"How About That, Guyz & Galz?"

[DDT (12)]

"How About That, Guyz & Galz?”

I never saw that coming! I was just coming to terms… again… with my uncertain-direction travel methodology, when the time arrived for the Quad State Ride. I’d more or less figured on attending that one again, since it was far enough north to avoid much of the seasonal heat, and also because I’ve come to really enjoy hanging out with my midwestern friends. Why not…?

I also thereby postponed any needed choices about what might come next for us until afterward. ‘Planned’ procrastination, you might say. As usual a great time was had by all, especially this typically reclusive wanderer, and we even ventured out one evening for fried catfish! I, of course, skipped the group ride, as I usually do, but no problem occupying my time until the others returned. Then that last evening…

Josh Cilley (Doc) had mentioned to me in the past that he’d love to do a ride with our girl and her pilot… No place in particular, just wander-off out yonder to see what joyous surprises might come our way. I’d responded favorably, of course, but no dates or times, or even years, were ever contemplated. Then we were just chatting that last evening, and I offhandedly asked if he was doing anything for the next week or two… Nope, he didn’t need to be back home for about four weeks or so…

I’d been thinking the appearance of a probable weather window might offer us a lane to scoot out west this summer after all; so, I was leaning hard towards heading in the direction of Idaho from Holmen, WI. “Wanna go with us? Reckon your dad would let you…?” A resounding ‘Heck yeah’ from both, so the next thing you knew, I not only had a plan but a travel partner to boot!

Josh had never ridden in either Washington or Oregon, so those became tentative likely targets if things worked out; otherwise, whatever was available if circumstances changed dramatically… The only real goal was to ride, wander, and enjoy the extended time away from routine and normalcy… Plus a super-sized dose of wind therapy!

Traveling solo has many advantages to be sure, but roaming around with congenial company has some perks of its own, too. Not the least of which is the way younger riders sort of cater to older riders in a very nice way! Case in point: Our girl was crossing the threshold where an oil & filter change were needed. Josh and I rode to the Walmart very near our motel in Bemidji, MN, our second evening out, and we picked up the necessary items. Upon returning to the motel, Josh changed those for us!!!

This is our fourth day on the road together, and Doc is still speaking to me! Some folks are inclined to think I wear on people after a fairly short time, but so far, he seems to be OK with everything we’ve done. A few sprinkles of rain on our second day riding, and remarkably cool temps throughout so far!

We’re taking a day off in Minot, ND, to allow some rain to pass over us and out of our path of travel, so… We’ll see how things go… Tomorrow we’ll be back at it, as we make our way into Montana… I’ll try to remember to take some pics before the next update… Sorry ‘bout that!

DDT (12)

[carolinarider09]

Fun times DDT and good friends.... Don't get no better than that. 

[Valker]

Enjoy that wind therapy for me for the next two weeks while I'm stuck traveling in my Pickup. My 78 year old sister asked if I'd drive it to Ohio to pick her up from her 60th reunion and drive her back to Texas. Sure, I said. She asks me to do very little for her.

[Mooskee]

That is some beautiful country out there Bruce. How can you go wrong? There is a pass on I-90 through Idaho where it sticks up between Montana and Washington. The highway crosses Lake Coeur d' Alene. What a beautiful view. It has been 45 years since I was there, but it remains in my memory.

[old2soon]

      Both GOOD RIDERS a Teenager and another Guy whose first number is I believe a 7! BUT in All Fairness Josh has told me a couple times he LIKES learning from the "older" RIDERS!  I M O Josh could NOT have gotten a better long distance RIDER/SOJOURNER than you Bruce A K A DDT (12)! Both y'all stay safe out there Cuz folks NO CAN SEE US!  RIDE SAFE.

[LadyDraco]

Have  Fun Bruce

[Jess from VA]

We’re taking a day off in Minot, ND

In the Air Force, a common saying among SAC (Strategic Air Command) types was:

Why not Minot?

Freezin's the reason.

Of course, they were talking about Winter up there.  



Minot AFB - Missile Field In The Winter  (one guy is smiling)

[Farside]

  Fun times & memories for you two Bruce! Enjoyed the read. Safe travels 

[NewValker]

Ya got a damn good ridin partner there Bruce!! 

