Willy-Nilly, Dilly-Dally...? Dilly, Dilly!!!

[DDT (12)]

Y’all remember that little jingle with the Almond Joy/Mounds candy bars commercial… “Sometimes I feel like a nut, sometimes I don’t…”? I smiled broadly, when I caught myself humming that little ditty, as I vigorously proceeded to mix my grits and eggs together for dinner the other evening. And, those weren’t ordinary eggs either… no sir, scrambled with cheese!
 

 
I didn’t actually feel like a nut, but I was feeling pretty doggone good about things. I’d just survived an unplanned dismount, and I was well on my way to a full recovery. I’d also received an unexpected spiritual lift from MSB, when he sent me a PM. He was in Atlanta, GA, on business, and he wanted me to know that he’d tried grits himself while down in dear ol’ Dixie! I’m so glad he has had the opportunity to expand his dietary resume in such a wonderful new way, even if I couldn’t be there to share that magical moment with him when he had his very first grit experience… Congratulations, Mike!!!

While I have to stop myself short from actually being glad all of this has happened, truth be told, I am grateful for the outcome and more than a little awed by the reactions and responses of my many friends! Oh yeah, of course I’d have preferred a less painful way to come to appreciate the many resultant blessings I’ve enjoyed, but… this is what I have to work with…
 
Following a couple of very long, tortuous nights in a motel immediately after that prostrate pause on the pavement, troutdude had rescued us and taken our girl and her wounded, stove-up rider to Atmore, AL, and the home of his sister. A dilly-dally there would prove to be most beneficial, indeed!

I spent four nights there, sleeping/napping in a recliner, visiting an emergency room, taking drugs, and through it all my recovery got well underway. The neighbor from across the road prepared some meals for us, and they were sensational! The sister, Vicki, was also recovering from a broken ankle/leg and subsequent surgery, as well… I had an infirmed companion, a fellow patient, for that brief dilly-dally...
 
I jokingly said that their home should be renamed ‘The Johnson Memorial Convalescence Center’… Both of us were on the mend, but I reached a higher degree of recovery sooner, and I was able to be ‘discharged’. She remained wheelchair bound, as I rode ALI off towards the sunrise that wonderful Friday morning. The following few days I worked my way willy-nilly eastward, generally headed towards Nohead City, NC, and a visit... yes, another dilly-dally... with my cousin/brother, Nick.
 
We just meandered along willy-nilly, taking back roads, altering routes randomly as whim inclined us, stopping now and then, taking in the sites, and enjoying the peace of America’s small-town and rural ambience. We even carefully observed and adhered to all of the posted official admonishments of locomotion limitation. When we take our time and actually look at what is going on in our land, we see some interesting things… like…
 
Boll Weevil Statue, Enterprise, AL.
 

 
Bird Dog Statue, Union Springs, AL.
 

 
Mural, Clio, AL.
 

 
People deal with adversity and change in different ways, and, of course, with varying degrees of success. Much of what we face is unexpectedly thrust upon us; and, like it or not, we must make adjustments, corrections, and alterations, even if we aren’t wild about having to alter course in the first place or particularly sanguine with the new direction itself. Preference sometimes must take a backseat to necessity.
 
The folks in those communities had all faced disaster and calamity of different types, but those resourceful, resilient locals had found imaginative solutions to potentially debilitating situations… They refused to become victims and give up, though; instead, they found creative ways up and out of despair. A powerful lesson there for individuals, too…
 
That first night back on the road, I slept in a bed for the first time since before the boo-boo. It felt oh-so wonderful, and I got a much-needed multi-hour slumber episode… and, in a prone position for the first time in a week. That seemed to work wonders! It has been followed by many more delightful horizontal nocturnal snoozes with each even better than the last…
 
During all of this, I’ve been thinking about the incident, its cause, and more importantly its effect. One of those effects is recollection of others who have had similar wake-up calls, but who have also responded differently. It was for them, as it was for yours truly, and, perhaps, for most folks, a serious reminder of the very hazardous nature of our pursuit.
 
Some have chosen to give-up this ‘recreational’ activity, and I think they probably have chosen wisely for themselves. Others, like this trekker, have weighed the balance between risk level and reward and come up with a different conclusion. What I do is important enough to me to keep going, but I do admit to a return to extreme caution! However, if I were to ever conclude the huge payoff was no longer there, I’d abandon this risky hobby (vocation?) immediately.
 
