Coddiewomple Interrupted...

[DDT (12)]

Our most recent ‘coddiewomple’ had actually been interrupted back while we were still in Idaho; the exact moment of the very day this curious seeker of personal growth finally made the decision to attend the Yooper Ride after all. That amazing travel aspect so treasured by this happy trekker was never to be restarted again, it turned out, for the remainder of that open-ended journey either.

Nope, from the instant that fateful call had been made, every day thereafter had an intended destination or target determined in advance. That might not seem like much to most folks, but to this committed gypsy with a chronic case of wanderlust it most certainly did… There we go again with those trade-offs and compromises…!
 
It was a good trade-off, though, as we later found ourselves happily bouncing from one gathering to another, from this pleasant assembly of friends to that with amazing discoveries and good riding all along the way, and then ultimately back to ‘home base’ again. We’d been out for three months this time and something over ten-thousand miles.

Every inch of that outing had been a most pleasurable celebration of the ‘dessert of life’, too. The fulfillment of long-ago dreams and fantasies… of once hoped for adventures previously only imagined that had actually become today’s reality! This once naïve youth with few prospects had indeed become a most fortunate far-rider!
 
The Michigan Picnic had just come and gone, so it then became time for Mitch and his most recent traveling companion to part ways. We’d just spent more time together than…. well, in a long time! Funny how we can get used to being with someone, particularly someone easy to be with, and then feel a bit of a let-down when we finally reach the point of separation.
 
The ‘normal’ for this trekker is being alone, and the more that condition is pursued, the more ‘normal’ it seems. However, the passage of a pleasant interlude with a very good traveling companion also becomes… well, rather normal. Whatever we’ve been doing recently seems to form a short-term familiarity, I suppose, a regularity of sorts, and when the inevitable change does occur, it is noticed… sometimes it even feels rather awkward, but it always feels at least ‘a bit out of the ordinary’ at first.
 
Mitch departed first, heading towards his home in Illinois. He had overdue ‘Honey-Dos’ outstanding, plus his parole was about to expire. His recent partner stayed another night in Jackson, MI, to… do laundry, rest, nap, write, watch TV… all the usual things done to accommodate procrastination while regrouping and re-collecting thoughts. Not having a schedule or ‘boss’ does have certain obvious advantages!
 
Yours truly did lazily leave the following morning, though, and the new course was for Rickman, TN. Big Wolf had graciously agreed to replace our girl’s front tire, with its now ever more rapidly disappearing tread, with a brand-new Bridgestone Exedra drop-shipped to his house. It would be good to spend a day or two with yet another good traveling companion… Who knew… perhaps afterward he might even be up for a little ride himself…?
 
The ride to Tennessee was turned into a three-day affair, partly due to the onset of rain the first day and the resultant delay, but also partly due to the complete lack of urgency. A rather pleasant scoot, actually, with no issues but no noteworthy happenings either. OK, there was that remarkably good buffet meal I’d enjoyed next door to the motel that first evening… No kidding, it was downright fabulous, and… If you must know, the answer is ‘yes’, I did overindulge… No coconut pie, though…
 
My arrival at the lair of Big Wolf was also almost un-noteworthy, as well. It did have that one distinction, though, of a marvelous snack having been prepared by our latest host… He’d fried a bunch of bacon in anticipation of my… you know… A genuine treat for sure, and that set a positive tone for good things sure to follow!
 
Jerry (Big Wolf) had made his own 'cootie barrier' PC facemask; you know, so he could join others in gesturing towards ‘stopping the spread’… (I understand a prominent doctor in Canada is now strongly recommending masks be worn even during sex… Really…?)

A useful feature… Jerry is such a practical guy…
image hosting sites
 
I’d planned to head from ‘Wolf Den’ on down to Montgomery, AL, for a new crown to be installed on my front tooth nub, left bare by eating some ‘crispy’ bacon I’d badly burnt a couple of months before. Being frugal (and/or addicted!) can most assuredly have a drawback or two… Anyway, my dentist’s helpers had worked me into their busy schedule, so… as long as I was in the ‘hood’ anyway… Time to finally address that glaring boo-boo.
 
