Living The Dream...

[DDT (12)]

Living The Dream…

Is it just me? I seem to be noticing more announcements of deaths lately… Is my subconscious trying to tip me off to something unpleasant, or… what…? I choose to think of it more as just coincidence. If my time is actually drawing very near, fretting about it won’t change matters… I feel fine, so there is nothing obvious to cause alarm.

Sticking to my usual MO is my best course to pursue, I’m convinced. So, I’m spending much time studying the weather and trying to make sense of the information, guestimates really, provided by those who offer likely but vague possibilities about what will happen. Of course, when those ‘forecasts’ change over time, as they always seem to do, they are quick to expertly tell us why things didn’t work out as originally predicted… and what now appears more likely…

That also means mining the veins of data about ‘quarters’ availability given the probable weather conditions. Since a cold front very soon will be dipping down into the far reaches of dear ole Dixie bringing with it the coldest temps we’ve seen this season… Lows in the 20s are also included in those chilling looks just ahead! An adjustment in my ‘course’ seems entirely wise…

I’ve decided to rent an apartment for a couple of weeks instead of an indefinite hunkering down period in a motel. I may even extend my stay there if the weather doesn’t improve and I like the set-up… And, of course, if the place is still available beyond my reserved stay…

Occasionally, a stay extension at the place I’ve selected can’t be made due to someone else reserving the place next, so… I must figure out some other arrangement. There is always the possibility I’ll have to depart in bad weather, but I could always just leave a day or two early. If I am forced to face-up to the inclement conditions, I can look to find a nearby motel for a few days… There are many near my next rental unit, mercifully.

It's going to be different grocery shopping again and actually preparing my own meals plus ‘dining in’… Funny, I do this a couple of times each year, but each time it seems novel and somehow appealing… for a while! Soon enough, however, I’ll be chomping at the bit and eager to hit the road to unknown adventures again. The thought of being stationary will, as always, quickly lose its luster, and dreams of the joyful unexpected will fill my consciousness.

This life is definitely not for everyone, even most folks I know, but for a few… Being able to stay-put whenever I feel like it, then being able to simply ride away without looking back is… well… rather nice. None of the worries or expense of homeownership combined with the fact all road trips are wide-open with no round-trip to consider… Well, that’s a huge bonus!

Having one’s own place, a home-base, does have many appeals, and I certainly acknowledge those. I’m fairly sure I’ll again give that sort of lifestyle another try down the road sometime, some place. In the meantime, I’m going to focus on my current home… and that’s our girl… wherever she happens to be… It’s a tiny little place… But you won’t believe the backyard!!! Nope, I ain’t dead yet…

DDT (12)

[Oss]

Glad to see you have considered your options

Do not want to call it a plan, ya know ?

I took the Valk into the Bronx this morning   1st miles in a month or more
Parked right under the El across the street
The rain stopped at dawn, weather was in 50s and dropping steadily into low 40s soon
Winds around 20 or so with gusts foretelling the next cold events

Whatever you decide, it will be the right move or stay

Dont worry about doom and gloom  it is a new year and technically still both Christmas and Channukah

My only concern coming up is will it be snowing on 1/1 and mess up my new year day ride up to Bear Mtn

Speaking of which, what did you get Ali ?

[Valker]

Nicely put, Bruce. Like Evan, whichever way you decide will be good. There are ten motorcycles and three cars here at Casa de Valker. There is never a lack of things to do. I'd need a very large Tractor Trailer rig to carry my stuff, but I own my possessions; they don't own me. I have one bike on the lift table now with a relatively short list of "which one next" to get to. I'm currently prioritizing a reorganization of my shop and garages to make parts easier to find. My goal is to make it more like Mitch's shop.
Have a blast! I will also. I'm currently in the early stages of planning a trip to the Pacific Northwest in June and to Newfoundland some time after that.

[GiG]

I must be living the wrong dream  :' … but, all in all , very grateful   

[Rams]

Living The Dream…

 I ain’t dead yet…

DDT (12)

I, most surely hope not!      As I recollect, you owe me a donut and I don't intend to let you get off that easily. 

