Dilemma

[DDT (12)]

                                                          Dilemma…

And, I don’t think anybody can help me with this… I’m faced with a decision this morning: One that could have important consequences whichever way I choose… It’s a comfort thing, not some mechanical or health issue. But, being a good ol’ boy from the nurturing bosom of dear ol’ Dixie, it is an issue with which any southerner can readily identify. Procrastination does seem to offer some glimmer of a solution, however…

I’m in Williston, ND, at the moment. It is 53*F outside, and this is not normally something I have to confront in August! I’ve been looking forward to this problem, though, and it is one of the many reasons I’m up here in the first place.

Yes, I do consider myself a ‘heat refugee’. While I’m not ready to pronounce myself successful with my latest quest just yet, I’ve obviously found some evidence to indicate I’m on the right tract. I’ve already started the last two mornings off wearing both of my sweatshirts. Can the need for my Gerbings be far behind? I did bring them hoping they would soon be needed.

This is not a daylong condition, I’m afraid, so obvious solutions for the moment can produce new challenges for a few hours from now… Should I drag out my chaps today knowing I’ll most likely have to re-pack them later on? I’m already having to partially disrobe during my rides to shed layers as I go, as it is…

I hesitated to post this, because I know I’m interfering with the more important political posting traffic, but like my zealous political missionary brothers and sisters, I too need to vent sometimes… This is on my mind…

See, when you wonder around on a motorcycle all over the place all of the time, there are many issues that continually crop up and cause puzzlement, even downright bewilderment sometimes. And y’all thought I had an easy life!

I’m not in a huge hurry to make the call, but the clock is ticking… I mean, there is yet another collateral issue that will also require attention before long… breakfast. The offering at this motel is… well, it isn’t much… I’m not seriously picky, but at the risk of sounding snobbish, I just ain’t gonna do none of that unappetizing looking stuff…

On the other hand, there ain’t no grits hereabouts no-way, so haste won’t offer a major pay-off… Still, they do a good job with bacon and eggs up here, and that does count for a lot. Troutdude called me yesterday, and he reminded me of another dietary virtue of this area… pie!

Now, compounding all of this, there is this echo sound that comes from deep within me each time I swallow a sip of coffee… I’m being forced into a corner here! I’ll have to pull the trigger soon on the call about those chaps. Wish me luck…

Well, I’m just going to sit here a spell longer and ponder on this some more… Procrastination can actually be a most useful management tool sometimes! If it warms up some, I’ll tough it out another day… but, soon enough I’ll be needing those chaps, and that will mark a significant milestone in my most recent trek… I just love my life!!!

DDT

[baldo]

DDT, we haven't met. But I wish I could get 10% of the riding time you put in. No wonder you break the Valkyrie mileage record every day....

[Robert]

Procrastination has gotten such an ugly rap, I like to say reflecting and thinking or deciding sounds much better. Sometimes its nice to have the luxury just to sit and reflect on things, anything that your heart desires. Its so great to enjoy the moment and wonder about things far off. Breakfast is such a great time and there is nothing like sitting with a good cup of coffee some eggs and bacon, warm comfortable and dry.

[Valkorado]

Keep smelling those roses!  If you don't have a plan you don't have to be anywhere "on time" anyway!   

[The emperor has no clothes]

Ok now you are just rubbing it in.   If you find yourself wandering south send out smoke signals.   Ride safe my friend and don't forget to yodel.

[Gryphon Rider]

While I understand your dilemma, my sympathy disappeared when I realize that in the time it likely took you to put your conundrum into words, I likely could have taken my chaps out of the saddlebag, put them on, taken them off, and stowed them, three or four times over.        

Oh, and a day that starts at 53° isn't likely to get hot enough later that chaps are uncomfortably hot at highway speeds.

[Wizzard]

Have fun DDT. I was just there a month ago and it was 100 degrees. Did you take hwy 2 across?

[3fan4life]

I'd wear the chaps.

Comfort is important, and they might even help you pick up a waitress when you go out for breakfast. 

[DDT (12)]

While I understand your dilemma, my sympathy disappeared when I realize that in the time it likely took you to put your conundrum into words, I likely could have taken my chaps out of the saddlebag, put them on, taken them off, and stowed them, three or four times over.       

Oh, and a day that starts at 53° isn't likely to get hot enough later that chaps are uncomfortably hot at highway speeds.