Craig

[DDT (12)]

Jim,

Yessiree! Fun times indeed... Josh is an excellent rider and an even better traveling companion. No pain, no strain, just easy and smooth! He happens to be a great wrench, too, although we've fortunately had no call for him to demonstrate his skill... Just taking it easy gliding around making a few memories.

DDT (12)



Eric,

Not that you need any substitute filling in for ya! You've made more than enough memories of your own recently to carry you a very long way! Still, if you think it might help, we'll continue on to help out!  

DDT (12)



Dave,

I have a mental image of that same scene in my own cranial data bank, too! Yep, it is a splendid view... It doesn't look like we'll quite make it up that far on this trip, but who knows... I surely don't!!! I've finished the book you loaned me, so now I just need to get it in the mail to ya... Thanks for that... a good read and quite informative!

DDT (12)



Dennis,

Yep, a really good companion for doing what we do, and I'm lucky to have him for a friend! I'm pretty sure he's teaching me more than I am him, though... Yes, I am a 70 something guy... My age is right in between yours and da prez's... Yeppers, staying safe is item number #1 on our 'To-Do' lists!

DDT (12)



Tracy,

Thanks, my friend!!! Having fun is item number #2 on both our 'To-Do' lists... Glad to continue hearing about your advances with the solo farm management challenges you have. Tough times never last... Tough people do. Congrats on all your successes... we're all pulling for you!

DDT (12)



Jess,

Thanks, my friend! Funny, about the cold up here in the wintertime... Just a little while ago I dug down in my bag and found my Gerbings controller to hook back up to my liner! The low here in the morning is forecast to be 46*, so I'm planning on hooking up! As for the one guy in your photo of the snow ditch who is smiling... He happens to have his hands in his pockets... Perhaps that has something to do with it... reckon?

DDT (12)



Keith,

Thanks, as always. Yes, these are fun times, and by the time Josh is home again, he will indeed have a trove of great memories! I'm glad I've been able to share this time with him...

DDT (12)



Craig,

You nailed it, sir! He surely got the shorter end of the stick on this deal, though, while I... Well, you get the idea. Soon we'll be riding the Spiral Highway then dining at Effie's Tavern on an Effie Burger... We'll even take a gander at 'Hells Canyon' while we're in the 'hood. We're definitely going for the gusto while we're out here!!!

DDT (12)

[Mooskee]

Bruce, just pass the book on to someone else or donate it. I read it and have plenty of stuff!

[DDT (12)]

Dave,

OK, my friend. Thanks a bunch for the great loan. I often have a book of some sort with me; some sent to me by friends, others given to me by thoughtful folks like you and Donna along the way. I picked up a surprise 'gift' book in Minnesota recently on my way to the Quad State Ride, so there will be no break in the continuity of my continuing education! Life can be so grand, ya know!

BTW, have you given any thought to making the FCR the third weekend in October? I plan to be there, and it would be great to swap some yarns together... If not, perhaps a ride around that time frame...?

DDT (12)

[da prez]

  Bruce , Josh is like a real grandson to me. He and Terry (dad) are two of the nicest people I know. The knowledge Josh has picked up and continues to learn needs to be  a role model for the entitled brats out there today.  I trust him and Terry with my life.

                                                   da prez

[DDT (12)]

Ross,

Very well said! I share your sentiments completely... BTW, he speaks very highly of you, as well!!! He's holding up really well indeed on this trip. Never any complaints, he just takes everything in stride. He even has had no problem with all the U-turns that come with sharing a ride with this questionable navigator. Long days or short, laying over a day or pressing on... He's an ideal travel companion! Thanks for your comments...

DDT (12)

[trout dude]

Hey Bruce good read and and enjoy that pice of burger   Also no umbrellas in the parking lot . Be safe and enjoy y’all’s ride

[DDT (12)]

Dennis,

Oh man! We sure did make some great memories out there, didn't we?! Josh is a growing young man with a matching appetite, so I'm curious to see him tackle three-quarters of an Effie Burger! One quarter is all I figure I'm good for, so... We'll see.

I still do have that umbrella, but hopefully it can remain in its special place in the saddlebag... I still chuckle at some of the uses that thing has had over the years... Many of those were with my dear friend down in Bayou land...! I can hardly wait to make some more incredible memories!!!

DDT (12)

[Jess from VA]

After I once spent several hours on a backup up freeway, kickstand down engine off, no escape possible (riding the breakdown lane to the next exit is a reckless ticket in VA) in a torrential downpour, I added one of those little compact, fold-up umbrellas to my bike gear.

