A Pleasant Surprise…

[DDT (12)]

A Pleasant Surprise…
 
The always to me enjoyable silence was abruptly interrupted when the ole smartphone commenced the announcement somebody was seeking to contact me, just as I was trying to navigate some pesky traffic and make a left turn… “Wonder if this is another sales/spam call?” I’d wondered to myself. Yeah, I get them, too...

I do get the occasional annoying contact attempt from those who apparently have a strong, well-funded lobby cadre working diligently to keep their ‘robo’ calls allowed in spite of the near universal dislike of them. Nope, it was none other than Sweet Cheeks herself! Been a while since last we’d spoken, longer still since we’d actually shared some wind together. Hmmm…
 
Those who know me know that if I don’t recognize a number, I won’t answer. They then leave a voicemail so I can return the call. I did recognize her number, however, but I simply wasn’t able to take her call right then. Her message indicated she would be riding through Montgomery and wanted us to have dinner together, if possible… Well, heck yeah! I happily returned her call.
 
She’d just finished her therapy and rehabilitation processes due to a rather nasty wound to her left wrist she’d received from a dog bite… Like with many of us, having her clutch-hand out of commission resulting in her being sidelined and unable to ride had taken a heavy toll on her psyche, so she was eager to return to that addicting passion most of us on here have in common… and she especially wanted to return to trekking.
 
She’d received clearance from both her doctor and spouse, so she was off to Florida aboard ‘BOB’ to attend one of those mandatory appearance things for her granddaughter… a cheerleading competition, I seem to recall. From there she’d meander up to a bike event in Arkansas… then ultimately find her way to her other home in Colorado… The timing, of course… was entirely weather pending…
 
She also planned to stop in Montgomery on her way south to look in on her mother, so it was during that leg of her journey we’d attempt to meet. We did. Yep, at Jan’s Beach House, no less, and we not only got to catch up on old times, but she also got introduced to some of my best friends in the entire universe… and they to her. See, those folks are mighty special to me, and… she has become one of those amazing characters who has also enriched my life… So much more to it, though, than merely shared experiences on rides through interesting places…
 
Some folks just come along now and then whom we find entirely worthwhile plus fascinating and intriguing. Over time a mutual respect, trust, and level of affection develops, and special friendships are formed. Nothing like all of the more typical casual acquaintances with whom we form connections, and also quite different from our more intimate, loving relationships with partners and spouses…

Associations with those few with whom life rewards us with a much deeper feeling, and the bonds are far stronger than most… Different, actually, from any other relationships we may form… Sweet Cheeks is one of those for this mostly solitary rider, as are the posse members in Montgomery… It was high time they met…
 
On the surface, nothing special seemed to have happened… In reality, however, bonds were being strengthened, imaginations were being titillated, and enjoyment was being had at deeper levels than most might observe or even suspect. Janice heard some wild tales (all true, let me quickly add), and she got to tell some of her own (also quite true). I had the distinct but unfortunately rather rare opportunity to hang out with some of the more notable ‘celebrities’ I’ve come across, and… you know… a good time was had by all…
 
There was another important aspect to all of this, as well. I’d up until that very day been figuring on riding over to Mississippi after my doctor doings to join up with another friend of mine, then riding with him to Kansas… Well, work got in the way for my friend for at least another week, so I’d just automatically figured on heading towards the barn to lay idly around for several days…
 
After being seriously stimulated by the tales of adventure my wandering friend was undertaking, however, I reconsidered… Yep, I got a whole new outlook on the next period of time to come… Maybe the time is right for us to head back to west Texas, perhaps beyond… I am long overdue for an extended trek… predictably, our girl seems quite willing, too…

Maybe I’d better consult the celestial bodies in the havens first, though, just to make sure they’re all favorably aligned… This just could be the beginning of something really big, ya know, and I want to get off on the right foot… or wheel!
 
DDT

[The emperor has no clothes]

Sadly, I only met Sweet Cheeks the one time in Spearfish. Only had a minute or so to talk. But some people you can tell right off they are top notch. 

