An Expalnation and Clarification

[solo1]

Friends on Facebook and my sons said that I created a small stir on the VRCC. 
I just read the posts and I sure would like to clarify a few things.

First, I've always thought that the VRCC was for Valkyrie riders and FRIENDS of the Valkyrie, and I figured that I qualified as a non riding FRIEND.  No, I don't ride any more but i wished that I could get back on the Valk.  However, my decision was based on my physical ability to ride safely. 

I did NOT leave the forum because of a grudge for any members.  I  probably left the impression that I was gone permanently.  I didn't mean to imply that. I'm member 4674 and won't give that up.

I left for two reasons.

!. At my age, I have enough little physical things to go wrong that I felt that i didn't need mental reinforcement by seeing the squabbles about politics. Quotes and re-quotes. back and forth. No one wins.  For me, it has become harder to keep a positive attitude.  I won't explain but as we age, it will become apparent .

2. These political posts, IMO, are taking up the room on the first page quickly and forcing motorcycle topics to scroll down just as quickly and off of the first page.

I have read Willows replies to members here and he made an excellent point! .............  Don't say in print what you would not say face to face.  That's simple and straight to the point.  I've tried to keep my replies civil because I have a rather prominent and tender nose that I would like to keep in its original condition.

I've been around  long enough to know that PMS strikes hard here.  My original intent was to wait until it died down and then return. However, I wanted to clarify a few things here.

Change in pace....................I've sorta made it a tradition to repost one special story each year in remembrance of my dear wife who passed in 2002.  It fits into this winter season as it does just about every year.  Here it is. I hope that it doesn't scroll off page one too soon.  Ride safe as Dennis says.



                                                           In My Mind

I look out the window and all in  view is a bleak Indiana winter landscape.  Even though the winter is still in its infancy, it is a grownup in its intensity.   The streets are covered in ice, the wind is blowing, the thermometer hasn't made up its mind as to whether it should go up or down. and its not a fit day to be out.
The Valkyrie is hibernating for now with a battery charger ensuring a steady stream of electrons for the day that the Valk is called upon to awaken.  For now, the Valkyrie is content to rest.

Rest is also what I should do.  However, I cannot.  My mind is restless.  I wonder, could it be possible to go back in time and relive events of my youth  but change my personal history to better suit my dreams.  Yes, it is possible. In My Mind.

It is the summer of 1956.  I am on my Valkyrie, Emanuel.  My dear wife, Phyl, is once more with me, her with the wonderful blue eyes, freckles, and youthful figure is on the back hugging my waist.  I am no longer Solo 1 for, you see, my wife is riding with me.  Gone are all her ills that troubled her in later years, gone are all her inhibitions about riding ,  and she is once again the youthful girl and love of my life.  As if that's not enough,  I also have enjoyed a magic transformation.   My left knee once again does my bidding, my right wrist is pain free, and all the anxieties and depression of my later years have disappeared as I  return to the joy of being 27 again.  In My Mind.

The Valkyrie senses our mood.  The chrome adorned flat six engine rumbles contentedly as we motor east on Highway 2 along the north shore of Lake Michigan.   The weather is perfect, not a cloud in the sky with a temperature of 70 degrees and a cooling  breeze blowing onshore from the south.  We are riding past a long stretch of sand dunes between the lake and gently undulating highway Two.  There are occasional tendrils of sand intruding on the road but they present no problems to my  reacquired  youthful confidence and skill.  The deep blue waters of Lake Michigan beckons but our thirst for contentment is satisfied by the heady aroma of  pine trees ,  the wind past our bodies, and the willingness of the steed under us to do our bidding.  In My Mind.

The wonderful purr of the flat six engine is both reassuring and soporific and the combination of both feelings creates a sense of appeasement,  In My Mind.

We continue on.  Ahead is a series of curves, unusual for this highway.  However,  Emanuel is up to the task and so am I.  The purring rumble of the Valk approaches a snarl as I downshift and twist the throttle as we enter the curves, my wife holding me ever tighter but welcoming the rush.  We continue on, the Valk's engine settling back to a quiet rumble once again.  We are enjoying the rhythm of the road with the sparkling waters of Lake Michigan to our right. Soon, too soon, we are through the curves and 'way ahead on our right, we can see Big Mac beckoning to us.  This graceful and beautiful six mile long bridge over the straits, bridging the gap between the lower and the upper peninsula of the Wolverine state and with the Great Lake of Huron on one side and the Great Lake of Michigan on the other, has always been a welcome sight.  The ride marked by an absence of  other vehicles, has been rewarding.  The memories, newly minted, are exquisite but bittersweet.  Overall a joyful experience.   In My Mind.

The Mind is a wonderful gift and it can uplift us even in the bleakest times.

So all of you out there who are suffering from the effects of this, the Winter of 2016,  take a ride, take a trip, create good memories, and ponder on them,   

All this is possible, In YOUR Mind.

