Left, Right, Or Straight...?

[DDT (12)]

Left, Right, Or Straight...?
 
An intersection was coming up... I wondered which way we should go...? We were in south central Texas generally heading west, but we were in no particular hurry. Dawdling a couple of days at a time, in fact, would allow time for things to warm-up some across extreme western Texas and southern New Mexico; so, it was actually to our advantage to take little side excursions and explore randomly in this area...
 
Nope, a right turn was out... that way led to San Antonio. Left would have taken us southwest towards Laredo, south towards McAllen, or southeast towards Corpus Christi... We've been to those areas, and none were beckoning to us at the moment... I reckoned we'd just go straight by default... Soon enough we'd have to decide between riding through Del Rio again or maybe heading up to I-10 for a slab scoot out to Van Horn. There was another option, however...
 
A better choice if available would be to ride north of I-10 and hit one of those east/west highways for the intended trek across the Rio Grande in southern New Mexico while continuing the ambitious ride towards Arizona. We hadn't been that way in a while, so its appeal was strong.
 
A close weather eye would be required, however, as meteorological nastiness can be found in increasing doses the further north one ventures out there this time of year! At that moment, such a route possibility was in-play, though, but 'timing' and flexibility would still remain urgent imperatives, so...
 
The notion de jure was to finally complete our often-delayed next trip to Arizona... We'd headed in that direction several times over the past two winters, but weather mostly, something had always popped up and required changes to our plans. That may very well happen this time, too, but one can never be sure in advance. We just go until we can't... then we adjust...
 
This mostly unrestricted lifestyle still has a few unavoidable reality chores… Prescription drug refills periodically are among those. I’ve chosen a ‘national brand’ pharmacy so those pesky refill chores can be easily performed pretty much throughout North America. There are times, however, when riding around the ‘outback’ through tiny hamlets can lead us into ‘dead spots’ where such a script-stop-shop is nowhere reasonably close to be found…
 
The town in which we’d found a room for what turned out to be a few nights happened to have such a pharmacy only a couple of blocks away! I reordered… however… A ‘renewal’ by my prescriber would be necessary, and it was the beginning of a weekend… "Well, ain’t that awful!?"
 
I reckoned I’d just have to lay around, watch TV, perhaps write something, nap, and maybe read a few pages in the book I was given last summer but never finished… I might even decide to do some not yet needed laundry... I've never found 'killing time' to be much of a challenge... Besides...
 
A decent Mexican restaurant (that also served breakfast!) was right next door, so that became a reliable source of sustenance. Of course, Door Dash and UberEATS also provided their usual suitable substitute and alternative mechanism. I may be 'Old School' at heart, but I do indulge some modernity!
 
The youngish gal who'd checked me in was the daughter of the owner. She's a college graduate, most personable, and she seemed quite proficient and very much at ease performing all the tasks in that office. This lass was most helpful and full of useful information. She was more than that, however...
 
She went out of her way to keep this traveler/guest informed of progress on completion of Wi-Fi restoration when the need popped up, plus extending my stay was never a problem when the drug refill issue arose. She even visited my room to update me when the phone system also had a brief hiccup. I was impressed...
 
A small business to be sure, but the ‘work atmosphere’ of that motel operation convinced this observer that sound leadership was indeed likely present… I didn’t get to meet the youngish gal’s parents… the owners, but I’m sure I would have enjoyed exchanging some thoughts with them…
 
By the time I’d finished composing this treatise, I had my scripts refilled. A suitable weather window appeared available for undertaking the next leg of this trek, and cabin fever was starting to creep to the surface yet again.
 
I’d already topped off our girl’s tire pressure, and she was even displaying signs of restlessness and eagerness herself… OK, north of I-10 or west to Del Rio…? I reckon we’ll have to decide when we arrive at the next intersection choice point…
 
DDT (12)
 

[Rams]

Decisions, decisions.   Once they are made, there are always consequences and rewards.
My hope is that you are able to keep the wind at your back, rain in you rearview mirror and avoid that white stuff that starts with S. and everything works out as it's not planned. 

Rams

[sandy]

When I was cross country traveling, those pleasant interactions are what I often remember the most.

[Jess from VA]

Left, Right, Or Straight?

I'm absolutely straight, and lean strongly to the Right.   

[LadyDraco]

Wait what are you talking about 



 

[Valker]

Almost sounds like one of my discussed "Penny Tours" I used to do. Well said, Bruce-as usual. Thanks for sharing. I may get released to ride as soon as a week from Friday.