Nice read, thanks for posting.

Rams

[old2soon]

     Dont sweat the small stuff and dont pet the sweaty stuff or so I've heard! You and You ALONE gotta make those calls. Comes down to do whatever gits er done. Bottom dropping out of our temps here in SoMo the nect couple of sunrises. Iffen yer comfortable nuttin else matters. Bruce you've gotten along this far in life so sounds like whatever it are seems to be wurkin!  Enjoy and RIDE SAFE.

[3fan4life]

Many of us here, myself included envy your chosen life style.

Although, I'm not sure if you chose it or if it chose you. 


For us who dream of wandering and exploring new places, there's much glamor to your vagabond life

Deciding when to hunker down and when to move on is probably the least favorable part.

The weather isn't always a friend to those who enjoy life on two wheels.

We can prepare for riding in unfavorable weather, but only so much.


Prior to my recent cross country excursion I was prepared to encounter rain and cold.

I wasn't well prepared to encounter oppressive heat and it kicked my butt!

There were several places and people that I wanted to see that I couldn't because of the heat.

I had planned to spend a few days exploring Nevada, Utah and Idaho.

When I got to Vegas and it was still 100F at midnight and the weather man was predicting that the heat would get worse, I quickly scrapped those plans.

Totally by accident or luck I discovered that Flagstaff, AZ is a haven of cool air when everything else in the west is hotter than hades.


Which reminds me how many of your adventures were ultimately determined by luck or happenstance.

I am well aware of your aversion to making plans.

But to the casual observer it appears that you may be the master of "flexible" planning. 

Which is a skill that all of us traversing around on two wheels need to master. 

[Hook#3287]

Bruce, whatever you do and wherever you go, please continue to take us with you.

[DDT (12)]

Evan,

Thanks for the come-back! I always enjoy pondering your musings, and I can't help marveling at just how much you seem to 'get it' about my fairly unique path through life. Yes, I do consider options all the time, but you're also correct that it wouldn't qualify as actual planning. To attempt to do so would be an affront to those who actually do seriously plan. Besides, I'm in denial about doing any of that anyway...

I admire the toughness of y'all up yonder and your determination to pursue winter riding! I'm such a tenderfoot myself, that I don't even consider any option that might take us north to your environs during winter! For my tastes it gets plenty cold enough along the I-10 corridor sometimes for yours truly!!!

Our girl and her partner did the usual exchange of gifts this year... We gave each other the promise of legendary road trips for the coming year. So far we've each delivered on our promises for more than a quarter century now! Thanks again for the reply...

DDT (12)



Eric,

Thanks for the compliment and reply! Thanks also for being my friend and recent road partner! You are a fabulous person with whom to share an extended ride. Not only are you easy-going and agreeable to almost any choice that might arise, but you are also so well-traveled and knowledgeable of long ride issues and joys that conversation never lacks interest or stimulation!

Speaking of long ride choices... You are contemplating monster rides later this New Year, and ones that surely will create memories for the ages to ponder when you eventually find yourself confined to a rocking chair someday! You'll be sitting there with a blanket across your legs and lap, a cup of warm cocoa in your hand, the sun on your face, that 'thousand-yard stare' in your eyes, and a broad grin on your face... People will wonder about you, of course, but that won't matter one little bit! With any luck, I'll be nearby in another rocker doing the same thing!!!

Emulating Mitch with garage organization strikes this non-garage guy as an amazingly wise idea! He not only is one of the top wrenches in our riding community, but he does also indeed have his stuff very well organized. He seems never to waste any moves, as his work efforts are nearly as impressive as his outcomes. Good model from which to draw inspiration!

Thanks again, my friend, for the response, thoughts expressed, and wisdom shared...

DDT (12)



Gig,

Nightmares are dreams, too, ya know! No hill for a true climber, though, and you are definitely one who trembles not when it comes to facing life and all of its ups and downs. One of your thought processes I admire most is your affinity for enjoying what you have while not wasting time fretting about what you don't have! I know you will continue ascending those lofty heights, my friend, and enjoying whatever it is that awaits you there!!!