Following the front tire replacement on our girl, this grateful beneficiary popped the big question to his magnanimous benefactor: "Wanna ride with me to the setting of ‘Rosa’s renowned refusal to relinquish her respite repose’?" Predictably he responded with an enthusiastically affirmative reply. Naturally, that would depend entirely upon the grudging acquiescence of the boss, though…

Now Mural, known as ‘Crazy Beech’ to many, is actually a very nice person. Alas, she has become yet another wife in the pantheon of those who have over time become really uneasy whenever they find out I’m on my way. It appears they don’t enjoy being ‘rider widows’ for some mysterious reason, and several, in fact, now require their spouses to first surrender their passports before they can ride off with me. Imagine that…
 
She did passively and totally unenthusiastically grant her noticeably tepid permission (more of a reluctant concession). I can’t be sure, but I strongly suspect there may have been a bit more to her dismay communicated beyond earshot for this harbinger of lonely nights to follow… Still, Jerry did claim to have spotted the narrowest of a glimmer of opportunity in all of that rhetorical displeasure, so we departed ASAP before the winds of wrath could shift and blow more strongly in our direction.
 
The weather forecast had not been very encouraging, so we’d figured on probably two days to ride the entire distance… Nope, we got away around 5am that fateful morning, traffic was impressively light, the sky remarkably clear, the temps unexpectedly mild… Yep, we ended up hitting the ‘smooth lane’ just about perfectly, so we made it all the way to the final home of Hank Williams in one jaunt!
 
We also found ourselves just in time for the regular Sunday evening posse gathering down at the same ole watering hole… Don’t ya just love it when all the pieces just seem to fall into place so effortlessly?! As always, it was really great to hang out with old and dear friends, not to mention the partaking of a couple of ‘grain sandwiches’ during the process… Sometimes, it’s just plain good to be sociable…
 
Well, Jerry managed two nights down in the first capital of… better not mention that… Anyway, we’d had our eye on a couple of tropical storms brewing and apparently heading for the northern Gulf of Mexico coast of the US. Neither of us live in any danger zone for storm surge or direct impact, but nearly everybody in the southeast can expect a likely rain event from such… The weather patterns are just that way; therefore, nothing else to do but figure on it.
 
So, our previously thought about ride over to Hattiesburg, MS, and maybe beyond had to be put on hold. Later when one of those storms turned into a hurricane and drew a bullseye on southwestern Louisiana, it became obvious our plans just were not in the cards… Jerry prepared to return home, and this usually somewhat lost sojourner continued scratching his head… Jerry left, and ole snaggle-tooth visited his dentist… He made it home in one mostly dry day, Mural got her spouse back sooner than expected, and I got an improved look all at the same time! A trifecta for sure! How about that!
 
Well, nothing more fitting to do than take that additional step to make it a ‘grand slam’ by celebrating being dry and safely hunkered-down plus having a much-improved smile… The posse just happened to be holding another regular gathering at another, and my personal favorite, local watering hole, so… Most certainly, you may rest assured a good time was had by all… You may also safely assume I was mighty proud to be there…
 
DDT
 

[Rams]

 
Anyway, we’d had our eye on a couple of tropical storms brewing and apparently heading for the northern Gulf of Mexico coast of the US. Neither of us live in any danger zone for storm surge or direct impact, but nearly everybody in the southeast can expect a likely rain event from such… The weather patterns are just that way; therefore, nothing else to do but figure on it.
 
So, our previously thought about ride over to Hattiesburg, MS, and maybe beyond had to be put on hold. Later when one of those storms turned into a hurricane and drew a bullseye on southwestern Louisiana, it became obvious our plans just were not in the cards…
DDT
 

Local authorities are pretty well prepared for such events like hurricanes, they normally get a warning and adjust Emergency Management and Law Enforcement to allow for such things.   But, having both a hurricane and a visit from you and Jerry may call for additional measures.   

While I love it when good friends stop by, it's only fair to warn city, county and state officials of such impending events.     

