Thanks, Joe...

[DDT (12)]

I put ALI’s side-stand in its preferred position, tooted the horn, waved, then rode away from the most recent Hillbilly Highways Ride. I didn’t have the luxury of pondering too deeply the mixed feelings coursing through my consciousness, because sprinkles were forcing my focus on more urgent matters like: slick pavement, rednecks sharing the road with us, time, distance… all that technical riding jazz… I later did play around with what all had just happened…
 
I suppose it all started for me back in the Fall of ’98. I was riding around on my third Gold Wing, but I was aware of this growing urge to try-out a cruiser style of bike. Not normally one who cares much about ‘appearances’ or trends, but I am only human, ya know… So, I kept visualizing myself pulling into some function or other astride a Road King or some such… ‘Image management’, being somebody, having a place in the conversations and 'big-dogging' that would result…
 
I’d been retired for little more than a year by then, and I was wondering what in the world I’d do with the rest of my life. I’d considered returning to college to study history, and I’d even visited several campuses to ‘test the waters’.

Admission would not be a problem… just have transcripts sent, pay the ‘freight’, and show-up, it seemed. I was having second thoughts about tackling something with such a financial and time commitment required, however, especially since it would be more of a ‘make-do’ ‘busy work’ project rather than indulging a serious passion. I just didn’t know…
 
The thought of disappearing for extended periods on a bike, however, did offer some promise, and I was leaning hard in that direction… I began to look around, test ride bikes, ‘talk turkey’ with the many sales people eager to close the deal… and dream of far-off horizons. My dearly beloved at the time couldn’t help but notice that glazed-over, distant look in my eyes, and she, always wanting me to be happy, even encouraged me. That gal, what a partner!
 
At the root of all of my uncertainty was a pressing need to do some serious thinking, and to try to come to terms with all of the contradictions and voids in my intellectual development… and to cope with unlimited time on my hands with no clear plan or idea of how to take advantage of that happy circumstance. I’d already undertaken several epic treks around our magnificent continent, and while they had been amazing, they had also come-up short of delivering the maximum benefit I so desperately needed…
 
My experience has been that few things in life, especially the most significant ones, come without the requirement of stages, of multiple steps… Where one thing leads to another, then another, and then… Nothing major seems to have ever come to me in one giant leap. Arriving at the place I am today did not just happen, there were at least a thousand intermediate steps in the long journey to peace and contentment…
 
Even the choice of cruiser bike did not just happen… I’d ridden to the local Harley dealer to do some serious talking with them… and where the sales person turned me off immediately. He’d had that certain condescending look about him, as he acknowledged my presence and his awareness of how I’d arrived. Apparently, I’d violated some sort of protocol by parking my Gold Wing right in front…
 
We chatted for no more than a minute or two, before I had the strong feeling he thought he was doing me a huge favor by just being willing to engage me, and that he might be willing, if I played my cards just right, to perhaps actually consider selling me one of those shiny underpowered but over-hyped and over-priced buckets of bolts. It was as though I was imposing upon him by just being there… I was underwhelmed!
 
I rode away thinking to myself, “There are two kinds of Harley I’ll never own… a new one and a used one!” OK, so what’s left… Yamaha, Suzuki, Honda? As if by chance a random thought came to me… “What if I really liked a cruiser bike, and I wanted to do some serious, trans-continental riding. Which bike would I be better off having?” It became a no-brainer after that… Because of the more than a quarter million most satisfactory miles I’d ridden Gold Wings, the choice became rather simple… What to buy, that is… where to buy it was still very much up in the air!
 
At my local dealership was a ’99 Tourer on hand, and I was allowed to take it for a test ride. After ten miles, I stopped, stepped back away from the bike and starred at it. The first thought to pop into my mind was, “Now that is a proper motorcycle!” A good riding friend of mine had warned me not to ride one unless I was willing to buy one… He was absolutely correct about that!
 
I shopped around central and north Florida getting quotes and seeing what kind of deal I could find… I then called the dealer in Hendersonville, NC, where I’d bought my last Wing… and suddenly that decision got a lot easier! I got a cashiers’ check, booked a flight to Asheville, NC, and packed a bag…
 
ALI was sitting on the floor ready for me. Terry Schroader, the dealer, had her ready to go, so all we needed to do was the paperwork and final handshake. I looked her over, as Terry explained the subtle changes he’d made, and he assured me he would change things back, if I preferred.
 