I had full rain gear on and the helmet, but the water poured right down my neck anyway and I was eventually soaked right to my boots.  And would one single cager invite me out of the deluge to sit in his car?  No chance.

I don't care how stupid it would look to sit on the kickstand on the freeway in a downpour with a little umbrella over me (and the controls), it's good function would be worth it. 

Of course, it's never happened again.  But it could. 

Remember the Boy Scout motto "be prepared."

[Mooskee]

Dave,

OK, my friend. Thanks a bunch for the great loan. I often have a book of some sort with me; some sent to me by friends, others given to me by thoughtful folks like you and Donna along the way. I picked up a surprise 'gift' book in Minnesota recently on my way to the Quad State Ride, so there will be no break in the continuity of my continuing education! Life can be so grand, ya know!

BTW, have you given any thought to making the FCR the third weekend in October? I plan to be there, and it would be great to swap some yarns together... If not, perhaps a ride around that time frame...?

DDT (12)

Bruce, The FCR would be an excellent time. I am currently wearing a Periferal Nerve Stimulator on my lumbar until Sept 25th. I'm trying to get some relief from the chronic back pain. You know how it has affected my riding. It would be great to be able to do the FCR. I won't know if is possible for a while yet, which may preclude me being able to get reservations. I will burn that bridge when I get to it ;-)

[Rams]

"How About That, Guyz & Galz?”
SNIP
 I’ll try to remember to take some pics before the next update… Sorry ‘bout that!

DDT (12)

I would surely hope so, you do realize that some of us dream of such adventures but unfortunately mostly only experience such things through your own treks.     Another good read though.   

Maybe some day..................   

Rams

[DDT (12)]

Jess,

I hear ya! Mostly that's been my experience, too. However, there have been an exception or two along the way. Once a group of us pulled over during a downpour because one of our riders couldn't keep his glasses from fogging-up, so it was unsafe for that couple to continue. We just stood around beside our rides on a side road in the steady rain laughing at each other...

A car pulled alongside us, rolled down the window, and a very nice lady said she lived just down the road and her carport was mostly empty. We could ride down there and get out of the rain! She even put on a pot of coffee for us, so we had a very memorable 'rain experience'!!! You just never know!

DDT (12)



Dave,

Good news! You'll really enjoy the gathering. If that doesn't work out, though, perhaps you and I could still hook up for a little jaunt before or after... Let's just play this thought thread out and see what develops! I'm looking forward to the prospects...

DDT (12)



Ron,

Nothing like a little pressure to produce improved results! Nah, just fooling around here... I know what you mean. My next installment will include at least two photos... Don't just dream it... Live it!!! Time is passing, my friend... You really need to get yer butt out here while you still can!

DDT (12)

[Rams]

Ron,

Nothing like a little pressure to produce improved results! Nah, just fooling around here... I know what you mean. My next installment will include at least two photos... Don't just dream it... Live it!!! Time is passing, my friend... You really need to get yer butt out here while you still can!

DDT (12)

Bruce, working toward that goal.   With the move to TN, have too many irons in the fire right now but, I'm trying.  Stay safe.

Rams

[DDT (12)]

Ron,

I don't mean to be tightening any thumb screws here... no pressure intended! I am aware of your circumstances and their limitations... I'm more just lamenting the loss of a road trip with you and the absence of those great chats we've had... One of these days, perhaps... I hope...

DDT (12)

[Rams]

Ron,

I don't mean to be tightening any thumb screws here... no pressure intended! I am aware of your circumstances and their limitations... I'm more just lamenting the loss of a road trip with you and the absence of those great chats we've had... One of these days, perhaps... I hope...

DDT (12)

Didn't take it that way.   Just a bit envious.   

Rams

[Mooskee]

Dave,

Good news! You'll really enjoy the gathering. If that doesn't work out, though, perhaps you and I could still hook up for a little jaunt before or after... Let's just play this thought thread out and see what develops! I'm looking forward to the prospects...


DDT (12)

Thanks Bruce; that gives me a goal to shoot for. I would enjoy riding and spinning some yarns with you again. I just need to get this old back to comply. I spose I wore it out in my 71 years of pushing limits! Hopefully this too shall pass.

Dave