Well, Ain't That Sumpthin'...?!

[DDT (12)]

Well, Ain't That Sumthin'...?!

Time marches on, and it waits for no one. I was fifty-two years old when ALI and I became a joyous couple, and now I'm starring eighty squarely in the eye... less than four months from now. While she has held up remarkably well and is clearly able to continue indefinitely, her partner, sadly, is not. My knees, back, arms, heck all of me are showing all the predictable symptoms of the onset of serious geezerhood, and the time is upon me to consider what to do next before I could cause a disastrous outcome for us both.

Should I downsize bikes, as many have done and are doing, or... Could we find another accommodation that would allow my dearly beloved and her partner to continue-on together? Being an unabashedly sentimental being myself, that latter option surely had the most appeal by far! Obviously, that would not be the most practical choice, but... No other idea that would keep us together seemed possible. I simply cannot consider parting with her while maintaining dry eyes...

As has happened so many times over the last dozen years or so, my dear friends have come to our rescue and found a solution for us, arranged for all the parts necessary to accomplish the transition, and solved most of our problems. The one thing my friends have been unable to remedy, unfortunately, is my judgement, so that will necessarily have to remain a work-in-progress.

The solution has involved a bit of cosmetic surgery for our girl but no physical changes for the rider... A butt augmentation and a breast enhancement, so to speak, have indeed modified our girl's appearance and handling. However, she will remain between my legs and, after all, that's the main thing for us as our adventure together continues. She was quite OK with all of this, as it will certainly improve our prospects for surviving our continuing life on the road. As for this rider, I'm absolutely ecstatic!!!

Our girl's butt definitely looks bigger, but she doesn't seem to mind one bit!


We're waiting on the new 8* rake part for the forks (to ease and enhance steering) to complete the breast enhancement and finish the overall transition...

I think she looks pretty darned sharp for over 27 years old and more than a few miles!


And now for the rest of the story... I'd thought about writing directly to the Pope inquiring about how to nominate two of my dear friends for Sainthood. I doubted the Pontiff would be too keen anyway to converse with this believer but non-church-affiliated, human institution skeptic. Oh well, I reasoned, I'll just go my own way, as I have regarding politics, religion, and most other things in my life. I figured I could even start my very own 'honoring' scheme!

I came up with the notion of creating the 'Valhalla Circle of Honor' to recognize and honor those of the Valkyrie persuasion who have gone way above and beyond the ordinary in serving the needs of fellow riders. My two friends recognized my situation, clearly understood the strong bond between our girl and this humble person hanging on, so they set about solving the dilemma... and they did! They, above all others, deserve special recognition!!!

Mitch Oehmke and Dennis Scott do deserve sainthood in my book, but I will settle for bestowing 'Knighthood' in the newly created Order... "I dub thee Knights of the Order. Arise Sir Mitch and Sir Dennis, your status as head and shoulders above the rest of us is hereby recognized!"

Sir Dennis found, the same color scheme as ALI, a Black & Silver '99 Valk Standard trike for sale, bought it, then transported to Sir Mitch's den of redemption for distressed Valks in particular, and there they jointly performed their wrenching magic.







Sir Dennis had to return to Louisianna for a doctor's appointment. He'll return to Sir Mitch's with the new fork rake part in a few days... Sir Mitch, in the meantime, has been continuing the conversion of the former trike back into a Standard, so it can be ridden once again. That's not all Sir Mitch has been doing...

Those who have never ridden a trike are probably like I was... knowledgeable of the different handling characteristics and other differences involved, however... completely oblivious to the actual 'feel' of the differences! Sixty years of muscle memory, conditioned reflexes, and evolved instincts, all habits really, are different enough to cause danger to the new trike rider switching over from previously two wheels exclusively! Much coaching and patient instruction plus constant reminders have been necessary to aid this clumsy wannabe in the transition. Our two Knightly benefactors have been doing that in spades...

Since the departure of Sir Dennis, Sir Mitch has taken the newly altered couple on day rides to familiarize her rider with the new aspects of his old girl. Old habits are being jettisoned while new habits are being formed. Soon we'll be ready to venture forth on our own and a long ride to establish new rhythms, travel pace, habits, and other aspects will be eagerly undertaken. It'll be a new adventure for sure; however, another new unexpected feature is renewed zest to get back out there and try something new!



DDT (12)

[Oss]

When Sir Dennis was up my way we discussed the possibility of what you so eloquently have just posted

Mitch and Dennis have gone above and beyond so often that one would think
they are part of the official PIT CREW for ALi (12)

In fact I have to thank you for posting as I plum forgot that I still have a few Pralines, prepared by Sheila herself in my freezer

Will remedy that upon arriving back home this evening

We all missed you at IZ, glad you are ok

[Serk]

Oh wow, so that's where you've been!

