One Of Those Days...

[DDT (12)]

One Of Those Days...
 
Ever have one of those? Of course you have... we all have them at least now and then! The kind where everything seems to go perfectly, the weather is to our liking, traffic is tolerable, road conditions are not bad, and... gas is plentiful and readily available... Yeah, I had one of those myself the other day.
 
As is usual, I said my farewells and rode off waving to those who mean a great deal to this wanderer, but with whom I never seem to hang with for very long. It's the nature of my lifestyle, I suppose, but there are always those mixed feelings that come with the package... Oh well, I will return, so... time to go seek some adventure right now. Besides, I had important business to transact while we were out this time.
 
I did spot some blue lights around on the first leg of my travels, but they already had customers. I just eased the throttle back a tad, put on my happy, innocent face, and pretended like I was just another ordinary good citizen... just like those other drivers near me were doing. I doubt that actually helps, but I do it instinctively... just like the others, apparently...
 
I did sneak a peek at those disgruntled 'customers', as I dutifully changed lanes and slipped by... Yep, the same ones who had passed me a short time before, weaving in and out of traffic, threading those various needles... Wonder how much time they saved by doing all that...? It sure pays most of the time to NOT be the fastest one out there!
 
I'd elected to take the slab for the first several miles to avoid as much of the traffic in the Orlando area as I could, and to also avoid known construction areas, especially the worst ones... Up the toll road to I-4, then to I-95, and finally the turnoff at Flagler Beach on to FL 100. No more slabs should be taken for the remainder of this ride to... the site of my serious business appointment.
 
The sun was bright, but the air was still quite chilly! Right at that point where we aren't sure if we should plug in the Gerbings or simply be a little patient. I choose the latter... It was still early, and the forecasters did call for a bit of an increase in temps throughout the day, but... I really don't trust those folks anymore! Still, I rode without the cord tether, and at least it never got any cooler...
 
I'd been offered breakfast before my departure, but I'd declined... I don't normally eat during the mornings when riding anymore because I want to avoid drowsiness. Carbs are the real culprit, so I'll indulge in protein items only, if I do yield to temptation... There did come a point, though...
 
Yep, my mind was doing what it sometimes does... searching and finding excuses and opportunities to grant myself a waiver on the food consumption 'rule' thing! I did manage to hold out until I eased into Keystone Heights, FL... but no further. That's when I recalled having visited a certain BBQ place there with Thunderbolt and Tailgunner (Terry & Iris Parrish) back in the day. Oh yeah, that would do nicely!
 
I pulled up into a parking space at Johnny's BBQ, put the kickstand down and rechecked it before actually setting our girl over on it, then dismounted. Ah, it was almost 11am, so... timing is so important, ya know... I was pretty certain things would start popping shortly, and my hopes were reinforced by the few other vehicles on the lot plus the smoke coming from... the smoker, I'd assumed.
 
At the front door entrance, a gal was fiddling with something when she opened the door and told me they weren't open! Then she laughed and said she was only kidding, but, she added, the expression of sudden sadness on my face had been priceless! I knew right away this was going to be a good stop... It's always fun to cut-up with the wait staff!
 
I ordered without actually taking a seat, only pausing long enough to place an order and to shed my bulky leather jacket... Not having stopped since departure, I really had some urgent business to transact in the little room at the rear of the dining area!
 
I was the first patron that day for those friendly folks... Others started to enter in increasing numbers, however, and soon it was looking like a BBQ joint usually looks when I stop by. My pulled pork sandwich was quite good, and the sauces were good, too. I finally decided I liked both the Original and Sweet sauces mixed together... I find myself doing that more and more nowadays... I guess my tastebuds are aging right along with all my other body parts.
 
Soon enough we were back at it. We'd been riding generally north and west, so as we got further inland and up the map, the temps had seemed to remain about the same... I Never hooked up, but I also never de-layered during the day, either. Never really cold, but rather cool the entire way. I was enjoying it, however, and I'll take that over hot anytime!
 
