Old Tricks...

[DDT (12)]

Old Tricks...

We'd barely cleared the end of the driveway at HQ when I decided to alter our route. I’d just turned left instead of the usual right, so I was definitely already in the mood! I know, nothing all that unusual there, right? My BIL (a former rider) had suggested taking back roads instead of the slab, as they would clearly be more enjoyable. He was right, of course, but... there was that old time, heat, and weather interaction thing weighing heavily upon my mind, and I’d just wanted to get much of the riding done and out of the way. It didn't take long at all, though...

Yep, early in the morning it was still relatively cool and no clouds were anywhere around to threaten our peace of mind... Heck, the forecast had even improved overnight and more interesting options had presented themselves. It was the middle of a holiday weekend so almost no traffic at all. Not a challenging call, really, but I did make the right one... It would indeed be back roads today... Funny that...

At first I was automatically, almost reflexively, figuring on scooting along one of the routine, mostly efficient back road routes taken so many times before, but the thought of none of those actually thrilled me all that much. So, I just played around with my mental 'GPS' and finally selected a 'composite' route not taken in several years... Just like that, and I was already making adjustments on the fly, changing routes and stopping points... everything, really. Any wonder I only rarely ever make reservations? We’d come a very long way indeed from those boring days of ‘plan your work; work your plan’…

I'd envisioned a couple of possible stop points for the evening... based upon the recollection of having to settle for whatever might be available and the ‘pickings’ being mighty slim! None were all that great, though, so disappointment most likely awaited us no matter what call was made on that score… one of the liabilities of back road traveling, I suppose. It turned out I was not disappointed in being disappointed... Oh well, at least we're back on the road and life is definitely looking up, I kept reminding myself!

I checked the forecast again early the second morning... Things had naturally changed yet again, only this time it appeared I had a few more options than it had seemed just the evening before... Yep, even though I'd already figured a likely route out for the day, it was changed even as our girl was being backed out of the motel parking space. We were off, and I was wearing one of those smug little grins that comes from having again thumbed my nose at predictability, a plan, and route rigidity...

It sure felt good to make the turn onto the new route... a different direction from the one 'in the plan' only a few minutes before! That modest burst of euphoria may be at least part of the reason my mind was on the track it was, when I decided not to even go to Montgomery that day after all... Nope, we'd just head for another town in another part of the state and get a room there. Depending upon the forecast the following morning, we might then go on to Montgomery... or not...

DDT

[..]

 

[The emperor has no clothes]

Old tricks ?   New dogs ? (Good to see you back at it) 

[Wizzard]

can you teach an old dog some new tricks? 

[Bigwolf]

Now that sounds like a “Bug Killer” that used to roll around this great continent experiencing the “back yard” in ways that few people ever get the chance to!

Roll on Bruce!  It is great to see you getting back into some of your “Old Tricks”!  I am looking forward to the wonderful stories and thought provoking ponderances that are sure to follow.


Bigwolf

[Serk]

When I grow up, I wanna be just like you.

[DarkSideR]

I agree with Serk. I want to be like Bruce, but where Serk is wrong is that Bruce never grew up!

I'll give myself some credit though. I use to spend hours planning a trip, gas stops, reservations utilizing a spreadsheet. Ugh. I can't believe that was me! I think trip planning these days may be partially due to the addition of the belly tank, but I now simply jump on the bike and go. I involve my wife by calling her late in the day and saying I'm in this general area heading in this general direction, please find me accommodations for the night. It's fun to she what she comes up with. I like my wife's help because she has better taste than I do. I find myself less and less in crappy motels this way.

Another reason for the change is inspiration from reading Bruce's posts like this. Keep on trekin on, and posting Bruce. Love you man.

FYI - my bike just might join the big boys club this year and turn a 100k.

[Valkorado]

Glad you're back in your element, no matter what the elements throw at ya!

[Rams]

Some things never change, other things are in a constant state of change.   
Thankfully, we've got DDT who represents both. 

Rams

[Farside]

  I like the spur of the moment changes Bruce, one of these days maybe. Did you get close this way   It is a standing invitation. 

[RNFWP]

Some things never change, other things are in a constant state of change.   
Thankfully, we've got DDT who represents both. 

Rams

Rams, I like that...

Bruce, it's good to know that you're up to your old tricks. Looking forward crossing paths with you again soon.

[DDT (12)]

Paul,

 

DDT

Old tricks ?   New dogs ? (Good to see you back at it)  

Rob,

Yeah, I'm not sure either... Anyhow, it is indeed good to be back out here!!! Gotta stay pretty close in the southeast, unfortunately, ona counta doctor-doings over the next few weeks... All follow-ups, though, nothing new going on. I'll also be returning to Florida in the next month or so... nearing that wonderful time of year when I hang up my denim jacket and get my leather jacket back out!!! Life on the road does have a certain seasonality to it, ya know...

DDT

can you teach an old dog some new tricks?  

Randy,

I truly don't know the answer to that... I suppose it is theoretically possible, but I find it in practice to be downright difficult! Oh well... maybe I need to keep experimenting with that, huh...?

DDT

Now that sounds like a “Bug Killer” that used to roll around this great continent experiencing the “back yard” in ways that few people ever get the chance to!

Roll on Bruce!  It is great to see you getting back into some of your “Old Tricks”!  I am looking forward to the wonderful stories and thought provoking ponderances that are sure to follow.


