Timely Hug...

[DDT (12)]

                                                               A Timely Hug…

Blythe, CA, does not grab me as a viable choice for residency… Nothing bad about it, but simply no appeal to this traveler… I suppose part of that is a bias I have against the far west generally, and towards remote desert locales. I do love to visit places like this, however! In fact, I think California, and all the west for that matter, is an absolutely stunningly beautiful place, and its many natural sites and scenic routes offer some of the most ideal riding conditions for bikers anywhere.

The western half of our nation is also a very long way from 80% of my friends and 100% of my family, so it could never be a realistic choice possibility, ergo, the bias. I did consider it once upon a time, however… I became enamored with Albuquerque when I rented an apartment there several years ago. Between the location, good riding, and friends I have there, it was easy to add it to my short list of possibilities… Alas, that distance thing cropped up, and I ended up buying a house in Alabama instead…

I can handle the differences in the politics of folks… to each his own, and I am not inclined to evangelize. I am not only tolerant of cultural differences, I enjoy learning about them, and I do seek them out. As long as folks will leave me unmolested to my own thoughts, I don’t have any problem with leaving them to theirs’. Crowds are another thing entirely…

The only major problem I have with California besides the distance thing is the unbelievable population! No worse in terms of density, of course, than the northeastern corridor on the opposite coast, but… Folks everywhere, all moving about and chocking the highways, producing long lines no matter where you go: Supermarkets, gas stations, restaurants, motel check-ins. I just spend entirely too much of my time straddling ALI with both feet on the ground or waiting in line somewhere. Perhaps this is one of the many reasons Montana is a favorite of mine! Anyway, here I am…

Normally I wouldn’t have even thought of venturing over here, but while scanning my trusty Atlas, I spotted the Salton Sea and Joshua Tree NP… OK, I do need to revisit those places… It’s been a long, long time since I was through there, and it wouldn’t hurt to make sure they are still where I left them… Blythe was in an OK spot to launch a visit by doing a big loop and winding up in Twenty-Nine Palms.

I got up early, as usual, made preparations, and headed out. We rode south then southwest to Brawly, where we were to make the turn up to the Salton Sea SP… An enjoyable ride with few vehicles encountered for a long stretch… until we neared the Imperial Sand Dunes, NRA, at Glamis, CA… Dang! Some sort of event going on, as dune-buggies and RVs were everywhere! Impressive site, if one is in to that sort of thing. Apparently, many are!

By the time we entered Brawly, traffic had become heavy, and the temps had continued their predicted rise. No Gerbings this day, and now I was starting to wonder if my leathers would need to be removed, as well. I was thirsty, tired, and a wee bit disoriented, so a stop to take a break was in order.

As I pulled into the convenience store parking spot, a lady was standing in front of her van in the next space over watching a couple of techs fumble around under the hood… While putting the kickstand down, I quipped, “Some folks just have all the luck, huh?” She smiled and responded… with something like, it was better here than where she’d been or was going!

I entered the store, found some much needed relief, then purchased some replacement fluid and some cookies. I went back outside to escape the crowd of folks inside. The lady and I began to chat, and I gave her a cookie. She was on her way to her father in law’s funeral the next day… Her children would be joining her there, but not her husband… He’d been killed the month before in an auto accident! She then began to weep, and I gave her a hug…

She regained her composure about the same time the tow truck arrived, and the techs then proceeded to load her van. She left with them to go to the dealership, but she thanked me for the hug and wished me well… I did the same. As they drove off, she turned and waved… I responded.

At times like these, I often feel a strong urge to give myself a well-deserved swift kick in the pants! How can I have the audacity to feel down or dare pout about some little inconvenience or petty boo-boo? Many people in this world have real problems and genuine tragedy in their lives, but I have known by comparison relatively little sorrow. I am so fortunate, yet… I felt rather guilty right that moment.

In our conversation, she’d mentioned that I was almost at the Salton Sea… just continue straight up that road and I’d see it… I did. Well, I saw it off in the distance to the east of my route… I’d intended to ride up the east side of that saline inland body of water on the two-lane road alongside it that would take me to the Park HQ. I should have done a tiny bit of map-work at my stop, but I had become distracted by a struggling, lovely soul in need of a kind word… I just couldn’t help myself.

No problem, the road I’d intended to take would intersect the four-lane I was on about forty miles north, so I’d just double back… I did. Wouldn’t be able to make Twenty-Nine Palms this day after all, but no sweat, I’d just get a room in Indio, I concluded, where there should be plenty available…

I did do the double back, and I’m glad I did. I rode on down to the Park HQ, saw their video presentation, looked over their souvenir offerings, then sat at a picnic table in the shade and looked out over that interesting expanse of water… and thought about stuff…

I was absolutely delighted to be there… to be me doing what I do. I watched other visitors come and go, tourists all, doing what tourists do. Unlike any of them, however, I was all alone, thoroughly enjoying my solitude… and feeling mighty glad things had worked out just that way!

