Coddiewomple Interruptus...

[DDT (12)]

Coddiewomple Interruptus…

A new medical term I’ve just coined. I needed some sort of appropriate descriptor that captures the slight malaise and mild melancholy that can overcome serious wanderers who find purpose and dreaded planning needs continually creeping onto their path. When things constantly keep popping-up to complicate the peaceful pace of uncommitted-ness and frustrate the titillating flirtation with the very idea of all the joyous unknowns just ahead… Making those interruptus things even more perplexing is the fact they are usually worthwhile and often necessary.

Not a big deal, really, and certainly not anything requiring professional attention, medication, or time on a couch. Modest, nagging feelings of anxiety, unease, and self-doubt, plus a general sense that ‘things just ain’t right’ rise to the surface with this condition… but with no hint of an antidote that makes any sense, especially one that accomplishes all of ones needs at once. The only known treatment is to just continue putting one foot in front of the other, accomplishing one thing at a time, until the ‘interruptus’ can at last be interrupted…

The most recent interrupting factor is weather… perhaps the most frequent ‘cause for a pause’ of all, but one that has bound us up and tied us down for several days. We’ve managed to wander into a moisture laden cul-de-sac, but it truly ain’t all that unfortunate. Nope, I’m visiting good friends, still finding lots of time to be alone anyway, while comfortably and patiently waiting for a break… Shoot, our girl even had a couple of things repaired while stopped. And, happily, a long-awaited break appears to be approaching! Day after tomorrow, we hope to be back in the wind heading towards IZ riding along with another good pal…

Of course, IZ could be considered an interruptus thing itself… Got to plan a route, make reservations, schedule time… all that stuff we all have to do all the time… Stuff that for some of us is considered to be pure drudgery, though! Oh well, riding is never a bad thing, meeting with many other pals is always time well spent, and… shucks, just another of those worthwhile things I alluded to earlier…

We also may ride around a few days with a couple of other folks immediately following IZ, and… there we go again with yet another interruptus! No complaints, though, as that should prove to be a great time. There is also the prospect of absolutely no plans whatsoever following that little foray… OK, now it’s time for some coddiewomple foreplay… A period in which we can allow anticipation to grow, excitement to expand, and a smile to spread… If you see me and wonder what I might be up to… now you know…

DDT

[The emperor has no clothes]

Coddiewomple Interruptus, Coddiewomple Foreplay ? I think you might want to pick up some Coddiewomple lubrication. 

[Bigwolf]

Aahhhhh, …… To coddiewomple or to not coddiewomple, ………… That is the question……………..or is it?  It reads like a wonderful life either way!  How wonderful to be a free spirit following your own whim! But then, how wonderful to have so many great friends wanting the pleasure of your company!  AAhhhh, it’s a wonderful life!


Bigwolf

[msb]

Oddly, I've usually kinda  "enjoyed" riding in the rain when the weather turns so on our longer multi-day/multi-week rides. When it's just rain and not accompanied by heavy winds and cold, I've also suited up and headed out for day rides for a lunch or somewhat distant coffee stop. Perhaps it's had something to do with not having an infinite amount of time to get somewhere or get the amount of miles I'm craving  in on any particular ride...unlike a certain full time North American trekker we all know so well. Luckily my co-pilot has adapted well to this little quirk of mine...she's a real trouper on less than stellar weather days. I also don't like planning days, stops, etc....get up early, go, then stop wherever we get to at dusk, so I've never really used a weather app...usually just get warnings from others along the way for anything serious enough for precautions to be taken.

Hey Bruce,  here's a suggestion to help reduce the amount of planning required....try to embrace the "joys" of feeling the rain pelt down a bit on you and your girl...then you won't have to PLAN around the weather so much 
Enjoy Inzane...enjoy all the great folks at InZane   It's starting to look good for the border finally being open come September...maybe you can PLAN on swinging by Grand Forks BC for your first Valhalla   

[DDT (12)]

Rob,

As in so many cases, you do make a valid point... even if it is one many may not find agreeable, as is also not uncommon. Personally, I've found PBR to be entirely user-friendly, though, so no predisposition towards disagreement here... If anything, my own experience tends to agree with your premise...