Rams 

[DDT (12)]

Ron,

I wonder if that will still be necessary once the police have been defunded and social justice fully legislated...? You know, when we're all living happily ever after...

DDT

[Bret SD]

DDT, enjoyed reading that!

Do you have a blog?

Thanks

 Bret

[Bighead]

DDT, enjoyed reading that!

Do you have a blog?

Thanks

 Bret

Yep it is right here

[DDT (12)]

Bret,

Nope, no blog... what Bighead said... I just post a story now and then on this board... Thanks for the comment, though, and the thought!

DDT

[Alien]

I really like your stories.  Second only to Solo1, RIP.

Ride Safe,

Alien

[DDT (12)]

I really like your stories.  Second only to Solo1, RIP.

Ride Safe,

Alien

Alien,

Thanks! Really nice thing to say... Yeah, he was one of a kind for sure, and I too enjoy his insights... even now. Thanks to his sons, his stories are still with us!

DDT

[The emperor has no clothes]

  Good story (again)

[DDT (12)]

Good story (again)

Rob,

Thanks, my friend! I truly am living the dream!!!

DDT

[Wizzard]

yes you are Bruce. One of these days,, can't wait. 

[DDT (12)]

yes you are Bruce. One of these days,, can't wait. 

Randy,

You've had much more than a 'taste' of this life, so you already have a good idea of what's out there... Nothing else like it, for sure! I understand you have to pick your time and circumstance, but... Trust me, you don't want to wind-up missing it!!! Make your plans, as that's only wise... However, do pull the trigger, though, as that can seem the hardest part of all, but it is absolutely necessary!!! Hope to see ya out yonder sometime, someplace... I'll know your status by the look on your face!!!

DDT

[Ice]

Bruce, again another great read, thanks for letting us tag along. Enjoyed every second of it. 
One of these days we hope to enjoy the freedom you do. You are an inspiration my friend.
Keep on keeping on.

[DDT (12)]

Bruce, again another great read, thanks for letting us tag along. Enjoyed every second of it.  
One of these days we hope to enjoy the freedom you do. You are an inspiration my friend.
Keep on keeping on.

Yuri,

Thanks for the nice reply! You and Petra are 'naturals' for living the dream... It is in large measure about precisely that... Freedom! Freedom from limits, restrictions, boundaries; the actual ability to think and do as we choose... not having responsibility or commitments mandating our course. A tough mental exercise to switch gears for those of us who've spent our entire lives up to that point smack in the middle of all we desired to escape! It can be done, though, and once it has, well... you seem to understand all of that, so... Best of luck with your dreams... Looking forward to seeing y'all down the road someplace!!!

DDT

[Farside]

  Nice read to catch up with your travels Bruce. Sounded like another nice trip of catching up with good buddies. Now lets see that smile  I"m next in line for some dental work Did you get close to the house; just checking I haven't been on the working road too much since my clinents are still somewhat slow to open. Hopefully we'll see you at Jerry & Sherry's Dec. 5 weekend. 

[DDT (12)]

Nice read to catch up with your travels Bruce. Sounded like another nice trip of catching up with good buddies. Now lets see that smile  I"m next in line for some dental work Did you get close to the house; just checking I haven't been on the working road too much since my clinents are still somewhat slow to open. Hopefully we'll see you at Jerry & Sherry's Dec. 5 weekend. 

Keith,

Yeah, it was a rather nice several days of... the usual good times with pals! Good luck with your turn in the dentist's chair! Hope your experience is as good as mine turned out to be.

I was fairly close to your place, but... you know how that goes... I was 'on a mission', plus I was distracted with other issues... may be we can get together another time. I'm composing another post that will partially explain that... portion of the ride...

BTW, that big walk you recently took was mighty impressive to this 'couple of steps at a time' walker! Might see ya at Jerry & Sherry's, but... well, you know how that goes, too... Thanks for the reply... Hope to see ya down the road again... maybe!

DDT

[mbramley]

 Thanks for the read Bruce. I....can't find the right word, aspire I guess would be appropriate to live some day in some small fashion to your writings. I doubt if I will ever afford to follow those travelings but do enjoy reading about yours. I'm just starting on Solo 1's and enjoying his stories as well. Hope to cross paths on the road someday. And a HUGE thanks for at least what appears to me, to be not putting politics into riding.