DDT, we haven't met. But I wish I could get 10% of the riding time you put in. No wonder you break the Valkyrie mileage record every day....

Yes, Destiny has smiled most favorably upon this unworthy rider, and I do thoroughly enjoy my fate! Hmmmm... think I'll go do some more riding... FYI, I've decided to wear the chaps to start off my day.

DDT

Procrastination has gotten such an ugly rap, I like to say reflecting and thinking or deciding sounds much better. Sometimes its nice to have the luxury just to sit and reflect on things, anything that your heart desires. Its so great to enjoy the moment and wonder about things far off. Breakfast is such a great time and there is nothing like sitting with a good cup of coffee some eggs and bacon, warm comfortable and dry.

Robert: You, sir, are displaying definite signs of having a bike trekker mentality! Pleasure in small things and truly appreciating the incredible value of serious contemplation are two unmistakable symptoms of 'the right stuff' for our line of avocation... Good on ya!

DDT

Keep smelling those roses!  If you don't have a plan you don't have to be anywhere "on time" anyway!  

I will!!! Yep, you're right as rain there, partner! OK, enough of this banter... I'm gonna go find some grub!

DDT

Ok now you are just rubbing it in.   If you find yourself wandering south send out smoke signals.   Ride safe my friend and don't forget to yodel.

Nah, I'm just enjoying my good fortune and celebrating my utter joy at being here right now... and of being able to be here right now! Highbinder asked me the other day if all the choices and sacrifices of my life have been worthwhile... I had no hesitation in offering a clear, unambiguous response... Care to guess what it might have been? Yep, I've even been practicing my yodeling too... can that become habit forming?

DDT

[RDAbull]

Ya Bruce, I know your dilemma.  Should I wear a tie to class today or go bold without one.
Damn, I don't know your dilemma at all.
Ride safe my friend.  

[John Schmidt]

Well Bruce, you're getting some miles behind you already. As I recall, now you're not too far from the border. Just curious....what was your general route going up that way, I often think one day if in the area I might stop in Ft. Dodge, IA which I consider my "home town."

As for your dilemma, we all should have such a problem.    Keep us informed of your wanderings, it's the only traveling I get to take part in these days.  

[DDT (12)]

While I understand your dilemma, my sympathy disappeared when I realize that in the time it likely took you to put your conundrum into words, I likely could have taken my chaps out of the saddlebag, put them on, taken them off, and stowed them, three or four times over.        

Oh, and a day that starts at 53° isn't likely to get hot enough later that chaps are uncomfortably hot at highway speeds.

Yeah, you got me there... OK, I'm going to put your theory to the test... Haven't worn my chaps in a few months, so I hope I can figure out how to put them on again... I just hate it when I get them on backwards.

DDT

Have fun DDT. I was just there a month ago and it was 100 degrees. Did you take hwy 2 across?

I am! Yeah, it got up into the high 80s yesterday... this morning was a wee bit of a surprise! I had figured on taking HWY 2 across from Wisconsin, but dodging rain showers had a higher priority with me, so my plan got altered... I didn't pick up HWY 2 until Minot, ND, this time. I do plan to take it for the next couple of days, though, or until some other whim takes over...

DDT

I'd wear the chaps.

Comfort is important, and they might even help you pick up a waitress when you go out for breakfast.  

Yeah, I've come to the same conclusion, Mark... As for picking up a waitress... well, one of the biggest disappointments for me with growing older has been when I discovered the only women interested in me any more are all cougars!

DDT

Ya Bruce, I know your dilemma.  Should I wear a tie to class today or go bold without one.
Damn, I don't know your dilemma at all.
Ride safe my friend.  

Old buddy... what can I say? Your time will come, and when it does I hope I'll be around to see that ginormous grin on your face!!! In the meantime, good luck with the tie...

DDT

[DDT (12)]

Well Bruce, you're getting some miles behind you already. As I recall, now you're not too far from the border. Just curious....what was your general route going up that way, I often think one day if in the area I might stop in Ft. Dodge, IA which I consider my "home town."

As for your dilemma, we all should have such a problem.    Keep us informed of your wanderings, it's the only traveling I get to take part in these days.  

John, I actually have no general route in mind, save finding some cool temps and dry conditions... I've toured this neck of the woods many times over the years, and any specific area needing exploration... well... there really ain't none. So, I'm just gonna roam around hither and yon and see if I might stumble upon some adventure someplace. Nope, not far from the border, but I don't have a clue just now if I'll cross it this time or not... That could be hours and hours from now.... just too soon to tell at this point. Heck, I ain't even checked out of my room yet... even that is well beyond my planning horizon!