[Mooskee]

Ahh the elusive Arizona. I am starting to think the end of the rainbow must be there. Hope ya make it all the way this time Bruce.

[GiG]

Wait what are you talking about 



 

That is funny, Tracy!        

[DDT (12)]

Softie...?

I wonder what Dr. Phil might have to say. Two winters in a row now, several times we've started out for Arizona but failed to make it there... It's almost always been weather that has deterred us from completing the trek. There was a time back when I was still young and foolish, though, when nothing like simple cold, rain, or wind would have kept us from pressing ever forward.

I would chalk-up the near misses and close calls to 'skill' and ignore thoughts of what might have happened. It's a wonder now as I look back how I ever survived those days of 'brilliance and indestructibility'! Fortunately, I did survive despite myself, so now it's time at last to digest some of the lessons.

Wisdom is a curious thing... It can also be misleading if we confuse it with rationalizing and justifying our actions. In this case, I'm wondering if my reason for turning around this time was actually a smart move, or if it was simply a way of avoiding facing the fact I wimped out. A 'value call in any case', so I'll just choose not to beat myself up or make a thing of it. Heck, it ain't going anywhere, so there's always 'next time'...

DDT (12)

P.S. We're still wandering around, only we're now headed towards milder weather and nothing strenuous. Softie? Perhaps...

[f6john]

Softie? I doubt. Nothing left to prove sounds more like it to me. The major motivation should be enjoyment at this point?

[old2soon]

    Bruce been all over most of Texas in a big truck. Not near nuff on a M/C But I have ridden in The Republic. Left Right Straight maybe a 180 or straight UP!  Have zero idea How you obtain yer scrips while traveling but if not there already consider Wal Mart. When I was still drivin big truck and ran short wally wurld was mosty handy to where ever I wuz in a given moment. I've found that an indelible magic marker works well for putting the date opened on each drug bottle so as to be AWARE WHEN A REORDER IS Needed! I haven't got the option of wally wurld or other scrip options as I git my drugs thru the V A! And I KNOW you iz already aware BUT major weather system starting off California and moving east rapidly! And sposed to be some cooler behind this storm. We need to find a Good Seafood resturant at I25!  Be well My friend!  RIDE SAFE.

[Willow]

Bruce, I understand your quandary.

There was a time, not long ago, when regardless of temps I would simply don the appropriate gear and ride the two wheeler so long as there was no ice or snow on the road.  Actually I rode home at least twice from high school in significant snow.

I have found in my more recent aging years that the cold impacts me more than it once did and has a heavy influence on my choices.  There are sometimes I am now not so excited about riding the beast but I choose to do so.  A short distance down the road I feel at home and enjoying the more of transport.

Softie?  Maybe.  I am definitely softer than I once was.  I wouldn't stand a chance wrestling my teenage, or even fifty year old self, but I am doing, maybe less frequently, what my physical self allows.

Your miles and your years are more than mine.  You're a better man than I, Gunga Din (DDT). 

[hubcapsc]

Great goodness... the weather in Texas and thereabouts is crazy!

https://x.com/RealDutchsinse/status/1900643878530597180

[Bigwolf]

I might be wrong, but I believe that remaining flexible with thoughts and making directional adjustments on a whim are the essence of a great coddiwample!  It appears to me that you are in fine form for a coddiwample!

I have to agree with Mike!  The weather in Texas and New Mexico looks rather treacherous right now!  Fifty MPH wind gusts are rough but 80MPH!!!!  Nooo!  I hope that you are giving those a very wide distance from yourself!

[DDT (12)]

Carl,

Yep, the times... and we... are a-changing! Not so long ago I often used that old quote Tobi Kieth immortalized in one of his songs: "I'm not as good as I once was..." Sadly, I now can't even claim I'm as good once as I ever was! Oh well, the one claim I am proud to announce still applies is: "I'm still here doing what I do!" I have no idea how long that may remain true, but I intend to find out...

Like with you, the details of my riding are changing over time, but the thrill and special vibe is still there. I'm just glad I haven't lost the luster from what has become an important feature of life for folks like us... It appears you are at a similar stage.

DDT (12)



Mike,

Yup, the Republic is rather famous for its weather, among other things. It was the forecasted strong wind this time that turned us around and sent us scurrying back eastward! Having been caught on the fringes of dust storms before, I have no need to test them ever again! They can be dangerous in the extreme, so I avoid the possibility if at all possible... 'Adversity builds character', it's been sagely observed... I agree, but I also now consider myself to be virtuous enough...