[Rams]

   
Coddiewomple Interrupted...

This thought crossed my mind, how can a true Coddiewomple have his trip interrupted?

I mean really, if one has no real destination in mind, not getting there does seem somewhat of a non-problem. 

Not meant as a challenge, I think the moniker is very applicable. 

Rams   

[DDT (12)]

Thanks for the read Bruce. I....can't find the right word, aspire I guess would be appropriate to live some day in some small fashion to your writings. I doubt if I will ever afford to follow those travelings but do enjoy reading about yours. I'm just starting on Solo 1's and enjoying his stories as well. Hope to cross paths on the road someday. And a HUGE thanks for at least what appears to me, to be not putting politics into riding.

Bram,

I deeply appreciate your comments! I must admit that, IMHO, I'm the luckiest guy I've ever personally known! I've often reflected on how everything that has led me to this point seemed to have been a stepping stone, a prelude to what would later follow, all leading me here. I have no idea if it was destiny or pre-ordination, or mere happenstance, but whatever it was/is, I'm most grateful for it all! Most riders are not cut out for 'all' of the aspects of this journey, but for those who are... I do hope their (your) 'aspirations' are fulfilled!

As for 'politics', well... I simply don't see a place for the so-called debates, dueling diatribes, or personal insults hurled at one another, especially in a setting like this... On the other hand, I sometimes find it difficult to resist calling attention to some of the absurdities I see playing out 'in the name of and for the benefit of... the American people'! The 'made for TV' posturing by the pros more often than not is specifically designed to divide us... I find that particularly sad, as our true strength clearly lies in uniting... Oh well...

Again, thanks for your kind words... Self-discovery is an unbelievably rewarding enterprise. I think you already have an idea about the value of that, though! Wandering around out yonder and meeting all people from all backgrounds is also among the most enlightening exercises I've ever undertaken! Doing all of that from 'behind bars' perched upon the saddle of a phat gurl, well... Good luck! I do hope you find lots of that for yourself!!!

DDT

[DDT (12)]

   
Coddiewomple Interrupted...

This thought crossed my mind, how can a true Coddiewomple have his trip interrupted?

I mean really, if one has no real destination in mind, not getting there does seem somewhat of a non-problem. 

Not meant as a challenge, I think the moniker is very applicable. 

Rams   

Ron,

I suppose it's all in the eye of the beholder... I've never claimed to be the brightest bulb in the pack, so... it is entirely possible I am completely wrong in my thinking on this. What is undeniably true, however, is that the ride from Idaho that led us eventually home was an absolutely wonderful, yet virtually totally unscripted experience! In that sense, I do see your point...

So many unplanned and/or unintended occurrences... so many encounters with so many unexpected characters... So much of what could never have been anticipated, yet was all there, recognizable and in full view... There are, for this curious wanderer anyway, no routines or boring events... Quite literally 'everything' has at least some degree of newness, some previously unnoticed or not considered aspect, and therefore every single thing is worth the effort to undertake! I do love it so... no matter how one might choose to paraphrase the events...

DDT

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

Always enjoy reading your post Bruce.

[DDT (12)]

Joe,

Thanks, my friend! I remember that ride and momentous visit to... Yeah, that entire ride was memorable, with that start-off visit setting the stage and tone for much more merriment to follow! Heck, it's about time we did some more of that, don't ya think?

DDT

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

Joe,

Thanks, my friend! I remember that ride and momentous visit to... Yeah, that entire ride was memorable, with that start-off visit setting the stage and tone for much more merriment to follow! Heck, it's about time we did some more of that, don't ya think?

DDT

Hopefully a after Christmas ride toward the southern states this year. Weather pending     Stay safe my friend. Are you going to Mac's ride in November this year in Cookeville TN  ? I think Ali was at or near 600,000 miles when I took this picture on that ride in Cookeville. I'm working in Cookeville now and staying at The Best Western Thunderbird.

