Much Ado About Nothing...

[DDT (12)]

                                         Much Ado About Nothing…   

Mountains out of mole-hills, a tempest in a teapot, splitting hairs… As Sheriff Andy Taylor (Andy Griffin) would say, “You just beat everything, DDT, you know that?” He’d be right, too… I have been known to beat dead horses to a bloody pulp on many occasions, and my recent offerings are no exception. Passing time mostly, but also attempting to explore deeper meanings and thoughts of things that occur to me. And, as always, my ‘family’ has been receptive, responsive, and most reassuring…

Our group is also something about which I’ve given much thought. Nowhere else have I seen or experienced the level of connection and belonging that I have since my very first introduction… Friends, neighbors, brothers/sisters, comrades, companions, folks bound by a tenuous thread that have no other reason to even know one another than ownership of a particular bike, a relic really, but a glorious symbol of what might be… what can be, and what is…

The generosity of our friends has been amazing to witness… Folks who may never have even met in person have been doing incredible things for one another from the very beginning… Gifts of pick-up trucks, scooters and bikes, parts, labor, knowledge, even a kidney! Money has been donated, and countless other expressions of caring have been made…

The drama of life visits us randomly, hit and miss, and indiscriminately. Some of us bear far greater burdens than others of us do. In any case, in all cases actually, our members rise to the occasion and help those who need it… some even who don’t, but always there is the hand of friendship extended, and a helping hand offered. More than just being a witness or donor, though, I’ve also been a recipient of these noble gifts…

As wonderful as all of those things are, however, there is something even more impressive and personally dear to me… The acceptance, tolerance, and strong sense of connection that is automatically extended to everyone who seeks us out, and remains until or unless an individual chooses to reject or abuse it. Unqualified and unrestricted, boundless and bountiful, it is a place to belong. A place to be who we are, what we are, and how we are. Even a ‘pro-solitude’ trekker like yours truly can find all he needs in the way of… all of the above.

There are no words at my disposal that could come close to expressing what it is that comes to mind when I consider this eclectic crew of genuinely good folks. It’s perhaps a fine example of, “If I have to explain it, you wouldn’t understand…” You know what I’m talking about. So, breaking with my usual tendency, let me simply say, “Thanks! I’m mighty proud to be amongst all y’all.”

DDT

[msb]

Nice thoughts, and eloquently stated. It was a pleasure to meet you this year in Morgantown and have a chance to chat for a few minutes while waiting out the big downpour. Safe travels on the next leg of your great journey

[Valkorado]

[The emperor has no clothes]

I sure wish I could write as good as you do ! I'm sure you put into words what many of us feel but can't or don't know how. Love me some DDT ! (Don't take that the wrong way brother) 

[RDAbull]

Bruce, you need to write your book on this trip.

I'll buy several copies for my family and friends.
I do expect a signed copy BTW.

[Pete]

Well said. Thanks

[Oss]

can I add gifts of prayers to that list Bruce?

yep that sums it up for me as well

[Karen]

Amen!       

[old2soon]

You/Me/Us got brothers and sisters ALL over this Fair land of ours. BUT as mostly is the case Bruce-you summed it up WAY better than I ever could. Keep us informed of your travels as you have been.  RIDE SAFE

[Jess Tolbirt]

for those that dont know,i came to this forum in 98 or 99,, not really sure,,maybe later.. but in 97 the valk came out,, i was a rally coordinator for GWRRA and rode a wing.. i was one of those guys that didnt want valk owners to become full gwrra members...well i changed my mind and in 2000 I bought a 98 tourer. I made some good friends here and told gwrra, well actually Mike Wright,, I was outta there,,well mostly that what i said but what ever i said got me kicked out, LOL, in 2005 i bought a harley, real pretty one too,,in 2007 i got another valk, and then another valk and then another and then an interstate,,then in 2011 i went back to harley, i buy a new bike every 2 years or so, when honda makes another valk like the ones i had, i will be back on them, the only reason i hang around here is because you guys are like family to me and always have been,,you wont find that kind of friendship on any harley board.. i love the ribbing and even try to think up some smart ass comebacks from time to time...any way the only way i will leave here is to get get banned from the forum and then i will go and cry myself to sleep..one day, i dont know when iwill make one of the rallys,,hell crazy horse lives 7 miles from me and we aint hooked up yet,,maybe one day soon,,,

[Charlie McCready]

Well said all y'all......I'm glad to be part of this crowd.  Bruce your writing/words still amaze me....keep it up.  And remember us when you roam this way !!!

[czuch]

I'm deeply touched. Thats a heart felt tribute. Very true.
Some say tetched.

[Hook#3287]

Great read Bruce, as usual.

Jess, that is one good looking bike you got there

[MarkT]

Bruce, well said.

I appreciate your solitude thing...

but if you happen to mosey this way sometime I'd like to tip a Markarita or any beverage with ya.  Hell you can even do that in our hot tub here on the ranch. I smoke some really tasty ribs. Or drop in on the Darby ride, or...

[Black Dog]

Well said Bruce...

This big ol' goofy family has seen and done many incredible things.  Friendships made in the VRCC, in my observation, tend to last   

Black Dog