So I had a serious hankering to attend the Serious Hankering gathering in Lorman, MS.
CB was gracious enough to give me a road pass so I finished the install of new rear wheel bearings and a new universal joint, packed my gear on the bike, and early Monday morning rolled off the work station and out onto the driveway. After the bike warmed up a bit, we rolled out for Oxford, AL and our predetermined place to meet DDT and ALI. It was a great day in the saddle and all went well except for my bike being a little reluctant to start. (I have now remedied that situation).
Tuesday morning we headed south to put a little more distance between ourselves and colder weather,......and south because we were in no particular hurry either. Bruce led the way. We went to Cheaha State Park and up to the highest point there so I could check out the very scenic view there........ Very scenic fog they had that day!
We also did some bird dogging and ended the day in Eufaula, AL. After a great evening meal at the Cajun Corner, we began to look at our options and lay out a probable route for the next day’s journey. Then a call came and everything changed. The rest of our hankering and ride that week suddenly had to be cancelled.
One of the perks of being retired is that plans can be very flexible. They can change at a moments notice and be no big deal. It isn’t like you had to work out vacation time and get it approved and you won’t be able to get time free again till next year. No, with no job to answer to, you can make course corrections quickly when needed. DDT and I both have that freedom. The decision was made quickly and Wednesday morning I tagged along with Bruce for a while before we parted company.
I had thought about a lazy route back to Cookeville, TN, but that plan quickly faded out of favor. I spent Wednesday night in Opelika, AL. From there it would be a 9 hour ride the lazy way but only 7 the fast way. I chose the fast way. As it turned out, most of that ride was with temps well below 40. The electric gear was in use at least part of the way. Wish that I had heated gloves! The heated grips helped but my fingertips still got cold.
All in all, it was a great ride and I certainly enjoyed the time. My “hankering” has been soothed a bit if only for a few days.
Bigwolf
