Behind Bars...

[DDT (12)]

Recalcitrant recidivists see the world mostly from behind bars… To that I unambiguously plead, “Guilty as charged!” Meeting all those outrageous characters along the way while seeing all the astounding things one can observe from behind a set of motorcycle handlebars is, in my view, a superb way to gain special insights and perspectives about life in general and about oneself in particular.

All our senses are engaged simultaneously, and our minds are free to roam about the intellectual landscape at will, as our bodies are doing the same in the physical world. Writing about one’s experiences and thoughts adds greater depth and enhances the outcome even more… I am indeed an unapologetic recalcitrant recidivist!!! And, I just so happen to love the view from ‘behind bars’…

The weather forecast had me in a quandary… Like an old and dear riding bud of mine used to say, “If I paid attention to that stuff, I’d never leave the house…” Yeah, they do dramatize a bit much, and they always seem to focus on anything that even remotely appears negative. Over used hyper-superlatives and dire predictions are what rivet viewers to the programs, I suppose, and numbers of viewers are what sell advertising, i.e., commercials… Gotta pay the light bill, right?

Trouble is, they sometimes get it right! Ignoring their admonitions can lead one to earnestly seek shelter under an overpass during a hailstorm or driving many miles out of the way to escape a tornado outbreak. Ever been caught in a dust storm? I have, twice!

I find myself always keeping a weather-eye out, and I do regularly check in with ‘the experts’… I also pay attention to the specifics and try to formulate my own ‘forecast’ of likely weather conditions… I’ve been modestly successful…

I’m not taking a bow here, though, as I, too, often find myself in a pickle with egg on my face… and, holed-up in some shelter for refuge from whatever it is that I’ve miscalculated. I’ve stood beside churches under awnings, funeral home porticos, a funeral awning over a grave site, car wash stalls, even the eves of closed restaurants and other buildings to escape Mother Nature’s wrath…

Avoid the bad weather one can, weather what one cannot… But, do not just sit in your version of the insidious recliner that bedevils me and allow overblown drama to cause you to miss out on all the wondrous adventure to be had!

Being vocationally unencumbered and matrimonially unimpaired, plus now being freed from all the restraints and constraints of home ownership, I am in the enviable position of being able to ride and roam at will again… wherever and for however long I choose. The remaining major hurdle to overcome is, however, that darned ol’ bug-a-boo, that omni-present potential obstacle to limitless joy and exaltation… that thing about which none of us can do anything at all… the weather…

I recently spent ten days in Clinton, TN, watching repairs to ALI being performed by an amazing team of bike surgeons, specialists in all things Valkyrie. They are so good, in fact, ALI doesn’t even mind putting her ‘feet’ in the stirrups and allowing those gentle mechanical magicians to have their way with her.

She is well along in the ‘vintage’ phase of her life now, so special needs do crop-up from time to time… She and I are most blessed to have such talented wrench-wielders willing to mend her ailments and care for her geriatric idiosyncrasies… And not just ordinary good mechanics, either. These guys go above and beyond by not just fixing the obvious, but by digging into why such a problem arose in the first place, then also fixing that as well.

It all started with the simple requirement for a routine rear tire change. Due to… well, the inevitable vagaries of her delicate condition, this turned out to be more involved, and other things had to be addressed too. She wound-up sporting a new rear wheel, shifter seal, fork seal replacement kit, and an unanticipated cleaning of her lower areas… Not for cosmetic purposes either, but so that the operations could be performed while actually seeing what it was that was being worked upon.

Naturally other things occurred too, and not just ten solid days of work on ALI. At least two other bikes were ‘operated on’, one of the nicest day rides I’ve ever been on happened, and even three evenings of dining and imbibing got slipped in there… Part of the time was spent waiting on parts, too, so all in all a week and a half passed relatively quickly. Gordon (Lucky 13) was our host, with Dennis (Troutdude) and Mitch (MitchO) completing the surgical team. I, of course, napped, observed, and mostly just stayed out of their way.

As the time approached for this wrench party to conclude and the participants to go on their respective ways, my thoughts naturally turned to what next… Utah! Been a while since I’d been there. Been south of there already this year, and it’s too cold to go north of there, so… Utah seemed to fit the bill nicely! Only problem was… rain was intermittently covering most of the area between east Tennessee and the object of my most recent inspiration… and the forecast predicted more of the same for the next week or so…

Interstate 40 was out because of rain, as was US 60 north of there through Paducah and southern Missouri. Interstate 70 was out for the same reason… plus all those areas had an elevated risk of severe thunderstorms, hail, and possibly even tornado activity for the following several days… Dang!

