DDT (12)
Member
Posts: 4118
Sometimes ya just gotta go...
Winter Springs, FL - Occasionally...
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« on: April 28, 2019, 06:57:33 AM » |
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Good news is always easier to cope with than bad… obviously. We all are confronted with both throughout the course of our lives, of course, and sometimes it seems the portions are wildly disproportionate, but both surely come our way in time. Frustration, disappointment, and sadness, along with the thrill of success, joy, and exaltation all come our way, yet it can still be a bit surprising when either extreme visits itself upon us.
Following the better part of a year of growing concern and building anxiety, I’ve been confronted with some of the best news I’ve ever received! I went for the eagerly anticipated and, frankly, much dreaded, plus twice delayed post-op visit with my surgeon last Friday… and, I got the fabulous report! He looked me square in the eyes and said, “You are not going to die from this disease. You are going to live a normal life, so go out and enjoy yourself!” I am following my doctor’s advice!!!
Not a perfect report, but nearly so… No ongoing treatments are anticipated: no chemo, nor any other stuff like that, just live a normal life… and enjoy! It is possible that following the results of my latest or some subsequent PSA test they may find I need some sort of ‘targeted’ radiation treatment down the road for a wee bit of cancer they were unable to remove, but that is not known just yet, and it is not expected to be any big deal, if it is even needed at all. WOW! No spreading to the lymph nodes, just a tiny spot that couldn’t be removed when the cancer and surrounding tissue had been cut-out.
I mentioned the upcoming epic ride to IZ and afterward to him, and he informed me that if any radiation might become necessary, it would easily occur several months from now, so I should make that ride and not worry about this. Again, I’m going to follow my doctor’s advice!
What a remarkable experience this has been! I’ve climbed a mountain, and, mercifully, I’ve dodged a bullet. Again, it’s easier to deal with success than it is failure, triumph than tragedy, and I’m not unaware of the effects of that on me and my present level of enthusiasm. It has also caused me to think about how this could have gone the other way, and I had spent some time contemplating the other extreme and how I would cope.
As Jerry and I were sitting in the waiting room waiting for my appointment, I turned to him and remarked, “It doesn’t take long in a waiting room to realize how much better-off we are than we might think!” I am so lucky, and I am soooo grateful for my lot in life!!!
Another curious thing happened during that visit… I’d anticipated that if the news had been positive, I’d be doing cartwheels out of the office. Not so. I was greatly relieved and happy, naturally, but my reaction was surprisingly subdued and low-key. It took several hours for the enormity of it all to sink-in and really hit me… I didn’t fully get the total rush until I was aboard our girl and wind therapy worked some of its magic, that I finally felt the full effects…
After a stop at Trout Dude’s place for a front tire change and rear-end service, I’d scooted over to Lake Charles, LA, and a visit with my ailing bud there. Hard6 (JP Sonnier) has inoperable cancer, primarily in his lower esophagus area, and he’s had a couple of complications along with that. After starting his chemo treatments, he developed some sort of blood infection that required hospitalization, the chemo to be halted, and that issue addressed. Mere hours after returning home, he fell and broke his hip… And, that required another hospitalization for replacement of the ‘hip ball’. He was in the rehab wing of the hospital when I arrived…
His family was coming for the Easter weekend, so lots of activity, not to mention lots and lots of food, were all going on at his house. I’d gotten a room at a nearby motel, but neither he nor his wife, Bobbie, would hear of that; so, I reluctantly moved over to his house. I’d mentioned that I didn’t want to impose, especially with all that family present, and he’d responded that “they’re your family, too!” Indeed! That’s precisely how I was received and treated… as though I were just one of the clan! I truly had an amazing time being with ‘family’, and it was really good to spend some time with a dear friend.