He’d swapped the saddle bag lids with those from a Shadow Ace Tourer, so they would be silver instead of black. He had also installed a grey Corbin leather seat in place of the standard black vinyl saddle… I liked the look, though, so we left everything the way he had prepared.
 
During that initial look-see, she ‘spoke’ to me for the first time… “This could be the start of something really big, rider… are you up for that?” So, I’ve known from the very beginning that my life would never be the same! We got acquainted on the ride back to Florida, and the rest is history… Funny, when I’d retired, I’d thought I might study history. It never occurred to me that I might actually make some!
 
During one of the many conversations I’d had at the recent ‘Hillbilly’ gathering, I’d mentioned again how amazing it was to be part of such a wonderful group of riders… How that bike had drawn together such a curious cast of characters; but more, how the folks that seem to have come and stayed all feel the same strong bonds of brotherhood/sisterhood, and how… It pains me not to be able to adequately put into words how all of this is, and how it has impacted and enriched my life… Those who are also part of this know what I mean, though… And my friend said it best, when he said, “We can all thank Joe Boyd.” He’s right, of course, so ‘Thanks, Joe’!
 
DDT

[Wizzard]

thanks Bruce, Awesome to get to spend some time with you and enjoyed the chat. Ride on brother and keep posting. I saw you pull out and my mind wondered as to where you might end up next, but then I thought,, oh, he just follows the front tire.  Guess we will see.

[hubcapsc]

Great story! I think it is cool that you got your bike at Schroader's... I haven't stopped in
there in a few years, he had a new Valkyrie still in the box in the back a few years
ago. I had finally found a set of good pipes, he had a set in the box he'da sold
me for $400. There were a few other Valkyrie things sitting around, some new
Valve covers were one thing... he took me back to the shop, they were fixing
a hydrolocked Valkyrie back there at the time... a lot of Goldwings go through there...

-Mike

[Rams]

Another excellent adventure documented.   Thanks for sharing this.   

Rams

[RDAbull]

Some things just happen and then again some things Just Happen.

Good to see you this weekend, looking forward to the next time.
Then looking forward to a month or so of the DDT lifestyle.
Got to see how this semi-retirement thing works.

[The emperor has no clothes]

Thanks Bruce  Have I ever told you how much I love your stories ? See you in a couple weeks. A year has been too long. 

[Reb]

Bruce,

It was great to see you again over the weekend. I felt such an emptiness on my track back to Greeneville Sunday after saying goodbye to everyone. As if I wouldn't experience the level of fun I had in Pikeville again for some time.

I hope to see you shortly in the near future.

[DDT (12)]

Wiz,

Really great to chat with you, too, and to compare notes on various rides around North America! You are definitely a kindred spirit, and one who clearly knows the ins and outs of long distance trekking... You are also one who knows the ins and outs of travel that goes on between the ears and just behind the eyeballs! I've enjoyed learning about that aspect of our journey, and being able to discuss that with one who knows is always informative and worthwhile. Always a treat for me, and I'm looking forward to more of the same in little more than a week now!

DDT



Mike,

Thanks! Another Wing riding bud of mine had bought his Wing at Schroader's, and he'd been impressed with the deal he'd made. Apparently Schroader's has a 'high volume' marketing plan, so they are able to receive discounts from Honda, then 'squeeze their own margins', and use those to beat the prices of competition. They make their profit from accessories, service, and high turnover of product. Good plan, especially for 'value' oriented shoppers!

Other local dealers, like the one I used back in Florida, don't particularly appreciate being undercut on pricing, but they never slighted me on any of the 'after purchase' dealings I had with them... especially servicing. In fact, it never even came up in conversation... although, in the back of my mind, I couldn't help but wonder...

It was really good to chat with you again! I'm glad you're an early riser too, so we could spend a little time together each morning. See ya in Roanoke!

DDT




Ron,

You are so welcome! I enjoy trying to capture my thoughts and express them. Having a willing audience, particularly one that provides useful feedback, enhances all of that for me, so it is I who thanks you!!! We missed seeing you at the ride... hope to see ya in Roanoke, however!!!

