yeah, I'm understanding the addiction more and more the further along in it I find myself! I hope I don't ever get to the point I have to follow that particular course, but I do have an idea why he does it!!! We do what we must...

Yes, Barbie did contribute disproportionately to the success of that day. Heck, it was the best birthday ever!!!

DDT (12)




Jess,

I do understand the reluctance to climb aboard behind someone else... I share that feeling myself for the most part, as well. However, it just seems the right thing to do on rare occasions, and when the rider is already known to be competent and highly skilled like Barb, well... I'm inclined to roll the dice and go for the gusto! If you ever decide to take the risk yourself, Barb is a reliable rider to trust!

Yes, I agree that is a very nice looking ride! It looks and sounds great, and it rides smoothly and steady... Wire wheels look good to this rider also, but they are a genuine pain to keep clean. The set I had on my VTX once upon a time will likely be the only set I ever have for that reason... Thanks as always for sharing your thoughts...

DDT (12)

[JimmyG]

Good for you Bruce! Happy B-day.  Yep, Barb is a good rider. Rode a few bikes behind her at the DRU, she keeps it in the road nice and smooth.   Since we got the trike, I have grown to like it pretty well. If it were just me alone, I'd probably still be on 2 wheels, but the spouse just does not trust my failing knees anymore, and I can't say I blame her, LOL

[f6john]

My first thought when I realized you were going to be the passenger on the trike was, “Where will Bruce put his hands”? But you immediately put that quandary to rest with the armrest comment. 

[Rams]

I also hope you had a wonderful birthday, a great ride and some real fellowship with other Valk riders.
Wish I could have been there.   Reference the trike, I discovered for myself that a trike can be a fun way to travel.   I know it's not for everyone but, when my knees starting going south, I decided to try one out.   I enjoy the heck out of riding her.

Although admittedly I still enjoy riding the two-wheeled Valks but, which one I chose really depends on where I'm going and the roads I'm taking to get there.  Glad you enjoyed another anniversary of your birth.   Looking forward to seeing and visiting with you again.

Edited:  Thought I'd mention another option that I've been considering, adding a sidecar to my Rat Bike.   Such an option still allows for no need to put your feet on the ground and provides lots of room for all those things one wants to take when traveling.   Honestly, just waiting on the right sidecar to come along at the right price.   Such options aren't cheap.  (I am.)

Rams

[old2soon]

      Like some others here I have added the third wheel! And as Bruce mentioned it Has INDEED made it possible fer this old fart to continue RIDING!  Yes it Is Differnt BUT still is Wind Therapy. I Truly MISS Phatt Ghurl and carving and just RIDING But that ol left hip no wanna hold up a heavy scoot no mo. And Bruce with my oxygen Needs as much as I'd like to be danged Difficult to have you RIDE with me!  Sides flirtin with 80 cycles around the sun I've figured complaining is NOT the way to go! Just git out and RIDE as you yerself have proven many times before!  Keep on keepin on Bruce and Again-HAPPY BIRTHDAY! And B T W Many More yet to arrive!  RIDE SAFE.

[Serk]

Happy birthday Bruce! Sorry I missed the party!!

I'm glad you got to get your knees in the breeze, even if not on two wheels or under your control, wind is wind!

[Mooskee]

Glad you had a happy birthday Bruce. I can imagine you might start getting a little antsy when unable to get some wind therapy. Great of Barb to provide a way for you to get out there. As you are aware, I am now relegated to a trike. It is a nice one and Attic Rat did his magic to the engine. I miss two wheels, but am grateful to be able to ride still. Also as you know, I deal with some pain issues that sometimes change my plans. I am only 71. Perhaps not as old and wise as you my friend. However, I am learning to take it one day at a time and try to fully appreciate that I am alive to relish the moment. Some of that inspiration comes from you. As you say, I love my life, and I'm happy to be here".
Blessings brother. Abigail shout out to Barbie too.

[John Schmidt]

My first thought when I realized you were going to be the passenger on the trike was, “Where will Bruce put his hands”? But you immediately put that quandary to rest with the armrest comment. 

Yeah...well John, that was only one picture. And Barb ain't talking!    The closeup of the two was a great picture to be sure.

Bruce, I hesitated going to three but have found it to be a great choice. While caring for my Rita I was  unable to ride much for 6 years since I couldn't leave her alone. As we all know, when you don't ride you lose your skill, something I had developed over the previous 70 odd years. I made a couple trips following her passing and just didn't feel comfortable on 2 so started looking. I was caught in the rain on two trips since I got my 3-wheeler and felt quite comfy, one trip from central Illinois was 450 miles to my home and was in/out of rain all day. Both times I was glad to be on 3 instead of 2 since both trips it was quite heavy at times. I recall one trip where I was crossing the Big Muddy and in the middle of the bridge a sudden gust blew me almost into the right side railing, leaving about six inches clearance. Had I been on two, it could have been disastrous. Thankfully the 1200 lbs. or more plus 3-wheel stability kept me in the grove. Once across I stopped to stretch my legs a bit...took a couple minutes to break the suction on the seat. 

[Jersey mike]

Cheers to you  and wishing you many more.