Interstate 10 had a wee bit of potential, but… I just wasn’t warm to that idea. Springtime along the Gulf coast is always risky, and the humidity and heat are always present. The forecast for southeast Texas seemed no better than that for further north.

That left Interstate 20… if I could leave promptly and shoot the gap between green blobs on the weather map that kept cropping up and moving across the area… That would be a warm ride, but more tolerable than I-10, and certainly dryer than the other options… No one would be going with me, so I could zig and zag, giddy-up and whoa as weather dictated, and plans could easily be altered.

We waited for the rain in Clinton to stop, then Dennis and I headed out for… home for him, as he’d already received several stern reminders of his matrimonial obligations… For some reason, Shelia (Waterbug) is but one of several wives who’ve become increasingly alarmed whenever their spouses are off with me… particularly as their time away from home exceeds the original estimate…

We waved good-bye in Meridian, MS, as he was to veer south along I-59, and I to continue west on I-20. I got a room there and began to assess my circumstance and to rethink my plans… No need to tweak anything, I concluded, so the following morning we headed for Texas.

Three long days in the saddle, with warm temps and cumulative fatigue taking a toll on this now long-in-the-tooth trekker… ALI, on the other hand, just found her stride and made the most of the opportunity. I wound up stopping for the night in Clovis, NM, and liked the set-up, so I rewarded myself with a day off. We’ve apparently flanked the ugly weather, so now I can ease up some and take it easy for a while…

Well, there is this other thing, too… Each of the last three days have begun with temps in the high 60s going up to the high 80s, even the low 90s the last two. Here this morning at dawn it was 40* outside, cloudy and dreary looking, and the wind was howling, sustained over 25mph, gusts to near 40… Yep, I just knew you’d agree this would be a good day to goof off and lie around!!!

DDT

[The emperor has no clothes]

Whew ! You scared me with that title. I thought maybe that lady in Montana might have finally tracked you down. 
 Another great story.  You can't go wrong with Utah.  I wish I could get some time off and come ride with you. But alas all my time has been allotted.  Have fun my friend. 

[Oss]

wind ?

Sandstorms?

Duststorms?

Sounds like spring in the southwest  

Agree, sometimes ya just have to hunker down behind the bars and sometimes you can allow the weather to pass by, they are all waves
and just like you dive under a wave breaking at the beach sometimes you can ease back in the seat and ride it thru, or not

You stopping by for Des' nuptial anniversary event?

Agree, Mitcho, Dennis and Gordon are 3 good folks to have in Ali's corner.

Indeed you are blessed my friend,

[Hook#3287]

I thought I was going to read about some hottie bartender

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

Enjoyed the ride we did and I agree it was a good one also having a few cold ones and supper .... Stay safe on the road my friend 

[Strider]

Great read as always Bruce!  Safe winds!

[Misfit]

 

[trout dude]

Glad you made it where you needed to be and beat the rain. That was a nice ride we had with Smoking Joe Till next time my friend and stay in touch
Dennis

[Pappy!]

And here I thought you needed bail money!
Glad to hear Ali is on another adventure with you. Say hey when you return down to the ever increasing temperatures of your home state!

[DDT (12)]

Whew ! You scared me with that title. I thought maybe that lady in Montana might have finally tracked you down.  
 Another great story.   You can't go wrong with Utah.   I wish I could get some time off and come ride with you. But alas all my time has been allotted.   Have fun my friend.  

Yeah, Utah is special for sure... one of my favorite areas to tour... You reminded me of that amazing state with your recent posts... Thanks!!!

DDT



Oss,

Plans? Me? Nah, just cruising about doing what I do... Thanks for the reply, though! See ya one of these days.

DDT

I thought I was going to read about some hottie bartender

Sorry, but I don't kiss and tell... I don't plan to ever run for office, but I still suspect there is a file on me anyway someplace! No need to supply ammunition to the politicos... However, don't let my silence on the subject mislead you...   lol  

DDT

Enjoyed the ride we did and I agree it was a good one also having a few cold ones and supper .... Stay safe on the road my friend  

Always a pleasure to hang with you, my friend! Thanks for all you do... see ya soon...

DDT

Great read as always Bruce!  Safe winds!

Great to hear from you! A little birdie told me you've picked up another Valk recently... Hope that means we'll get to share some wind again!!!