DDT




Roger,

Nice play on words and capitalization! You are right as rain, my friend, and I look forward to chatting about all of the wonderful discoveries that await you just down the road! You too are a kindred spirit, and, like me, you've been trapped on the treadmill of 'normal life' for way too long! Happy you have found a way to emancipate yourself, and that you have an idea how to take advantage of this life-altering opportunity. See ya soon!

DDT




Rob,

Yes, my friend, you have told me, but not nearly enough!!! Feel free to repeat it as often as you'd like!!! It is good to hear stuff like that, though, and I do sincerely appreciate it! Yes, you are one of the ones crowding the top of my 'must see' list! Hard to believe it's been nearly a year already since you and Brenda picked me up that afternoon in Alaska. At least we won't have to travel as far this time to get together! Ride safe, and I'll see ya soon!

DDT




Reb,

Great to see you again, as well. I do know that feeling you described of bidding farewell to those awesome folks, dear friends, that we have stumbled upon, thanks to 'Joe'... The 'sweet' part of the bitter/sweet is in knowing we will meet again, and for the most part soon... Yes, baring something unexpected and totally unplanned, I'll look forward to seeing you in little more than a week and a half!

DDT

P.S. We had another awesome weekend gathering, and like everyone else, I add my congratulations for the success and my gratitude for the effort! I hope we can continue these... Many of the rides I enjoyed most of all have withered away, so this one has risen even higher in importance!

[3fan4life]

Bruce,

Have you ever considered the irony that you bought Ali in Asheville, NC and that years later Asheville is where you got her back?

It was merely by chance but it couldn't have been scripted any better.

[DDT (12)]

Mark,

That is ironic, to be sure... It seems she and I are slated to remain together, and that Asheville will continue to figure prominently in our union! Strange that our entire time together has involved a continental span... she broke down near Calgary, AB, and it was there that Terry brought her back to life, then returned her to me... back in Asheville. One of the best bike stories I've ever read, and I got to be part of it all!!! Heck, I even got to write about it! I just love my life!!!

DDT

[old2soon]

My 99 I/S spoke to me on the test ride Not even a mile and a half into the testo testo ride. Her zackt words to me were-you belong to me now -itch.  AND I've NEVER regretted the union.  She's been Way More faithful than the 2nd ex ever was.  What a diverse fun group this be and Beyond HAPPYHAPPY to be a part of it!  So I will add my kudos here also-Thanks Joe Boyd.  And Thanks Bruce-aka-DDT fer takin us along. RIDE SAFE.

[Hook#3287]

It pains me not to be able to adequately put into words how all of this is and how it has impacted and enriched my life…

I don't know Bruce, I think you do a pretty dang good job of it.

Your words and story have impacted and enriched mine.

Thanks Joe and thank you.

[Daniel Meyer]

Great write Bruce!

After ten miles, I stopped, stepped back away from the bike and starred at it. The first thought to pop into my mind was, “Now that is a proper motorcycle!”

I had that very experience when I test rode my lady...the dealer had said, "Just one block down, turn right, right again, and another will put you back on the service road right by the dealer."

I pulled out of the lot, tweaked the throttle, and hit the entrance ramp for the freeway already at some ultra-smooth version of "ludicrous speed". After 10 miles, I began to worry about the fuel situation...they'd wanted me to take her just a square block after all, and often dealer vehicles have very little fuel until they're prepped for final delivery...

So I hit the exit, did a loop to loop (I often refer to the massive billion dollar "spaghetti bridge" interchanges scattered about Dallas as my "personal motorcycle jungle gyms") and stopped at a station there for a soda and a tank of fuel. Yep, she was bone dry and already on reserve.

I stood there drinking my soda, stared at "my lady", and thought, "Now *that's* a motorcycle." In those days, I was riding an XS-1100 "Midnight Special" I literally resurrected from a box of parts and a frame that had a tree growing through it.

I DO like to work on stuff...but I primarily did that sort of work to my rides because I was poor. I think I spent about $400 total on my XS...including purchase and all the work...and paint...

The Valk? Listed for $13,999. I shouldn't have test ridden her. I'd never owned a new machine. I couldn't afford that.

