DDT (12)
Member
Posts: 4120
Sometimes ya just gotta go...
Winter Springs, FL - Occasionally...
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« on: August 20, 2018, 10:01:25 AM » |
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A great movie from yesteryear… at least I thought so, but I understand it was actually a big-budget, box-office flop. In it, you may recall, both Lee Marvin and Clint Eastwood sang solos! Never expected that, and neither ever made it big as singers, but… Marvin sang one song in particular that really resonated with this gypsy biker… “I Was Born Under A Wandering Star”… Yeah, I truly connected with that one!!!
Well, as I was doing my almost daily routine of checking the net, updating my calendar, reviewing email, scanning this board, and other smart box doings rather early this fine morn, my landlady came into my ‘office’ with her iPad playing that very song! Now that was a most pleasant surprise, indeed, and it did set a rather positive tone for the remainder of the day! My thoughts of what soon comes next were most definitely on my mind, so hearing that rather accurate portrayal of my own beginnings just took those joyous notions to a whole new level…
I’m currently experiencing the very usual pre-ride jubilation building up inside me: The anticipation of all that awaits, the memories yet to be made, the sights yet to be beheld, the comradeship yet to be enjoyed, the belly-laughs yet to be felt! And, of course, the grits yet to be found in unexpected places… It’s so unquestionably true… there simply is nothing else quite like the prospect of a big road trip to excite the imagination, titillate the senses, and rev-up the spirit… I may have to leave early…
Some things never change in us… well, in yours truly anyway. I still struggle mightily to maintain any semblance of patience as something very desirable draws closer… I used to be near my wits’ end by the time Christmas or a birthday rolled around, and later, the hour before an eagerly anticipated date became a reality, I’d be climbing the walls!
Yes, I was ‘that kid’ who couldn’t keep his finger out of the cake icing before mealtime, and… Naturally that only applied to good things coming-up… I’ve also had a lifelong sufferage with the opposite issue and the reverse problem of accelerated time passage just prior to something unpleasant! A math test… A tax audit… A finger-wave at the doctor’s office… A performance review with an unloved boss…
It’s all in our heads, of course, but… like with the weather… everybody talks about it, but nobody does anything about it. And that, boys and girls, explains why we seem destined to suffer from ‘The Can’t Help-Its’ throughout our lives… or maybe that’s just me…
One of the ‘pre-ride anticipation’ coping techniques I employ is… believe it or not… planning! Yeah, it is quite true that no plan of mine ever survives more than a few miles into a trip, and it does appear rather counter-productive for me to engage is such an obviously fruitless and/or pointless exercise. However, it does afford a modest outlet for pent-up, and growing, energy and excitement, so, in that regard, it actually can be very productive… It can have another impact, though…
Yep, as often as not, it can propel me to abandon my plan even before I depart… by accelerating the departure date further, and then sending me off in an unanticipated direction! Now, I’m the first to admit that we’re all programmed to plan our work and work our plan. That was relentlessly drilled into the very core of my thinking at a very tender age… It didn’t fully take!
So, while I was ‘originally’ planning to leave here next Saturday morning heading out for a leisurely two-day ride to Clinton, TN…, and, that plan did last almost an entire day… I soon adjusted the departure to Friday morning, predictably, and then I sort of kicked around the idea of possibly going Thursday… To make a long story a bit shorter… I’m now waging a full-on fight with my practical alter-ego to resist the urge to load-up even before I complete this post (Monday morning)!!!
Naturally, not having planned to depart this early leaves me without any inkling of an idea which way I might ride, what route I might take, or… Ain’t that wonderful?!!! I suppose this tendency of mine might partially explain why ALI has so many miles on her, and why… well… I feel the way I do about planning… It is, perhaps, the most productive unproductive thing I do… Just saying…
DDT
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Don't just dream it... LIVE IT!
See ya down the road...
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czuch
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« Reply #1 on: August 20, 2018, 10:11:42 AM » |
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In other words, You're doing it right.