DDT

 

DDT

Glad you made it where you needed to be and beat the rain. That was a nice ride we had with Smoking Joe Till next time my friend and stay in touch
Dennis

I did make it where 'I needed to be!' Many folks wouldn't know just what the means, but, of course, you do indeed... I owe many folks a debt of gratitude for making this 'journey' possible, but none more than you, my friend. Thanks for being you and for making a difference in the lives of others... especially in mine! 'You're a keeper!'

DDT

And here I thought you needed bail money!
Glad to hear Ali is on another adventure with you. Say hey when you return down to the ever increasing temperatures of your home state!

Yeah, you're not the only one who suspected that! Although I have had a close call or two, nothing has materialized... so far!!! Florida is a great place to be from... and, in the summertime, it's a great place to be a long way from! Still, I will be returning again, so maybe we can do breakfast... mid-day is too danged hot!

DDT

[old2soon]

Well when I read "bars" couple things sprang immediately to my somewhat warped mind! First was obviously alcohol and the next wuz-you in a whole heap of trouble Now boy!  Like I said-warped!  Glad yer back doin WHAT You do!  And I are just a tad bit envious.  Glad yer back behind the handle bars.  Keep the updates comin-they Are appreciated. RIDE SAFE.

[DDT (12)]

Well when I read "bars" couple things sprang immediately to my somewhat warped mind! First was obviously alcohol and the next wuz-you in a whole heap of trouble Now boy!  Like I said-warped!  Glad yer back doin WHAT You do!  And I are just a tad bit envious.  Glad yer back behind the handle bars.  Keep the updates comin-they Are appreciated. RIDE SAFE.

Yeah, I seek out one kind of bars, avoid the other as best I can... And, then there are those handlebars! Those I never get far away from!!! I'm going to keep on keeping on, and I hope to continue to write about stuff as it occurs 'out yonder'... yep, that's where I really need to be... Any improvement in your condition? Will you be riding anytime soon?

DDT

[old2soon]

Well when I read "bars" couple things sprang immediately to my somewhat warped mind! First was obviously alcohol and the next wuz-you in a whole heap of trouble Now boy!  Like I said-warped!  Glad yer back doin WHAT You do!  And I are just a tad bit envious.  Glad yer back behind the handle bars.  Keep the updates comin-they Are appreciated. RIDE SAFE.

Yeah, I seek out one kind of bars, avoid the other as best I can... And, then there are those handlebars! Those I never get far away from!!! I'm going to keep on keeping on, and I hope to continue to write about stuff as it occurs 'out yonder'... yep, that's where I really need to be... Any improvement in your condition? Will you be riding anytime soon?

DDT

          Workin on getting my stamina built back up. THAT'S gonna take a bit of doin. cursed allergies pretty near had me down fer the count. BUT like so many other things here HELP real HELP was available here from Friends. That raw honey thing seems to be helping on the allergies. There was a time when one rode alone or with like minded folks enjoyed the ride parked the M/C at home or where ever you were ranched up and waited for the next ride. In my case-marriage job family-kept my riding circle small. This here puter thing has expanded my horizons and my circle of friends has gotten larger-numbers and geographically speaking!  The day I bought my Valkyrie All I wuz tryin to do was git back in the wind!  HOW in the hell could I have known while it did not come with a warranty it Did come with an extended Family?  And man let me tell you-would NOT have it any other way! And I just can't quit yet-too many brothers and sisters here I haven't shared wind with yet! RIDE SAFE.

[DDT (12)]

I hear ya, man! Well said... This is an extraordinary family for sure. My own experiences have left me speechless on several occasions, and who knew? Like MitchO said to me once, "Valks are great bikes worth owning, but it's all that goes with them that really blows your mind!" And, as you said, this here electronic clubhouse we have has expanded our number of contacts and the range of those contacts far beyond anything we could have imagined only a decade or so ago... Nice, huh...?

DDT

[The emperor has no clothes]

I hear ya, man! Well said... This is an extraordinary family for sure. My own experiences have left me speechless on several occasions, and who knew? Like MitchO said to me once, "Valks are great bikes worth owning, but it's all that goes with them that really blows your mind!" And, as you said, this here electronic clubhouse we have has expanded our number of contacts and the range of those contacts far beyond anything we could have imagined only a decade or so ago... Nice, huh...?

DDT

It is nice  It's kind of strange how for my first 40 years of riding it was with buddies in my neighborhood, at work, and really stretching it from the next town over at 45 miles. Now in my last 6 years its been with guys and gals across the country and even some in Ireland. I think we are indeed lucky to live in such a time and have a community like this. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the admin who make it all possible. And all the great members for being a part of it . 