[Karen]

Thank you, Wayne, a great read no matter where you post. Good to see you here.

[The emperor has no clothes]

Thank you, Wayne, a great read no matter where you post. Good to see you here.

+1

[3fan4life]

Thanks for the post.

I ALWAYS enjoy your stories and your words of wisdom.

As for the political posts, I understand what you mean.

Although, I must admit that I tend to get drawn into them much more than I should sometimes.

I do enjoy the opportunity to see things from your perspective, as you are the one person I know of here that has ACTUALLY held an elected office.  

I consider you to be one of the "Elder Statesmen" in our VRCC community and I do hope that you continue to stick around.

[robin]

Great post Wayne and something to ponder as right now things are cold and wishing i was out riding 

[Valkorado]

Great post and story.  Thanks for sharing with us!   

[baldo]

Great read, Wayne. I think I might be up that way this summer.. I'll remember your story when I do....

[mark81]

I've been around  long enough to know that PMS strikes hard here.

I agree parked motorcycle syndrome has a lot of us feeling cranky at the current moment. I have a bit of work I could do on mine but if its not nice enough to ride its not nice enough to work on her in my situation.

[Black Dog]

Thanks Wayne...  As usual, a great read, and so well said 

Comon Spring!!! 

Black Dog

[J.Mencalice]

I've been around  long enough to know that PMS strikes hard here.

I agree parked motorcycle syndrome has a lot of us feeling cranky at the current moment. I have a bit of work I could do on mine but if its not nice enough to ride its not nice enough to work on her in my situation.

Respectfully sir, your boys need some "underwear"!  They must be freezing out there with their bottoms exposed to the elements!  It hurts me to see them so...so...naked in the cold.

[J.Mencalice]

A fine story to remind us all to slow down and savor the memories of they that we love, as nothing lasts forever.    
Youth, health, friends, family, occupations, animal companions, medallions, accolades, and too, our motorcycles eventually leave us or we leave them as time marches forward.

The man has made his point to this reader.  Thank you, sir

[gordonv]

+ another 1 

Always wish I could write more elegantly.

[wiggydotcom]

Great post, Wayne. Living 50 miles west of Chicago, I can sure identify with the wintery conditions you so perfectly described.  I would hate to think of how much more mundane life would be without our memories--of wonderful times, places we've visited, friends we've met and our loved ones.

You are very correct about the VRCC being for Valk owners, enthusiasts, and those interested in the Valkyrie. I no longer own a Valk either having transitioned to an F6b but am fortunate to still be accepted here(at least I think I am).

Please stick around and keep the wonderful stories coming!

[The emperor has no clothes]

Great post, Wayne. Living 50 miles west of Chicago, I can sure identify with the wintery conditions you so perfectly described.  I would hate to think of how much more mundane life would be without our memories--of wonderful times, places we've visited, friends we've met and our loved ones.

You are very correct about the VRCC being for Valk owners, enthusiasts, and those interested in the Valkyrie. I no longer own a Valk either having transitioned to an F6b but am fortunate to still be accepted here(at least I think I am).

Please stick around and keep the wonderful stories coming!

Yes you are ! Wish you'd come around more. 

[Ice]

Wayne, thanks for the ride, as I read the story I was riding along "In my mind" and enjoyed every mile.
As always great read, and I second, third, fourth or whatever number I am, that you do stick around, your opinions, stories and comments matter.
Again Thanks

[HayHauler]

Thanks for your post Wayne.  I will keep up with you on FB.  I don't post much on the VRCC anymore, but I read a great deal.  I really like reading your stories of freezing your ass off on a small motorbike in the dead of winter when that was your ONLY transportation.  That story sticks in my mind and every time I read or see a post from you, I think of that story.

Love you Wayne and your sons too.  Glad to know you all.

Hay 
Jimmyt

[cookiedough]

I've been around  long enough to know that PMS strikes hard here.

I agree parked motorcycle syndrome has a lot of us feeling cranky at the current moment. I have a bit of work I could do on mine but if its not nice enough to ride its not nice enough to work on her in my situation.

Respectfully sir, your boys need some "underwear"!  They must be freezing out there with their bottoms exposed to the elements!  It hurts me to see them so...so...naked in the cold.

yes, saddens me to see the bikes exposed, go buy a full cover for them and keep them safe.

Nice explanation/clarification, you should write books,  good read.  Just think, with trump soon to be in charge, this forum will continue to get more political for awhile unfortunately.

but being winter in the northern states,  I guess we are running out of things to talk about? 

[FryeVRCCDS0067]

Great post Wayne. Thanks for sharing the story!

[ridingron]

.....  Don't say in print what you would not say face to face.  That's simple and straight to the point.   

I am also on another motorcycle forum. The administrator/owner has a couple rules. One of them is your advatar must have your real first name. His thoughts are he has noticed many people say things they wouldn't normally say when they are hiding behind a picture and "handle" and talking through a keyboard.