DDT (12)
Member
Posts: 4120
Sometimes ya just gotta go...
Winter Springs, FL - Occasionally...
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« on: November 04, 2018, 10:03:27 AM » |
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Nah, of course you didn’t… but I surely did! Yep, that unmistakable sigh of relief ‘our girl’ uttered when I emerged from the garage wearing a jacket and boots and carrying my helmet… It continued as I removed her cover and began the preparations needed before depressing her start button… foreplay of a sort… Oh yeah! They do ‘speak’ to us, don’t they…?
That inaudible communication that goes on between ‘partners’ who’ve become one; who know each other well, and who ‘read’ each other so accurately. No bitching, whining, complaining, or scolding, just mutual understanding and encouragement… support… the trust and deference indispensable in any successful relationship. She has indeed known of my maladies and the need for my recent neglect, and she has stoically accepted it and borne no grudge. She is so very special!!!
She did cough and wheeze just a bit when she first emerged from her dormancy, but that was to be expected following, what was for her, a protracted stretch without having been touched… It was quite temporary, though, and soon she was humming her delightful tune on-key, smoothly and sweetly… inspiring music to my ears for sure! A wonderful melody that conveys such a positive and powerful message!!! I was back in my usual trance even before hoisting my leg over her sumptuous saddle…
I’d lost all sense of time and regard for its implications as soon as I’d laid eyes on her, as the garage door had ascended, and she’d come into view … she was ‘smiling’ as broadly as I know I must have been, as well… I realize I’m ‘preaching to the choir’ here, as any rider of Valks for any length of time at all knows exactly what I’m trying to explain.
I’d gotten up earlier than I’d needed to, made all preparations in ample time, and even departed on schedule to keep the rendezvous with my riding partners for the morning. Somehow, however, I managed to be half an hour late! I guess that hypnotic spell over me that comes with such events is so powerful, that other commitments and needs invariably fall way down on the priority list… I’m not especially proud of that, but I don’t seem able to help myself, either… Oh well…
Flask & Gabbie (Rick and Christie) were waiting patiently for us, as we cruised into their driveway. They smiled and seemed to be willing to overlook my little social boo-boo. Rick even loaned me a leather jacket to go over the denim jacket I was wearing… My shivering was apparently more noticeable than I’d realized! Yes, it was quite chilly for central Florida, and I was almost predictably under-dressed for the conditions! I’m just so lucky, sometimes!!!
We rode down to Brooksville, where we met-up with their son, TJ, and his SO, Tiffany. They were aboard a familiar to me Interstate! Yep, Lance had sold his to them, and now they were the enthusiastic ‘new couple’ entering that special world we already know… I found myself in the company of great riders, wonderful people, and dear friends… new and old! This was indeed shaping up to be one of those special days!
We saw many bikes out that day, as the cooler temps and clear skies had tempted even the fair-weather-only riders into venturing out. If one were adequately attired, it truly was one of those fantastic days not to be missed! I’m mighty glad for the loan of that jacket, as it made the specialness of that ride distraction-free and most enjoyable… Heck, I’m ready for much more of the same! Unfortunately, while there is a narrow window for me to do a little of what I love to do so much, I am faced with larger issues that must be addressed… A time to test my resolve and patience!
Jerry & Sherry are a very special couple. They are, among other things, a couple who has come along to carry-on the fine tradition of ‘impact players’ reaching out and drawing in other kindred spirits… They provide a location for occasional gatherings, they contribute to the dialog on the message board, they call for and set-up weekend rides, and they add their own special charm and impressive personas to the ‘tenor of the group’ that continues to grow and flourish throughout the state. I’m so glad they’ve come along and contributed all they have! There were other couples who contribute disproportionately like them there, too… Mike & Liz to name but one.
I’m no mathematician, so naturally I didn’t attempt to count tires and divide by two to get an idea of how many bikes were present, but I did hear a number of ‘50’ bandied about. Sounds about right to me, as I’m sure the actual count would be very close to that. The usual joyous celebration of life, and the life of Valk brothers and sisters in particular, followed… Hard to explain, so easy to recognize!
Eddie & Kim graciously allowed me to follow them back to Ocala… They each ride an F6B, and they both handle their machines impressively. I have no idea of the relationship one might have with another bike, but I can’t help but imagine it to be rather special, too. Still, I am most familiar with the one I have with ‘our girl’, and if others are anything like ours, then they are pretty doggone special indeed!!! Yep, I’m most definitely a very fortunate fellow… One more thing… It didn’t occur to me until I was composing this little piece that I never took any pictures! Honestly, it never occurred to me to do so, so… sorry about that!
DDT
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