[Karen]

Bruce, you are starting to put some ideas in my head...

[t-man403]

I, of course, napped, observed, and mostly just stayed out of their way.

Seems like a pretty accurate description to me!! 

[The emperor has no clothes]

I, of course, napped, observed, and mostly just stayed out of their way.

Seems like a pretty accurate description to me!! 

well at least he didn't drop his brew. 

[old2soon]

Seein that picture reminded me of a sign I had seen Somewhere which I copied for my garage in Illinois. Been a day or two so the rates seem low-NOW!
                                            Labor rate--$35.00 an hour
                                            if you talk---$45.00 an hour
                    if you bring your own parts---$55.00 an hour
                        If you make suggestions---$65.00 an hour
                          If you Insist on helping---$325.00 an hour
 time was I worked on neighbors "stuff" BUT I didn't work for free. You git the idea.  RIDE SAFE.

[DDT (12)]

I, of course, napped, observed, and mostly just stayed out of their way.

Seems like a pretty accurate description to me!!  

Bruce, you are starting to put some ideas in my head...

Karen,

This life isn't for everyone... but, for those few of us for whom it is well suited, there is just nothing else like it! It is easily the very best part of my entire life. It's as though I was a square peg trying to fit into round holes for decades... then... one day fate beckoned and here I am...

Everything past is mere prologue, the main course... now comes the dessert for having spent years of toil and fruitless searching for meaning and purpose. That was necessary, I believe, for me to be able to fully appreciate what now fills my 'cup of life' to overflowing...

If you choose to venture down this path, I wish you well... and, I sincerely hope you find at least half the rewards I have. If you do, then all I've said will make complete sense to you... If you are such a person, then... well... Best of luck to you!!!

DDT




Terry,

The more things change, the more they stay the same! Ahhh, you know me so well! Have I ever told you how much I appreciate all you've done for this solitary trekker and his friends? Well, I do very much indeed!!! Without you, I'd have probably been living a different experience, and one far less enjoyable without 'my girl'... our girl... Thanks, my friend...

DDT

[trout dude]

T-Man  i remember that day and that Great Trip And yes Bruce made that work look easy. But thanks to Bruce and Terry for a great time in Canada  and lets not forget Mitch O and Jonny who are in the picture also

[t-man403]

Here's the "observing" part! 



and the wrenchers .... 

[DDT (12)]

All of you techy guys are impressive to me! Heck, I'm impressed when somebody picks up a screwdriver by the correct end... I'm not one of those special people...

The interest, aptitude, and decades of experience are obvious to this non-techy, and I do respect all that goes into being able to listen to an engine run and tweak things to perfection with delicate and most deft twists of an appropriate tool. It's also gratifying with more than a little bit of relief to know ALI has such capable folks willing to attend and remedy her needs and ailments... Thanks!!!

ALI is truly 'our' bike... I can't look at her and not see, and remember the circumstances, all of the parts donated, accessories provided, and labors of love performed on her. She is very much a bike worth owning... but it's all that has gone with her that really blows my mind!

DDT

[t-man403]

Well I can say this ....... my garage has never had so much fun! 

Sadly though, all the junk in these pictures still sits in it's place. 

[DDT (12)]

Well I can say this ....... my garage has never had so much fun! 

Sadly though, all the junk in these pictures still sits in it's place. 

That entire road trip was epic... with the highlight being our time in Alberta with you and friends... I still find myself shaking my head and smiling in disbelief at how that miserable morning at the motel when we first met turned into a saga so amazing that spanned more than a year... and continues even today!!! Your hospitality is now legendary!

As for all that 'junk'... you say that like it's a problem...? Heck, I'm a committed procrastinator myself, so I look at that with no small amount of admiration... Good on ya, dude!

DDT

[John Schmidt]

Guys, you know what's really sad.....that garage looks really organized compared to mine. 

It's really bad....how bad is it?  One afternoon I parked my wife's wheelchair out there so she could be getting some fresh air with the door up while observing my magic.    Later it took me 30 minutes to find her even though I could hear her calling me. 

[DDT (12)]

WOW, John! Now that's testimony to clutter like none I've ever heard! Well done...

DDT

[John Schmidt]

Bruce, I even have a plastic chair available for snoozing supervisors. 

[DDT (12)]

My specialty!!!

DDT

[t-man403]

Guys, you know what's really sad.....that garage looks really organized compared to mine. 

I guess this means I can leave mine go for a while longer! 

I went out today and took another picture ....... suppose I should put Bruce's chair and bottle away!