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Aot of guys with burn marks,gnarly scars and funny twitches ask why I spend so much on safety gear
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The emperor has no clothes
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« Reply #2 on: August 20, 2018, 11:26:51 AM » |
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 you are the best unplannner of plans I know  I’m with you on the preride anticipation, I love it ! May all your plans dissolve into a blissful wandering.
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« Reply #3 on: August 20, 2018, 11:30:17 AM » |
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Paint Your Wagon is the only DVD i bought post fire.
My lady friend Debbie had never seen it.
I first saw it on TV with my then girlfriend Cheryl.
Sitting in her bed sit in Bromley, Kent.
A crap 19 inch black and white TV with a picture that more closely resembled a snow storm than a sharp focus of electronic information.
it was this feature that made the movie even more attractive as if we were watching through the lens of an early pioneer photographer.
Keep up with the non planning.
I too am trying not to plan a ride leaving Wednesday for a day or 2 or.................
Work has plans for me until then.
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RDAbull
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« Reply #4 on: August 20, 2018, 12:58:44 PM » |
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When you get to Colorado (close enough to the true west) you can sing the other solo:
Out here they have a name for things, for wind and rain and fire.....
One of the stupidest movies I ever loved!
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2015 GoldWing Trike
1999 Valkyrie Interstate Trike, gone but not forgotten
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The emperor has no clothes
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« Reply #5 on: August 20, 2018, 01:12:31 PM » |
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When you get to Colorado (close enough to the true west) you can sing the other solo:
Out here they have a name for things, for wind and rain and fire.....
One of the stupidest movies I ever loved!
almost as good as Cat Ballou |
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Valkorado
Member
Posts: 10514
VRCC DS 0242
Gunnison, Colorado (7,703') Here there be twisties.
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« Reply #6 on: August 20, 2018, 03:39:37 PM » |
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When you get to Colorado (close enough to the true west) you can sing the other solo:
Out here they have a name for things, for wind and rain and fire.....
One of the stupidest movies I ever loved!
The rain is Tess, the fire is Joe And they call the wind Maria. What a past blast! They all have been known to frequent our great state. Let's hope all three* of those humbuggers stay out the heck out of Colorado this coming Labor Day Weekend. * Smokin' Joes excepted, and welcomed! |
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« Last Edit: August 20, 2018, 03:45:27 PM by Valkorado »
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Have you ever noticed when you're feeling really good, there's always a pigeon that'll come sh!t on your hood? - John Prine 97 Tourer "Silver Bullet" 01 Interstate "Ruby"  |
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T.P.
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« Reply #7 on: August 20, 2018, 05:49:43 PM » |
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« Last Edit: August 21, 2018, 02:16:12 AM by T.P. »
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"Well you can call me T, or you can call me P, or you can call me T.P. but you doesn't hasta call me Toilet Paper"
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Super Santa
Member
Posts: 1907
VRCC #27029
Houston, Texas
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« Reply #8 on: August 20, 2018, 06:26:26 PM » |
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Bruce, you have nailed my problem down perfectly. The closer departure gets, the more I plan and the more my plans change. A 10 day trip very easily expands into 15 days and it seems I have to really rush to finish in the time allowed on my 'kitchen pass'.
Keep wandering for me. Miss riding right now.
Getting very difficult for me to leave the house for more than a couple of hours without really worrying about the wife. Afraid my distance traveling takes a back burner for now,
Family first.
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Bigwolf
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« Reply #9 on: August 20, 2018, 06:45:55 PM » |
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I enjoyed “Paint Your Wagon” and the songs in it. Always enjoyed movies with Lee Marvin or Clint Eastwood.
Who would have thought DDT would decide to start out early and meander along towards the start of a trip he has been contemplating for a while? Ha! Who wouldn’t?
Keep doing what you do Bruce. And keep sharing the ponderings and highlights of your travels. I always enjoy reading your posts and seeing the photos.
Bigwolf
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Thunderbolt
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« Reply #10 on: August 21, 2018, 03:02:30 AM » |
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I still struggle mightily to maintain any semblance of patience as something very desirable draws closer…
Bruce that statement is the story of my life. I seldom sleep much the night before any planned event.