DDT

[Rams]

Bump for a great guy on a wonderful adventure.   

[Willow]

Bruce I can offer some encouraging advice on one issue,the one of encountering temperature with which you don't normally deal during August.  If you'll just sit tight for a couple of days that issue will take care of itself.

You're welcome. Be safe.

[DDT (12)]

Well Bruce, you're getting some miles behind you already. As I recall, now you're not too far from the border. Just curious....what was your general route going up that way, I often think one day if in the area I might stop in Ft. Dodge, IA which I consider my "home town."

As for your dilemma, we all should have such a problem.    Keep us informed of your wanderings, it's the only traveling I get to take part in these days.  

John, I think I may have misread your question... Getting up here I rode through Alabama, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Kentucky, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and North Dakota... and now I'm in Montana. My route selection was driven by the weather forecast and predictions of likely rain events... And, there were two stops I did want to make along the way. I've ridden through Iowa before taking several different routes, and it is worth doing... However, with a connection to that place like you have, I encourage you to return... You'll be surprised, no amazed, as I know you know you will... Still, I've done some of that 'return to the scene' stuff myself, and there is value in reliving some momentous events, reviewing a flood of memories, and looking at life then through the eyes of the person you've become... Enjoy!!!

DDT

Bump for a great guy on a wonderful adventure.  

Thanks, Ron! I appreciate your always positive remarks... and your special insights into things, as well. Most of all I appreciate your friendship... See ya down the road...





DDT

Bruce I can offer some encouraging advice on one issue,the one of encountering temperature with which you don't normally deal during August.  If you'll just sit tight for a couple of days that issue will take care of itself.

You're welcome. Be safe.

Ah, Willow, my bud... I can always count on you for weather wisdom... all kinds of wisdom, actually. Hope you're doing fine and getting your knees in the breeze regularly... Still riding to work daily? Still pestering Lori daily? Nah, don't respond to that last question!

DDT



John, I actually have no general route in mind, save finding some cool temps and dry conditions... I've toured this neck of the woods many times over the years, and any specific area needing exploration... well... there really ain't none. So, I'm just gonna roam around hither and yon and see if I might stumble upon some adventure someplace. Nope, not far from the border, but I don't have a clue just now if I'll cross it this time or not... That could be hours and hours from now.... just too soon to tell at this point. Heck, I ain't even checked out of my room yet... even that is well beyond my planning horizon!

DDT

[Willow]

Ah, Willow, my bud... I can always count on your for weather wisdom... all kinds of wisdom, actually. Hope you're doing fine and getting your knees in the breeze regularly... Still riding to work daily? Still pestering Lori daily? Nah, don't respond to that last question!

DDT

LOL.  It's actually calendar insight, Bruce.  In a couple of days you will be dealing with temperatures in relation to what you expect in September.

I still tend to ride as my PMT.  I've lost that sixty mile ride to work.  These days I am working virtually every day from home.  The commute is a twenty-three foot walk.  There are a lot of advantages to working from home but a big negative is that loss of the ride in.

Lori's holding up alright but it is a challenge for her.  When she chose this route she didn't think the bill was going to amount to what it has.   

[DDT (12)]

"Lori's holding up alright but it is a challenge for her.  When she chose this route she didn't think the bill was going to amount to what it has."


Carl,

Yeah, I'm sure that's right! Truth be told, though, I'll bet just about any wife could have that said about her... I know my ex certainly could have!

Take care, and watch yourself on that 23' commute...  lol 

DDT

[Oss]

Well Bruce, it could always be worse, you didnt say your feet get cold

the choice did not extend to "toe warmers" so far

http://www.lowes.com/pd/HotHands-6-Pack-Foot-Warmer/1000057677?cm_mmc=SCE_PLA-_-SeasonalLiving-_-PortableHeat-_-1000057677:HotHands&CAWELAID=&kpid=1000057677&CAGPSPN=pla&store_code=1192&k_clickID=48e67410-fdfe-4ae5-942e-4811adc15e8b

 I hate cold feet, wont start a ride near freezing out w.o them

If it were me, perhaps I would put on the chaps and evaluate my comfort after the first gas stop in a few hours.   53 degrees is a nice temp for morning riding  as its not gerbing temp yet, that is below 40 for me but I understand southern blood tends to get thinner.

