Bitter Taste...

[DDT (12)]

Bitter Taste...

We've all had experiences that have left a 'bitter taste in our mouths', or so the saying goes... Excess stomach acid builds up due to some seriously stressful event likely the cause when it actually does occur. Most unpleasantries don't really leave actual physical sour tastes, of course, but the graphic phrasing does perform a role in dramatizing the scope and scale of our displeasure. Occasionally, though...

It was clearly my own fault, I freely concede, and this is not an attempt to seek sympathy, advance any political narrative, avoid blame or dodge responsibility. It is, however, a vivid example of one of those rare times when bitterness of taste did reside in my own oral cavity and linger long amid very mixed feelings about the whole episode.

My friend Eric West (Valker) has a saying: "I ride a motorcycle, because nothing else transports me as quickly from where I am to who I am." WOW! I fully subscribe to that sentiment, so nearly all my ride stories appropriately begin with lavish comments on conditions, both physical and spiritual, regarding the glorious undertaking at the start of the tale... Even the 'bad times' are good in the broader scheme of things! This saga is no exception...

So, it was indeed another marvelous day! Few clouds to shade the brilliant sun on that coolish morning. KSU soon led to that special zone only us fortunate-few truly understand in such intimate terms. I was completely powerless to control the growing ginormous involuntary grin as it reached maximum size, threatening to crack my lips… It was, quite simply, totally impossible to even approximate a decent description of the delightful sensation pulsing through my body. Yessiree, ‘I do love my life, and I am mighty proud to be here!’ echoed inside my brain, and I allowed free range to the euphoria as it completely engulfed me…

The blissful trance lingered for a time stretching into a dozen miles or more before… SPLAT! Dang, a suicidal bug of some sort decided to end-it-all by landing on my very exposed front teeth. Not on my face or near my mouth, squarely on that pair of incisors themselves… I had to grudgingly concede that bug did have pretty good aim… Although the target had been rather large… Still… Yes, the taste was bitter, and it stayed with me for a while, too.

Following a period of spitting profusely, muttering a profane expletive or ten, and trying to be disgusted by the experience, I soon realized something else. It wasn’t really all that bad, no damage was done, and the ride hadn’t been altered… Afterall, that could only happen under ideal circumstances anyway, right? It was one of those annoying negative reminders of an extremely positive event! More like it left a bitter-sweet taste in my mouth, I suppose, if that’s possible…

DDT (12)

[f6john]

10 times better than the offending insect scoping out your eye with laser accuracy, I think! But I have never experience either, other than possibly a glancing blow in the vicinity of each.

[Sweet Cheeks]

OMG, I love it!  This has to be one of your best “tales” yet.

I had a doc appointment in Anniston today and decided to ride the Big Guy.  In doing so, I too experienced (and fully understand) that euphoric grin!  I love Valkers saying and will definitely be storing that sentiment somewhere for future use.

 I hate that the bug got you, but appreciate the humor you found in the situation. 

Ride safe my friend.  I hope to see you next month in Ft. Payne.  If you make it back near here, let me know.  I’m sure we can find a mutually agreed upon watering hole to visit.

Janice

[Jess from VA]

Doesn't Eric (Valker) have this in his signature pic?  



I ate a bug once.  It wasn't that bad, except the legs were fuzzy.   

[John Schmidt]

Bruce, so you're again living up to the DDT moniker. I've also had that rather bitter experience. And, on a GWRRA group ride many years ago, the female half of the couple in front of me had a sudden screaming and bouncing up & down episode all the while grabbing at her crotch. Her husband pulled over, as did the rest of us, she hopped off and ripped off her shorts right there on the curb.That in itself brought a number of hilarious comments, not appreciated by her. Seems a bee had been caught by her shorts which were blowing wide due to the windstream and had stung her 2-3 times right in that tender area high on the inside of the thigh. I felt sorry for her, obviously quite painful.

Bruce, it was good meeting up with you for BBQ at Sonny's. As usual, Nanners was tickled to see you again and talked about it for some time following our departure. Take care my friend, we'll see you again down the road.

[LadyDraco]

We have all been there. 
I had a JuneBug hit me rigt between the eyes once.
That hurt ... There was a photo floating around for a while .
We were coming back from a Cheaha I beleive , one of the few times it wasn't snowing when we came back home. I think ValkHound and  Bandit was with us..

[Thunderbolt]

Another good one as others have said Bruce.  Similar experiences come to mind here as well.  And to Tracy, remembering Bandit and Valkhound now that brings back memories....

[LadyDraco]

Another good one as others have said Bruce.  Similar experiences come to mind here as well.  And to Tracy, remembering Bandit and Valkhound now that brings back memories....

I talk to Valkhound at least 2-4 times a month..

[JimmyG]

Hey Bruce, good story, as usual.  Guess we have all been there a time or two. My worst was a bat hit me in the chest one time while riding in the early evening. He must have been chasing a bug and he and I met suddenly. Yeeeouch, that was a thumper for sure.

[Hook#3287]

I can see it like this.

Two bugs flying around and one says "There's that DDT guy, killer of many, I'm going in"

The other bug "NOOOOO!"

I like my moduler helmet.

[Robert]

 

Loved it, been there done that, you swear that there is some guiding force that knows exactly what will

irk you on a perfectly beautiful day.

