Many times, we've gone the long way, sometimes we've even gone the wrong way, but always we've gone our way... It is a rather rare condition in which we find ourselves, but for us it is about as close to perfect as we've ever found! Even if it were within my power to do so, I can't imagine changing anything at all... Well, an additional pile of money would not be refused, of course, but other than that...!
So, the Fall Color Ride came and went last October, as it always does. This time, however, Ross (RNFWP) decided to ride with our girl and her partner from Robbinsville, NC, to Greenville, SC, where he lives with his bride of many years. A distance of less than 150 miles, so not that much of a ride and only slightly out of the way for my 'planned' ride to the eastern Carolinas... or so it appeared at first glance... Since we'd be taking routes he was more familiar with than I, he led us south with a planned turn eastward in Clayton, GA.
In Clayton, we stopped for some rather good BBQ and a chat about the remainder of our ride. One thing led to another, and he didn't return home that afternoon after all... or any other for nearly two weeks! Yep, we left the 'Q' place and headed west instead of east, this time on purpose, and so our spontaneous coddiewomple began... Eleven days and as many states later, we enjoyed yet another BBQ meal, this time in Greenville, SC, with his wife present.
Along the way, we ran into many discoveries and interesting situations that simply can't be properly described, they can only be enjoyed. An example: In Idabel, OK, we decided Ross should see the Eiffel Tower in not far off Paris, TX. Well, only a very few miles down the road from there, a VRCC celebrity named Daniel Myers lives, so an invitation for him and his wife to join us for breakfast was extended...
She couldn't make it, but Daniel was quite willing! Arrangements were then made, and off we rode for a rendezvous with a really good guy over some eggs and pig parts in Paris... Following a most interesting conversation and some downright decent vittles, we shared a very short ride afterward.
That evening before in Idabel, Ross rode down to a nearby Walmart and surprised this rider for sure with one of his purchases! Gotta love a thoughtful partner like that!!!
Tres Amigos Big Dogging & Showing Out in Paris, TX...
Following a brief but most enjoyable visit, Ross led us south to Marshall, TX. We stayed at the same motel Punisher and I had stopped at a few years ago, and we even dined that evening at the same IHOP within easy walking distance. On our way back to the room, keen-eyed Ross spotted a really convenient convenience store...
He walked back to that store where he picked up a six pack of my Texas favorite... We sat out in front of our room and did what bikers have been doing since the first evening out on a scooter after they were invented... None went to waste, I'm proud to announce.
Doing what comes naturally for a rider...
At the previous FCR, Trout Dude had invited me down for some additional work needed for our girl, so... The time was right, as all the parts had arrived and my personal hero was willing, so Ross and his 'trailer' headed for Mandeville, LA... Where Valks frequently go for repairs and rescues. We met Dennis in Jena, LA, and he led us on to his hacienda.
A meal-stop along the way for a first visit for Ross, but a second for this willing diner... Dennis, Gary Ashee, and I had dined there before years ago...
Once at the Valk infirmary, work began immediately... That evening and the following day, Dennis changed the timing belts, front tire, and replaced the wheel dampeners in our girl's rear wheel... he also did a rearend service while at it. Shelia provided us with red beans and rice for dinner the first evening,
Ever see a redneck mechanic's stethoscope before? Neither had I until my dear friend and our girl's surgeon showed me...
The following day lunch at Vera's, then dinner back at the house where Waterbug had prepared crawfish pie for us! Yep, I'd already had to loosen my belt another notch with no end in sight! Hope I don't need a new belt anytime soon, but... a new wardrobe is out of the question! A wonderful visit followed by another nice send-off…
Ross and his follower finally arrive in Greenville, SC, a couple of days later. We had dinner at a nearby BBQ place with his wife joining us… and a recap of our travels was included. I’d figured to head towards Alabama from there, as yet another doctor’s visit was by then close at hand. Oh well, the eastern Carolinas could wait a bit longer…
We even got stopped by a train or two on this ride…
This little detour reminded me of the time in Show-Low, AZ, when I’d decided on a whim to make the day’s ride up to Utah for another tour… Funny, stuff kept coming up on that outing too, and it turned out to be a couple of years before we actually returned to Utah! Another longcut for sure, but oh what an adventure the whole thing had turned out to be… just like this one had been!!!
DDT (12)