But I was scheming...making plans...trying to figure out just HOW...

During that initial look-see, she ‘spoke’ to me for the first time… “This could be the start of something really big, rider… are you up for that?”

I spoke to her first...

"Yeah. I don't know how...but you're mine."

Not too much to my surprise she immediately replied, "You ready for this?"

"Oh yeah."

"Then it'll work out."

I rode her back to the dealership and apologized to the sales guy for being so long. He laughed and replied, "Happens all the time. You cruiser guys are a different breed."

I handed him the key and hopped on my XS...my brain still chewing on the HOW part of the situation. That was exactly the right thing to do. The sales guy didn't want me leaving.

"We can do that one for $11,999 tonight."

I'd seen an article on some forum or other about a dealer in Alabama or somewhere that would get you out the door on a crated 97 or 98 standard  for $10,000. I mentioned that...except I may have said, "for $9000".  And failed to mention that those weren't '01's...

It was a shot in the dark. I could DO $9000.

Dude said, "But you'd have to ride back from Alabama."

My shot in the dark had hit something...I just smiled.

"Oh. You're one of those." He sighed.  "Hang on."

Ten minutes later I was signing on the dotted line. $8999, tax, title, license, Memphis Shades and a brand-new helmet (mine was a bit ratty), out the door. She had 23.1 miles on her. I'd just put 23 of those on.

During prep the dude told me he'd even throw in a tank of gas. I told him I'd already filled it and he owed me $6. I was kidding. He pulled out his wallet and gave me $6 cash.

Best sales guy ever.

All that is to say...I've never been sure after that if I got her...or she got me.

I think you might be in the same boat.

I'll see you on the road.

[Valkorado]

Really great read, this bike's got most of us by the balls and we love it.  Curious though.  I've searched in the past, and just did again.  Why can't I find a picture of Honda's Joe Boyd on the internet?  I have often wondered what he looked like.

[DDT (12)]

Thanks everybody! Funny how most of us admit to chatting with our 'ladies', and how our conversations are remarkably similar... I think that distinguishes us from most riders, though...

I always study the reaction I get from others when I tell them of the exchanges ALI and I have... If the person looks at me like I have a booger caught in my mustache, then I know... If they share a similar exchange, then I know! There's just something very special about our 'gals', and we tend to have affairs with them in addition to merely riding a hunk of metal from point A to point B... but y'all already know about that, don't ya?   

DDT

[Bigwolf]

“Thanks Joe” indeed!  And thanks to you Bruce for a great story of how you and ALI first became partners.   

Bigwolf

[DDT (12)]

Thanks, Jerry!

I sometimes think there should be a romance novel written about the affair we've had... I suppose the lack of 'intimacy' between us, and especially anything kinky, would tend to discourage normal authors from trying to portray in words the details... Still, the passion and deep affection are there, and the long, sweaty, out-of-breath episodes really should be shared to be appreciated... I think I'll give her a kiss when I remove her 'bed-cover' in a little while... maybe even nibble on her mirror... no telling where that might lead!

DDT

[The emperor has no clothes]

Thanks, Jerry!

I sometimes think there should be a romance novel written about the affair we've had... I suppose the lack of 'intimacy' between us, and especially anything kinky, would tend to discourage normal authors from trying to portray in words the details... Still, the passion and deep affection are there, and the long, sweaty, out-of-breath episodes really should be shared to be appreciated... I think I'll give her a kiss when I remove her 'bed-cover' in a little while... maybe even nibble on her mirror... no telling where that might lead!

DDT

[msb]

Thanks, Jerry!

I sometimes think there should be a romance novel written about the affair we've had... I suppose the lack of 'intimacy' between us, and especially anything kinky, would tend to discourage normal authors from trying to portray in words the details... Still, the passion and deep affection are there, and the long, sweaty, out-of-breath episodes really should be shared to be appreciated... I think I'll give her a kiss when I remove her 'bed-cover' in a little while... maybe even nibble on her mirror... no telling where that might lead!