It is true that I find the need for frequent lubrication to have been one of the several casualties of advancing age; still, 'lubrication' remains a viable undertaking and can on occasion still be found at the ready and sometimes employed by this sociable recluse. I more often than not use it as a 'social lubricant', however... Perhaps I need to experiment some with your theory...

As luck would have it, I coincidentally have an opportunity on my social calendar for such this very evening! I'm in Clinton, TN, at the moment, and... a big ride is upcoming. Yep, that automatically means others will be converging on this spot smack in the middle of 'God's country' for a join-up with the famous ride celebrity, Smokin'Joe... The associated evening before the ride gathering will be occurring, and I've been invited!!! I may even feel an impulse to critique that special event.... we'll see...

Thanks for reading my stuff, and thanks for adding your own perspective on my undertakings... Your points of view are typically unique, occasionally controversial, but always grounded in logic, insight, and based upon a sincere desire to discuss 'truth' as you see it. We may not always agree, but I've found you to be a most worthwhile person with whom to compare notes... Anyway, THANKS!!!

DDT



Jerry,

Yes, it is indeed a most wonderful life! Not for just anybody, of course, as I've pointed out many times, but... for those special few, folks like you, there is simply nothing else like it! One of the many pleasures I experienced on our last coddiewomple together was observing you discover and embrace this atypical lifestyle. You are a 'natural', my friend, and, frankly, it is was more than a little obvious!

You are also quite correct about the joy of having many friends. As much as I thought I was not only a solo rider but a solitary soul, I've been unable to escape the need for companionship and the bonding with kindred spirits... even though I tried with determined, conscious effort.

I actually worked at distancing myself from close contact with others once upon a time. There were periods where save for checking-into a motel or ordering a meal, I had no conversations at all with others. That proved to be a barren, very lonely existence, however, but destiny drew me out by steering me towards this 'family'. I know of no-one who enjoys the coddiewomple more than this wanderer, but I also know of the deep need for periodic interruptus episodes to 'round-out' a truly wonderful life!!! See ya in Athens!

DDT



Mike,

You make such sound points encompassing a cornucopia of concepts based upon basic reality. For starters, the plain truth is, as you indicate, there is great value in 'managing' perspectives and attitude! Is riding in rain enjoyable or a major pain... YES! Pick one!

I am aware of the 'challenge' aspect, and the satisfaction that can come from a successful conclusion to a particularly difficult ride! I too take pride in having overcome the discomfort and risks encountered in highly undesirable circumstances... There are 'rewards' of a sort for such accomplishments, and you are correct in pointing those out, as well...

I've tried that 'perception management' rationalization technique myself, with sometimes desirable results! I experimented with that due mostly to necessity, though, as I strongly suspect you have as well. Before retirement, I often found myself dealing with whatever came my way, but pressing on regardless because time requirements left me with no choice. I have quite literally ridden through rainstorms and foul weather bordering upon a seemingly suicidal bend!

I've also ridden along in sweltering heat looking ahead and eagerly anticipating the shadows of clouds for some slight, fleeting relief. I've joyfully celebrated the brief showers and/or sprinkles that brought modest relief, and I've thoroughly enjoyed the lingering cooling effects of not having 'suited up' so my clothing could become soaked. I have ridden literally thousands of miles in rain over the years... Sometimes for entire days on end.

Perhaps nowadays with the luxury of time on my hands, I've become soft and increasingly a fair-weather rider... While I do inescapably find riding in the rain to be generally unpleasant, I more than anything find it to be unnecessarily dangerous.

Slick surfaces are not wise to traverse if we don't have to. For me, however, the most dangerous aspect of all is having to share the road with idiots who do not realize they need to adjust their own driving to changed conditions! We can do every single thing right ourselves out there, yet we can still easily be maimed or killed...

I've had good intentions of attending your annual Valhalla Gathering on previous occasions! Something has always come up though, so... I would very much like to hang with the folks who do attend... Many I've met at other venues, but I've missed the opportunity to hang with them in that particular grouping and in that very special setting... I do hope this year may prove to be the one!!!