[DDT (12)]

Joe,

At the moment I'm leaning heavily towards all of the usual rides that time of year... I never know what... or where... I might be doing anything, however... Sure enjoy hanging with all my buds, though, so it's definitely on my mind! Our girl is up to 675K now... She's hanging in there very well, but her rider... well... he's showing his age more and more...

Had some text message exchanges with HJ (Harley Joe, Joe Peterson) the other day. He's loaded up and heading out to Taos, NM, right now, actually left yesterday morning. Trailering his Hog out there, but he wants to do some riding around... Sure is good to see him this far along!

He had a heart transplant about the same time I had my prostate removed (February 2019). While things went rather well for me, his body struggled with rejection, and his progress has been very slow. Still, it pleasures me considerable to learn of his upcoming adventures!!! He might even make it to some of the big Fall rides down our way!!!

Stay cool, my friend... Watch out for those long hours and monotonous job routines... You're nearing the 'finish-line' now, and we got some touring to do!!!

DDT

[mbramley]

Thanks for the read Bruce. I....can't find the right word, aspire I guess would be appropriate to live some day in some small fashion to your writings. I doubt if I will ever afford to follow those travelings but do enjoy reading about yours. I'm just starting on Solo 1's and enjoying his stories as well. Hope to cross paths on the road someday. And a HUGE thanks for at least what appears to me, to be not putting politics into riding.

Bram,

I deeply appreciate your comments! I must admit that, IMHO, I'm the luckiest guy I've ever personally known! I've often reflected on how everything that has led me to this point seemed to have been a stepping stone, a prelude to what would later follow, all leading me here. I have no idea if it was destiny or pre-ordination, or mere happenstance, but whatever it was/is, I'm most grateful for it all! Most riders are not cut out for 'all' of the aspects of this journey, but for those who are... I do hope their (your) 'aspirations' are fulfilled!

As for 'politics', well... I simply don't see a place for the so-called debates, dueling diatribes, or personal insults hurled at one another, especially in a setting like this... On the other hand, I sometimes find it difficult to resist calling attention to some of the absurdities I see playing out 'in the name of and for the benefit of... the American people'! The 'made for TV' posturing by the pros more often than not is specifically designed to divide us... I find that particularly sad, as our true strength clearly lies in uniting... Oh well...

Again, thanks for your kind words... Self-discovery is an unbelievably rewarding enterprise. I think you already have an idea about the value of that, though! Wandering around out yonder and meeting all people from all backgrounds is also among the most enlightening exercises I've ever undertaken! Doing all of that from 'behind bars' perched upon the saddle of a phat gurl, well... Good luck! I do hope you find lots of that for yourself!!!

DDT

  I really do doubt that I will ever be up to all the aspects of your journey, mine has yet to be seen. I am starting off "slow" by attending the last 3 Inzanes. By some riders standard that would be considered a lot of riding, but from what I have seen and spoke to members of this group that is barely a start.That in itself has taught me I want to see more, as much as possible "in the wind". I have traveled by cage to many nice destinations but there is the difference in my book. In the car or truck it always seems to be the destination where I am trying to make it the journey, and to me that seems to be what you have done so well.

[DDT (12)]

Bram,

Never say 'never'... We all must first crawl, then stumble before we can eventually run. Just having the desire is a major step in the right direction! You've already picked up on at least one of the most powerful distinctions between riding and driving...

I liken it to the difference between playing and merely watching sporting events... Those in the bleachers do attend the game, but they never fully get the true joy of actually being down on the field! Some folks are content with being spectators, while others, like you, have more compelling ambitions... I do wish you luck... Thanks for your comments and for sharing your thoughts... It's always good to hear from kindred spirits...

DDT

[Bigwolf]

Bruce,
Once again I have enjoyed reading a post you have made.  I believe the contrast between solo coddiewomple and traveling intentionally to spend time with friends probably enhances both endeavors.

For me, the ride to Montgomery, the night out with the “posse”, and the ride back home, although planned  and all major roads, was certainly enjoyed.  Thanks for inviting me to make the trip.

Those photos are rather spooky looking!