DDT (12)



Ron,

As often happens, I find your recollections of debts to be a wee bit different than those that come to my mind... Oh well, I can afford a donut payment, mercifully, so that is one that I'll cheerfully make without protest regardless!!! My sweet tooth and I eagerly await the time when we can settle that alleged encumbrance...

DDT (12)



Dennis,

I had a fine meal last evening, as I continued to ponder my next moves. The 'Ciley Boys' were passing through the panhandle of Florida on their return northward to cold country. We met at a BBQ joint frequented by yours truly when in this area, and a fine meal of fine swine was shared along with great conversation.

They had with them a new 'acquisition' being ridden by the younger member of that august pair. They'd been down to south Florida to pick it up, clean it up and... I won't spill the rest of the beans here and now; however, I will say... Somebody I know rather well will soon be sporting a brand new grin broader than any he'd ever produced in the past!!!

Yes indeed... Cold temps are on their way, and this boy will be hunkering down for certain! I'm confident it was a good call, though, and one I'm confidently looking forward to verifying... I just hope the listed heating feature in the ad proves to be all I hope it will be!!! If not, then 'layers' liberally applied will be the order of the day!

DDT (12)



Bill,

Thanks, my friend... I do intend to do just that! Part of my enjoyment doing what I do is writing about it for my future reference. Sharing my doodling with all the fractured grammar and such becomes part of the enjoyment also, when positive feedback is received. So, Amigo, thank you for your contributions and encouragement... It's my pleasure to have y'all along with me, as I discover the many incredible wonders of life on the road behind bars... a life well spent IMHO!

DDT (12)

[GiG]

Bruce:
It seems that, once again, you have read my thoughts - dreams & nightmares  :2funny : wise words of inspiration 

No fretting here 

[thedon]

Bruce,
Keep doing what you are doing. Enjoy reading about your adventures.

Don

[DDT (12)]

Mark,

Many riders tell me of their envy of my lifestyle and of how they'd like to follow a similar path. Most, I'm afraid, would soon weary of many of the unavoidable aspects that also come with it however, and would in short order return to the more familiar lifestyle they've known. My lifestyle also has some unanticipated drawbacks, of course, that can only be mitigated and dealt with, not avoided entirely.

You are, I'm convinced, one of those exceptions, though, as I've become aware over the years of your own way of thinking, and even more of your insatiable appetite for adventure, personal growth, and knowledge about the things that truly matter. I've likewise come to recognize the nice fit for you this pursuit likely would be! I hope you have the opportunity for much more...

I've wondered that myself... Did I choose this path or did it choose me? I don't know, frankly, but that's not important. That I did naively stumble through all the fluke circumstances that have led me here, I am eternally grateful!!! I didn't consciously set out on this quest, I simply found myself with this option available, so I started out sampling it - like what you've been doing - and this is where I've wound-up. You guessed it, I'm mighty glad to be here!!!

Thanks for your always interesting observations and comments. I know 'you get it', so you most definitely have much credibility with this long rider! I look forward to swapping yarns with you again... soon!

DDT (12)



Gig,

We are kindred spirits, ya know, so I do know how you would likely respond to the real-life issues that unavoidably crop-up. I also respect your calm, measured reactions to adversity, so it really ain't rocket surgery!!! Good luck as you continue to deal with your latest challenges... I'm looking forward to comparing notes again down the road someplace...

DDT (12)



Don,

Long time since I've heard from you, my friend! Thanks for the reply and kind words! I'm mighty glad you enjoy my ramblings, and also that you say so... I certainly enjoy making those memories, and I find the documenting of these experiences a pleasant adjunct of my quest. I also enjoy sharing them with those who get a kick out of my stuff... Again, thanks for the comments!!!

Funny, I've thought about my choice and its impact upon my life and well-being. I have concluded it is 'healthy' both mentally and physically for me and among the reasons I'm still here and in the shape I'm in.  I'm no 'specimen' by any stretch of the imagination, but I do still find myself able to get around, haul all the gear I carry, ride our girl all over the place, and most of all maintain a happy and optimistic outlook for the future! And... I just love my life!!!