DDT

[The emperor has no clothes]

I’ve heard about them “Interruptus events” at the Applebee’s in Clinton.  I wish I was there ! Have a large time for me also. 

[msb]

Mike,

You make such sound points encompassing a cornucopia of concepts based upon basic reality. For starters, the plain truth is, as you indicate, there is great value in 'managing' perspectives and attitude! Is riding in rain enjoyable or a major pain... YES! Pick one!

I am aware of the 'challenge' aspect, and the satisfaction that can come from a successful conclusion to a particularly difficult ride! I too take pride in having overcome the discomfort and risks encountered in highly undesirable circumstances... There are 'rewards' of a sort for such accomplishments, and you are correct it pointing those out, as well...

I've tried that 'perception management' rationalization technique myself, with sometimes desirable results! I experimented with that due mostly to necessity, though, as I strongly suspect you have as well. Before retirement, I often found myself dealing with whatever came my way, but pressing on regardless because time requirements left me with no choice. I have quite literally ridden through rainstorms and foul weather bordering upon a seemingly suicidal bend!

I've also ridden along in sweltering heat looking ahead and eagerly anticipating the shadows of clouds for some slight, fleeting relief. I've joyfully celebrated the brief showers and/or sprinkles that brought modest relief, and I've thoroughly enjoyed the lingering cooling effects of not having 'suited up' so my clothing could become soaked. I have ridden literally thousands of miles in rain over the years... Sometimes for entire days on end.

Perhaps nowadays with the luxury of time on my hands, I've become soft and increasingly a fair-weather rider... While I do inescapably find riding in the rain to be generally unpleasant, I more than anything find it to be unnecessarily dangerous.

Slick surfaces are not wise to traverse if we don't have to. For me, however, the most dangerous aspect of all is having to share the road with idiots who do not realize they need to adjust their own driving to changed conditions! We can do every single thing right ourselves out there, yet we can still easily be maimed or killed...

I've had good intentions of attending your annual Valhalla Gathering on previous occasions! Something has always come up though, so... I would very much like to hang with the folks who do attend... Many I've met at other venues, but I've missed the opportunity to hang with them in that particular grouping and in that very special setting... I do hope this year may prove to be the one!!!

DDT

lol..."cornucopia", now there's a word I've not used  in many a year. Gonna have to put it back in my vocabulary, as it's one of those neat words that adds texture to any verbal or written correspondence.

Of course you've had both good and bad experiences in all sorts of weather... after all those miles you've racked up, you've certainly earned the right to pick and choose your riding conditions now. I'm afraid to show Lisa any of those weather apps... she might learn to use them and try to inflict some of her common sense on me

Not only has having a finite time schedule when riding for the most part made someone like me take more chances or embrace the "glass half full" aspects of wet weather riding, living here in BC also plays a big part in that. With our seasons here that bookend Summer famous for getting their fair share of the wet stuff... that's why it's always so Green here (more "glass half full" mindset ), if one enjoys the outdoors or is a lifelong motorcyclist, he'd better learn to not mind getting a bit damp at times... or adapt another lifestyle.
Good news is that Septembers in BC are generally SPECTACULAR 

[Bronxboy]

Been thru many a storms in order to reach my destination, looked forward to the clearings ahead to dry me out. These accomplishments of adventure are all part of the experience from the road traveled.

Once I throw my leg over my steed, I am totally committed to what lies ahead, the good, the bad, the ugly comes to mind 

Looking forward to seeing all my friends again in Athens for more laughs and Great comraderies for which this life of Motorcycles has drawn us into !!

[DDT (12)]

Mike,

Yep, not much opportunity to use that word in recent years, either, but I saw an appropriate usage and yielded to temptation! Who knows, I might find some more obscure words to toss out sometime, too...

Yeah, I've experienced the moistness of the Pacific northwest... and I'm fully aware of why y'all have such lush sub-tropical rain forests! I hear ya also, on the need to choose to find a way to cope or simply not ride at all... FWIW, I think you have chosen wisely...