DDT

As you stated earlier in this thread, you're not alone within this group regarding the "affair" many of us continue to have with these magnificent "machines". After 16+ years I still admire her or give her a pat on the tank  most days on my way out the garage, and she always gets a big fat kiss on the fairing after once again safely delivering me to my final destination on longer rides. My new neighbours...several of them MC riders as well, still comment after  beIng in our new home a year now about how much time I spend fussing with her when  not riding. The Mrs is even resigned to my "affair" with my "mistress" and deep down I beleive she cares for her as much as I do ( at least that's what I tell myself  ).
Another nice story Bruce, and a great tribute to the man and this special machine that has grabbed a hold of our collective senses.

[DDT (12)]

Rob,

I'm wondering if Hallmark Channel, or Lifetime might want to do a feature on us...? Probably not... but there definitely is some romance going on, and, truth be told, a little touchy-feely, too! Since Valks are sometimes referred to as 'Beasts'... am I now guilty of... ummmm, one of those no-no sexual fetishes?

DDT



Mike,

To the unfamiliar, our relationships with our very special 'fat gurls' might appear odd... To those who've experienced it, however, no explanation is necessary! Yours apparently is a bit different from ALI's and mine, however... I almost never wash her back!

DDT

[Pappy!]

Oh how I wish Joe was still alive, influential, and making a difference in the way of Honda's Cruiser offerings today!
But - Thanks, Joe! Thanks for one of the most satisfying conglomerations of parts and designs ever to hit the Cruiser market!

[JimmyG]

Nice read.  Yeah, these Valks are something else all right. first time I saw one was in traffic and several bikes went by. One was a Valkyrie and I caught a glimpse of her and said,"wow", "what was that"? I had Yamahas, suzukies, Harleys, but the Valkyrie just stood out like a diamond among glass marbles, if that makes any sense.  Love the bike and how she responds to right wrist movement.  I'm not positive if my soon to be Valkyrie spoke to me or not, but something whispered in my ear,"buy the bike dummy, now". And now I can honestly say, It is the most enjoyable bike I have owned. Not to say I would not own another type bike, because I would, but the Valkyrie is definitely in a class of its own.

[..]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Josef_Boyd

[..]

http://articles.latimes.com/1998/may/29/local/me-54589

[DDT (12)]

Pappy,

You nailed it! Thanks for the reply....

DDT



JimmyG,

Thanks, amigo! They do speak to us! Most of us aren't ready for that, of course, and many of us do not recognize it when it happens at first. If we listen and acknowledge, though, magic occurs, and... you know! Thanks for sharing your take on this and personal experience...

DDT



Paul,

I hadn't seen either of those articles! Thanks for sharing them with us. I actually didn't know how 'Joe' had departed this world, and I'd just assumed one of the more usual ways... heart, the big 'C', something along those lines... If anybody would know, though, it would be you! Thanks for another good contribution!

DDT

[gabby]

 

     Hello everyone and I want to THANK everyone who came to Pikeville for the Hillbilly Ride Thanks to Reb  and Joe for choosing my little corner of Kentucky.  I am quite proud of our area as there is so much to see, do, eat, enjoy and basicly DO  NOTHING but sit.  I want to thank DDT for all the kind words.  I do truely enjoy sitting and listening to this true ICON of our group.  I can read his comments and almost wish I was there.  Sometimes, I AM there with him.I do wish sometimes I could have seen in my  eyes what Marks has seen.  It would have been remarkable.

       Thanks to all for coming to Pikeville  !!!!


Gabby

[DDT (12)]

Thanks, Gabby,

I agree with you on the desirability of Pikeville as a ride destination! Heck, I've even found myself staying there when traveling solo in years past, so it wasn't hard at all to tempt me into returning with our group!!! I even have reservations for next year, too... Looking forward to many more of our little gatherings, and to seeing all of the characters who show-up for them... yourself included!

DDT

[gabby]

     Thanks Mark for the kind words.  Looking forward to seeing you and the KOOL KIDS again  !!!

Gabby

[Super Santa]

Oh, Bruce.  You are such a word smith.  I still love reading the tidbits that you share with us.

Hope to see you this weekend.  I will be in the cage again and bringing my bride.  But, I am still coming to Inzane to share in the madness that draws us together.

[DDT (12)]

Gabby,

Ain't gonna be long now!!! It's been a long trek for us to IZ... Left 'home' April 17th, and took a rather circuitous route so I could join up with the cool kids from the great state of Tennessee in Sparta, NC, Saturday evening...