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DDT (12)
Member
Posts: 4120
Sometimes ya just gotta go...
Winter Springs, FL - Occasionally...
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« Reply #11 on: August 21, 2018, 03:55:28 AM » |
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In other words, You're doing it right.
czuch, Well, it surely works for me! Hard to fully and accurately portray just how exciting and downright fun the 'unexpected', random unfolding events of a road trip can truly be! When I used to carefully choreograph an entire outing, invariably there would be disappointments and let downs... Routines regularly turned into ruts, and... the whole thing was reduced to something less than it could have been. Nowadays, and with the extreme luxury of time, having no specific expectations seems to make everything into some sort of wonderful discovery! Not for everybody, of course, but it sure suits me and my temperament!!! Thanks for your observation! DDT you are the best unplannner of plans I know I’m with you on the preride anticipation, I love it ! May all your plans dissolve into a blissful wandering. Rob, Yeah, I do seem to have a knack! Perhaps there is a book in there somewhere... maybe even a C&W song... "The Art Of The Non-Plan"... The hard part is convincing ourselves to let go... to turn loose of what at first seems logical, practical, efficient, and prudent. To just let things roll out as they will, never forcing anything or attempting to set things up in advance. Nearly impossible for folks on a strict time budget, and strong type A personality types do struggle more than others... Much of what I think I know has come to me through self-analysis, trial & error, hard-knocks, and blind-assed luck. Anyway, personal experience has led me to the conclusions I now recognize... they definitely are not suited for everybody... perhaps even for most. I'm just glad to have fumbled and stumbled onto the path I now travel, though. I have a hunch you'd do rather well at this, too... DDT Paint Your Wagon is the only DVD i bought post fire.
My lady friend Debbie had never seen it.
I first saw it on TV with my then girlfriend Cheryl.
Sitting in her bed sit in Bromley, Kent.
A crap 19 inch black and white TV with a picture that more closely resembled a snow storm than a sharp focus of electronic information.
it was this feature that made the movie even more attractive as if we were watching through the lens of an early pioneer photographer.
Keep up with the non planning.
I too am trying not to plan a ride leaving Wednesday for a day or 2 or.................
Work has plans for me until then.
Paul, Funny how the packaging can be almost as important as the product... the delivery as important as the message... Sensory appeal beyond the subject at hand can be employed to incredible advantage! No surprise to me you 'got this' and also recognized the value of the setting and ambience in enhancing the experience... BTW, impressive how you have a string of GFs... Hunks are in high demand, huh... Naturally, I'm just speculating on that... DDT When you get to Colorado (close enough to the true west) you can sing the other solo:
Out here they have a name for things, for wind and rain and fire.....
One of the stupidest movies I ever loved!
Roger, Yeah, you nailed it! Amazing talent the stars of that movie had, and even the other silly ones they made were also filled with light-hearted references to deeper meanings and insightful commentary on us humans... Entertaining stuff... and educational too, if one is so inclined to look for it... As for the named harsh weather features out there... I hope they remain abstractions during our visit... we can do the firsthand stuff another time! Wish you were going with us... DDT When you get to Colorado (close enough to the true west) you can sing the other solo:
Out here they have a name for things, for wind and rain and fire.....
One of the stupidest movies I ever loved!
almost as good as Cat Ballou Rob, Yeah, that was a classic for sure! One of the funniest movies I've ever seen!!! Lee Marvin stole the show in that one... he played a most convincing drunk, with his best scene (IMO) when he and his horse were leaned-up against that building!!! DDT When you get to Colorado (close enough to the true west) you can sing the other solo:
Out here they have a name for things, for wind and rain and fire.....
One of the stupidest movies I ever loved!