DDT (12)



Jerry,

You are correct, of course. Perhaps if I'd included mention of my gestures when making that decision, it might have refined the perception of my view of this turn of events: A gentle shrug and a broad grin... and a typical exclamation of mine... 'Oh well'...

Yes, I have taken a more promising route to avoid any potential calamities... Funny, even uncrowded parking lots can be treacherous under certain circumstances, so there are no completely safe choices. At best we can only hope to keep the odds on our side... Oddly, that's exactly what I'm attempting to do right now!

DDT (12)

[hubcapsc]

I also now consider myself to be virtuous enough...

And you're a character too  ... the weather seems to
be beating on Mississippi now... Tylertown MS is in the news, and
it is kind of equidistant from Mandeville LA and Hattisburg MS...

-Mike

[DDT (12)]

Mike,

WOW! Fate has once again been most kind to this non-planner! Had we stuck with the 'plan', we'd have been in some wild wind conditions by now. Had we reversed course sooner, we'd have been in on the storms now pounding the southeast! As it turns out, we're in sort of a 'sweet spot' with only Spring Break traffic to sift through... Not bad at all considering the alternatives...

We'll continue eastward cautiously pacing ourselves to avoid catching up with any ugly conditions. Not a plan, actually, just a thoughtful notion! We softies can't be too careful, ya know...

DDT (12)

[DIGGER]

Great goodness... the weather in Texas and thereabouts is crazy!

https://x.com/RealDutchsinse/status/1900643878530597180

I live in the Houston area and if you dont like the current weather here....just wait 24 hrs or so and you will see a different weather pattern

[DIGGER]

I love reading everyones trip reports and methods of decisions on where to ride next...and why.   Looks like Im gonna lose another spring of great riding weather.    My wifes back problems have increased greatly and 4 back doctors have said the deterioration of lumbar 4 disks and vertebra is unfixable....so the last two months she has been going thru a pain management proceedure that is supposdd to cut her pain level 50 %.    For last two months and for the next two months she cant go past a 45 degree bend, cant reach over her head and cant pick up anything over 8 lbs.....soooo I am doing all duties to keep things going.   I dont mind at all as this wife of 51 years has taken care of me thru operations and lifes other problems.   Motorcycle riding is just gonna have to be on hold for a while.  I may get in a day ride occassionally if family members come over and help.   Had to take my vehicle a ways down Hyway 290 towards Brenham Tx yesterday on a short run and I see the bluebonnets are coming out    It gets really pretty out there....great riding weather here this time of year....maybe I can get in a ride or two while the bluebonnets are out.

[t-man403]

Man, when there’s a Mexican restaurant serving bfast, you scored right there!
Now, the wifi thing. I’m sure the plans are better there than here…so who needs wifi? Data plans are huge, between the two of us here, we never come close to using it in its entirety.

[Oss]

watching clips of semi's blowing over out west says to me that DDT
is right on the money as far as when to hunker down

Remember what the outlaw josie wales said to the bounty hunter: "Dying aint much of a living"

Even Josie knew when to stay put and when to venture out.

Of course, your side kick Ali is going to be willing and able to be ridden when you feel able

That is as if should be.  Enjoy the spaces in between the adventures

[DDT (12)]

Keith,

Man, sorry for your spouse's woes! Good on ya for doing the right thing, though... A major sacrifice to be sure but standing by our commitments to loved ones does take priority. Yeah, I've also seen some of the best Blue Bonnet viewing around Brenham! People watching can also be interesting... Parents sending small kids out to sit amongst the blue gems, then setting up Nikons on tripods with telephoto lens to attempt magazine quality photos for an album to gather dust on a coffee table for a while then litter an attic for decades... Yes, I do know that drill...

DDT (12)



Terry,

Oh yeah! Their breakfasts were quite good, too, and I didn't need a co-signer to pay the tab either! Wifi usually works fine everywhere I go with only rare exceptions. The routers do now and then act up, unfortunately, and that can cause a gap in service, which is what had happened there... Oh well... It's all good though, and I don't have to worry about a boss's complaints since I don't 'work from home'! I hope things are beginning to thaw out for ya up yonder!

DDT (12)



Evan,

I hear ya! I just shook my head and whispered a prayer of thanks as I watched that on the tube, too! I really dodged a couple of bullets weatherwise, but it was more luck than skill... perhaps even Divine intervention! Whatever it was, the 'sweet spot' I'd found for hunkering down suited me perfectly! Yes again... Our girl is always ready and willing... I sometimes wonder if that is due to the fact she long ago took my measure and easily saw she could take vastly more than her partner could! They are hardy machines... and I'm less so each day that goes by... We'll depart and go looking for the next sweet spot tomorrow morning.