I also agree with 'selective information sharing with a spouse'! I rode 'accompanied by the boss' through a curve 'too hot' once upon a time... Afterward, my wife at the time asked if we'd just had a close call... Nope, I lied, I was just using all of the lane... I saw no value in telling the truth, and I clearly understood the perils and futility of trying to explain! About September... it is on my mind... we'll see...

DDT



Nick,

Back in the day, your experiences and choices closely parallel my own at the time! I too am looking forward to seeing all the happy faces in Athens sure to be present... including yours! Is Bert coming, too? Hope so... Looking forward to watching you rehydrate! Heck, I might even join you this time...

DDT

[Bronxboy]

Mike,

Yep not much opportunity to use that word in recent years, either, but I saw an appropriate usage and yielded to temptation! Who knows, I might find some more obscure words to toss out sometime, too...

Yeah, I've experienced the moistness of the Pacific northwest... and I'm fully aware of why y'all have such lush sub-tropical rain forests! I hear ya also, on the need to choose to find a way to cope or simply not ride at all... FWIW, I think you have chosen wisely...

I also agree with 'selective information sharing with a spouse'! I rode 'accompanied by the boss' through a curve 'too hot' once upon a time... Afterward, my wife at the time asked if we'd just had a close call... Nope, I lied, I was just using all of the lane... I saw no value in telling the truth, and I clearly understood the perils and futility of trying to explain! About September... it is on my mind... we'll see...

DDT



Nick,

Back in the day, your experiences and choices closely parallel my own at the time! I too am looking forward to seeing all the happy faces in Athens sure to be present... including yours! Is Bert coming, too? Hope so... Looking forward to watching you rehydrate! Heck, I might even join you this time...

DDT

Bert will not make this one, he has other obligations this week, we will miss him. No doubt we will rehydrate and I always have an extra cup for good friends 

[DDT (12)]

Nick,

Sorry Bert won't be able to make the ride... Like most of us, he enjoys a long trek, and this should be a good one! Sure glad you'll be there! Always a pleasure spending time with you... and not just for the Scotch either!  Looking forward to 'rehydrating' with ya in Athens...

The weather appears to have relented where I am, so... looking at blast-off in a couple of hours! Should be a good ride for us up into Kentucky for the evening (actual location to be determined later), then on into Athens Sunday sometime. My bud HarleyJoe and I will be traveling together but not with the Cool Kids, I don't think.

We all met for din-din and a beverage or two last evening, and it sure was nice, as it always is, to hang with all those folks. A modest crew size-wise this time, but... the quality was surely there! Anyway, they're meeting up this morning and riding together as a group. I'm mighty tempted to join them, but... They will be taking a more easterly track, and it looks to me like they'll have a slightly higher risk for some moisture... Oh well... Joe and I aren't much for groupiness anyway... Safe travels, my friend... see ya there!

DDT

[Rams]

I also agree with 'selective information sharing with a spouse'! I rode 'accompanied by the boss' through a curve 'too hot' once upon a time... Afterward, my wife at the time asked if we'd just had a close call... Nope, I lied, I was just using all of the lane... I saw no value in telling the truth, and I clearly understood the perils and futility of trying to explain!

DDT

Tried that once, that knee still bothers me.   I still limp from time to time.  

Rams

[DDT (12)]

Tried that once, that knee still bothers me.   I still limp from time to time.  Wink

Rams




Ron,

Tried which producing that limp? Taking a curve too fast or telling the spouse the truth? Either one can be mighty risky!!!

DDT

[Valkorado]

Tried that once, that knee still bothers me.   I still limp from time to time.  Wink

Rams




Ron,

Tried which producing that limp? Taking a curve too fast or telling the spouse the truth? Either one can be mighty risky!!!

DDT

... and either can result in various kinds of unanticipated interruptus..  Life does have risk!   

[Rams]

Tried that once, that knee still bothers me.   I still limp from time to time.  Wink

Rams




Ron,

Tried which producing that limp? Taking a curve too fast or telling the spouse the truth? Either one can be mighty risky!!!

DDT

Bruce,
All I'm gonna say is, I am now more careful about going into the curves and about what I say to the S. U. 

Rams