The rain is Tess, the fire is Joe And they call the wind Maria. What a past blast! They all have been known to frequent our great state. Let's hope all three* of those humbuggers stay out the heck out of Colorado this coming Labor Day Weekend. * Smokin' Joes excepted, and welcomed! VR, I'm definitely with you on that!!! I've long ago had my 'experience ticket' punched on all of those, and I do prefer to forgo any lessons to be learned this time... or at least postpone them for another trip. SmokinJoe will appreciate your hospitality, as will all of my companions... I'm certain they will enjoy sharing some memories with all y'all the same way I have, and I eagerly look forward to it... See ya in a week!!! DDT Thanks Tom, That could easily become my theme song! Ya know, your seeing a resemblance to Highbinder reference struck a chord with me... I've sort of known him for more than a decade, but it wasn't until the last couple of years that I've had a chance to learn of some of his adventures in life... A wandering star, indeed, and one of the most interesting and fascinating characters I've run across!!! Tales of his journey, if one pays careful attention, reveal impressive depth of intellect, character, and understanding of the human condition... and, dare I say... wisdom... One cool dude, for sure! DDT Bruce, you have nailed my problem down perfectly. The closer departure gets, the more I plan and the more my plans change. A 10 day trip very easily expands into 15 days and it seems I have to really rush to finish in the time allowed on my 'kitchen pass'.
Keep wandering for me. Miss riding right now.
Getting very difficult for me to leave the house for more than a couple of hours without really worrying about the wife. Afraid my distance traveling takes a back burner for now,
Family first.
Ray, You are indeed a kindred spirit, and I do understand your connection to what I'm attempting to describe. I also greatly respect your connection with and devotion to your life partner... I have but three objectives remaining in my own life, and one of those is to have and maintain an approving conscience. From my vantage point, you certainly appear to live up to that yourself! Good on ya, amigo!!! DDT I enjoyed “Paint Your Wagon” and the songs in it. Always enjoyed movies with Lee Marvin or Clint Eastwood.
Who would have thought DDT would decide to start out early and meander along towards the start of a trip he has been contemplating for a while? Ha! Who wouldn’t?
Keep doing what you do Bruce. And keep sharing the ponderings and highlights of your travels. I always enjoy reading your posts and seeing the photos.
Bigwolf
Jerry, Time treats us all differently in terms of degree, depth, and portions of experiences, but in time we all come to experience most of the same things at some level... I know through many conversations with you that you understand my journey, and that we do have much in common. Your comments are always appreciated... and valued! Thanks for those. I'm sorry you couldn't make this ride with us... perhaps another time...? In the meantime, who knows, but fate may lead me to your doorstep again... Please keep the grill ready and some meat handy!!! DDT I still struggle mightily to maintain any semblance of patience as something very desirable draws closer…
Bruce that statement is the story of my life. I seldom sleep much the night before any planned event.
Terry, I'm not as bad as I once was, but sleeplessness the night before used to be a standard feature for me, too! I admire the way you and Iris have adapted and adjusted to your own reality of best mode of spiritual travel, and that you've managed to stay out so much and for so long! I'm glad the luster is still there for y'all... Go for the gold!!! Y'all going to Jerry & Sherry's Nov. 3rd thing in Z'hills? DDT |
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Don't just dream it... LIVE IT!
See ya down the road...
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hal47
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« Reply #12 on: August 22, 2018, 12:23:02 PM » |
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LOL Bruce that sounds like a plan?
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DDT (12)
Member
Posts: 4120
Sometimes ya just gotta go...
Winter Springs, FL - Occasionally...
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« Reply #13 on: August 22, 2018, 01:29:56 PM » |
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LOL Bruce that sounds like a plan?