DDT (12)

[carolinarider09]

Living The Dream…

This life is definitely not for everyone, even most folks I know, but for a few… Being able to stay-put whenever I feel like it, then being able to simply ride away without looking back is… well… rather nice. None of the worries or expense of homeownership combined with the fact all road trips are wide-open with no round-trip to consider… Well, that’s a huge bonus!

Having one’s own place, a home-base, does have many appeals, and I certainly acknowledge those. I’m fairly sure I’ll again give that sort of lifestyle another try down the road sometime, some place. In the meantime, I’m going to focus on my current home… and that’s our girl… wherever she happens to be… It’s a tiny little place… But you won’t believe the backyard!!! Nope, I ain’t dead yet…

DDT (12)

The above may be true but, in my humble opinion, what is important is how you feel about it.  From what I read, you enjoy both the ups (rewards) and the downs (challenges). 

The ups are self rewarding making one feel good.

The challenges are also rewarding in that analyzing the challenge, making a decision based on your information and a successful and enjoyable outcome are also rewarding.  The reward is success. 

Sounds like a good way to spend your days.  And it's your choice.  Also good.

Happy New Year.  Looking forward to your ride reports in 2025.

[DDT (12)]

Jim,

Thanks, as always, for your insightful analysis and astute observations. I agree completely with everything you've said, as I've found the things you've described to be spot-on. I do love this life including all of the unknowns and challenges that confront us... That enjoyment, however, has resulted from my own analysis and thinking, then re-thinking, about them and their role in the overall journey and indeed my very life...

Like with most folks, at first those seemingly negative surprises were considered undesirable and an annoyance. Viewing them as actual positive events in the overall scheme of things, however, has revolutionized my experience! The journey 'between my ears' has in many ways been even further than the one on the road... Yes sir, this life truly does work for this eager student of life and personal growth... Thanks, my friend, for your interesting perspectives and for sharing them with us!

DDT (12)

[Rams]

Ron,

As often happens, I find your recollections of debts to be a wee bit different than those that come to my mind... Oh well, I can afford a donut payment, mercifully, so that is one that I'll cheerfully make without protest regardless!!! My sweet tooth and I eagerly await the time when we can settle that alleged encumbrance...

DDT (12)

Bruce,
You may be correct, there are times my memory isn't as good as it used to be.   May have you confused with Sweet Cheeks.     

Regardless, I'm glad you ain't dead yet.   

Rams 

[3fan4life]

Mark,

Many riders tell me of their envy of my lifestyle and of how they'd like to follow a similar path. Most, I'm afraid, would soon weary of many of the unavoidable aspects that also come with it however, and would in short order return to the more familiar lifestyle they've known. My lifestyle also has some unanticipated drawbacks, of course, that can only be mitigated and dealt with, not avoided entirely.

You are, I'm convinced, one of those exceptions, though, as I've become aware over the years of your own way of thinking, and even more of your insatiable appetite for adventure, personal growth, and knowledge about the things that truly matter. I've likewise come to recognize the nice fit for you this pursuit likely would be! I hope you have the opportunity for much more...

I've wondered that myself... Did I choose this path or did it choose me? I don't know, frankly, but that's not important. That I did naively stumble through all the fluke circumstances that have led me here, I am eternally grateful!!! I didn't consciously set out on this quest, I simply found myself with this option available, so I started out sampling it - like what you've been doing - and this is where I've wound-up. You guessed it, I'm mighty glad to be here!!!

Thanks for your always interesting observations and comments. I know 'you get it', so you most definitely have much credibility with this long rider! I look forward to swapping yarns with you again... soon!

DDT (12)

Thanks Buddy, those are some very kind and encouraging words.

I agree that your exact lifestyle isn't for the faint of heart.



Right now if I tried to emulate you fully, the spousal unit would either kill me or leave me.  

Since I don't care for either one of those options. I'm leaning towards more of a hybrid approach.

I plan to start with more 3-5 day excursions.

That pretty much confines me to staying east of the Mississippi River but there's still plenty of unexplored territory to keep me busy.

