When Live Throws You A Curb... Phase One...

[DDT (12)]

When Life Throws You A Curb... Phase One...

It always amazes me whenever a dark cloud appears and things look downright unpleasant, only to experience something wondrous following right behind in its wake. I seem completely unable to feel sorry for myself or cling for more than a milli-second or two to an 'Oh Woe Is Me' train of thought, as this totally unscripted and unanticipated gypsy lifestyle never ceases to surprise and delight!

It was another day in paradise, and our girl with her unusual usual companion were gliding westward along a nice two-laned highway in southern Oklahoma. I won't trouble you with an attempt at a description, as words seem hopelessly inadequate to capture the feeling, mood, or weather dazzling us with each passing mile. The next break opportunity seemed fortuitous and wonderfully timely, so a quick decision was made, and... but first...

We'd thought we'd attempt another ride to Arizona this cool half of the year. The last several prospective journeys out there had lasted only as far as western Texas, when weather had gone south on us each time and turned us in a different direction. I wondered if we might actually make it this time...

We'd also spotted what appeared to be a favorable 'weather window' that would allow us to travel less-frequented roads a bit farther north than our usual routes, so that explains our path choice through the OK state. Things had been working out most pleasantly for us, too, so much more was expected. We'd long since settled into our 'glide-path posture' and familiar routines when the next break opportunity came up...

I'm sure the very young local police officer had started shaving by this age, but I saw no evidence of it nor any need for it. He was most pleasant, though, and he seemed genuinely concerned when he asked me if I needed any medical attention.

"No, sir," I replied, and boy did that seem weird! I'd already done a mental inventory of my body and found no bleeding, aches, pains, or anything that felt like it might be broken... 'All good," I followed, "but thanks for checking..."

'Where you look is where you go', a fundamental law of riding familiar to us all... Well, I'd been studying the parking lot of that convenience store seeking the ideal available parking spot, while wondering if a large coffee would be the ticket this time, or if I should stay with my usual small version... I neglected, unfortunately, to choose my path onto the parking lot.

I'd explained to the youthful officer that that danged ole curb had just jumped right in front of us and knocked us over. "Yeah, they'll do that sometimes," he mused with a smile. No harm, no foul, so he departed to go fight crime elsewhere...

Meanwhile, right behind us had been a truck or two with eight burley railroad workers, who'd immediately run to me in a flash, as I'd lain on the pavement unable to get myself up on the first attempt. They all surrounded me as I looked up into their concerned faces in a circle above me.

I'm a sixteen-year-old boy trapped inside an aging body now in its eightieth year, so apparently my grandfatherly image must have excited their 'compassion' genes... They helped me up, got ALI up and over onto the parking lot, then set up my nap chair for me, so I could sit and gather my wits... They were amazingly gentle, efficient, and caring as they studied me carefully for any signs of injury or disorientation. What a great group of guys!!! When they were satisfied, they too made their exit with my profound gratitude...

Not a parking spot away from the building I'd have normally chosen, but I wasn't ready to remount our girl just yet, so in time I walked to the store entrance. This time the decision had been made for me, and the large coffee was poured! I returned and settled again into that always faithful chair and began to ponder the enormity of all that had just happened...

I'm confident I'm not the luckiest guy in the world, but I am convinced I may be the luckiest guy I personally know! Dang, still even riding and touring on two wheels like we do at this stage of life is remarkable, I think, and I've miraculously been able to cope with all the setbacks that have befallen me so far!

I may not make it past today, but so far things have already been well ahead of projections or expectations! As nice as all of what had happened that day had worked out, however, it turned out to be merely the beginning episode of a series of increasingly fantastic events! Yeah, and all thanks to that scary spill on that danged ole mischievous curb...

DDT (12)

[GiG]

Bruce:
You know what they say, right? Well I’ll tell you anyhow: “You’ll never make make the Big League if…
If you can’t hit the curb!”  Guess you’re in the Bigs now!!!  Welcome  to the bigs!!!  Glad you are  ok! 

[Oss]

looks like you are heading toward Valker land

Can not think of a better choice of  temporary destination if you have not already passed Pampa

Glad you are ok

[Bigwolf]

I think that might count as a large silver lining to a small cloud.  You sound like you view it that way.  It's always good to have a good attitude!

You got me to thinking of the times I have unintentionally let my Valkyrie lie down anywhere outside of my garage.  There always seemed to be someone right there to get it up for me.  Once when riding in WV, I was just scoping out different ways to arrive at a destination.  I was not using a GPS or even a map, just thinking of the general direction that I wanted to go and trying roads that seemed they might work.  I was getting well into the wilderness when the rather deserted road I was on turned into loose gravel at the end of a concrete bridge and I attempted a turn around on that gravel that had found it's way onto that well banked bridge.  I got up thinking this is going to be a challenge.  Before I could even contemplate that challenge, a truck full of young and husky workmen pulled up and had my Valkyrie back on her wheels and on the side stand. 

These things have me wondering; Do these Valkyries have some special power to summon angels?  Are they just checking to be sure whether we fallen are, or are not ready for transport to Valhalla.  The Valkyries are after all very magical beings aren't they?


Bigwolf

[3fan4life]

I'm glad to hear that nothing was broken or too bruised due to your recent curb appeal.

Stay safe out there!

I'm looking forward to enjoying many more conversations with my favorite Gypsy!

[JimmyG]

Dang Bruce,  sorry to hear ya had a mishap, but sure am glad you did not injure yourself any more than a few scratches. Us old fellers don't bounce like we used to, LOL.  Man, you be careful my friend, we need to conversate more!  Looking forward to seeing you again.

[da prez]

  Bruce , this is the first mishap in 8ooooo thousand miles. Relax. It is not if you crash, but when. To bad you had to be the first in this group to lay a Valk down. Ali  may not forgive you for putting a scratch  on her.

                                         da prez

[Rams]

Just glad you are OK and back on the saddle.  Stay safe, you are after all is said and done, an inspiration to most of us!  

Rams.  

[t-man403]

Good grief man!
March has turned into its usual here with plenty of snow and ice. I have two friends that have slipped and damaged themselves pretty bad…one broken hip and one severe concussion  ! You on the other hand, got accompanied to the ground with an extra 800 lbs. to handle, pulled out a chair and had a coffee! Obviously a veteran move right there  !

[DDT (12)]

The only real injury to the rider was a slightly bruised ego. Sadly, that is not the first time for an involuntary dismount suffered by our girl and her pseudo rider, though. Oh well, nothing has ever proved to have any long-term consequences or damage that prevented us from carrying-on...

Our girl, however, did have a minor boo-boo from this most recent incident that would not buff out. The left side mirror was broken beyond any future usage. That, however, is what led to the incredible story that followed, so I'll let you read all about it in coming posts...

All is well with us now, and we're in New Mexico still headed west. It does appear likely, barring anything unforeseen, that we will indeed make it all the way to Arizona this time! I hope I'm not jinxing the ride here, but I am starting to feel a little giddy about it... Assuming we do make it all the way on this attempt, it'll be the first successful trek to America's oven in three or four winters!

DDT (12)