Hal, Man, talk about planning vs. non-planning! I've been going bonkers trying to please six other riders, pick the perfect route(s), find the nicest (but cheap) motels... and get us to Leadville on time, while still taking in some special sights along the way! I suppose old habits really do die hard. I don't know how I wound-up doing this, but... it sort of snuck up on me, I reckon. As is usual with planning, over-planning soon enough reared its ugly head, followed soon after by frustration, and... all that predictable nasty jazz. I've taken the cure!!! I'm still trying to make this the best road trip ever for everyone, but I'm standing down from the lofty perch of 'ride deacon'... Among the several mistakes I was making at first was in underestimating you and the others... Y'all are all veteran road warriors, very easy to get along with, and you each have a special knack for making something fun out virtually anything that might come up. My chill-pill has kicked in now, and I'm feeling much better about everything! Leaving a day sooner gives us so many new options, and what we're going to find waiting on us will be absolutely fantasmagoric!!! The 'revised plan' is: We're going to roll out and get on down the road... The adventure will be in the discoveries and in the unknown/unforeseen happenings, and not in strict adherence to an itinerary! You'd think I would have known that already! A much better 'plan' now, I think... DDT |
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Don't just dream it... LIVE IT!
See ya down the road...
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The emperor has no clothes
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« Reply #14 on: August 22, 2018, 01:35:56 PM » |
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LOL Bruce that sounds like a plan?
Hal, Man, talk about planning vs. non-planning! I've been going bonkers trying to please six other riders, pick the perfect route(s), find the nicest (but cheap) motels... and get us to Leadville on time, while still taking in some special sights along the way! I suppose old habits really do die hard. I don't know how I wound-up doing this, but... it sort of snuck up on me, I reckon. As is usual with planning, over-planning soon enough reared its ugly head, followed soon after by frustration, and... all that predictable nasty jazz. I've taken the cure!!! I'm still trying to make this the best road trip ever for everyone, but I'm standing down from the lofty perch of 'ride deacon'... Among the several mistakes I was making at first was in underestimating you and the others... Y'all are all veteran road warriors, very easy to get along with, and you each have a special knack for making something fun out virtually anything that might come up. My chill-pill has kicked in now, and I'm feeling much better about everything! Leaving a day sooner gives us so many new options, and what we're going to find waiting on us will be absolutely fantasmagoric!!! The 'revised plan' is: We're going to roll out and get on down the road... The adventure will be in the discoveries and in the unknown/unforeseen happenings, and not in strict adherence to an itinerary! You'd think I would have known that already! A much better 'plan' now, I think... DDT Now, THATS A PLAN ! (I predict you guys are going to have a blast) |
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DDT (12)
Member
Posts: 4120
Sometimes ya just gotta go...
Winter Springs, FL - Occasionally...
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« Reply #15 on: August 22, 2018, 01:55:50 PM » |
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Rob, Yep, me too! Our posse has grown in number by one in the last couple of days... seven now... All great guys, though, and all well-seasoned trekkers... We're heading for one of the premier biking venues in all of North America, and, arguably, the entire world! Heck, even the weather forecast seems to be favoring this enterprise... of course, I'll believe that when I actually experience it!  I'm so excited, I gave in and surrendered to the overwhelming urge to head out this morning, and I've stopped for the evening in Montgomery, AL. My bud Sam is going to pick me up in a little while, and he's going to facilitate some 'practice partying', so I'll be in shape to hang with my companions starting next Sunday!!! Sometimes, even I find it prudent to prepare in advance...  DDT |
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« Last Edit: August 22, 2018, 02:05:06 PM by DDT »
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Don't just dream it... LIVE IT!
See ya down the road...
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DDT (12)
Member
Posts: 4120
Sometimes ya just gotta go...
Winter Springs, FL - Occasionally...
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« Reply #17 on: August 22, 2018, 02:19:30 PM » |
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Rob, Yeah, I've heard that, too... I may be the exception to that 'rule' however. I've been disappointing women since 1946, and on a moments notice I'm confident I could produce a legion of females all willing, many even eager, to verify that! There are just some things even diligent practice can't perfect... and this mere man is an example... I don't let that deter me, though... Nope, I'm going to continue practicing certain behaviors… and to seek improvement even though perfection doesn't appear to be in the cards... Gotta get ready now... got some 'work' to do...  DDT |
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Don't just dream it... LIVE IT!
See ya down the road...
