Lucky Me...!

[DDT (12)]

Each time I mount our girl, I’m reminded of just how special the VRCC is to me… and to us. I’ve tried to give a fairly accurate description of life on the road… solo… To recognize that there are times of loneliness, but that there are also ways to cope with that. For some, like yours truly, solitude is desirable, easily tolerated, and even eagerly sought. However, for anyone, no matter how great or small their own need might be, there are solutions available…

I’ve discussed at length how meeting strangers is not only easy, but it is likewise desirable for many reasons… There is also, for us happy few, the VRCC. Each time I throw a leg over 'our girl', my eyes always automatically, instinctively spot the highly symbolic tank bib that illustrates more than words ever could, just how amazing our incredible family is…



A special touch T-man403 added when he restored ALI to her former prime, then rode her from Calgary, AB, so he could return her to me at the Asheville InZane. WOW! What an emotion charged event that was for this dude! We’d made a ‘deal’ and he didn’t have to do anything… However, that truly great guy went way above and beyond, and brought us, my true love and me, back together… How do we adequately say thanks to someone who has done so much?

As wonderful as that whole story played out, Terry Nickel is not the only one to whom I owe an unpayable debt of gratitude… Lucky 13 has spent many hours laboring on our girl, as has Hard6, Troutdude, and MitchO, especially those last two, who have spent countless hours nursing her back to health. There are others, too, who have applied a wrench to her, given a part, twisted a screw-driver, given a tow, and saved our bacon!

Misfit and his daughter, Jaden, replaced a wiring harness, after Chase and a host of other Colorado riders had diagnosed that ailment and improvised a temporary fix to get us ‘home’… Punisher has donated a new swing arm, Warlock has loaned us a special tool, Hubcapsc has figured into all of this, and Duffy even shipped a replacement speedometer to me in Washington state several years ago.

LynnDel gave us a replacement kickstand, Big BF replaced an alternator ‘O’ ring, and so many others have offered help, even donated money to the fund Oss created to help defray T-man403’s expenses during that ‘crusade’. Others have given our girl a bath, and still others have allowed me to change her oil and filter, or headlight bulb, or… whatever at their place.

All in all, there are so many folks who have contributed to keeping us together and on-the-road, that it would take a novel-length journal to list them all. Not bad for a solitary guy who spends most of his time alone, huh…?

A few treasured photo mementos…

Troutdude giving head to ‘our girl’…


MitchO ‘making a statement’ to Troutdude…


The amazing BigBF…


Troutdude thinks cleanliness is important, for some mysterious reason…


Three musketeers (Lucky13, Troutdude, DDT) sharing a Milky Way, remembering another friend, Jim Dorman… while taking a break from working on 'our girl'...


My handy hillbilly friend, SmokinJoe… He shares that cleanliness notion…


Roger keeping us safe…


Chase was ‘on the case’…


Some of my friends will even sleep with me… Help in another form, I reckon…


Thoughts like these often cross my mind, as they did when we departed Safford and headed back to the high country… that area of Arizona ‘above the rim’. We paused along the way to view and take stock of all we were encountering…

Holy to the Apache… For me, that would be all of North America that is holy!!!








We stopped for the night in Payson. Time to ‘inventory’ ourselves and see what might come next… I did have an invite to drop by and visit a friend, and that would most likely be the way we’d head. Beyond that, I would take some time simply to reflect and consider all that has gone on with ‘our girl’, ALI, since she and I first joined together that cold day in January 1999…

Also, I want to say a special thanks to all of you who read my posts and reply, and to everyone who has made a huge difference in my life and hers and our life together… As my dear hillbilly friend, SmokinJoe, might say, “Here’s to ya!”



DDT

[The emperor has no clothes]

You've had a lot of great posts. This just might be your best.  What a nice way to express the kindness of our members. I do wonder though. Would Troutdude be better served using K-Y versus that store brand Vaseline ? 

(I'm proud to call you my friend) 

[Jess from VA]

Nice write up and great pics Bruce.

History gave us Shoeless Joe Jackson.


Some years later, there was......

[..]

Bruce you wrote

"To recognize that there are times of loneliness"

I hope loneliness it not what you meant and that  alone could be used instead.

[G-Man]

Thanks for the reminder of what we have here!