Carry on my friend, trix may be for kids but cougars are for older Valkyrie riders.  Ride them both well if you can hold on.   

[MacDragon]

Well DDT... There are many here, I'm sure, that would love to experience your dilemma.  And deal with it in their own way.   As for breakfast... nothing wrong with eggs and bacon and maybe even some homefried potatoes or hash browns if grits can't be found.. 
As for the garb to wear... as long as there is room in the saddlebags to give and take, a short stop to do that is not so bad.
As for procrastinating, I have a solution. Join a "Procrastinators Support Group" as I have... We haven't met yet as a group... but we intend to eventually.

And as for Carl... Your solution is to don the garb, go for a 60 mile ride... come back to the house and get to work each day.  Dilemma solved 

[Thunderbolt]

Bruce I had no idea that you had wandered so far from home.  Last I heard you were headed to Va.  I guess I should read the board more often.

[Pete]

It does not matter just go riding, it will work out.

[DDT (12)]

Well Bruce, it could always be worse, you didnt say your feet get cold

the choice did not extend to "toe warmers" so far

http://www.lowes.com/pd/HotHands-6-Pack-Foot-Warmer/1000057677?cm_mmc=SCE_PLA-_-SeasonalLiving-_-PortableHeat-_-1000057677:HotHands&CAWELAID=&kpid=1000057677&CAGPSPN=pla&store_code=1192&k_clickID=48e67410-fdfe-4ae5-942e-4811adc15e8b



Yep, I do know about toe warmers! I haven't come close to needing those yet, but there is hope, I reckon... Wore the chaps yesterday, and they felt good. Didn't wear them today... would have felt good! Oh well... As for cougars... ummmm, I'm still pondering on that...

DDT

Well DDT... There are many here, I'm sure, that would love to experience your dilemma.  And deal with it in their own way.   As for breakfast... nothing wrong with eggs and bacon and maybe even some homefried potatoes or hash browns if grits can't be found.. 
As for the garb to wear... as long as there is room in the saddlebags to give and take, a short stop to do that is not so bad.
As for procrastinating, I have a solution. Join a "Procrastinators Support Group" as I have... We haven't met yet as a group... but we intend to eventually.

And as for Carl... Your solution is to don the garb, go for a 60 mile ride... come back to the house and get to work each day.  Dilemma solved 

Yeah, I am thankful to have this decision-making opportunity... As for eggs & bacon, even taters, well, I do OK with those! I do like the sour dough toast out here... don't see it much down our way. Coconut pie for breakfast is another treat I'm really looking forward to! Ya know, I always wanted to be a procrastinator... I just never got around to it... maybe one of these days.

DDT

Bruce I had no idea that you had wandered so far from home.  Last I heard you were headed to Va.  I guess I should read the board more often.

Yep, this is me as in the old days! I am on the move for sure... I did go to Virginia, but that was nearly two weeks ago. Touring Montana right now, and just last night I rented a cabin in Idaho for five days... Gonna go hang out over there and ponder and such. You and Iris doing any riding?

DDT

It does not matter just go riding, it will work out.

Yep, when all else fails, that's exactly what I do! Actually, even if nothing fails, most likely I'll go riding anyway. You are right, though, things always do have a way of working out... A line in a movie I saw not too long ago... "Things always work out in the end. If they don't seem to be working out, that just means it isn't the end yet..."

DDT

 I hate cold feet, wont start a ride near freezing out w.o them

If it were me, perhaps I would put on the chaps and evaluate my comfort after the first gas stop in a few hours.   53 degrees is a nice temp for morning riding  as its not gerbing temp yet, that is below 40 for me but I understand southern blood tends to get thinner.

Carry on my friend, trix may be for kids but cougars are for older Valkyrie riders.  Ride them both well if you can hold on.   

[DDT (12)]

It would appear that I don't quite have the hang of inserting quotes just yet... Oh well, I never claimed to be a techy!

DDT

[Rams]

Had I known you were headed to Williston, I might have tagged along.   My son is out there but, since you didn't know you were going to end up there either............   I can only imagine being able to travel like this.    Regardless, ride safe.   

[Misfit]

Had I known you were headed to Williston, I might have tagged along.   My son is out there but, since you didn't know you were going to end up there either............   I can only imagine being able to travel like this.    Regardless, ride safe.   

The Dude is on a pro solitude journey. As in solo.