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Jess Tolbirt
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« Reply #18 on: August 22, 2018, 02:30:43 PM » |
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every year my son comes up from texas around the first week of july, just to ride the smokies and points a little north,, my job is to plan the ride, my plan looks like this,, they get to my place and we stay the night here then the next morning we head out,,well heres my plan, do we take I-40 east or ride 70 east to get to smokey mountian harley? then do we take the foot hills parkway or go around it?.....thats it, we ride and see a road that looks good and take it...sometimes it dead ends and sometimes it turns out to be a great ride..after 5 days on the road we head home...no place to go and no time to be there..
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DDT (12)
Member
Posts: 4120
Sometimes ya just gotta go...
Winter Springs, FL - Occasionally...
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« Reply #19 on: August 22, 2018, 02:37:27 PM » |
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every year my son comes up from texas around the first week of july, just to ride the smokies and points a little north,, my job is to plan the ride, my plan looks like this,, they get to my place and we stay the night here then the next morning we head out,,well heres my plan, do we take I-40 east or ride 70 east to get to smokey mountian harley? then do we take the foot hills parkway or go around it?.....thats it, we ride and see a road that looks good and take it...sometimes it dead ends and sometimes it turns out to be a great ride..after 5 days on the road we head home...no place to go and no time to be there..
Jess, I'd say you have that planning thing down pat! Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, it's been said, so please know that you're on the verge of becoming one of my many mentors!!! I do like your style... DDT |
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Don't just dream it... LIVE IT!
See ya down the road...
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Oss
Member
Posts: 12762
The lower Hudson Valley
Ossining NY Chapter Rep VRCCDS0141
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« Reply #20 on: August 22, 2018, 06:11:11 PM » |
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More time can indeed make things more better in so many ways dont it?
Speaking just for myself, I can't wait to read the reports and see the pics of your epic adventure.
Riding with people who you enjoy spending time with is a bonus that just keeps getting better with the miles.
Ride on bug killer ride on
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If you don't know where your going any road will take you there
George Harrison
When you come to the fork in the road, take it
Yogi Berra (Don't send it to me C.O.D.)
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DDT (12)
Member
Posts: 4120
Sometimes ya just gotta go...
Winter Springs, FL - Occasionally...
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« Reply #21 on: August 22, 2018, 07:18:35 PM » |
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More time can indeed make things more better in so many ways dont it?
Speaking just for myself, I can't wait to read the reports and see the pics of your epic adventure.
Riding with people who you enjoy spending time with is a bonus that just keeps getting better with the miles.
Ride on bug killer ride on
Evan, Thanks, my friend! I've figured a way to carry my cell phone now, where it will be much handier for catching shots of this 'n that... That's the good news... The folks in our motely crew, on the other hand, are all are much more physically able than this weary senior, so I don't know if, after hanging with them all day, I'll have any energy or mental strength sufficient to attempt to conjure up a tale or two... I will try, though. If good intentions count for anything... I have a bunch!!! However that plays out, though, I do expect to have a very large time, and I know the memories this will produce will entertain yours truly at a minimum... Keep a good thought for me, please... DDT |
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Don't just dream it... LIVE IT!
See ya down the road...
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Wizzard
Member
Posts: 4043
Bald River Falls
Valparaiso IN
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« Reply #22 on: August 23, 2018, 09:08:21 AM » |
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More time can indeed make things more better in so many ways dont it?
Speaking just for myself, I can't wait to read the reports and see the pics of your epic adventure.
Riding with people who you enjoy spending time with is a bonus that just keeps getting better with the miles.
Ride on bug killer ride on
Evan, Thanks, my friend! I've figured a way to carry my cell phone now, where it will be much handier for catching shots of this 'n that... That's the good news... The folks in our motely crew, on the other hand, are all are much more physically able than this weary senior, so I don't know if, after hanging with them all day, I'll have any energy or mental strength sufficient to attempt to conjure up a tale or two... I will try, though. If good intentions count for anything... I have a bunch!!! However that plays out, though, I do expect to have a very large time, and I know the memories this will produce will entertain yours truly at a minimum... Keep a good thought for me, please... DDT I have TOTAL confidence in you Bruce. |
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