Then later acquire a camper with a toy hauler so that we can explore parts west from a mobile base camp.

Ginger is in favor of the latter so that stands a good chance of coming to fruition.

[DDT (12)]

Ron,

I knew you were kidding about the donut... You do realize, of course, that I was kidding back... for the most part. I was quite serious about 'paying' that alleged debt! Heck, maybe we should include Sweet Cheeks in that grand sugar-sharing event to come... (I'm not kidding here...)

DDT (12)



Mark,

There is no one right way to pursue the ultimate road trip, as I know you are already aware... We each must find our own 'sweet spot' that fits our unique circumstances. The thoughts and dreams you've outlined would be a great way to go about indulging your fancies that would include your partner, Ginger.

I had no consideration like that available it turned out although variations were originally considered, so obviously those possibilities never materialized for me. Neither would that truly have suited my temperament or deeply rooted needs anyway, I later discovered. So, it seems predictable now with hindsight that I would walk away from similar future opportunities and continue on solo.

You and I are different enough to make it only common sense that our courses would necessarily differ. The details of our choices matching is irrelevant; the fulfilment of desires is the only test. If you find that option works for you, then that's exactly what you should eagerly embrace! I look forward to reading and hearing all about it as your progress unfolds...

DDT (12)

[Rams]

Ron,

I knew you were kidding about the donut... You do realize, of course, that I was kidding back... for the most part. I was quite serious about 'paying' that alleged debt! Heck, maybe we should include Sweet Cheeks in that grand sugar-sharing event to come... (I'm not kidding here...)

DDT (12)

Bruce,
Sounds like a plan.   Janice is more than welcomed to join it.   
My "Caution Light" is blinking, but Sweet Cheeks and Sugary Treats most definitely go together.  She is a sweetheart as we both know.   

Rams

[DDT (12)]

Ron,

Yep, the more I ponder on it, the better that idea sounds and the more aspirational prospects of it become! Sharing sweets with two of my favorite folks would be a downright upright notion and possibility! That idea has all the markings of a mental 'carrot' of sorts to be figuratively dangled in front of this ole mule as he wanders about in anticipation of coming attractions!

Now there is one thing I need to make crystal clear... My favorite donut by far is an original, light-and-fluffy, glazed donut. Naturally there is a story behind that nearly life-long preference, but I won't attempt to share it now... It's no secret, really, just time consuming and very taxing on my typing finger to undertake... Y'all, of course, can order whatever you like, but I insist on my being able to have that favorite of mine!

DDT (12)

[3fan4life]

Bruce,

Thanks for the comments, they are appreciated.


The truth is that there is only one you!


For those of us who have gotten to know you it is certainly a privilege and to be able to call you friend is an honor.

[DDT (12)]

Mark,

What a great way to start off a new year! Reading flattering comments like those you just penned are among the best ways that come to mind!!! I do love my life, and I am mighty proud to be right here right now... That other worthwhile folks find it worth such mention is frosting on the cake! Thank you very much...

DDT (12)

P.S. Wanna share some donuts with a couple of others I'm negotiating with at the moment?

[Rams]

Ron,

Yep, the more I ponder on it, the better that idea sounds and the more aspirational prospects of it become! Sharing sweets with two of my favorite folks would be a downright upright notion and possibility! That idea has all the markings of a mental 'carrot' of sorts to be figuratively dangled in front of this ole mule as he wanders about in anticipation of coming attractions!

Now there is one thing I need to make crystal clear... My favorite donut by far is an original, light-and-fluffy, glazed donut. Naturally there is a story behind that nearly life-long preference, but I won't attempt to share it now... It's no secret, really, just time consuming and very taxing on my typing finger to undertake... Y'all, of course, can order whatever you like, but I insist on my being able to have that favorite of mine!

DDT (12)

Bruce, I can promise, your selection will not be an issue nor will Sweet Cheeks, everyone seems to have a favorite.   But, the question is, where and when?   I'm starting to go through withdrawals just reading these responses.  What little I do know about Sweet Cheeks tells me not to get between her and that donut.  