Being in no hurry at all, and having only a three and a half day set of short rides to arrive at the appointed hour on the appointed day... Of course, I’d been more than a little anxious to return to my calling, so we’d left earlier than we’d actually needed to. Nothing beats gliding along back roads, as you know… not even watching ugly gals pick out wedding dresses or even Dr. Pimple-popper…
 
The ride ended mid-afternoon. Live Oak, FL, is a quaint little village. It definitely has the feel of a throwback to the 'old' Florida, but it’s very near all the hustle and bustle of modern Florida, due largely to its nearness to Lake City and I-75 and lying next to I-10. Redneckery and cosmopolitanism coexisting in what seems complete harmony...
 
The Fusion Buffet... Chinese and country fare, according to the big sign outside... is located right across the side street from the motel I called home for the night… Hmmm… Interesting, perhaps that might deserve investigation. My mind wandered to other possible combinations… Thai & Italian? What about bratwurst & curry? Nah, let’s just go see what all that’s about, I finally decided…
 
Well, there was a fairly good assortment of Chinese dishes on the buffet line (I can’t pronounce, let alone spell, nearly all of the items), along with meatloaf, fried chicken, green beans, butter beans, smashed taters & gravy, cornbread… and those were just the items I sampled! They even had a dessert line and salad bar! Heck, I went with the country stuff, naturally, but I did enjoy the fortune cookie that came with my check… Pretty good meal after all, and I’m glad I took the plunge…
 
I was fretting a bit about having nothing to say in a story so far… I decided to just sit down and start typing and maybe something would come of all that… This is it… I didn’t think about taking or posting any pictures until I neared writing the end of this piece… Sorry ‘bout that, amigos!
 
DDT
 

[hubcapsc]

I did spot some blue lights around on the first leg of my travels, but they already had customers. I just eased the throttle back a tad, put on my happy, innocent face, and pretended like I was just another ordinary good citizen... just like those other drivers near me were doing. I doubt that actually helps, but I do it instinctively... just like the others, apparently...

I don't do that. OK... maybe I whistle nonchalantly a little...

-Mike

[Wizzard]

I look at them and smile because they got their just reward. Also the ones in the wintertime when the roads are slick and they go flying around me way over the speed limit in their 4WD and then on up the road they are either in the ditch or wrecked in the median. Patience pays off.
Good read Bruce and thanks for sharing again. 

[DIGGER]

I love to ride my Valkyrie as much as I can….but DDT…..I just dont see how you ride everyday long distance.  I Know you love it and man I admire your riding stamina.  I love getting a chance 1 or 2 times a year to take a week or two trip on my Valkyrie but usually I’m ready to get back home.    When I was young I thought it would be a dream to travel like Michael Parks in “Then Came Bronson” meeting new people and picking up odd jobs along the way to pay for it all.   Although I still consider that a dream I just dont think I could sit in the saddle that long at 71 yrs old.  I greatly admire your physical ability to do what you do…..really like you sharing your adventures with us all.   Look forward to reading them.   Ride safe.

[Valker]

Bruce, I still want to be you when I grow up.

[Farside]

  Great read Bruce! I like Live Oak always have with some great folks, worked the area Sounds like a pretty nice ride as you make your way to Montgomery for you appt. Enjoy your day and keep the script coming.  

[Ice]

Bruce,

From the title of your post I was thinking Oh no, what happened now. So glad it was just one of those "perfect" days for you.
Thanks for sharing, enjoy your ride my friend.

[John Schmidt]

"...ugly gals picking out wedding dresses..."

Got a chuckle out of that one cuz it reminded me of a stop Rita and I made on one of our many trips. It was deep in the Smokies, well away from any cosmo area but the Cracker Barrel proved to be up to its usual "standards." As we were waiting on our order, there was a sudden flurry of activity. Lo and behold in walks a young gal in her wedding dress, accompanied by what appeared to be the bridesmaids. Obviously everyone knew the entire group, the new bride didn't appear extremely overweight but whose company would be appreciated on cold nights. Then in walks the new hubby, a much smaller guy than the bride and in an ill fitting suit and he with a new haircut. From where I sat, I could tell his hair hadn't been that short in some time...possibly years. An abrupt change from sunburn to white was quite evident. Then their orders came and the new bride had thrown caution to the wind...she dived into that plate like clearing snow off the sidewalk. Rita giggled after watching it all develop, then added..."any bets on that dress fitting her on the first anniversary?" The new hubby was satisfied with coffee and a donut...by himself at a separate table. Felt kinda sorry for him, but at least he'll be warm in winter.  