Yeah, I'm a bit tuckered out already! I'm about three-quarters decided to just lay over another night here and do some resting-up! I do need to change ALI's oil, too, so that's another factor weighing on my decision-making process... The life of a gypsy is just as full of choices and decisions as 'normal life', but many of them do vary from the more usual... I prefer it this way!!!

DDT




Ray,

Great news! I'll look forward to finding you around Ground Zero someplace. For me, the big hook is seeing folks, like you, that I don't normally come across very often, so whether or not you're riding is just another insignificant detail.

We've had many good rides in many locations, and I certainly did enjoy those. What I enjoyed most of all, though, was sharing time and swapping tales with a very worthwhile person, and I do look forward to more of that. Glad your partner will be with you, too.

I probably will do some riding there, but not much, I don't think. I usually don't at these, anyway. Heck, I do get to ride a bunch all over the place, so the urgency is muted for me compared to that of the refugees from the rat race! Who knew the ride from Ocala, FL, to Roanoke, VA, would be more than five thousand miles...? Yeah, I do still love my life!!!

DDT

[RainMaker]

Bruce - looking forward to seeing you and "our girl" in Sparta and Inzane.  Always a pleasure and an honor to share wind with you both.

RainMaker

[DDT (12)]

Bruce - looking forward to seeing you and "our girl" in Sparta and Inzane.  Always a pleasure and an honor to share wind with you both.

RainMaker

Rainmaker,

Thanks, amigo, we're looking forward to seeing you, too! I didn't realize you were going to be joining us in Sparta... great!!! I understand we'll be riding the Blue Ridge Parkway up to near Roanoke... Have you ridden that before? I consider it a top ride, and I'm sure you'll enjoy it too... The best part, IMHO, is from where we'll get on southward to Cherokee, unfortunately, but the upper part is very much worth riding, as well. I mention this in case you haven't ridden it before, so you can work it into your plans somehow, someway, sometime. You won't regret it! See ya in Sparta next Saturday!!!

DDT

[RainMaker]

Bruce - looking forward to seeing you and "our girl" in Sparta and Inzane.  Always a pleasure and an honor to share wind with you both.

RainMaker

Rainmaker,

Thanks, amigo, we're looking forward to seeing you, too! I didn't realize you were going to be joining us in Sparta... great!!! I understand we'll be riding the Blue Ridge Parkway up to near Roanoke... Have you ridden that before? I consider it a top ride, and I'm sure you'll enjoy it too... The best part, IMHO, is from where we'll get on southward to Cherokee, unfortunately, but the upper part is very much worth riding, as well. I mention this in case you haven't ridden it before, so you can work it into your plans somehow, someway, sometime. You won't regret it! See ya in Sparta next Saturday!!!

DDT

Speedo and I will be riding for a couple of days to get to Clinton on Friday night, then ride with the group to Sparta and up to Inzane afterwards. I've been on the Blue Ridge Parkway but not this part so looking forward to it.

See you soon.  Stay safe!

RM

[DDT (12)]

Rainmaker,

SmokinJoe will be taking you on some of the best riding roads in the entire eastern half of our nation! You are in for a major-league ride just getting to Sparta and then to InZane!!! Throw in the company you'll be keeping, plus the tar-kickin' sessions Friday and Saturday evenings, and this will be a journey you'll be talking about for a long time to come! Heck, I'm getting all excited just thinking about it myself! So much so, I may come to Clinton first myself... Hold on a minute...

I hope you're satisfied! I just had a thought, and... yeah, I know how dangerous that can be... Anyway, I called my good bud Lucky 13, and... Now I'm coming to Clinton, too. I reckon I'll see y'all Friday evening after all... See what you've done?

DDT

[FryeVRCCDS0067]

Wow, what a great post, as always. Thanks for sharing.

[DDT (12)]

Wow, what a great post, as always. Thanks for sharing.

Frye,

Thanks, amigo! Making those memories has been... well, the word 'awesome' sounds so hopelessly inadequate, but, that's the best I can do, I'm afraid... Anyway, I appreciate your reply! I'm about to load up and go make some more!!! See ya in a few days...?

DDT