BTW, there wasn't a dry eye in the house (under the tent) in Asheville and some of us cut our rides short that day so we wouldn't miss that incredible reunion.

 

[RainMaker]

One of the highlights of my VRCC association was being at the reunion of you and Ali in Asheville.  The other is reading your posts.  You and Ali keep on keepin' on!

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

Great post my friend 

Has Ali crossed over the 600,000 mark ? 400,000 more let's shine her up and let Mother Honda know . I know of no other Valkyrie with that many miles ... Anyone ?  Anyone ?
I think she was at or near the 500,000 mark when I took this picture on The Veterans Weekend Ride in Cookeville , Tennessee a couple years ago. If you are back in the south at the end of April let me know .

[robin]

Great post Bruce you are never alone

[solo1]

Super great post, Bruce. Great pics and shows the kindness of the VRCC.  Reminds me of the other acts of 'brotherhood"  A truck to Highlander, A scooter to another, A kidney donation (WOW!), the generosity of RJ,( Remember him? I do.), helping a new member Warren, and a constant helping out on the part of the VRCC with big donations to charity.

The last one that I saw was the 'jumpin' in' of everyone on the alternator  replacement of Gig's Valk at the DRU.

[Misfit]

You are welcome. Proud to lend a hand and proud to know ya. Keep on keeping on, Vagabond. Sorry about spring break. Next time things will work out better. I hope. 

[f6john]

Great post my friend 

Has Ali crossed over the 600,000 mark ? 400,000 more let's shine her up and let Mother Honda know . I know of no other Valkyrie with that many miles ... Anyone ?  Anyone ?
I think she was at or near the 500,000 mark when I took this picture on The Veterans Weekend Ride in Cookeville , Tennessee a couple years ago. If you are back in the south at the end of April let me know .

And how many sets of tires does that equate? Bruce should be the guru of all things maintenance wise!

[DDT (12)]

Rob,

Thank you for that very nice statement! I wouldn't know where to begin to explain how or why Troutdude does many of the things he does... It could be that he's just an old-fashioned guy, I dunno... I do know that that wrench-savvy dude is an awesome mechanic, and one of the primary reasons our girl is still out there hauling my carcass around this 'holy land' of ours!!!

I'm mighty proud of our friendship, too, amigo! I'm proud of many, many friendships I have made through this wonderful association of ours and this forum... My life would be very different without all y'all...

DDT



F6John,

Guru of nothing, I'm afraid!!! Mercifully, however, I do know several who are, and they sustain ALI and me!!! As for the number of tires, I wouldn't have a clue!!! At least a semi-truck load, though...

DDT



Jess,

Yep, history most certainly did us a huge favor by giving us that SmokinJoe character! I've observed him in countless group settings over the years, and he always dazzles me and whoever else is present with his keen wit and clever anecdotes... His 'delivery' is also an integral part of his most entertaining manner. What sets him apart from others, though, is his genuineness and innate goodness. For those of us who have seen him in daily life, he truly embodies his credo... "I just ride around helping people..." He does indeed!

DDT



Paul,

Unfortunately, occasional 'loneliness' is a reality. More so when I first began this gypsy life full-time following my divorce. Only rarely nowadays, though, and that has come from learning about that condition and just becoming familiar with the whole experience. I wanted to point that out for anyone else who might fantasize about this life. The good news is that it is manageable, and it can even be harnessed to heighten the experience! As with so many things in life... 'Is it good or bad?' Yes! Pick one!!! Presently, my condition is more accurately described as 'alone' and nowhere near 'lonely'... Good observation on your part!!!

DDT



G-man,

Thanks for the comment! I wouldn't know about others, but I assure you my eyes weren't dry!!! (Danged gnats anyhow!!!) I've been just another face in the crowd several times over the years, but that was the first time I'd been part of the focus... Felt strange indeed... but wonderful beyond description!!! I still marvel at the goodness that event represented, and the positive statement it made about the members of our organization...

DDT



Rainmaker,

Really nice thing to say!!! Yep, for me too!!!!!

DDT



Joe,

Not quite... 596K as of today... We'll be leaving Las Vegas in a little while... New Mexico, that is, not Nevada! Just out riding around doing what we do!!! I may be in the hood come the end of April... I plan on being in Indianna the 21st of April, but after that... ummm, who knows!