Bigwolf

Jerry,

Thanks for your always insightful observations... It is good to be back at it, but I'm doing things involuntarily incrementally, though... Doctor follow-up visits and routine annual stuff, plus a couple of other necessities are keeping my scope rather limited for a while... Maybe that's a good thing... Perhaps when I'm ready to roam much farther, you'll also be ready for that too... Who knows?!

DDT

When I grow up, I wanna be just like you.

Serk,

I think of you as one of the few who could actually live this life... On the other hand, destiny seems to have other things in mind for you... I don't envy your life, but I do admire the way you man-up and do what must be done... cheerfully and well! Good on ya, dude... carry on!

DDT

I agree with Serk. I want to be like Bruce, but where Serk is wrong is that Bruce never grew up!

I'll give myself some credit though. I use to spend hours planning a trip, gas stops, reservations utilizing a spreadsheet. Ugh. I can't believe that was me! I think trip planning these days may be partially due to the addition of the belly tank, but I now simply jump on the bike and go. I involve my wife by calling her late in the day and saying I'm in this general area heading in this general direction, please find me accommodations for the night. It's fun to she what she comes up with. I like my wife's help because she has better taste than I do. I find myself less and less in crappy motels this way.

Another reason for the change is inspiration from reading Bruce's posts like this. Keep on trekin on, and posting Bruce. Love you man.

FYI - my bike just might join the big boys club this year and turn a 100k.

Josh,

You are absolutely correct! Most folks grow up over time... some of us simply grow older... I'm a sixteen year old boy trapped inside a seventy-five year old body! Oh well, I for sure ain't complaining none!!!

My riding evolution closely parallels yours! Funny how that works... the transition that occurs as experience begins to override the 'logic' of the seemingly obvious. As we become familiar with the reality that things are frequently not what the appear to be. Yes, I definitely do predict a time when you'll continue to follow the same evolutionary path I've been on... Best of luck to ya on that, too!

DDT

Glad you're back in your element, no matter what the elements throw at ya!

Seth,

Yeah, I'm hoping for 'kind & gentle' element encounters, as well!!! You're right, of course, I am indeed quite happy to be back in my element, though, whatever the exposure level with those elements turns out to be! Hope to see ya and share some wind... may be Spring, though, weather is about to change big-time out your way!!!

DDT

Some things never change, other things are in a constant state of change.  
Thankfully, we've got DDT who represents both.  

Rams

Ron,

You are correct... I am a walking, talking contradiction for certain! Frankly, I wouldn't want it any other way either... as you've probably already guessed! It ain't always easy being me, but it sure is fun!!!

DDT

I like the spur of the moment changes Bruce, one of these days maybe. Did you get close this way  It is a standing invitation.  

Keith,

Yep, I've been captivated by the spur-of-the-moment, spontaneous, whim lifestyle, and I gotta say... it's truly been a hoot! I also predict you will in time hit a point where you can play around with the concept yourself... and, I further predict you will love it as much as I do! I'll be looking forward to reading your stories of tales about being out yonder!

No sir, I cut north east of Tallahassee into Georgia this time through... Never came close to Milton at all... Thanks for the standing invitation, my friend... I just may take you up on it one of these days... In the meantime, how about you favoring us with a story about meeting Janice then catapulting her riding career to an entirely new level?! CAUTION: She will likely read it too, so...

DDT

Some things never change, other things are in a constant state of change.  
Thankfully, we've got DDT who represents both.  

Rams

Rams, I like that...

Bruce, it's good to know that you're up to your old tricks. Looking forward crossing paths with you again soon.

Ross,

Thanks, my friend! Yeah, I hope to spin some yarns with you again, as well... In the meantime, how about you favoring us with another great story about your own riding experiences? Your last one was a doozy!

DDT

[Valkorado]

It's Not too chilly yet, except at nighttime when we're already hovering unnervingly close to the freezing mark.  Colors are changing, warm days and cool cold nights.  Rode over Cochetopa today.  Light traffic and above normal 80°, great fun.  If you're so inclined, there's still time for some Colorado twisties and Q!

[Thunderbolt]

That is one of the things that I genuinely like about intersections.  There are three new ways to travel.

[DDT (12)]

It's Not too chilly yet, except at nighttime when we're already hovering unnervingly close to the freezing mark.  Colors are changing, warm days and cool cold nights.  Rode over Cochetopa today.  Light traffic and above normal 80°, great fun.  If you're so inclined, there's still time for some Colorado twisties and Q!

Seth,

Sounds mighty tempting! It surely is a mixed bag out there this time of year, varying somewhat from year to year. Still, there are the plains betwix there and here, and they're still pretty warm! My doctors are going to keep me in this neck of the woods for a while longer, then it will be too late for this light-weight to venture out there... Oh well, at least I'm mobile and still enjoying the wind. Glad you're able to take advantage of your opportunity to gander at the Aspens turning color and the more brisk temps early and late! Say, you just carry on, ya hear?!

DDT

That is one of the things that I genuinely like about intersections.  There are three new ways to travel.

Terry,

Yes sir, you do get it! I've known for twenty years that you shared that wonder-lust and adventurous spirit... Glad you made it to a point where you and Iris can enjoy all the fruits of your long years of labor. Where will your next adventure take y'all? Or, are you waiting 'til you come to an intersection to make that call...?  

DDT