[Farside]

  Well I know you, Janice=Sweet Cheeks and the Montgomery crew had a good time. I could only imagine. I'm sure the stories shared got you all rejuvenated in some way  I was hoping to meet up with Janice in Marianna today but it wasn't in the cards. She told me she had meet up with you and passed on your Greetings, back at you bud. She actually made it past her target of Perry, so I feel better knowing that cause if we would have met up she might not of gotten to Perry. I texted  her about an hour ago and she made it to Chiefland. That was a big ride; Hell of a Lady.   I'll catch her on the way back. Prayers for a good appointment Friday and your next trip. 

[John Schmidt]

Bruce, I've never met Sweet Cheeks but would like to rectify that one day before my departure from this blue marble. Have a nice visit and ride. 

[Rams]

Bruce,
Only a true adventurer could have such luck.   BTW, headed to SC and then on to PA.   Hopefully returning mid-week.

Rams

[Valkorado]

The world is your oyster!   Or at least the continental United States and Alaska (Canada will make ya wait 14 days in limbo still -- you'd go stir crazy  ).  

Daylight's burning, again.  

Blow on, tumbleweed...

[DDT (12)]

Rob,

I'm sure you'll have other opportunities, my friend... She is going to be around a while, so your paths will cross sometime, somewhere... Wouldn't surprise me at all to see her touring Arizona one of these days... Perhaps then, if not before... Your keen eye caught that 'top notch' thing right off!

DDT



Keith,

Yeah, she sent me a text, too, from Chiefland... She said she was eating ribs at BBQ Bill's as she wrote that message, also! I'd recommended that place to her as one of my favorites, and... I'd forgotten about mentioning some sort of challenging ride to her and her picking up the gauntlet! She seemed quite pleased with the way her wrist was holding up, so she'd just ridden on... Now it's your turn, ol' bud... I dare ya to suggest Skins & Bubbas to her!

DDT



John,

Yeah, you'd get a kick out of jawing with her! Be advised, though... If you suggest riding someplace exotic, she just may tell ya to load up and head that way with her! She might even find a 'glamping' opportunity for ya along the way, too... Whatever came up, though, you'd be in for a treat.

DDT



Ron,

Mid-week, huh...? OK, I'll make my ride coincide with that possibility... Chances are we'll be meeting up someplace other than Hattiesburg, though... perhaps Arkansas...? Whatever, I may do most anything, ya know, and you can bet Alice's biscuits 'n gravy will be on my mind, so don't rule Hattiesburg out completely!!! I'm just going to wander and meander for a bit... Still looking forward to sharing some wind with ya, my friend... This could be epic...

DDT



Seth,

Yeah, I'm not taking Canada's restrictions personally... YET! They are cutting-off a major roaming territory for this trekker, however, and I'm really missing the experience up there... not to mention all the fine folks I know up that way! Stir crazy would be likely, so... quarantine avoidance is high on my 'To-Do' list. I reckon it's time to just amble on and return to... you know... in the lower 48 only... for now...

DDT

[Sweet Cheeks]

It was awesome seeing you again Bruce, as well as making some new and interesting friends.  Thank you for sharing them with me.

I am glad that you mentioned Chiefland.  I wasn’t very impressed with the selection of lodging or eats in Perry, so somewhere in this warped mind of mine, pushing farther made some sense.  I was totally exhausted by the time I arrived and secured a room, but after a hot shower and a good nights sleep, I am ready to face another day.  At least I will be when the temp rises a little more. 

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

It was awesome seeing you again Bruce, as well as making some new and interesting friends.  Thank you for sharing them with me.

I am glad that you mentioned Chiefland.  I wasn’t very impressed with the selection of lodging or eats in Perry, so somewhere in this warped mind of mine, pushing farther made some sense.  I was totally exhausted by the time I arrived and secured a room, but after a hot shower and a good nights sleep, I am ready to face another day.  At least I will be when the temp rises a little more. 

Whoever took that picture of you at Bald River Falls sure captured the beauty of it all 

[John Schmidt]

John,

Yeah, you'd get a kick out of jawing with her! Be advised, though... If you suggest riding someplace exotic, she just may tell ya to load up and head that way with her! She might even find a 'glamping' opportunity for ya along the way, too... Whatever came up, though, you'd be in for a treat.