DDT



Robin,

It took a few years to make that connection, but you are so right!!! I talk frequently with friends on the phone, exchange written correspondence, and... then there is this message board. Never alone is absolutely correct!!! Thanks for your replies, too, and for being part of my 'circle'...!

DDT

[f6john]

I was about to ask where you were this morning but I see in one of your replies that you are in Las Vegas NM. So I learned something new today, never knew there was a Vegas in New Mexico.

[Rams]

Bruce,
Keep on doing what makes ya happy.    I think that is what most of us are envious about.    You live the life you have chosen for yourself.    While I do believe we could all have different lives, what we have is a direct result of the decisions and actions we have previously made.    You appear to have made some very good decisions allowing you to live the life you have.

Reference those helping hands and friends, friendship like respect is earned, not given.     You have a treasure chest of that respect and are by far one of the richest people I know of in the friendship arena.   You've earned that friendship and respect with the way you treat folks and being the person you are.

I'm not much of a wrench but am always good for at least the first round of iced tea.   But, you already know that.   Be safe and ride on my friend.

Rams

[MarkT]

Delivered Ali from Calgary to Asheville?  WOW!  Absolutely above and beyond.  That's gotta be around 3,000 miles.  That's not a "delivery" that's an ODYSSEY!

I recall the ride to Rifle and the meal we had at the Shooter's Grill.  On the return Ali had a break in the starter relay connection at a gas stop.  It was quite the group project to diagnose and fix it, but we put our heads together and had Ali sorted out in about a half hour!  I'm thinkin we should ride Harleys so we could have more of these collaborations, team-building dynamics and great breakdown stories we currently don't get to enjoy much on our Hondas.

[John Schmidt]

Bruce, I always read your encounters with life on the road although often don't add my penny's worth(inflation).  I particularly liked this one, I guess mostly due to you giving insight to all those that have lent a hand over the years. I've been a member of various organizations over the years, but none like this one. This group goes over the top it seems, and all at first are tied together through a single item....the Valkyrie. Through that relationship, a tighter friendship develops and it's something we should all be proud of. Just one more thought.....maybe we need to start a "go fund me" for Joe so we buy that boy a pair of shoes. I've seen him a number of times over the years in much the same garb, once when it was a tad chilly he had socks on. Will wonders never cease?

[Oss]

 

[msb]

Great post Bruce, certainly one of your best. I, like others here always enjoy following along on your journey through your posts on this forum. The dedication of support by those individuals you mentioned is commendable for sure,  as is your recognition  of such.  I just love reading about and seeing photos of all those places you ride....places I haven't been . Keep 'em coming

[old2soon]

From when ever I joined this Family of ours I KNEW I was in a special place. Electronic clubhouse if you will. From my very First Inzane-Eureka Springs Arkansas-it All made a weird sorta sense.  BUT under that tent in Asheville North Carolina with you Bruce gittin Ali back-well I've had some Special moments in my life and that were one of em!  Happy to count you amongst my friends here Bruce. Someone already mentioned this point but to think ALL of this is due to a Motorcycle that ain't even being built anymore!  Bruce-just keep on keepin on!  RIDE SAFE.

[Bigwolf]

Bruce,
Thanks for another great post.  The VRCC truly are a great group of wonderful and helpful people. 

I enjoyed the photos too.

Happy travels my friend.

Bigwolf

[DDT (12)]

You are welcome. Proud to lend a hand and proud to know ya. Keep on keeping on, Vagabond. Sorry about spring break. Next time things will work out better. I hope.  

Damon,

Among the many things that have amazed, awed, and astounded me on this fourteen year journey is that when things appear really bad, they often have a surprisingly good outcome in the end. Like with the time ALI broke down in Alberta, and I wound up buying another bike to ride home, and I 'sold' ALI to T-man403.

I not only got her back, but the transfer occurred at InZane in front of four-hundred or so approving, applauding people! What a party that was!!! More of a celebration of a happy ending to a group project that involved dozens, if not hundreds, of members and other people outside our organization! But, that's not all...