Rams

[3fan4life]

P.S. Wanna share some donuts with a couple of others I'm negotiating with at the moment?

I'd love to.

We'll have to see if that can be worked out.

When you have a date and place worked out let me know.

If I can be there I will.


At the moment I'm trying to entice some riding buddies to either take a ride to Maine for some lobster or to Louisiana for some Cajun Food.

It's amazing just how hard it can be to get 3 people's schedules to align!

[Sweet Cheeks]

Donut ….  coffee …. a bike trip …. with friends. Oh heck yeah, count me in!  Gotta let the weather warm up though.  My little bones don’t like being cold. Actually this sounds like a good inclusion to Wood Butchers ride in April. See y’all there?

Bruce, when you are down this way, give me a shout.  We moved my mom from Montgomery to Jemison, so chances of our paths crossing in Montg. have significantly reduced.  

I will be in central Florida for a few days in March.  I’ll try to remember to check and see if you are in the area.

Meanwhile, ride safe my friend.  I look forward to sharing some wind therapy with you again when the opportunity arises.

Janice

[DDT (12)]

Ron,

Well, my friend, thank you for that! It is a relief and definitely removes one of the potential barriers to realization. I'd probably have shown up anyway, but knowing I can indulge my sweet tooth while including nostalgic memories of earlier times sort off cinches the deal. That still leaves logistics to work out...

If only coordinating such a rendezvous were as easy as herding cats, then... Fortunately, our pal Sweet Cheeks has suggested an interesting possible remedy! Wood butcher's annual event just might be the best solution for all... I don't know if Mark plans on making that gathering this time, nor any of the rest of us either, but it does serve as a good starting point for deliberations... What say you?

DDT (12)



Janice,

Jemison, huh...? OK, that's some useful info right there. I've intended to make each one of Wood's Cheaha rides, but something has always popped up at the last minute and kept me away. A sensible solution to our not-so-little challenge, though, and one certainly worth considering!

Either way, I'll still try to make Wood's thing, and if it's at a different time and place, the donut doings with y'all, as well. BTW, have I ever mentioned that I just love your avatar? Great pic for sure!!! Yes indeed... I'm for sure looking forward to sharing some wind and making some joint memories with you again too!!!

DDT (12)



Mark,

I hear ya, my friend! Trying to coordinate schedules with other riders, especially when one, some or all are still actively earning paychecks is... Well, it for sure ain't easy! Some would say nearly impossible! That, as it turned out, is but one of the several reasons I've ended up riding solo so much throughout my entire riding career...

Sweet Cheeks has made the first 'offer' of a meet-up for sugar sharing. That was an important first step, but now the real aspirin-popping for the headaches and frustrations that follow begins as we each look for ways to all gather at the same place at the same time. I do wish us luck!

There is a possibility that isn't a particularly good choice, but it would suffice if any other solution proved totally illusive... A 'conference-call donut fest' done from remote locations... Let me explain...

Once upon a time, Sweet Cheeks, Punisher, and I were on our way to the FCR together, and we paused one evening to pay tribute to a dear friend. We each got a cup of coffee and an apple pie from McDonald's, then we called Wimp (Paul Mull) and celebrated the moment with him via long distance... A fall back alternative at best, but... an option nonetheless...

DDT (12)

[Rams]

Ron,

Well, my friend, thank you for that! It is a relief and definitely removes one of the potential barriers to realization. I'd probably have shown up anyway, but knowing I can indulge my sweet tooth while including nostalgic memories of earlier times sort off cinches the deal. That still leaves logistics to work out...

If only coordinating such a rendezvous were as easy as herding cats, then... Fortunately, our pal Sweet Cheeks has suggested an interesting possible remedy! Wood butcher's annual event just might be the best solution for all... I don't know if Mark plans on making that gathering this time, nor any of the rest of us either, but it does serve as a good starting point for deliberations... What say you?

DDT (12)

Bruce, Similar to others, it'll all depend on how many and what "irons I have in the fire".   But, know that that invitation is always open.   
IF, nothing else, there's always InZane.

Rams