[DDT (12)]

JimmyG,

Yep, a decision I've observed many others make over the years, and I've figured I too would face such a choice myself sooner or later. I've always harbored a doubt I could like one of those, however, as they just didn't seem enough like my two-wheeled sweetheart to be a suitable choice. Well, after finally riding on one or now two, my opinion is quickly evolving to a point I can indeed now see me on one and enjoying it! Ya just never know, huh...? Speculation, pondering, and predicting are natural for us, I reckon, but there is simply no substitute for experience... Well, with one or two exceptions to that, of course... like parachuting without pulling the ripcord...  

DDT (12)



John,

I was careful and respectful the entire time! That's my story and I'm sticking to it!!! Actually, those arm rests received a more vigorous workout early in the ride, but... As I adjusted and learned to relax and get into the rhythm, that became less and less necessary. Like with anything, I suppose, it just takes a while to establish some muscle memory and 'feel' for what we're doing.

DDT (12)



Ron,

Thanks, my friend. Yeppers, I had a fab day with some fab folks! Best darned B'day I've ever had! Good ride, good food, good company, good weather... good driver! That much-missed wind in my face felt glorious, and as my adjustments allowed me to get more into the ride itself, particularly the many curves, the day just got better and better! I now realize trike riders haven't lost all that much with such a switch after all.

I've never considered a sidecar... Like I posited above, though, I should reserve any judgement until after I'd had at least some experience with the matter... Who knows what the future will hold or how we might lean even just a short way down the path of life... Oh well, I'm learning and relearning all the time to not pre-judge, rather find out for myself and go with logical options... Thanks for your thought triggers, as always!

DDT (12)



Dennis,

I couldn't agree more! We play the hand we're dealt, looking forward and not backward, while making the most off whatever comes our way! Regrets and brooding over what we don't have only drags us down, but optimism and enthusiasm can brighten even the gloomiest of days! You're a prime example of that.

I'm looking forward to our ride to come, be it in pursuit of catfish, tacos or whatever excuse we proclaim, we'll both know it'll really be about friends enjoying the wind together and celebrating our good lives!!!

DDT (12)



Serk,

Thanks, my friend. I'm sorry you weren't there also, as your insights and wit would have added to the already stellar day! We can't always get exactly what we want, but sometimes what we do get turns out to have lasting value beyond anything we could have anticipated... Wind is indeed wind, and it sure felt good on that day! Hope you're able to get some for yourself... and very soon, too!!!

DDT (12)



Dave,

Yes, we've ridden together, and I am aware of what you mentioned. You are another among the folks I've studied regarding the switch from two wheels to three. As we age, nothing remains the same, and less desirable choices have to be made and accepted... Those aren't important in themselves really, so long as they allow us to maintain our momentum and continue with the enjoyment of life and moving forward in our pursuit of living a full life... Pouting and giving up are certainly NOT options riders like us would choose!!! I'm looking forward to our next adventure... together...

DDT (12)



John,

You are another of those inspirational characters from whom I've learned much. You've climbed some mighty 'steep mountains' throughout your life, my friend, but you've always maintained an attitude and approach to life the rest of us mere mortals can only aspire to! I knew you long before the thought of a trike came into the picture, and I observed intently as you made the switch to three wheels.

You were setting an example you might not have realized, and you've shown us behind you that worthwhile transitions can be made with positive results! Riding in the rain will never be a desirable thing for this rider, but I do realize we can still be caught in it and we must then deal with all that goes with it. Again, you've set an example and even pointed out some advantages to that transition you made a while back... Thanks, John, for being a role model for the rest of us, and for being you and participating on this board. Most of all, ol' buddy, thank you for being my friend...

DDT (12)



Mike,

Thank you, sir! I did have a wonderful day, and... I even capped it off with a Shiner Bock brought to me by my good friend Dusty Roads... So, cheers backatcha!!!

DDT (12)

[doc/joshthetank]

Happy Birthday Bruce! if I recall this is a couple days late? anyway hope you have a great day. I do think that a trike is a great idea to prolong your riding years. I've driven them and found it really fun to whip them around in the parking lot without fear of tipping over!

Doc,

[DDT (12)]

Josh,

Thanks, my good friend! For the well wishes and for the advice... Your knowledge and judgement on motorcycle matters has really impressed me, so I listen whenever you speak. My own assessment of the rides aboard trikes is that I could fairly easily make such a transition. The tip-over avoidance aspect of such a ride did not escape my notice either!

I don't want to rush in that direction utill it becomes necessary, though, so... I'll know a lot more after the ride tomorrow to Dovie's Hamburgers just up the road in Kentucky. If all goes well, then the ride to Robbinsville, NC, for the FCR the next day will tell even more. Assuming all of that works out the way I'm hoping, then I'll remain aboard two wheels for the time being. If I'm not comfortable, then the idea of three wheels will leap to the fore!

Thanks again for chiming in here. It's always good to hear from you... Who knows, we just might haul off and take another ride one of these days!

DDT (12)

[Wizzard]

Well I was in Corpus Christie for a few days for my sons wedding so I missed this post but Happy Belated Birthday Bruce and it looks like you had a great time. Stay well my friend.