No matter how cautious we might be, there are many things, hazards, out there beyond our ability to control or negate. Far too many to take for granted or place ourselves in harm’s way if we don’t receive a reward significant enough to warrant such an activity.  If one thinks he/she shouldn’t, then he/she probably shouldn’t… This is no undertaking for the timid, uncommitted, or unsure… Each of us must decide that for ourselves, and only we can make that call.

I am fully aware of the huge benefit of facing challenges and overcoming fears and apprehensions. Getting back on our scooters and riding through the phobias and feelings of impending doom following an unpleasant experience is therapeutic beyond the possibility of overstatement; however, … Riding itself will, in the end, have to provide some ‘reward’ sufficient to justify continuation; otherwise, it slips over into the ‘foolish’ column...
 
Our willy-nilly meanderings took us about 900 miles or so and four days to complete. The third day was over 300 miles, though, and that was only because the weather forecast had changed, and it appeared we’d be getting wet unless we picked-up the pace and arrived a day early. We did…
 
Now we’re in Nohead City at the home of my dear cousin/brother, the structure he refers to as ‘The House of Harmony’… and for good reason, I might add… A calm, relaxing environment with no harsh dissention, acrimony, or hostility tolerated. If folks want to argue, fuss, or fight, they’ll have to go someplace else to get it… I love to visit here, and I’ve already begun to feel even better… both physically and spiritually!
 
We’ll dilly-dally here a spell, then it will be time to move on again… to go wander willy-nilly… to go do what we do… Dilly Dilly!!!
 
DDT

[hubcapsc]

I think the risk is worth it to me, but I haven't tasted the pavement yet.

That's when we find out for sure...

-Mike

[The emperor has no clothes]

Dilly Dilly indeed my friend 

[Wizzard]

you explain things in ways I could never. Thanks

[flsix]

I "Tasted the pavement" more than 30 years ago and it left a bad taste in my mouth. Mercifully by God's good graces I haven't experienced it again. Close calls, yes. Wake up calls too.

Glad you're back on the road again Bruce.  
Take the long way home.

[JimmyG]

Happy you are mending well Bruce.  That pavement smacking is nothing to sneeze about at our age brother. Sounds like our good friend Dennis took good care of you.  He is a good and kind person.  Good to hear you are on the road again doin what you do best.....

   I had a Boo Boo fall yesterday myself. Wet concrete driveway of mine and worn out Croc shoes do not mix well.  Going down my 4 degree incline and them dang slippery as snot shoes cause me to fall as my big feet slipped out from under me. A hard fall on my right hip and shoulder was slightly cushioned by an outstretched arm,(hard to stop that reaction of sticking your arm out to break a fall).    Thought I broke one of my wrist bones.    Swelled up, got stiff, hurt like all get out all day and night.  Sneaked into radiology department I used to manage and took a few shots to see what was up. No fractures, but lots of soft tissue swelling going on. Wrapped it up overnight  to immobilize it and I think it is going to be ok in a few days.  Us old dudes don't need to be falling down like that.   First thing I thought was,"if this is broke, I won't get to ride to the Hillbilly ride next week".  Things are lookin better now    OK Bruce,  see ya soon, Lord willing. Take care of yourself. 

[The emperor has no clothes]

I think the risk is worth it to me, but I haven't tasted the pavement yet.

That's when we find out for sure...

-Mike

I've tasted it more than I care to admit. After one incident I quit riding for 10 years. I got it in my head that the third time was going to be the charm and do me in. After 10 years I missed it enough that I realized I could buy the farm regardless. I will say wrecking as a young man was bad enough, I'm not sure how I'd handle it at this age. I hope you are never tested in your risk assessment. 

[Bigwolf]

Bruce,
It is good to know that you are healing well and getting back into your groove of doing what you do.  Thanks for the update.  Looking at that photo of bacon eggs and grits made me hungry.

Bigwolf

[Valkorado]

Another thought provoking and mighty entertaining read.  

I do know I hate reading about other riders going down.  Their decision to hang up the helmet or buy a new one is a personal one, and shouldn't be questioned.

Many mini and dirt bike diggers of my youth aside, I've been down on the pavement once.  On the old Shadow coming home from work, Hagar slacks thin socks and casual shoes.  Not a bad accident, but a really bad footwear choice. I do recall picking the asphalt out of my belt sanded ankle bone and calf for days, and the thick itchy rawhide strawberry that took many moons to heal.  But thinking about life without riding was like thinking about... well you know life with no,  um - - grits!  

Not sure how I'd react had things been worse, or if I'd have even been able to make any decision at all - -  dead or alive.  I just know I had to have that bike fixed and back on the road ASAP!