Time pauses for no one, glad to see you're staying with your knees in the breeze upon Ali!

I do have to correct you on one inaccuracy though...

This exists.

[DDT (12)]

Evan,

I missed seeing all y'all at IZ too. Oh well, we'll shoot for next year! Glad you have some pralines still available... good for stimulating fond memories while enjoying a for real treat! Next time, my friend!

DDT (12)



Serk,

Well, I stand corrected! Wonder what it actually tastes like and how close to the real thing it might actually be...? On the other hand, it's bound to be less filling, so... can't be all bad! Frankly, I prefer regular bacon AND coffee not one or the other... but that's just me...

Mrs. Sir Mitch re-introduced me to steak bacon yesterday, and it was fabulous! Well, the way she does it, that is. Big Wolf and I had tried some of that while in Silverton, CO, a few years ago. I'd forgotten about that first steak bacon sampling, as it had been rather unremarkable/mediocre. Perhaps the seasoning Laura had added before baking her offering made the difference... Still, I think I'll continue to eat mine rather than drink it...

DDT (12)

[RNFWP]

Matching paint, white letter tires and TWO trunks.
She's absolutely beaming...

Please tell those freshly minted Knights I said Hello.

[f6gal]

Good hearing from you Bruce.  I'm glad you landed on a solution that is satisfactory to you and Ali.

Regarding InZane... we all missed you.  So much so that there were actually reports of DDT sightings (that proved to be wishful thinking). 

[Rams]

Excellent decision!   It's an intelligent man that sees the right path (most of the time).    While I still ride my two wheelers, the three wheelers get a lot more miles.   Looking forward to seeing it and you in the future.   

By the way, I know you enjoy riding in the rain, just remember that those two back tires can easily float/hydroplane in the right situation.

Rams

[John Schmidt]

Bruce, wish I had known of the project going on, I could have stopped by on the way home. If nothing else, I'm a great supervisor. However, I have done some "interesting" wiring over the years, often correcting the mistakes of other. I showed Nancy the pictures on your post, you'll never guess what caught her eye. It was the big patchwork quilt laying on the floor with parts sitting on it. She was "oh no, look at that poor blanket that was someone's hardwork and it's there on the floor. They'll never get it clean again." I've learned to not address such!

Glad to hear of the transformation, taking those short rides to familiarize yourself is best. I did the same thing prior to the IZ in Athens, OH. Remember DD in Florida, she told me to put at least 200 miles on the trike before taking off on a long trip. That came from a gal that had thousands of miles on her trike, it paid off for me. Keep us all posted as to your daily experience with three, I know you'll feel more comfortable now...especially in the rain. 

[old2soon]

    Welcome Bruce to the Brotherhood of the 3 wheels!    The 12 G/W trike and I are building a rapport. And try to recollect on a trike we can no longer carve like we used ta did on 2 wheels!    But main thing be-we Still in da wind!    And as I did check today Mother wind did Not care How I got with her just that I Did git with Her!    And being in the wind Is WHAT matters!  No longer a dillema but a RIDING solution!     RIDE SAFE.

[98valk]

Bruce, wish I had known of the project going on, I could have stopped by on the way home. If nothing else, I'm a great supervisor. However, I have done some "interesting" wiring over the years, often correcting the mistakes of other. I showed Nancy the pictures on your post, you'll never guess what caught her eye. It was the big patchwork quilt laying on the floor with parts sitting on it. She was "oh no, look at that poor blanket that was someone's hardwork and it's there on the floor. They'll never get it clean again." I've learned to not address such!

Glad to hear of the transformation, taking those short rides to familiarize yourself is best. I did the same thing prior to the IZ in Athens, OH. Remember DD in Florida, she told me to put at least 200 miles on the trike before taking off on a long trip. That came from a gal that had thousands of miles on her trike, it paid off for me. Keep us all posted as to your daily experience with three, I know you'll feel more comfortable now...especially in the rain. 

your wife's concern of the rug reminds me of a girlfriend from a few yrs ago, her daughter was 10.
So I ride over to her house first time they both see the Valkyrie, its blue/cream. so they are looking at, and first thing they both say is, how come my HJC blue helmet wasn't the same blue color as the valkyrie?

[f6john]

We're (I) am counting you and your commitment to being in the wind and crisscrossing this great land of ours for your peace of mind and my daydreaming. The 3 wheel version of your riding companion may be just the ticket!