As you may recall, Terry ended up riding my other bike back to Calgary instead of flying... The following summer, Tom Jordan flew to Calgary to ride ALI's 'sister' home for me, and Troutdude, MitchO, and I rode our Valks up there to meet-up with Tom at Terry's house!!! A great adventure followed with us riding around exploring Alberta and British Columbia, then TD, Mitch, and I rode together back to our homes... (Tom had had to leave us early). A four week outing with a wondrous ride and visit up yonder!

I got a bit carried away here with this drawn-out reply, but... I'm saying all of this to say that when things don't go according to script, or they may even appear hopeless, the final outcome can be quite the opposite! I'd felt the agony of defeat when ALI had apparently reached her end, and my spirits were mighty low... In the end, however, it turned out to be one of the most amazing and joyous chapters in our time together!!!

When I arrived at your house and half of your family was down with the flu, the whole 'plan' had to be altered... No apology necessary for any of that, though, because I ended up spending several days with a most colorful and interesting guy! 'Polky' was really a good host, an entertaining conversationalist, and a great person to hang with! I do like that guy, and, even though I also like you and your family very much, I'm glad things worked out this way after all... Thank you!!!

DDT



Rams,

Thanks, Ron! You have depth and insight that give your words credibility and meaning... Thanks for the kind words! The iced tea sounds good... maybe we could even have breakfast again sometime...





MarkT,

Yeah, that entire Canadian saga was a tale for the ages! That fubar at the gas station on the Darby Ride was another seeming calamity that all turned out way better than I ever could have anticipated... Ours is a very special and unique cast of characters and the 'good' that emerges routinely is gratifying to witness, let alone experience... We're both fortunate to be part of such a wonderful group of folks... Thanks for being part of it all and for sharing friendship with me...

DDT



John,

Yes, it truly is amazing!  I can't explain it other than to observe that some of the best folks I've ever been blessed to know have gravitated to the Valkyrie... Carolyn Schmidt was mentioned earlier regarding her kidney donation to Psycho, to name but one example... Liz (a true heroine!) down your way is another example of the caliber of folks we have come to call friends. Terry and Iris also have that special quality of helpfulness and goodness... and the list gets mighty long if I keep this up! That growing list would, of course, contain your name, too... I often shake my head thinking about all that my experiences through ALI have presented to me... I mean it from the bottom of my heart... I am indeed proud to be here!!!

DDT



Oss,

Thanks! You, too, are one of those interesting characters who make a huge difference by being part of us!!! I will always be grateful to you for the way you helped make that whole ALI & DDT Reunion possible. Most of all, I'll always be grateful that I had the opportunity to meet you and in time become friends... I do treasure that most of all!

DDT



Mike,

Thank you very much for your always insightful and positive observations. I enjoy reading of your adventures, too, and I especially like the way you capture the 'whole experience' and not just the facts and figures of a ride... Yes indeed! My life has been profoundly and wonderfully impacted by the members of our club, and I just can't say enough good about them!!!

DDT



Dennis,

Yes sir! You and I have lived during the same period of history, lived similar lives, done similar things. That background gives us great insight into each other without having to know all the miniscule details of each other's lives... We do share a common bond, and we both 'feel' emotion when unusually good... or bad... things happen to us. We are brothers from different mothers, and we are indeed friends... both surrounded by some mighty fine folks! Those common associations give us common examples of how to conduct ourselves, and they remind us that we are not alone... Unlike many places in the world, around here we actually matter!

DDT



Jerry,

I very much appreciate your replies and nice words... most of all, I appreciate your friendship... Thanks!!!

DDT


Everybody,

I didn't start out as a 'loner'... I sort of fell into it. Yes, I have discovered that I can do much 'skull work' and find some peace with my life and my lot in life. For that I am glad things worked out the way they have. I didn't realize it at the time, however, that this choice meant I was taking a risk... The chance I'd miss out on a very important aspect of the journey of life.

Awareness that we are not 'islands' entire unto ourselves. None of us make it through this life without helping others and being helped by others. We are interdependent, and we need each other. We also desperately need friendships, intimacy, and acceptance.

I don't know if it's because of the demographics of our group (older, more mature, middle class, working folks with track records and some degree of stability), but whatever it is, we do seem to be disproportionately populated with 'good people'! And, with people willing to extend the hand of friendship and genuine caring to one another.