Guess I'm just thankful for the opportunity to enjoy riding such great motorcycles while I'm still physically able to do so.  Come what may.

[msb]

Glad to see you're back on the road and feeling better Bruce...and thank you for not disclosing here the accompanying breakfast dish that I had with my first ever "real" grits.I did enjoy them, but I'm pretty sure any credibility I  may have garnered with you Southerners for that momentous feat would be severely diminished if that  info was ever to be disclosed 

Ps...I really enjoyed Atlanta. I managed to complete all my meetings a day early, so had most of Thursday evening and the Friday to explore the city from my base downtown at the Westin Peachtree. I took the advice from several members here and did not rent a bike or car or venture too far out on my own...it sure is a busy city!! However, I found the local folks to be very friendly and helpful to this directionally challenged small town BC boy...especially all those red and black clad ambassadors or by law officers or whatever they were and the groups of young folks from various organizations that seemed to be everywhere. Topped the week off with dinner atop the Sundial on the 74th floor of the Westin with a great summer evening view of the city....fireworks from the ball park and all 

[DDT (12)]

I think the risk is worth it to me, but I haven't tasted the pavement yet.

That's when we find out for sure...

-Mike

Mike,

Yes sir, for sure. The whole thing will get inside your headbone and rattle around some... and, for most of us, it will rattle us in other ways, too! Sobering is too mild a term, but it does impact our thinking and motivation... It is still worthwhile to me, so... you know what I'll be doing. I do understand, and even more so now, why some decide to hang it up, though...

DDT

Dilly Dilly indeed my friend  

Rob,

Thanks! It has been interesting...

DDT

you explain things in ways I could never. Thanks

Wiz,

Thanks a lot!!! You are welcome...

DDT

I "Tasted the pavement" more than 30 years ago and it left a bad taste in my mouth. Mercifully by God's good graces I haven't experienced it again. Close calls, yes. Wake up calls too.

Glad you're back on the road again Bruce.  
Take the long way home.

flsix,

Yes, I thought I theoretically understood this pretty well... Actually having that 'taste' though, brings everything into sharper focus and amplifies everything we thought we knew... It makes a major-league difference! Stiil, afterward as with beforhand it still comes down to a value judgement based upon reward vs. risk... Understanding the latter in such greater detail can't help but impact the calculus, so results can, understandibly, change...

DDT




JimmyG,

WOW! Never thought it would be so important to periodically check tread depth on crocs! Are there wear bars, or does one have to use the coin technique? Sorry to hear you busted your fanny, and I do hope you recover fully...  lol  You're so right about fanny smackings at our age! I surely don't recommend it! Thanks for your reply and comments... Hope to see you and Steph in Pikeville!!!

DDT





Rob,

 

DDT




Jerry,

I know what you mean about that pic making one hungry! Last time you had a great fall-back plan, though... pinto beans and cornbread! See ya down the road soon, I hope... wherever that may be...

DDT




Valkorado,

Thanks for your comments and the anecdote... Describing the event and especially the mental effects is like trying to describe sex to a virgin or swimming to a desert dweller... Oh well, you know what I mean, and I appreciate your sharing your own thoughts...

DDT



Mike,

Glad you had a great time in Hotlanta! Yes, it is a huge, sprawling, and vibrant city. Too much for this country-boy at heart, though, so while I have ventured there a time or two over the decades, nothing memorable like you experienced... I thought about posting the pic you included with your PM, but then I decided not to do it... I was hoping you wouldn't mind me just mentioning it in the first place, and I saw no need to take further risks... I appreciate you thinking of me then. I was needing a spiritual lift, and you along with many others provided that... Thanks!

DDT

[Oss]

I have found i don't bounce well fortunately I have not bounced lately

Glad you have that bounce in your step

Keep on riding as long as you can
And as long as it moves your soul

[LUCKY13]

mmmmm, grape jelly

[DirtyDan]

I have found i don't bounce well fortunately I have not bounced lately

Glad you have that bounce in your step

Keep on riding as long as you can
And as long as it moves your soul

What he said

Dan

[DDT (12)]

mmmmm, grape jelly

Gordon,

Funny about that... Dennis and I were joking that would be your 'prescription', and, believe it or not, I have had that stuff more than usual lately. I can't say that is the reason for the relatively quick recovery, but... What do you think?

DDT

P.S. Remember this meal?

[DDT (12)]

Oss & Dan,

Thanks, guys! I'm about 75% back... or thereabouts... Still have a way to go before I can dance a jig with the gals and cough without any pain at all... but, I'm definitely headed in that direction! Not sure when that day will come and I must leave the road; but, for now, ALI and I ride on...