I'm encouraged most recently my two developments. One is finding out that your health and youthful mindset are enabling you to do what brings you joy for now and into the miles yet to come. The other while not motorcycle related is the conformation by the thousands of foreign soccer fans who have come to our country and have discovered that America is a fantastic place to be and offers an amazing variety of wonders to discover and is nothing like the stories they (we) have been fed by our own media outlets.

What a great time to be alive and still have enough energy to enjoy the greatest country on earth. Happy 250th Birthday America!

[hubcapsc]

[Hook#3287]

What a great continuance of the story of the most famous Valkyrie ever and it's relationship with it's storied geezer rider.

I had wondered why the reports had seemed to dwindle some and am happy they may continue with new vigor.

Maybe another 800K on 3 wheels?

I do agree with Nancy.  Someone spent a lot of their life on the comforter.  It is considered "art" to some.

Maybe the 2 "saints" can get it restored.

[JimmyG]

Great news Bruce. Those guys are great aren't they? Ali looks good with that large hind end   I hope you get many more memories on that fat gal. Steph and I hope to see you in the near future, be cool my friend.

[Skinhead]

Bruce, I couldn't agree more re. Mitch and Dennis, and applaud you for creating the Valhalla Circle of Honor, and knights thereof!

I think the staff should create a board with that title so other prospects could be recognized.

SmokehouseJoe called and asked if I wanted to ride out with him to Mitch's and help/observe the transformation, but unfortunately, I'm dealing with my own project in MI.  Ali is blessed to have 2 such capable advocates attending to her well being.

I remember Mitch and Dennis spending most of the Athens Inzane fixing issues with others Valks, they definitely qualify for Knighthood and have set the standard high for those that will follow them.

[thedon]

Bruce,
Welcome to the trike world. You will love it.
Remember to NEVER put your feet down unless the engine is off or you are pushing backwards. As for parking just find a place that is level or slightly down hill (forward) and you will be ok.
As for Mitch and Dennis, well I can't say enough. So knight hood is exactly what those two deserve.
See you down the road.
Ride safe.
Don

[DDT (12)]

All my friends,

Thanks for all the very kind words and much needed encouragement! I have to admit I was falling into a bit of a rut in recent months. Long story short, this new direction has me all fired-up again and rarin' to get back out there... As soon as the 'surgery' for our girl is finished and the dust has settled a bit, we're heading out for a long shake-down cruise! I'll keep anyone interested informed of the goin's on.

Funny how our mood, anxiety level, isolation, and other sneaky mind-warpers can sap our enthusiasm and drain our energy... indeed our very zest for life! Dang, it was a rather stark, slap-in-the-face realization when it dawned on me that I was allowing that 'old man' to creep in through the back door and set me up for a return to life in the Lazy Boy... My friends caught that for me just in the nick of time and made a miraculous rescue!!!

It's hard to think of a way of expressing my new-found zeal to return full-bore to the life of a gypsy rider wandering around our magnificent continent, but the fact is that's exactly how I feel now... No more KSU for this geriatric juvenile, and no more feet down at stops! AOS and twist the throttle with gusto, however, will be called upon even more to pick up the slack!

About that quilt... Not much I can say about that... However, I do admit I was a little surprised at the number of comments posted here and in a couple of text messages. Apparently, there is much more to those things than being simple decorative bed covers or useful workshop blankets to protect finishes! The amount of work, craftmanship, and skill involved has obviously been underappreciated by this novice, so careful cropping and editing of future photos will need to be undertaken!!!

One other thing... Your comments, support, well-wishes... even just your acknowledgement of enjoying reading about our adventures means more than you can know. I sincerely appreciate all of you who have vicariously 'ridden along' with our girl and her lover, and especially those who have joined in with us in celebration on this board of a truly extraordinary life!

DDT (12)

[Reb]

To Saint Mitch, and Saint Dennis,

You have earned your place through the Valhalla gates. 

Bruce,
This is a momentous occasion, and worth celebrating Ali's successful recovery from rear end reconstruction surgery. Looking forward to seeing all three wheels and rider in the near future. Thanks for sharing!

[MAD6Gun]

 Good to hear Bruce. Anything to stay in the wind...

[GiG]

Bruce: That SURE IS Sumpthin' alright!
THANKS TO Mitch & Dennis!
They are the Best! 
See y'all before too long 


The quilt seems to have worked as designed, done its job of
Protecting the tins and none the worse for wear.  No runs, drips, or tears.