I then headed for Indio… and proceeded to get turned around in Coachella before arriving… Yep, I’m still as navigationally challenged as ever! By the time I’d found my way again, I was fed-up with traffic, increasing heat, congestion, crowds, and all things busy! I jumped up on I-10 in Indio and headed east towards the turn-off for Joshua Tree NP and Twenty-Nine Palms. I figured to see a suitable place to stop soon enough… but that was not to be…

I was most of the way up that long, steep grade when it occurred to me that I wasn’t going to find anything soon, and that I might just have to ride all the way back to Blythe… I didn’t want to ride through the Park so late, as I thought more time would be needed to properly enjoy that treasure, so… Blythe became the target destination… again.

I cruised into town an hour or so before sundown, and I got a room at a different motel at a different Exit this time. An upgrade, I thought, so I could rest my weary carcass well, plus be closer to dining opportunities this time. It all worked out well, and another wonderful day in the saddle concluded. Dang! I sure am proud to be here!!!

DDT

[DirtyDan]

Nice read Bruce. Keep going while you can. You got a wingman in Kingman if you make it this way im buying

Dan

[Black Dog]

Nice lil' ride report Bruce 

Good on ya for being a listener, when someone needed to talk...

Black Dog

[The emperor has no clothes]

  I think God has put you here to do all this. Ride around exploring, being kind to friends and strangers alike. Kind of a motorcycle version of Michael Landon and Highway to Heaven. Good on you Bruce  .
And yeah Blythe is not much better than Havasu, but we've got a good member there. 

[Bighead]

Keep the wheels spinning Bruce

[DirtyDan]

I think God has put you here to do all this. Ride around exploring, being kind to friends and strangers alike. Kind of a motorcycle version of Michael Landon and Highway to Heaven. Good on you Bruce  .
And yeah Blythe is not much better than Havasu, but we've got a good member there. 

I'll give Dennis a thumbs up

Dan

[Alpha Dog]

Much enjoyed Bruce.  You probably made a nice memory for that lady who has had a rough go of it as of late.

You were in my old stomping grounds for 11 years.  But this time of year the snow birds double or triple the population and Hwy 111 can become a chore, probably more so than when I left in 96.  That Salton Sea has been a place to lose lots of money.  Dreams of a large inland lake to  conquer with estates, marinas, and shopping for the well to do all turned into losing proposition.  The lake with the awful smell and dead fish all over just never caught on.   Been to Blyth to many times and I agree with your assessment. Now that Joshua Tree National Monument is something everyone should get a chance to visit.  Rocks as large as a warehouse it seems.  I use to go at night when a comet would come as no light for maybe 30 miles to interfere. During the day I would hike to the top of 5k mountains.   A good ride would be to take Hwy 74 out of Palm Desert up to Idyllwild.  From sea level to 7k feet in 45 minutes and a totally different Alpine experience, but it is cold up there this time of year and could have snow on the ground, but not the roads.

Stay well, and look forward to your next journal.

[Hook#3287]

She then began to weep, and I gave her a hug…

You are a good man, Bruce.

To embrace a total stranger, in their time of need, takes special powers that not everyone possesses.

Please carry on.

[The emperor has no clothes]

She then began to weep, and I gave her a hug…

You are a good man, Bruce.

To embrace a total stranger, in their time of need, takes special powers that not everyone possesses.

Please carry on.

I agree. I would like to think I would do the same, but I have my doubts. If Brenda was with me she would have known her life story. But me, not so much. 

[Bigwolf]

Thanks for sharing another wonderful story of your travels with the rest of us.  Good on ya for sharing a hug and kindness with a troubled soul along your way.  Ride on my friend and please keep sharing the journey by writing and posting.

Bigwolf

[Thunderbolt]

Iris said that you have the same thoughts on these matters as she does.
I can handle the differences in the politics of folks… to each his own, and I am not inclined to evangelize. I am not only tolerant of cultural differences, I enjoy learning about them, and I do seek them out. As long as folks will leave me unmolested to my own thoughts, I don’t have any problem with leaving them to theirs’. Crowds are another thing entirely…

Keep up the good work.  You are doing a fantastic job reconnoitering but just one note I would like to mention.  Camera's are becoming much smaller and easier to carry of late.

[DirtyDan]

+ 1 on the camera. My pictures are my most valuable thing my vest being second

Dan

[DarkSideR]

Bruce,

You are in one of my favorite areas. While she was alive my dearly beloved Grandmother lived just west of the Salton Sea, up Highway 78 in Julian, CA. Highway 78 in my opinion is one of thee best stretches of road I have ridden. Beautiful dessert expanses, which give way to rolling dry hills, which turn into an arid canyon. That canyon has mile after mile of switchbacks, and sweepers (apologize in advance to your pegs). Before you know if you are pleasantly place in the town of Julian where the best apple pie in the world is handmade.