DDT

[..]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vkzkrs6bzxg

[DDT (12)]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vkzkrs6bzxg

Paul,

You know me so well...

DDT

[DDT (12)]

I think the risk is worth it to me, but I haven't tasted the pavement yet.

That's when we find out for sure...

-Mike

I've tasted it more than I care to admit. After one incident I quit riding for 10 years. I got it in my head that the third time was going to be the charm and do me in. After 10 years I missed it enough that I realized I could buy the farm regardless. I will say wrecking as a young man was bad enough, I'm not sure how I'd handle it at this age. I hope you are never tested in your risk assessment. 

Rob,

I knew about the impact psychologically of traumatic experiences, but until I actually had that experience myself, well... Like so many things in life, we can intellectually get our arms around concepts and issues, but until we actually go through an event, we'll never fully comprehend all of the implications...

Hanging up my helmet is something I thought would never come to me until I could simply no longer ride... I now know that, like anybody else, I could make that call before I'd previously thought I ever would. I haven't made that call, and I hope I never have to... I'm no longer naïve enough to think that day would not come, though...

Thanks again for your always succinct and insightful comments. There is much value in learning in advance about such things... it gives us a wee jump on the real learning to occur following actual experience! Your comments, along with all those of others, make a difference. I appreciate ya, dude!

DDT

[Thunderbolt]

Glad all is going well on the recovery Bruce.  And if I am not mistaken you actually drew out Howard Hughes...... I mean Lucky 13 and he actually posted on the board.  I think that might be a first or at least the first in along time.

[DDT (12)]

Glad all is going well on the recovery Bruce.  And if I am not mistaken you actually drew out Howard Hughes...... I mean Lucky 13 and he actually posted on the board.  I think that might be a first or at least the first in along time.

Terry,

Thanks! Yeah, seeing 'Lucky 13' posting was... mind-boggling! Gordon is such a special and good person, but he does have at least some similarities with Mr. Hughes!!! Anyway, he is a lover of grape jelly unlike anyone I've ever known, and if anything would draw him out, it would be a chance for him to use that reference...

Are you riding these days? I seem to recall you having sold all of your bikes... Please say HI to Iris for me...

DDT

[Super Santa]

So glad you are feeling better.  Seems to take a little longer each time to heal as we mature.

Wake up call; closer attention; heightened awareness?  They all fit in this category and hopefully keep us sharp enough to survive for another 10-20 years.

Ride safely, buddy.

[DDT (12)]

Ray,

Thanks, my good friend. I certainly can agree with you on all the points you made... I appreciate the good thoughts... And, I appreciate the reply! I haven't had a good conversation with you in far too long, and I miss that. Hope all is well in Harris County. See ya down the road sometime...

DDT

[Thunderbolt]

The rumors are true Bruce.  I sold my last Valkyrie, the Interstate to a fellow in Texas.  I picked him up in Gainesville at the airport and he left here around noon that day and rode it all the way to Dallas and got there at 2 AM.  Said he just coudn't stop he was having so much fun. 
We sold the toyhauler and bought a conventional 5th wheel and hope to get out soon with it.  Have only made one trip with it so far.  Went to Nashville in March and ran into some light snow and cold weather.  Got to do a better job of planning.  Keep on keepin on.

[DDT (12)]

Terry,

Lots of good memories... I was retelling the story just the other day of our return from Cheaha one year, you and Iris were aboard your Interstate... A pack of dogs came out from under and on a country house front porch to chase us, and among that pack's members was a rooster! Remember that? I still wonder about that rooster...


Another year at Cheaha, you and Iris were in your Toy Hauler; it was the year it snowed on us and turned unexpectedly cold. Iris dug around in your trailer and found one of your sweat shirts, and she loaned it to this freezing, under-prepared rider!!! It got me home comfortably, and I've always been grateful for the rescue!!!

I'm glad y'all are still hanging around our board... Thanks for the reply, and especially for the 'trip' down memory lane!

DDT

P.S. I still find myself fondly recalling those great rides the three us used to take scouting out BBQ places in Central and North Florida... While we did find some good food, I always enjoyed the fun we shared on those outings most of all... Special times for me with some mighty special folks!!!

