It Didn't Really Happen...

[DDT (12)]

Yeah, I’ve heard it before, and I do see where those saying that are coming from… Still, it did seem so real to me, and I did awaken in a different place this morning, so even though I took no pictures again, I just can’t rule out the fact that it must have happened! Something surely happened, and I seriously doubt I was tele-ported here… Maybe another alien abduction and memory implant… nah…

Another episode of history repeating itself again, too. It’s getting colder here in the eastern half of Tennessee, and it’s forecast to get much colder in the next couple of days! As is my practice, it seems, I hit the road yesterday morning underdressed and ill-prepared for conditions! Again! Perhaps it’s just misplaced optimism, or maybe habit from summer riding and a bi-product of living in the deep south nearly my entire life… and the accompanying strong desire to mitigate heat! I can’t put my finger on a specific cause, but for some reason…

I don’t like to stop during a ride to dig out more gear, then add a layer or two, and, of course, have to repack and reload the bags… a pain in the tookus, but sometimes it’s unavoidably necessary. I know I’ve surely done it many times over the years, and if yesterday’s ride had been longer, I surely would have been forced to do it again… But it wasn’t, and I didn’t… and I paid the price!

I’d selected a route from Clinton, TN, over to Cookeville, that I’d been introduced to by the ‘Cool Kids’, and I’d ridden several times before… as recently as to and from the Darby Ride last Labor Day holiday period… A nice, twisty stretch of asphalt through some rather scenic hills, bucolic settings very much photo-worthy (but no good place to pull over and take any),  and a downright pleasure to ride… baring self-inflicted distractions! Heck, even with those distractions… like shivering, aching fingers and toes, and self-criticism… it was still an excellent choice, and I did enjoy the ride… for the most part…

There was even some fall color remaining… Past peak, however, and muted this day because of the cloud cover, it still was a pleasant surprise. I’d thought I’d just missed all of that this year because of doctor doings throughout the fall that had kept my riding very much in check, but I did get a bit of a make-up this time out. Traffic was barely noticeable, the road was in good shape, and my skill rust was mitigated by maintaining a ‘smell the roses pace’… Heck, I was so cold, the wind chill effects of riding any faster would have forced a wardrobe supplement after all!

The ride turned out to be just a bit longer than I’d remembered… we logged 110 miles… but a more accurate expectation would probably not have changed my choices or the outcome any. I wouldn’t describe me as stubborn, exactly, but I suppose I am a bit slow to make adjustments… even when the need becomes obvious. Although I am becoming a more delicate flower with each passing year, I’m by no means a pansy yet!!!

I made this ride here a day early, and the overall ride several days early… simply because I am more delicate than in years past, and I truly don’t like to ride in rain… especially when it’s cold! The weather forecast was not user friendly for a more efficient trip to the Veterans Day Ride, but with no small amount of luck and a very flexible schedule, I’ve been able to make it here… aboard ALI… and to have escaped most of the bad weather all around and intermittently downright nasty… I’m just proud to be here!!!

DDT

[Bighead]

Glad you had a nice safe ride Bruce. Raise a cold one for me tonight

[DDT (12)]

Glad you had a nice safe ride Bruce. Raise a cold one for me tonight

Barry,

I will, my friend! You're gonna be missed, ya know... I was thinking of starting a 'pool' for us to wager on which room you might wake-up in tomorrow morning! Won't be able to after all, it appears, but you can bet that will come up in conversation!     I saw earlier that you had a conflict... maybe next year! Anyway, it's been a while since our paths have crossed, and I think we need to change that... looking forward to the next time... whenever that might be...    

DDT

[The emperor has no clothes]

Pansy ? I doubt it. More like a Freebird. 


I'd tell you to enjoy yourself and have a good time. But, I already know you will. 

[DDT (12)]

Rob,

Yeah, a good time is guaranteed! I'll be in the company of some of the finest folks I've ever known, and many of them are an absolute hoot to be around! All of them are good to the bone quality people, and they are even generous enough to call me friend and let me crash their parties!!! Hard to beat a thing like that, and I'm really looking forward to their arrival later today... Too bad you couldn't spare a week or two to come join us!!! Might I suggest another bucket list entry...?