DDT
============================================================
Once IZ is over and I'm running as good as the trike, it's the open road. Never been glamping but sounds like a real kick-ass idea! 

[DDT (12)]

Janice,

Yeah, it was rather nice, for sure! Glad you were able to drop by... You are welcome on the sharing of my friends! They are treasures, for sure... They thanked me later for sharing you with them, too... Among the many, many blessings in my life are all the fine folks I've been privileged to know and call 'friend' over the years!!! Got a bunch of them, and I cherish each one...

As I told you, I've never stayed in Perry, FL. so I had no recommendation... The reason for that is pretty much the same one you discovered! I think you did the right thing pressing on to Chiefland... Besides, you got some ribs at a good place for your efforts! Have you found out what all the fuss is about regarding those pesky conjoined bugs yet? If not, you're in for yet another surprise...

DDT



Joe,

It wasn't me... If you have a copy, please post it... assuming it would pass the scrutiny of Willow, of course... Looking forward to hanging with ya again, amigo! I may show up for the Hillbilly pre-ride, but heck, I never know... Reckon Gordon might even join in on that one?

DDT



John,

Glamping is... well, different... Kick-ass...? I reckon, but... it is definitely different! A lot depends upon the folks you're with and of course the weather... it got down into the low 30s the night we did it... but the companions I had were top drawer in every way! One of those things you have to try for yourself and decide for yourself... As for this tenderfoot, I'd do it again, but I wouldn't seek it out... Very much looking forward to hearing of your exploits once you hit the open road!!!

DDT

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

Janice,

Yeah, it was rather nice, for sure! Glad you were able to drop by... You are welcome on the sharing of my friends! They are treasures, for sure... They thanked me later for sharing you with them, too... Among the many, many blessings in my life are all the fine folks I've been privileged to know and call 'friend' over the years!!! Got a bunch of them, and I cherish each one...

As I told you, I've never stayed in Perry, FL. so I had no recommendation... The reason for that is pretty much the same one you discovered! I think you did the right thing pressing on to Chiefland... Besides, you got some ribs at a good place for your efforts! Have you found out what all the fuss is about regarding those pesky conjoined bugs yet? If not, you're in for yet another surprise...

DDT



Joe,

It wasn't me... If you have a copy, please post it... assuming it would pass the scrutiny of Willow, of course... Looking forward to hanging with ya again, amigo! I may show up for the Hillbilly pre-ride, but heck, I never know... Reckon Gordon might even join in on that one?

DDT



John,

Glamping is... well, different... Kick-ass...? I reckon, but... it is definitely different! A lot depends upon the folks you're with and of course the weather... it got down into the low 30s the night we did it... but the companions I had were top drawer in every way! One of those things you have to try for yourself and decide for yourself... As for this tenderfoot, I'd do it again, but I wouldn't seek it out... Very much looking forward to hearing of your exploits once you hit the open road!!!

DDT

Yes I took the picture on a ride we shared.

[DDT (12)]

Janice sent me a pic, so here 'tiz...

[Bronxboy]

Nice picture, I have not had the pleasure of her company, but with a smile like that, I look forward to it 

[DDT (12)]

Nice picture, I have not had the pleasure of her company, but with a smile like that, I look forward to it 

Nick,

Yep, no doubt about it! I know you both, so I can guarantee you're both in for a treat... She and I have a few things in common... one being a rather unpredictable nature... No telling when or where she might pop-up, but... she will turn up sooner or later, so keep an eye out.

As for this unpredictable trekker... I got a text from Bert about hook-up possibilities for the upcoming Hillbilly  Highways ride and pre-ride from Clinton, TN. I do have a reservation in Marion, but not in Clinton... at present. Simple really, I don't have a clue at the moment when or where I'm going next from here... let alone then, as things are partly conditional upon weather and whim... Y'all go ahead and make your plans, and I'll adjust to them... or not... Looking forward to hanging with y'all again!

DDT

[Sweet Cheeks]

Bronxboy.... I wish I had checked the board a few days ago.  I was actually in your neck of the woods.  I spent from Sunday afternoon until Wednesday morning in Clearwater, FL.  I am currently in Milton with Farside and Ginger.    Oh well, I’m pretty sure our paths will cross sooner or later.

Ride safe.