I Hate It For You, Ponce...

[DDT (12)]

I Hate It For You, Ponce...

Poor ole Ponce de Leon... That hapless explorer along with his curious crew trudged around Florida back in the day hacking with machetes most of the way, earnestly looking for an alleged Fountain of Youth... in vain it turned out. But that's just the ‘twenty-second sound bite’…

When considering his arduous endeavors, we need to bear in mind the broader context: That he'd already had to successfully avoid the miseries of the Inquisition back home, followed by a perilous voyage across the ocean in a tiny, frail, leaky boat, all the while keeping his hidalgo companions in line and behaving civilly towards one another. Plus, all of this was being attempted in a time before there were deodorants, insect repellents, portable BBQ grills, or any handy picnic items.

The desire for immortality, or at least the indefinite extension of youth, is a powerful motivator… Back in the day and continuing even now… I don’t think I would turn the clock back now if I could, though, but I’m quite sure I would stop it if given the opportunity! I feel no need to ‘go back’ or to change anything in my past, because to change anything would be to also change everything that followed. I’m quite content with who I am, where I am, doing exactly what I am doing.

That said, I also confess that while I’ve not found any magical fluid flows, I have found a most useful tool for enhancing and amplifying feelings of youth and vigor… That internal clock continues to tic away as always, of course, but for a time I can ‘feel’ like I’m floating on a cloud, lavishly indulging youthful activities, and receiving the same benefits I’ve always found in this way. In the case of this young-at-heart rider, it is a Honda Valkyrie Tourer that has become a magic carpet to facilitate that marvelous experience.

Following a brief but most enjoyable stop for breakfast with my good friend Troutdude, our girl quickly transported her rider right back to that special spiritual zone that readers of this will appreciate. Clear sky, somewhat brisk temps that the apparel being worn addressed well, light Sunday morning traffic… and all was right with the world!

No, I haven’t found a way to cheat the grim reaper of his due, but I have found a way to feel better about the passing of time and to suspend any morbid thoughts about the inevitable… I doubt poor ole Ponce ever found that sort of pleasant diversion from his fears aboard any of his donkeys… But then, while we can speculate, who can really know…? We can’t get rid of that old man, but we can with a little creativity keep him out… one day at a time...

DDT (12)

[f6john]

I hope you found Troutdude fit as a fiddle along with yourself! A brisk Sunday morning ride and breakfast with a good friend sounds so tempting with the possible exception of this past Sunday where we were being blessed an additional 3” of the fluffy white impact absorbing material.

[Valker]

Well said, as always, Bruce. Thanks for sharing.
My recent (Feb. 6th) spinal fusion appears to have accomplished all I wished for it to do. I am still recovering from that nine inch incision, the new hardware, and the bone concrete they installed, but it is a minimal inconvenience at this point. I will mostly honor the doctor's recommendations for recovery this time. I plan to be back to long distance riding in April or May at the latest. I will take it slowly just to not need a reset. Doc said my bones are like rocks and that I shouldn't have any issues from the procedure. I have a five to seven thousand mile ride planned for June to the PNW and around. I'll miss Inzane this year. I'll know more after some shorter trips that are coming up in April.
I, too, like my age and all of it's benefits while I tolerate the physical degradation that accompanies it.
Ride safely and wander well, my Friend.

[Mooskee]

Well said Bruce. Perhaps the fountain of youth resides inside us. Pursuing our passions seems to make us feel younger and more capable.

I look forward to sitting around the table with you and Troutdude again someday. I trust you ad he are both doing well. Right now I just keep doing rehab on my knee and back. I will soon be in the wind again. I think I deserve "A life behind bars"

[thedon]

Awesome read and thoughts Bruce. Our bodies keep telling us we are old, but inside we are still in our 20's.
Stay SAFE my friend.
Don

[DDT (12)]

John,

Yep, Dennis appeared to be on the mend nicely and in great spirits with a most positive outlook, and this geriatric juvenile is doing as well as ever. Life can be so good! No fluffy white stuff here this time, but the temps have taken a plunge, so I'm hunkered down for a few days again. Not for long, however, as the seductive call of the open road is growing louder each day! I trust all is well in Kentucky...

DDT (12)



Eric,

Thanks for the compliment! Great report on your post-surgery outcome and joyous forecast for a pain-free future! I'm mighty glad to learn you'll soon return to your highest calling, which means we all can look forward to hearing of your travels and adventures... We've missed you, my good friend! You do have a unique perspective on life and the rest of us benefit from 'seeing your wonderous discoveries through your eyes'.

DDT (12)



Dave,

Thanks again, my friend! An interesting thought about the actual residence of that illusive fountain! I think you are onto something there... Best way to explore that possibility of course is to 'put it to the test' with a road trip! Glad you're contemplating that very thing soon... If you decide you'd like to have some company on such a ride of discovery, I'm volunteering right here and right now!!! Heck, we could even stop in Mandeville for dinner with Troutdude again... We possibly could even talk him into joining us on our journey!

DDT (12)



Don,

Thanks, Don! Yes, you and Dave seem to be thinking along the same lines on that, and I find those thoughts to be deserving of greater exploration. Care to join us on such a quest? The entire experience would be life-changing, but the evening critique sessions would soon become a major highlight! Nothing like comparing notes on takes of the same experiences and sights... Our unique 'data bases' which inform our perceptions and opinions produce different reactions and interpretations from each of us about the same things!!! An absolutely wonderful learning experience!!! Think it over... We may not 'feel like it's happening', but the window of opportunity for doing such things is closing a bit more each day...

DDT (12)