Bruce, your wanderings in and about the Sunshine State bring back many memories of my 53 yrs. living down there. When you lay out the routes taken, it's as though I were there with you on that ride. I moved there in my late 20's, left in my early 80's. That was before DisneyWorld, Universal Studios, Sea World, Busch Gardens admittance was still free and Cypress Gardens wasn't commercialized. Frankly, I could have done without any of the changes that were to follow...it lost the "old Florida" appeal.

Safe travels my friend.  

[RP#62]

My father in law used to live just outside of McAlpin FL and I remember he used to refer to Live Oak and Lake City as the big cities.  He was all excited when Live Oak hit the big times and got a Dollar General.

-RP

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

You sent me out a invite for a ride ( I'll not make that one ) now I'm sending you one out several of your best buds are meeting in St.Mark's Fl on the 27th at Shell Island Fish Camp . Going to ride down to Key West in a not so straight route. Know you are welcome to join us 

[DDT (12)]

Mike,

Nonchalant whistling is good... I do that too, sometimes... when I do I usually first gaze upward, then roll my eyes one way then the other... Pretense is as natural as, well, speeding, huh...?

DDT



Randy,

The worst of those also actually continue texting while driving even when conditions drastically change! I do hate to share the road with such duffuses... In fact, my usual MO is to stay off the road entirely when surfaces are slick. Glad you like my stuff... I'll likely be tossing more out, I reckon...

DDT



Digger,

Not as strenuous as it might appear! First, I don't actually ride every day. Often, I'll string many days together like that, but I'm also a threat to hunker down for a while too... anywhere from a day or two to a month or two! Sometimes even longer. I do short days compared to what I did back in the day, and I take time off for weather or to simply rest when I feel like it...

No, this life is definitely not for everyone!!! Even for those of us for whom it has become a way of life, most of us didn't start out knowing in advance how things would unfold. None of us remained the same person we began the journey as...

Who we did eventually become was an evolutionary process and by no means a revolutionary one. Rather, a gradual drifting into the flow of events, expectations, and satisfaction levels led us to where we found ourselves in a special happy place... No two are alike, no one size fits all, while most folks prefer a lifestyle akin to the one you describe for yourself... Mine, however, suits me to a tee!!!

DDT



Eric,

Well shucks, come on in, the water is fine! It would be hard for you or anyone to follow in my wake, my friend... Family, spouse, job, house, property, responsibility, others depending upon you... I have none of those things, while you have all of them. Even some paring down of that list would still leave you in a difficult position.  

I don't mean to discourage you, and I'd love to share some adventure with you, but... It doesn't hurt to fantasize at all, however, and who knows... Things can certainly change in most unexpected ways... I didn't see any of this coming at me not so long ago! Your temperament, open-mindedness, and inquisitiveness would make you a natural for this sort of journey... I hope your dreams come true... In the meantime, thanks so much for the always positive responses and kind remarks! I appreciate ya, my friend!

DDT



Keith,

Thanks for the kind words, Keith! I agree that the 'old' Florida is inevitably slipping away... Too bad, for my money, as I did enjoy all that was, while all that is new leaves me... mostly unmoved. Progress by its very definition brings change... good that we have memories, though, huh... Better still that we had the chance to experience some of that, as well.

There is still some of what was, but the majority of it is north of Crystal River and west of I-75. There is still some of it to be found down the interior of the peninsula, but you need to know where to look. When I'm not out wandering around the continent, I roam through some of those old places and enjoy them while I can... Appears you do too...

DDT



Yuri,

It occurred to me that some might automatically think that! I decided not to change the title, though... sort of injected a bit of mystery, huh... Yeah, I'm living the dream for sure, and this particular ride has so far been near perfect in every way! Thanks for your comments... they mean a lot!

DDT



John,

A funny 'slice of life' vignette, your story of the newlyweds at a Cracker Barrel! Heck, I took Napper to a Cracker Barrel for a valentine's day dinner once upon a time! Yep, I'm a natural born hillbilly, redneck, stump-jumper all the way! I did have better luck than your 'boy' at the beginning, it appears... Fortunately I did stay warm at nights thereafter, but... well...there could be some surprises awaiting him that'll make the disappointment of dining alone at a separate table seem small by comparison!