[Barbie]

This is so cool news, but then again, I am partial to three wheels in addition to 6 carbs beneath my seat.
I'm so glad we took that DDT(12) birthday ride in 2024. NOW look at you!
You know I am here for you on any pointers.
I do feel the need for a "Feelin' Free on Three" ride in our near future.
Luv ya,
Barbie

[f6john]

Bruce, I'm intrigued by your mention of a "SHACK-DOWN cruise". That opens up all kinds of new possibilities for an idle and somewhat mischievous mind!

[da prez]

Congrats Bruce. As mentioned , relearn about the feet. Until out paths cross or become side by side.

As to Mitch and Dennis , Friends walk in when everyone else walks out.

                            da prez

does this mean you will retire the Valkyrie Viagra , or order another for the other side!

[t-man403]

Well there you go! 
Who says I can't keep a secret? Been holding my breath for a while on this so it's nice to breath again. Thought it was kinda odd when I read the guest list for InZane so now I know why. I read this post last night but was too tired to reply. Wish I had your energy. Gotta say, it's sure good to see this has happened. What a bonus...no paint required. Hi to the boys...

[Thunderbolt]

Wow, what a surprise.  But if it keeps you in the breeze it's a good thing.  I have never ridden a trike but suspect there would be subtle differences.  You have already been cautioned on putting your feet down and where to park.  I would think one would need to remember that it is wider than you thought and also heavier as in a bit harder to stop although you will have larger brakes in the rear.  Good on you and the two gentlemen that made it happen.

[LadyDraco]

Good  deal Bruce.
   

[Sweet Cheeks]

Ditto on what everyone else has said. 
- It is awesome to know your relationship with Ali will continue.
- Sir Mitch and Sir Dennis are the absolute best.
- Coffee and bacon are a MUST!

I look forward to our paths crossing again soon.  Be safe my friend. And .... Wash that quilt!  LOL

Janice

[old2soon]

    Bruce our resident wanderer supreme comes up with a plan to stay in the wind and some of us here be worried bout quilt abuse??    While NO I am Not SURE thinkin the Lady of the house may have given her official okey dokey on usin the quilt. Even IF/SHOULD the quilt no longer be useable after the trike assembly the quilt went to a Good Cause!    MAYBE some of the quilt can be salvaged to be put into another quilt and be auctioned at Inzane 27?    RIDE SAFE.

[TJ]

        WELCOME TO THE 3 WHEEL CLUB.....

[Mooskee]

Bruce my friend, so good to hear your adventure will continue. Welcome to the trike world. Kudos again to Dennis and Mitch. They are definitely a fine couple of fellas, and some dang good mechanics.

My trike was initially owned by Bob Smith. He passed it on to Danny McMillan to help Danny extend his riding life before he relocated to heaven. After Danny passed, my sons arranged for me to get the trike for father's day. When I got it I called Bob for information on the trike. He told me all he had done to it and gave me some solid advice that I have found to hold true. Therefore, I will pass it on to you.

Bob said "If the speed limit sign says 45 MPH, that is the fastest you want to take the turn."

Others may have different opinions, but that advice works well for me. Trikes do not lean, unless they are leaning the wrong way! The other thing that took a while to sink in is the fact that the rear end on that thing is 3 times wider than a 2 wheeler. You'll see what I mean.

I think there is something over the horizon waiting for you. You and Ali should chase it down.

Blessings to ya,
Dave

[DDT (12)]

Dave,

Thanks for sharing your trike's story; a rather interesting one at that! Thanks also, for the tips. You, the two Knights, Barbie, to name only a few have indeed been pointing out tid-bits and kernels of wisdom on the subject, all of which I've found most useful and helpful.

I, too, have found driving the posted speed limits through curves to be particularly spot-on in my case... And the sharper the curve, the more than holds true! Not having a rake kit on our girl yet has shown me why I definitely do want one! At least I am getting an upper body workout, so I'm canceling all gym memberships! LOL, I don't actually have any...

I've tried to be particularly watchful about the rear width thing you mentioned. No problems so far, but I did slightly brush the concrete base of a gas pump the other day. I constantly remind myself to keep my danged feet on the Cobra floorboards whenever the engine is running!

A process that will take more time, obviously, but thanks to the superior coaching and solid advice from friends, I'm quite confident I can get there. Our girl is already ready and rarin' to go... she's just waiting for this slowpoke to catch up...

It's great hearing from you, my friend... I do miss our chats...

DDT (12)

[Mooskee]

I miss you too buddy. I really need to get my back straightened out so we can lay down some more miles.

Ride safely. Keep the dirty side down.

Dave

[3fan4life]

I'm glad that you're able to continue to find pleasure in the wind!

As I've told you many times, I want to be just like you when I grow up.