With my own health issues looming large on the horizon, I made my exit and pointed ALI’s front wheel towards central Tennessee. Big Wolf (Jerry) has been my coach, helper, and host throughout my experience with the Vanderbilt Health Care System, and he’s done a commendable job aiding me with understanding all that was going-on, what to expect, and how to deal with various things as they arose. This guy has been a good friend and invaluable resource at a time I sorely needed one! It would have been a very different and far more difficult process had I done it all alone…
I left Jerry’s place in Rickman, TN, and our girl transported us to Clinton, TN. Lucky 13 (Gordon) is going to replace my front brake pads… Trout Dude hadn’t had any ‘in stock’ when I was there and he’d discovered I needed them… Gordon agreed to replace mine, so I had two sets shipped to his house… since I’d be in that neighborhood and time was an issue for me…
The ride over to Gordon’s place was an unbelievably good ride! It was the first time I’d been aboard her following the doctor’s visit the day before, and it was about as good a day as one could ask for to go riding! Clear sky, no clouds, light wind, light traffic, smooth twisty roads, brisk but not cold temps, and mind-bogglingly good news still being digested!!! A natural high unlike anything I’ve felt before, and it was absolutely fabulous!
At my first ‘break’ I returned a call to my land-lady, and we shared the joy and lots of giddy chatter, as we reveled in the goodness of things generally in our lives! I mentioned to her that Jerry had a couple of unfinished projects he needed to complete, so we were going to have to delay our departure for the west by a week or two. I then told her I was torn between returning to Florida or just meandering around a bit, and she responded… ‘Go meander! You know that’s what you need to do, and things are fine down here.” What a gal!!!
Sweet Cheeks dropped by Gordon’s place on her way from Alabama to North Carolina… and then the Grand Canyon and San Francisco. She’s on a sort of solo long-cut ride through the Smoky Mountains… A remarkable person with her own interesting story, but one who has popped into our ‘family’ and made an impact. I’ve done some trekking with her along, and I can confirm she is the real deal, a good rider, a fiercely independent spirit, and a very good travel companion… Much to respect in that package!
So, here I sit… with time on my hands and nothing in particular to do for a week or two… and wondering what I should do… I know! I’ll follow my doctor’s and my land-lady’s advice and let ALI take me to some unexpected adventure!!!
DDT
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« Last Edit: July 05, 2019, 03:31:40 AM by DDT »
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Don't just dream it... LIVE IT!
See ya down the road...
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DirtyDan
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« Reply #1 on: April 28, 2019, 07:08:45 AM » |
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Sounds like......GOOD news
Good to hear, stay vertical
Dan
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Do it while you can. I did.... it my way
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Beardo
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« Reply #2 on: April 28, 2019, 07:15:22 AM » |
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Best post ever!
Great news!!!
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Sweet Cheeks
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« Reply #3 on: April 28, 2019, 07:28:09 AM » |
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I was/am very happy to share your good news and to just sit and catch up. With your positive outlook, God had to see things in your favor. Enjoy the good report, Ali, and that open, endless highway.
Till we meet again my friend ....
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I am pretty sure my last words will be ... “Well crap! That didn’t work!”
2004 VTX 1300 (sold)
1998 Tourer
2003 Standard
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Bighead
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« Reply #5 on: April 28, 2019, 07:45:18 AM » |
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Great to hear Bruce!!!!
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1997 Bumble Bee
1999 Interstate (sold)
2016 Wing
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Valkorado
Member
Posts: 10503
VRCC DS 0242
Gunnison, Colorado (7,703') Here there be twisties.
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« Reply #6 on: April 28, 2019, 08:29:27 AM » |
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1,000,000+ miles on the horizon. Go get 'em, Bruce!  |
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Have you ever noticed when you're feeling really good, there's always a pigeon that'll come sh!t on your hood? - John Prine 97 Tourer "Silver Bullet" 01 Interstate "Ruby"  |
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da prez
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« Reply #7 on: April 28, 2019, 08:58:30 AM » |
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Bruce , I will be looking for you at IZ my friend.
da prez
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RainMaker
Member
Posts: 6626
VRCC#24130 - VRCCDS#0117 - IBA#48473
Arlington, TX
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« Reply #9 on: April 28, 2019, 10:05:47 AM » |
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Made my year reading this. Go ride!!!!