DDT (12)

[Rams]

Plans and expectations don't always result in what we were hoping for.

Yesterday, my son (who rides a souped up HD with a lot more horsepower than my Valkyrie) called me and asked if, I would like to go for a ride with him.   This doesn't happen often due to his work schedule and other projects he's got so; I jumped at the opportunity. 

Was supposed to be a leisurely ride north to near the Kentucky/Tennesse state line.  Around 110 miles there and then back home.   I should have asked more questions.

Through experience, I've learned a few things about riding in unknown areas and on roads I've never been on before.   I'm also not the aggressive rider I used to be having learned the hard way that I'm no longer as quick to react nor as adventurous as I once was.

My son rides like I used to, he thinks he's indestructible, I guess.   More than just a few times, I let him get out way ahead of me because the curvy twisty roads he selected (which he had never been on) were not marked as to sharp curves for caution signs to slow or in many cases upcoming intersections with crossing traffic.   The entire trip to the destination was ridden at well above the posted speed limits.   While I do enjoy turning the Fat Lady loose now and then, it's normally done on roads I've been on before and have some idea of what to expect around the next curve.  Not so on this ride. Doing 20 to 25 mph over the posted speed limits in areas with few signs telling me what's just down the road is not the way I ride now.  It's a bit unnerving for me.

We left for this adventure way later in the day than was initially planned.   Which meant our return trip was in the dark.   Advised my son that on the return trip home on a different route, if he planned on riding in the same manner, go ahead without me, I'll get home on my own.

While the journey to the destination and return should have been a couple hundred miles total, we logged almost 300 by the time we arrived back at our home duty stations.   

Yeah, I guess I'm getting old and wary but, I don't want to end up on the side of the road in some ditch (again).   Falling down hurts and chrome is expensive.  Didn't mean to drag this into another off topic discussion, just something I needed to vent about I guess.

Rams

[DDT (12)]

Ron,

You are not alone! It amazes me each time I think about it... A most appealing thought is to share our ride passion with someone we really like, respect, or even love. Few things are actually more illogical than the notion we can each (or all) equally enjoy sharing a group ride! No two of us are exactly alike in anything, especially riding experience, preference or skill ranges. Only when those overlap, and we can maintain a pace within the overlap zone, is it possible for a great outing to result.

On twisty, unfamiliar roads five MPH can be the difference between sheer pleasure and stark terror! Some will be regretful of 'missing out', while others can't wait for an end to the harrowing experience. The only way I've found to deal with that is to always stay within my own 'skill and comfort range' at all costs, but to allow myself to stray outside my 'preference zone' whenever possible.

I look upon riding with others as simply being with folks I like... a social event. The ride itself is a distant, low level priority when I thusly engage. When I really want to savor the ride experience, however, with few exceptions I'm better off going alone... Do I want to be with my friends or do I want to maximize a ride? Notice the 'conjunction' is 'or' and not 'and'...

DDT (12)

[Rams]

Ron,

You are not alone! It amazes me each time I think about it... A most appealing thought is to share our ride passion with someone we really like, respect, or even love. Few things are actually more illogical than the notion we can each (or all) equally enjoy sharing a group ride! No two of us are exactly alike in anything, especially riding experience, preference or skill ranges. Only when those overlap, and we can maintain a pace within the overlap zone, is it possible for a great outing to result.

On twisty, unfamiliar roads five MPH can be the difference between sheer pleasure and stark terror! Some will be regretful of 'missing out', while others can't wait for an end to the harrowing experience. The only way I've found to deal with that is to always stay within my own 'skill and comfort range' at all costs, but to allow myself to stray outside my 'preference zone' whenever possible.

I look upon riding with others as simply being with folks I like... a social event. The ride itself is a distant, low level priority when I thusly engage. When I really want to savor the ride experience, however, with few exceptions I'm better off going alone... Do I want to be with my friends or do I want to maximize a ride? Notice the 'conjunction' is 'or' and not 'and'...

DDT (12)

Appreciate the comments, we all have to learn our limits.  Unfortunately, sometimes that comes at a high cost.   I was very lucky to survive my own lesson, I simply don't wish others I care for to experience the same or worse results.   I do enjoy turning my Fat Lady loose once in a while but as I stated previously, it's on roads I have some expectations of what's around the bend.  Thanks for the response.

Rams