[old2soon]

Saw the header on this post and I SHOULD have responded MUCH Sooner than this!  Well I Know you KNOW what transpired with me in August of 16!  Tweren't fun at all!  Took me a bit longer BUT I did throw a leg over and got on with it. Even though I am gittin more and more familiar with the roads in these here parts there is Still that SOMETHING that calls to me to git my knees back in da breeze.  And the guy I ride with when It's nice on his day off-usually Thursday-has become a good rider in his own right. And by Following him I no longer go into the twistys as fast as I used to. I know you know "that" feeling when you go into a curve and you have entered said curve a bit hotter then you should have cuz yer either crowding the center line or the fog line of the shoulder!  One of these days-yup I be dreadin THAT Day-I'll have to give up my Phatt Ghurl. Then i'll be stuck living vicariously thru the ride reports here. My desk chair while it do recline HATES to lean!  Keep on keepin on Bruce!  RIDE SAFE.

[DDT (12)]

Dennis,

Thanks for the reply and comments. I know what ya mean, amigo... I've been following your posts since that fateful ride, and I've paid attention to your progress and to your observations: Those about the rides themselves, but also those that include insights about you and your recovery. I've found all of that interesting and helpful, by the way.

Anyway, the experiences you and others have shared have helped me know what I might expect and/or encounter... surprisingly helpful! I've also paid attention to your return to riding, and to the expanding scope of your rides... While I do respect that, the reminder that provides of the love of riding and the need to continue as long as possible is not missed. You cast a longer shadow of influence than you may realize, my friend... Thanks for that too!

DDT

[Thunderbolt]

Yes I remember the rooster.  He came out and stood in the road in front of us, just daring us I guess.  I think it was the same day when you were leading the group and we met a law enforcement officer.  I was at the rear and he stopped real quickly and turned around but there were about a dozen cars behind us as I recall and I guess he didn't want to pass all of them to get to us and broke off the chase.

[Rams]

I am fully aware of the huge benefit of facing challenges and overcoming fears and apprehensions. Getting back on our scooters and riding through the phobias and feelings of impending doom following an unpleasant experience is therapeutic beyond the possibility of overstatement; however, … Riding itself will, in the end, have to provide some ‘reward’ sufficient to justify continuation; otherwise, it slips over into the ‘foolish’ column...
 
DDT

Foolish it may have been and still may be but that attitude is precisely what allowed me to take control of a fear of heights.   Skydiving terrified me but, it also allowed me to gain the confidence that I could overcome almost any fear if I made my mind up to do so.   98 jumps and only one malfunction.    That's another story.    Might sound strange that a former helicopter test pilot has a fear of heights but, it is what it is.    Those who let fear control their lives miss out on a whole lot of
liv'n large.....   Good for you Bruce.   

Rams

[hubcapsc]

I am fully aware of the huge benefit of facing challenges and overcoming fears and apprehensions. Getting back on our scooters and riding through the phobias and feelings of impending doom following an unpleasant experience is therapeutic beyond the possibility of overstatement; however, … Riding itself will, in the end, have to provide some ‘reward’ sufficient to justify continuation; otherwise, it slips over into the ‘foolish’ column...
 
DDT

Foolish it may have been and still may be but that attitude is precisely what allowed me to take control of a fear of heights.   Skydiving terrified me but, it also allowed me to gain the confidence that I could overcome almost any fear if I made my mind up to do so.   98 jumps and only one malfunction.    That's another story.    Might sound strange that a former helicopter test pilot has a fear of heights but, it is what it is.    Those who let fear control their lives miss out on a whole lot of
liv'n large.....   Good for you Bruce.   

Rams

Me and Carolyn have two solo static line jumps... she had to cut away on her first jump,
and still took the second one  ... I thought jumping out of the plane was terrifying,
but in that good  ??? way... like when you swing way out over the lake on a rope
and have to let go...

-Mike "I'm totally done with that"

[DDT (12)]

Yes I remember the rooster.  He came out and stood in the road in front of us, just daring us I guess.  I think it was the same day when you were leading the group and we met a law enforcement officer.  I was at the rear and he stopped real quickly and turned around but there were about a dozen cars behind us as I recall and I guess he didn't want to pass all of them to get to us and broke off the chase.

Terry,

Yeah, that revenuer had me dead to rights, too! I was worried the rest of y'all might receive a performance award along with me! Safety in numbers, I reckon, as I breathed a sigh of relief when I saw him turn off... either that or he was running low on doughnuts...

DDT


Ron,

Great story! Back in my misspent youth, I thought I would give sky-diving a try... Things kept coming up to interrupt my plans, though, and I never pulled it off. Looking back, I"m probably better off the way things have worked out! Appears you're better for the experience, however, and I salute your courage and facing your fears!

DDT



Mike,

Never knew that about you and Carolyn! Congrats to you both... her especially! Going for the second jump after a 'break-away' on the first deserves special praise! Well done!

DDT