Multiples…
Oh man, it was most definitely one of those days! No one thing in particular to carry-on about, really, just the overall experience and the sheer joy of being back at it! The realization all of this has a ‘time limit’, and worse, that I may be approaching mine, leaves me feeling a strong sense of urgency and a compelling need to get after it… while I still can…
Actual departure was delayed a wee bit, however, as I had another cup of coffee with the land-lady, and we chatted a while about this and that… ALI was already loaded, and all that remained for this eager beaver was to don the ol’ bonnet, mount-up, and proceed with the proceedings.
No weather issues to race, dodge, or fret about, and the morning frenetic traffic had already had time to abate some… Plus, all of the frequently stopping big yellow buses would already have deposited their cargoes of precious darlings at the various academies, and a long day in the saddle was not anticipated… so… no need to rush… Well, other than the overwhelming need to actually be scooterizing!
Wind therapy is always good for what ails me, so a large dose had been self-prescribed. Time for the first leg of a ‘centipede’ of adventure had finally arrived, and it felt surprisingly good to savor the enormity of it all a bit longer, teasing and tantalizing myself a tad by delaying gratification just a bit before actually gorging myself on the fantastic feast just down the road!
My well-thought-out plan lasted about five miles… Yes, that surprised me too, but hey… that’s also what I do! I smiled as we took a ’variation’ of the route possibilities not seriously considered in recent days. I’ve lived in this area off and on much of my life, so I’m more than a little familiar with the ‘lay of the land’. No need to consult my atlas, just point the wheel in a direction, any direction, and glide on down a familiar lane to a known destination.
Most of our route that day had been figured to be our baseline route, so no new discoveries or revelations… Just a great scoot, with light traffic, cool enough temps, clear skies, and… sheer delight! We finally stopped for the evening, and I got a tip from the motel clerk about a steak house next door that had great food! It did! I then turned in early, eagerly looking forward to the next day. I awoke very early and began composing this…
(Interlude: I just stepped out the motel room door for a looksee and concluded it’s time to hit the trail! I’ll get back to writing this later…) (OK, I’m back now…)
Another ‘Multiples’ day, and we relished it to the max! Nothing exciting, as we pounded the super-slab that second day all the way to… the sight of serious Valkyrie mechanical doings down on the bayou… Here in Cajun land, I suppose our good friend and renowned fixer of bike maladies would be better known as ‘Le Dude Du Trout’. Dennis has still not wearied of helping out our girl and her partner, and for that I’m extremely happy!!!
The weather continued to be near perfect, so there was simply no way not to enjoy the final 260 miles or so, even though none on any of the preferred backroads… Traffic was a little hectic around the cities, but otherwise not bad at all. Dang! It sure felt good to just be out yonder doing what we do… together… Even after more than twenty years, we’re still like a newly wed couple on our wedding night!
I hardly had time to dismount and unload our girl before Dennis already had started changing the front tire! Short work for this very skilled craftsman, and all was well… The rear-end service would wait for the following day…
That day was to be a bad weather day for sure, and all the weather guessers were all predicting dreadful doom and gloom, so… Good to do maintenance on days we’re not having to lose riding time, but there was one more thing. I make it a rule to walk on egg shells and make no waves during such times. Not smart for riders to piss-off their hosts when heavy rain, high winds, and hail are in the forecast! I was a very extra-good boy!!!
Before getting started with the rear-end project, Dennis drove us over to Ponchatula for breakfast with Magoo and Bee-Keeper. Dang, there are a couple of downright good characters and great fun to pass some time with!
The place they frequent for that first meal almost daily is an older establishment, but it has charm and that special downhome feel to it that some of us really like. Not at all one of those pretentious, uppity places like the one recently visited and written about by Daniel Meyer.
Following a fine repast, including a double order of bacon for this breakfast connoisseur, we returned to the den of motorcycle magic, and… Dennis worked his wonders once again! New brake pads, a close inspection of the drive train and a fresh application of grease filled me with confidence for all that hopefully lies just ahead… Speaking of that den, it is very well stocked with parts and stuff sufficient to make the head of any Valk wrench spin with envy!
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This is the start of what I sincerely hope will become an epic journey around much of our continent over the following several months. Big Wolf has signed on to accompany us, so we’ll find out just how much tolerance, patience, and civility he really has… This may not happen, of course, but he and I both are rubbing the fur off our rabbits’ feet and sending out much ‘knee mail’ seeking Divine assistance.
If the first two days of this ride are any indication, though, there will be plenty more days ahead producing ‘multiple organisms’ for us to experience! I just love those multiples days… reckon that could be the reason my prostate wore out so soon?
DDT