RainMaker
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 2005 BMW R1200 GS 2000 Valkyrie Interstate 1998 Valkyrie Tourer 1981 GL1100I GoldWing 1972 CB500K1 |
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John Schmidt
Member
Posts: 15240
a/k/a Stuffy. '99 I/S Valk Roadsmith Trike
De Pere, WI (Green Bay)
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« Reply #10 on: April 28, 2019, 10:24:07 AM » |
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Bruce....you couldn't ask for better news. Fantastic, now go enjoy the open highway with that load gone from your mind. I get my results this Wednesday now that he's done ferreting around down there following that procedure last Tuesday. |
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old2soon
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« Reply #11 on: April 28, 2019, 11:06:35 AM » |
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I agree with what some others have already stated-Best Post EVER! Far as Sweet Cheeks ridin goes da prez and I were fortunate enough to to ride over to Devils Tower with her in 15. Wsan't an issue but she stopped often for photo ops!  She KNOWS what she's bout on a motorsickle. Go chase some wind there Bruce.  RIDE SAFE. |
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Today is the tommorow you worried about yesterday. If at first you don't succeed screw it-save it for nite check. 1964 1968 U S Navy. Two cruises off Nam.
VRCCDS0240 2012 GL1800 Gold Wing Motor Trike conversion
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OnaWingandaPrayer
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« Reply #12 on: April 28, 2019, 11:19:33 AM » |
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Happy to hear you have the good news . Enjoy the wind wherever Ali takes you.
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JimmyG
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« Reply #13 on: April 28, 2019, 12:12:05 PM » |
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Be goo0d to see you soon and celebrate good news...
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Big Rick
Member
Posts: 176
2000 Valkyrie Interstate
Franklin....Ohio
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« Reply #14 on: April 28, 2019, 01:30:42 PM » |
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Now that is great news, glad you got the go ahead to meander.....go enjoy
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Rams
Member
Posts: 16326
So many colors to choose from yet so few stand out
Covington, TN
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« Reply #16 on: April 28, 2019, 02:58:17 PM » |
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Wonderful news for a great guy. Some folks are blessed and I couldn't be happier for us. Bruce is gonna be catching more wind! Rams |
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VRCC# 29981
Learning the majority of life's lessons the hard way.
Every trip is an adventure, enjoy it while it lasts.
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The emperor has no clothes
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« Reply #17 on: April 28, 2019, 05:42:19 PM » |
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Bruce , I will be looking for you at IZ my friend.
da prez
Ross, he’s usually pretty easy to find.   |
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John Schmidt
Member
Posts: 15240
a/k/a Stuffy. '99 I/S Valk Roadsmith Trike
De Pere, WI (Green Bay)
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« Reply #18 on: April 28, 2019, 05:52:22 PM » |
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Pappy!
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« Reply #19 on: April 28, 2019, 06:07:15 PM » |
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Been waiting and hoping to see this post from you, DDT!
We can thank the man upstairs and a good Doctor.
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Bigwolf
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« Reply #20 on: April 28, 2019, 06:15:17 PM » |
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Great post Bruce! Obviously your doctor and your land lady both know what is best for you. I believe that you know it too! Very soon now we will both be meandering around this continent. I hate that I am having to delay the start of that excursion, but I will soon have these projects knocked out and you will be getting that call. Then it will just be a matter of where we intersect paths and begin the meandering in ernest. |
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Oss
Member
Posts: 12635
The lower Hudson Valley
Ossining NY Chapter Rep VRCCDS0141
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« Reply #21 on: April 28, 2019, 06:39:27 PM » |
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You sure know how to brighten the day around here
We are very happy for you, now go out and do what you do
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If you don't know where your going any road will take you there
George Harrison
When you come to the fork in the road, take it
Yogi Berra (Don't send it to me C.O.D.)