To that end, we offer each other a gift unlike anything we can hope to find, or likely ever have had, in our lives, save possibly only with family. It is special whatever it is, and I know I do deeply appreciate all who have befriended me and made my own journey more worthwhile... Thanks!

DDT

[hubcapsc]

Hubcapsc has figured into all of this

It made me smile just to be mentioned in your post  ...

When I re-tired, I spent a week or so being all nostalgic about stuff, and put
a bunch of stuff on my non-Clemson web page... you're in the motorcycle part:

https://sites.google.com/view/hubcapsc/motorcycles

-Mike

[RDAbull]

Thanks for the story Bruce.  Glad all is safe out there.  Takes more than a bell.  Takes the thoughts, wishes and dreams of one who can make them real for all of us to finish the day's ride. 

I well remember the day in Ashville when you were reunited with Ali, cause that is the day we first met.  Glad that happened for me and glad you got her back. 
As they say: "a good time was had by all."

What part of Indianer are you going to be riding through next month? 

[DDT (12)]

Mike,

I smiled too, as I looked over those pics on your website... I'm also in that group shot at the Visitors' Center by the lake... That was a cold morning to this Florida boy, but SmokinJoe stopped often for us, and I managed to have a great ride with some of my friends...

Those photos also triggered some really nice memories for me... like the time we dined on some great BBQ near your house! And, there were rides to Grits & Groceries, the Fall Color Rides, plus many others over the years... Valkyries are really something, aren't they...? How else could such a bunch of unlikely 'friends' ever even meet, let alone find what we all have found...?

DDT




Roger,

Thanks for the reply, and for all you do to contribute to this amazing group. You're right, of course, but I'm convinced that bell still helps!!! More than anything, it's the circumstances surrounding that bell and how I came by it that really means a lot to me! You are a kindred spirit for sure, and I'm glad you're in our curious mix of eclectic characters...

I've received the high honor of an invitation to Solo1's 90th birthday party... I do plan to attend, provided I'm not in jail by then... I still have to do my taxes for last year, and... well, you know all about that sort of thing, don't you!

DDT

[hubcapsc]

like the time we dined on some great BBQ near your house!

Me and Carolyn went there yesterday... it is just as good or even better 

https://www.yelp.com/biz/brasstown-creek-gathering-place-bbq-westminster-2

-Mike

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

Hubcapsc has figured into all of this

It made me smile just to be mentioned in your post  ...

When I re-tired, I spent a week or so being all nostalgic about stuff, and put
a bunch of stuff on my non-Clemson web page... you're in the motorcycle part:

https://sites.google.com/view/hubcapsc/motorcycles

-Mike

https://sites.google.com/view/hubcapsc/motorcycles


Added to favorites 

[northernvalk]

This is DDT's last post........sending out a big thanks to everyone and talking about loneliness...I hope all is well. Is there someone nearby that can check up?

[DDT (12)]

NV,

Thanks for the concern! I'm just a bit preoccupied at the moment, but everything is fine... well, my taxes still await me! I've just been cruising along more or less headed back home in Florida. I did stop off in northern Alabama to visit my sister and her hubby... but now I have the place where my stuff is in my crosshairs... I'll most likely post a story in a while... no guarantees, of course, and no timeline! Again, thanks for the concern...

DDT

[northernvalk]

NV,

Thanks for the concern! I'm just a bit preoccupied at the moment, but everything is fine... well, my taxes still await me! I've just been cruising along more or less headed back home in Florida. I did stop off in northern Alabama to visit my sister and her hubby... but now I have the place where my stuff is in my crosshairs... I'll most likely post a story in a while... no guarantees, of course, and no timeline! Again, thanks for the concern...

DDT

No Problem, I have (please don't take this the wrong way) mental illness in my family and I tend to read between the lines a little to much.  Glad all is well and look forward to your next post. Rubber down

[Black Dog]

Bruce, thanks for the trip down Memory Lane...  This club is a group of amazing folks, many that would drop what they are doing to lend a hand in getting a stranded rider/friend back in the wind 

I've enjoyed the times we have had to 'shoot the breeze'...  Knowing you has bettered many of our lives 

See ya in Roanoke

Black Dog