Bigwolf

[DDT (12)]

Jerry,

Yeah, spooky photos, alright! Can't do much about that, however, as those were part of the 'story' too... What a time I've had! The coddiewomple was absolutely amazing, generally exceeding my expectations at ever turn. That other more structured part of the ride was also, just as you pointed out, in large measure because so many good friends were involved at various steps along the way... that final phase, in particular...

The Montgomery environs hold a special magic and many fond memories for this accidental former resident... That all due to the wonderful friendships I've formed over the years with some pretty incredible folks there. I do enjoy 'showing it off' to others, just as I've done with you and some of my other friends several times.

It helps a great deal that you 'travel well', and having you along on rides is always a plus... Thanks! Oh, and thanks a ton for the hospitality at your place, the bacon snack surprise, and for changing our girl's front tire! I can't help but wonder if your boss might let you out for yet another scoot one of these days... I have my fingers crossed...

DDT

[Bret SD]

"At the moment I'm leaning heavily towards all of the usual rides that time of year... I never know what... or where... I might be doing anything, however... Sure enjoy hanging with all my buds, though, so it's definitely on my mind! Our girl is up to 675K now... She's hanging in there very well, but her rider... well... he's showing his age more and more..."

Bruce, I read this and my eyes almost popped out of my head! Is that mileage on the original motor without a rebuild?

[DDT (12)]

Bret,

Yes, it is. Remarkable scoots, these Valks of ours! Everything from the universal joint back has been replaced multiple times, but the engine and transmission appear at this stage to be unbreakable (the starboard side 'head' had to be replaced once - a long story). Still has the original clutch, too. My Harley buds think I may be a bit overboard with my claims; however... there are no 'claims' or brags involved... Just our girl and her tender rider doing what we do... living large and loving life!

She adopted yours truly while she sat on the showroom floor that cold, snowy day in North Carolina, January 7th, 1999. We've averaged just over 30K per year since. A couple of years we actually traveled less than 10K, most over 30K, though, and several years we piled up over 45K... once or twice even surpassing 50K. Ours has not been about miles or records, though, more about smiles and relishing the 'vision quest' that resulted from our union. It's been a heck-of-a-journey!

DDT

[Bret SD]

Bret,

Yes, it is. Remarkable scoots, these Valks of ours! Everything from the universal joint back has been replaced multiple times, but the engine and transmission appear at this stage to be unbreakable (the starboard side 'head' had to be replaced once - a long story). Still has the original clutch, too. My Harley buds think I may be a bit overboard with my claims; however... there are no 'claims' or brags involved... Just our girl and her tender rider doing what we do... living large and loving life!

She adopted yours truly while she sat on the showroom floor that cold, snowy day in North Carolina, January 7th, 1999. We've averaged just over 30K per year since. A couple of years we actually traveled less than 10K, most over 30K, though, and several years we piled up over 45K... once or twice even surpassing 50K. Ours has not been about miles or records, though, more about smiles and relishing the 'vision quest' that resulted from our union. It's been a heck-of-a-journey!

DDT

I'm like.. totally jelly.. haha, a little dopey youngster lingo for ya.

It feels good getting in near 10k in a year on a bike. I've had my Valk for a little less than 2 years and also own an 82 GL1100 Aspencade. The GW sits most of the time which makes me feel a little guilty, but I just can't stay off the Valkyrie. To be fair the GW needs some mirror work, I can't rely on them not to move around and haven't had time to fix them, I want to put some handlebar mirrors on and call it a day which would be a fairly cheap and quick fix.
My best pal has ridden Harley's for 20 years and seems to love it, he gets extended warranties on his bikes. He rode 30k+  anually when living in SoCal, now he's in Kentucky so winter puts a damper on miles. He sold his Road King recently with 150k on it I believe, with the same good running motor. I think to get the most miles on a bike you have to ride them often and keep up on maintenance.. even Harley's will perform for awhile that way.

I'm learning to really trust my Valk to perform faithfully, the more I ride her the more I'm in awe of the engineering that went into her. I haven't had the chance to go on an extended journey yet, but it's coming.