I guess I should be sorry to be telling you this having you been so close.

Keep the stories a com'in.

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

You should join Facebook Bruce and post pictures and comments of these cool places you visit . Its not like posting here its very simple just click the picture icon , choose the picture(s) you want to share and post them . If you ever do be sure to " friend " me and I can hook you up with hundreds of VRCC folks some from the good ol' days you don't see on here anymore. I posted a picture of you the other day about Ali and her miles and got so many reply's and share's .... Another great read my friend  

[old2soon]

Right place right time for a Lady that Needed something GOOD after all the kaka in her recent past. If I ever git the resources I' like to travel with ya! Far as the navigationly challenged thingy goes-Sun rises in the East sets in the West and from bout 11 A M to around 1ish P M it can be a tad mite tricky!  RIDE SAFE.

[FryeVRCCDS0067]

Great read Bruce, really enjoyed it. In-particular, the way you helped that lady through a tough day. You're a great example to all of us. Enjoy the world and the wind.

[DDT (12)]

Thank you all for the nice comments! Makes my heart beat stronger and my head swell! I met Dennis from Blythe once a long time ago. ALI was having a minor antifreeze drip on the motel parking lot at the Prescott Gathering (back in '02 I think), and he tracked it down for us and tightened a loosening radiator hose clamp. He was really nice and didn't hesitate to help a brother out... I never saw him again, but I never forgot his kindness either... Lots of similar stories with VRCC folks all around the country (Canada too!)... Have I ever mentioned that I'm a huge fan of this club?

DDT

[Rams]

Excellent read Bruce.   Don't suppose you went skinny dipping in that Salton Sea did ya?   I think there are rules about that kind of behavior............   

[The emperor has no clothes]

Thank you all for the nice comments! Makes my heart beat stronger and my head swell! I met Dennis from Blythe once a long time ago. ALI was having a minor antifreeze drip on the motel parking lot at the Prescott Gathering (back in '02 I think), and he tracked it down for us and tightened a loosening radiator hose clamp. He was really nice and didn't hesitate to help a brother out... I never saw him again, but I never forgot his kindness either... Lots of similar stories with VRCC folks all around the country (Canada too!)... Have I ever mentioned that I'm a huge fan of this club?

DDT

Yep, that sounds like our Dennis. 

[RainMaker]

Just wanted to find out how our girl is running these days?  Are you taking good care of Ali?  I know she's taking good care of you!

RainMaker

[eric in md]

Thank you all for the nice comments! Makes my heart beat stronger and my head swell! I met Dennis from Blythe once a long time ago. ALI was having a minor antifreeze drip on the motel parking lot at the Prescott Gathering (back in '02 I think), and he tracked it down for us and tightened a loosening radiator hose clamp. He was really nice and didn't hesitate to help a brother out... I never saw him again, but I never forgot his kindness either... Lots of similar stories with VRCC folks all around the country (Canada too!)... Have I ever mentioned that I'm a huge fan of this club?

DDT
[/quote.  hey boy,    Don't forget I gave ya the biggest hug..   Bruce love your story's when I grow up I wanta be just like you .. your my hero Bruce.  Love ya man. Be safe

[DDT (12)]

Just wanted to find out how our girl is running these days?  Are you taking good care of Ali?  I know she's taking good care of you!

RainMaker

She's good as gold! Well, generally speaking... still have that weeping fork seal thingy going on, but that will soon be resolved. Other than that, I continue to be amazed at her strength and longevity... Her endurance is way beyond what mine is turning out to be, but that's OK. At least I'm not burdened with any worries or thoughts about what my next bike might be!!!

I'm starting to wonder, however, when the next thing might crop-up. It's getting about time for an alternator issue, for example... been a really long time since the last replacement... over 200K, I think. Beyond that, she's just getting long in the tooth, or at least parts that have a lifespan shorter than her overall life expectancy are aging, so... I can't complain, however, everything is just great at the moment, and even when something does fail, she'll still be way ahead of expectations!

She is an exceptional machine. Part of her wonder, interestingly, is that she fell into the hands of someone who was not mechanically inclined, and not one to spoil or dote over anything. Wish I could say I've been diligent in doing all the things a conscientious owner should, but that simply isn't the case. Most of the things, of course, and more errors of delay than omission, still... Mercifully, she is far tougher than this vintage rider, so it has all worked out.

Some minor fall-off in gas mileage over the years, replacement of a few parts: alternators, timing belts, thermostat, water pump (done preventively), shocks, and all parts from the U-Joint back several times. Brake rotors, starter buttons and wiring harnesses, light bulbs, enough oil to float a ship, and enough tires to sink it. Never anything to the engine, transmission, or clutch, though. Nope, the Gremlin bells she's worn over the years have really done their job!!!

DDT