[DDT (12)]

John,

You are so right! Things could have always be worse, and that is one of the helpful things we tell ourselves to shrug-off the many irritations that come at us. Nothing is perfect, of course, and riding is no exception. Still, the balance of trade-offs for most of us clearly tilt the scales toward the 'value' end of the metric, so we press onward. Yes indeed, I'm also mighty glad my teeth bore the brunt of the impact and not my eyeballs!!!

DDT (12)


Janice,

Thank you so much for the compliment! Oh yes, I do know of your love of this atypical pursuit, and I do have an idea of the depth of your addiction. You are one of those riders I 'write to' as I compose, because I know you understand as much as anyone the joy of doing what we do... Yes again, Eric has authored a moto for those of us at the extreme end of the touring spectrum...

I have made a reservation for the DMMR next month, so I'll likely see ya there... As for InZane, I'm leaning towards not going this time... No particular reason really, I'm just wondering about wandering while avoiding commitments...

DDT (12)



Jess,

Yes, Eric does! He has become a true bug aficionado due to his life on two wheels... He takes it all in stride, though, and he continues to be an inspiration to those of us who share his passion. I hope your retirement includes lots of riding, my friend... I'll be looking for you down the road...

DDT (12)




John,

Yeah, bug encounters are just a natural part of riding... A Texas Valk rider once speculated that I just may have killed more bugs than Ortho... Stinging insects getting trapped in our garments, while not frequent occurrences, do happen to all of us eventually, and... The humor for the victim can be rather difficult to find!

I rode to Florida to do my taxes, but I could have done them from almost anywhere. I went there, because you'd suggested BBQ for yourself, Nanners, and this humble rider. Hard to turn down an offer like that, and then combine it with a visit to my daughter, well... a no brainer after all. I truly enjoyed that myself... Let's do'er again!

DDT (12)



Tracy,

Thanks for chiming-in! Anybody who has piloted a motorcycle as much as you have surely has tons of tales to tell about bug mischief and the deadly revenge of riders! No doubt you've slaughtered your share!!! A very busy person who still finds time to ride... Now, that is impressive...

DDT (12)



Terry,

Thanks, my friend! Good to see you're still enjoying road tripping vicariously right along with us on this board... Yeah, common memories, like bug encounters, for all of us who ride. Another common memory involves recalling some of those very special folks who touched our lives in meaningful ways... I'm glad you're still with us...

DDT (12)



Jimmy,

WOW! I've had close encounters with bats, buzzards, and other large flying critters, but no actual impacts... so far... Do you have to sleep during daylight hours in a coffin now?

DDT (12)



Bill,

Yeah, wearing an open face half helmet is sort of asking for it, I suppose... Hey, nobody ever accused me of being smart!!! Those modular helmets like yours do appeal to me... The helmet I've been using for a long time was a gift from a dear friend, though, and I've just never been able to replace it... Oh well, sentimentality has a cost, too, I reckon...

DDT (12)



Robert,

Could be!!! Sometimes I'm sure of it, other times... nahhhh. I think much more research is in order... I'll get right on that.

DDT (12)

[Jess from VA]

Jess,

Yes, Eric does! He has become a true bug aficionado due to his life on two wheels... He takes it all in stride, though, and he continues to be an inspiration to those of who share his passion. I hope your retirement includes lots of riding, my friend... I'll be looking for you down the road...

DDT (12)

I ride a lot Bruce, more last year than in many before.  But they are short (3-5 hour) day rides.  I just do not enjoy riding long days and trips and motels anymore.  I like my own home and bed.  I take one long trip in my big van each Summer, and that's it.   

[LadyDraco]

Thanks Bruce 
I try, but I’m nowhere close to your mileage.

[da prez]

  The first year I could ride legally I interrupted a June bugs life by a collision between the eyes. I have no idea (less than Bruce) how many bugs I have killed. 
 I think one of the scariest was on the way to Spearfish. The second day of the ride was after a tornado passed thru (another story). We had just got on the road and a bat somehow got between me and the windshield. I do not know who was more startled. It kind of hit my chest , pushed off and left.

                                               da prez

[old2soon]

       I wuz on my old I/S-Phatt Ghurl-just cruisin on a day ride Somewhere and had my ankles across the road pegs right hand on the throttle left hand readjusting my shades. My jeans were balloned out and I felt something crawlin up the inside of my right thigh. Just as what ever it wuz got past my knee some how or another said insect got P Od and it lit me up Repeatedly! I did in Fact crush the life outa it Before it could do more Serious hurt and damage. Bruce-I THOUGHT those first spring bug was spose to taste the best??  RIDE SAFE.

[Oldfishguy]

I love the title. As usual a very nice piece of work. Really, great story telling.

[GiG]

      I wuz on my old I/S-Phatt Ghurl-just cruisin on a day ride Somewhere and had my ankles across the road pegs right hand on the throttle left hand readjusting my shades. My jeans were balloned out and I felt something crawlin up the inside of my right thigh. Just as what ever it wuz got past my knee some how or another said insect got P Od and it lit me up Repeatedly! I did in Fact crush the life outa it Before it could do more Serious hurt and damage.

Had identical experience and me except; after getting stung 20 times, I pulled onto the shoulder of a
Busy interstate and whipped off my jeans        
Guess he needed a better taste 
I did manage to pull the jeans ON before departing  

[Bigwolf]

Bruce,
This post really rings true!  I got a big grin on my face just reading it!  Thanks, my friend!
 
"Even the 'bad times' are good in the broader scheme of things!" I fully believe that!  It seems to me that the tougher the ride, short of need for medical help, the more likely we are to remember it with pride and a great sense of satisfaction.

Bigwolf