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DarkSideR
Member
Posts: 1793
To be good, and to do good, is all we have to do.
Pueblo, Colorado
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« Reply #22 on: April 28, 2019, 07:05:20 PM » |
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YES, that is good news.
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2001 Valkyrie Super Tourer VRCC#34410 VRCCDS#0263  |
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Black Dog
Member
Posts: 2606
VRCC # 7111
Merton Wisconsin 53029
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« Reply #23 on: April 28, 2019, 07:21:43 PM » |
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Just when the highway straightened out for a mile And I was thinkin' I'd just cruise for a while A fork in the road brought a new episode Don't you know... Conform, go crazy, or ride a motorcycle...  |
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« Reply #24 on: April 28, 2019, 09:12:56 PM » |
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On the road again.
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robin
Member
Posts: 2335
Get on it and RIDE!!
Hardwick NJ
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« Reply #25 on: April 29, 2019, 04:37:49 AM » |
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Great news Bruce really good to hear i'll see ya down the road somewhere |
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baird4444
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« Reply #26 on: April 29, 2019, 09:38:04 AM » |
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All great news....
just go RIDE.....
- Mike
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Riding a motorcycle isn't like driving a car....
- ya gotta be SOBER!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"You can't drink all day if you don't start in the morning!! "
-Cody Baird
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3fan4life
Member
Posts: 6959
Any day that you ride is a good day!
Moneta, VA
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« Reply #27 on: April 29, 2019, 10:16:12 AM » |
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GREAT NEWS !!! Now your goal should be to get you and Ali into the 1,000,000 mile club. |
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1 Corinthians 1:18  |
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t-man403
Member
Posts: 1673
Valk-a-maniac
Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
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« Reply #28 on: April 29, 2019, 12:59:45 PM » |
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Was looking for a happy ending so I read from the bottom up! That post works either direction. Onward and upward my friend! |
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"Men are like steel. When they lose their temper, they lose their worth". Chuck Norris
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threevalks
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« Reply #29 on: April 29, 2019, 01:13:17 PM » |
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Wonderful news.
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If you're gonna be stupid, ya gota be tough  |
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Farside
Member
Posts: 2548
Let's get going!
Milton,FL
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« Reply #30 on: April 29, 2019, 01:57:18 PM » |
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 Awesome Bruce, I had a good feeling about your condiction being caught well ahead of time and the prayers being offered up to you were many. Really happy that you can carry-on so we can all read your post. Nice to see Janice caught up with you too. If you get my way let me know
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Farside
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DDT (12)
Member
Posts: 4118
Sometimes ya just gotta go...
Winter Springs, FL - Occasionally...
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« Reply #31 on: April 29, 2019, 03:06:55 PM » |
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I sincerely appreciate all of the good thoughts, prayers, and most of all the boundless encouragement. I admit to having a few weak moments during all of this. I couldn’t help but acknowledge the very real possibility this could all go badly.
Being positive and hopeful is a good and productive mental state, for sure, but wishful thinking alone won’t turn the tide… I attempted to thread the needle between pessimism, optimism, reality and possibilities… and to do contingency planning for various outcomes. My marksmanship was not perfect! Sustaining me through some of the darker times, though, were my dear friends keeping my spirits up and my eyes on the prize. Thanks everybody!!!
DDT
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Don't just dream it... LIVE IT!
See ya down the road...
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T.P.
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« Reply #32 on: April 30, 2019, 02:05:05 PM » |
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WHOOO HOOOO! See ya in TAOS T.P. |
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"Well you can call me T, or you can call me P, or you can call me T.P. but you doesn't hasta call me Toilet Paper"
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Asian Redneck
Member
Posts: 18
1998 Standard
Roswell, GA
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« Reply #33 on: May 03, 2019, 09:46:27 AM » |
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Great news! Keep riding! It’s great therapy!
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1998 Valkyrie (new to me)
2002 Suzuki VL 800
1967 Jawa
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