DDT

[The emperor has no clothes]

Rob,

Yeah, a good time is guaranteed! I'll be in the company of some of the finest folks I've ever know, and many of them are an absolute hoot to be around! All of them are good to the bone quality people, and they are even generous enough to call me friend and let me crash their parties!!! Hard to beat a thing like that, and I'm really looking forward to their arrival later today... Too bad you couldn't spare a week or two to come join us!!! Might I suggest another bucket list entry...?

DDT

Absolutely ! Had this one on my radar for years. 

[DDT (12)]

Rob,

Thanks, my friend! And, thanks a lot for that photo above! I've saved it for some as yet unknown future purpose. Hope all is well in AZ... Say hi to Brenda for me, and I'll see y'all down the road sometime...

DDT

[Ice]

Bruce, Delicate Flower?????  ??? I highly doubt that.
Its great to see you posting the "Bruce Chronicles" again I have missed them. 
Glad to see you in the wind, even if its cold wind.
Ride safe my friend and enjoy the Veterans Ride.
See you on the road less traveled.

[old2soon]

             Went to a Mo. F C R here couple years ago and when I left my Casa it were bout 16 above zero F. Couple weeks ago when J T and I went to Church in Ar. it was 26 above zero F when we left Twin Bridges. It finally topped out near bouts 52 Degrees F fer the entire day! The high as it were. I wuz 2 days gittin these old bones thawed back out!  Thinkin my low riding enjoying temp is near 50 or above preferably.  That age THINGY do in FACT take a toll-while we AIN'T happy bout it none the less we are FORCED to deal with it!  Keep om keepin on my long distance ridin Friend!  RIDE SAFE.

[DDT (12)]

Bruce, Delicate Flower?????  ??? I highly doubt that.
Its great to see you posting the "Bruce Chronicles" again I have missed them.  
Glad to see you in the wind, even if its cold wind.
Ride safe my friend and enjoy the Veterans Ride.
See you on the road less traveled.

Yuri & Petra,

Thanks, as always, for your kind comments! It is great to have something to write about again!!! I've spent much of the time recently dealing with a health set-back, but I'm starting to see a bit of light at the end of the tunnel... Not out yet, but getting closer... Anyway, I've had a little window open-up between now and my next 'procedure', so I'm doing what I can to take maximum advantage of it. Riding the last several days hasn't been in ideal circumstances, by any means, but it is just so grand to be back out there, I'll take it without complaint! Hope all is well in Idaho, and you folks are finding all of your hopes being met and exceeding your expectations!!! I'll be by to see y'all one of these days...

DDT

            Went to a Mo. F C R here couple years ago and when I left my Casa it were bout 16 above zero F. Couple weeks ago when J T and I went to Church in Ar. it was 26 above zero F when we left Twin Bridges. It finally topped out near bouts 52 Degrees F fer the entire day! The high as it were. I wuz 2 days gittin these old bones thawed back out!   Thinkin my low riding enjoying temp is near 50 or above preferably.   That age THINGY do in FACT take a toll-while we AIN'T happy bout it none the less we are FORCED to deal with it!   Keep om keepin on my long distance ridin Friend!   RIDE SAFE.

Dennis,

I hear ya loud and clear on the aging thing and some of the side effects! There are one or two advantages to aging, however... especially if one is single... For example, I've discovered that old people are like dog turds in a very important way... the older they get, the easier they are to pick-up!

Tolerance for cold weather, however, is not one of those advantages, and each time I misjudge the weather, I'm reminded of that!!! Still, I do have proper gear for just about anything, so if I do the right thing, I can usually cope... My problems are more between my ears than actual physical limitations... at least so far... You keep riding so we can share some wind one of these days...OK?

DDT

[The emperor has no clothes]

  “old people are like dog turds”