Yes, the Sunshine State has indeed changed over the years! Keith and I bantered some about that above... Anyway, I do know of what you speak, and... I also miss the old... sigh...

DDT



RP,

I know where McAplin is! I've ridden through there a couple of times in years past, in fact. Come to think of it, I seem to recall a BBQ place right on US 129 around there, and I've dined there a couple of times, too... pretty good, as I recall! From the look of it, modernity has not intruded upon those folks... I hope you and Cheryl are still enjoying the desert... and I'm confident you're still happy with not having to shovel 'heat'!

DDT



Rob,

Thanks, my friend... Positive feedback is always appreciated!!!

DDT



Joe,

Dang! Sorry you won't be able to make our solemn event! Now it's my turn... I won't be able to attend yours either! I have one of those 'can't miss' appointments with my urologist on the 28th, so I'll be in Montgomery during those few days... Once I'm through with that, however... I have a large window of opportunity! Can you stay out after New Year?

DDT

[Valker]

Eric,

Well shucks, come on in, the water is fine! It would be hard for you or anyone to follow in my wake, my friend... Family, spouse, job, house, property, responsibility, others depending upon you... I have none of those things, while you have all of them. Even some paring down of that list would still leave you in a difficult position.  

I don't mean to discourage you, and I'd love to share some adventure with you, but... It doesn't hurt to fantasize at all, however, and who knows... Things can certainly change in most unexpected ways... I didn't see any of this coming at me not so long ago! Your temperament, open-mindedness, and inquisitiveness would make you a natural for this sort of journey... I hope your dreams come true... In the meantime, thanks so much for the always positive responses and kind remarks! I appreciate ya, my friend!

DDT

Bruce, I chose public school teaching for my 43 year career simply because that was the job which allowed me the most time off during summers. I got my motorcycle license on my 14th birthday in 1968. My Dad died in 1973, and my Mom and I didn't see eye to eye until MUCH later in life, so family wasn't a concern to me. I averaged 100 days per year on motorcycle trips for many years. The spouse and kids started in my 30s. That really did mostly slow me down although several of my kids were "made" while on bike trips.  I still used to take several long trips each year alone. I did Alaska in 1982, 1985 (prior to marrying in July that year), and 2018. I love the vagabond lifestyle but the money is a factor. If my wife survives this brain issue she has, my long trips will be curtailed as I have a deep sense of loyalty which I won't ignore. If she doesn't, the house will be sold, somewhere else cheap and small will be acquired, and roads will be tripped upon even more than now. I camp a lot now just for the money savings, but if the house sells, I'll spend much of my kids' inheritance on motels. I'll never catch your Valk miles as I'm only at about 1.3 million bike miles on ALL of my bike riding history-not just ONE motorcycle. I honestly hope we can see each other on the road somewhere. I'm already trying to figure out ways to get the time free for Inzane in Billings. Hope to see you then. The door's always open for you at Casa de West. I've got six bedrooms, three bathrooms, and two garages which is a bit much for just one or two folks.
Eric

[DDT (12)]

Eric,

Your riding resume is most impressive indeed! With your level of experience and range, there can be no doubt at all that you'd be well suited for this sort of life... or some variation of it. I do understand about your wife and all that goes with that situation... We all do what we must, and you will certainly do the same. Still, however things might turn out... I know you will adjust and make the most of whatever that happens to be. My best wishes and regards to her, and to you!!!

Billings is, as is always the case, an unknown for yours truly at this point. Many things can happen between now and then including plans for a 'long ride' during that period that might materialize. I simply don't know, but then I usually don't... If we both do make it, I'll look forward to chatting about... whatever... If we don't, well... Sooner or later we will get a chance to chat face-to-face again, though. Who knows, I may even show up to check out one of those spare bedrooms you've mentioned!

Thank you for the replies and comments! I do thoroughly enjoy reading the words of a kindred spirit, and compliments are always most welcome!

DDT

[thedon]

Another great read Bruce. Keep them coming.

[Valker]

Thanks, Bruce. If things were absolutely certain in this life, we’d probably take them for granted.

[DDT (12)]

Don,

Thanks, my friend! I'm like a puppy dog: Pat me on the head, and I'll wag my tail in sheer delight! Thanks for the nice words... always!

DDT




Eric,

Well said... You're pretty good with that philosophy stuff!

DDT