Passages...

[DDT (12)]

Symbols and rituals are easily recognizable yet definitive ways in which we denote certain events, transitions, and accomplishments… the passage of time, the arrival at waypoints, and/or the dawning of new opportunities… Although they can be and often are forward-looking, they typically are, as much as anything, also reflective in nature…

I’ve just this morning completed a significant Springtime ritual… I’ve rehung my leather jacket in the closet where it will remain until next Fall. I’ve also folded my Tour-Master cold-weather riding-suit and placed it on a shelf in that same closet, as well… Not a big deal at all in itself… except in terms of what it represents. It is the physical act of acknowledging the end of one season and the beginning of the next. It feels good, too… but with a bit of mixed emotions…

I like winter riding. I much prefer the cooler temps to the heat of summer, and I certainly enjoy rambling around wearing additional gear and feeling comfortable doing so. It helps that I live in a year-round riding zone. I do not, of course, enjoy the limitations winter imposes. Much of North America is unavailable to us for riding when frozen precip posses a constant threat, and nobody enjoys aching joints, stinging fingers and toes, and numbness in places we otherwise wouldn’t even notice. Still, winter does have much to offer.

Summer also has a great deal to offer! There are the wide arrays of events, gatherings, and other social activities, for example, largely missing during the colder months. Warmer temps mean more pleasant riding conditions overall, and the accompanying longer days offer the prospect of more time in the saddle for extended explorations. Our riding range is magnified many times over, and generally more riding occurs during that time of year. I am reveling in the recognition of this annual ritual…

This particular year, this event carries with it even more significance because of my health issue. My denim riding jacket symbolizes so many possibilities and the promise of wondrous wanderings soon to follow, but… I still have lingering doubts, as I await the now twice delayed follow-up appointment with my surgeon… We’re now to meet and discuss status and prospects on April 26th. Yes, I am nervous about that…

So much hinges on the outcome of that fateful meeting! Will I need chemo or other follow-up, on-going treatment? If so, that will severely impact all of the plans for extended riding to begin, actually, very soon!

The suspense is as unpleasant as the still lack of full bladder control!  Much progress has occurred with the latter, but the former still remains quite a mystery!!! And, that mystery holds so many major implications… Swift results would answer many questions and set the stage for what is to come… I hesitate to ‘wish’ for that, however, because the news could be… even more demoralizing than the unknown!

We must deal with what is, plan for what might be, and accept what happens. Usually any thoughts about future activities are not absolute anyway; so, while this situation is a bit more uncertain and the possibilities are so much more varied and significant, it is not unlike any other peek into the future and effort to prepare for likely possibilities… So, that’s what I’m doing…

I’ll be leaving in a matter of a few days to begin the long road to InZane this summer. First, I’ll be heading west to southeastern Louisiana to get a new front tire mounted and to have our girl’s rear-end serviced. While out that way, I’m wanting to scoot on over to Lake Charles, LA, to visit Hard6. Our good friend and long-time VRCC brother has fallen on hard times…

He also has cancer, and his outlook is not at all encouraging. He’s, as anyone who knows him would already know, realistic in his outlook and understanding of his condition, and he is fighting as hard as one could… His spirit is upbeat and positive… but he is also a seasoned ‘veteran of life’, and he is familiar more than most with the implications and possibilities of this condition…

Just the other day he suffered yet another set-back, unfortunately, when he fell and broke his hip only a couple of days after returning home from the hospital. That boo-boo required its own surgery, so he’s climbing another mountain in what appears to be a range of elevations ahead for him. I want to pay him a visit and extend the well-wishes of all of us to him. If you’re inclined towards ‘thoughts and prayers’, this would be a good time to perform some…

After checking-in on my dear friend, it will then be time to head towards central Tennessee and the equally eagerly anticipated and nervously dreaded doctor’s appointment regarding my condition. I do hope that goes well! If it does, then I’ll perhaps ride over to Clinton, TN, to visit friends over there, including HJ (formerly Harley Joe), who is still recovering from his bypass surgery a while back. Dang, y’all! Looks like I ain’t the only one feeling the effects of advancing age!!!

Following all of that, it will be time to make the Red River Ride in Slade, KY. And, following that weekend, it will be time to begin the grand meandering trek westward with Big Wolf towards IZ… and the IZ aftermath… So many miles to ride, so many scenic places to discover and explore, so many weeks to be completely immersed in the thrilling adventure of an extended road trip… So much to miss if things don’t go well at the upcoming doctor’s call…

The stakes are high, for sure, and the anxiety is building… Hope springs eternal, though, and I’m moving forward in the excited expectation, and earnest hope, that all of the good stuff will soon begin to unfold!!! And, that it will continue to unfold. In a couple of days I’ll have my knees back in the breeze and hopefully be on my round-about way to join all y’all in Taos for a major-league celebration!!!

DDT

[f6john]

Didn’t know about Hard6. I will add you both to my prayers tonight. I will be watching for your updates and travels with great anticipation as always.

[The emperor has no clothes]

“We must deal with what is, plan for what might be, and accept what happens.”

Wise words indeed.  Looking forward to hearing some of the tales. 

[97BLKVALK]

"The years run too short and the days too fast"

Thanks for sharing Bruce!

Michael

[Oss]

Well said

Wishing hard6 a full recovery.  Ask him if he still remembers how he first met Oss

He, Rusty  and Warlock came to our aid at DOTS

[Bigwolf]

Bruce,
Summer is good!  I am ready for summer!   

Indeed, many of us aging bikers  have been, or currently are, challenged with some very serious health issues.
As you said, “We must deal with what is, plan for what might be, and accept what happens.”

 It is good and a very nice thing that you are planning to visit some “brothers” that are suffering some serious health issues now.  That is very thoughtful and caring of you.

I am sure looking forward to our excursion to Taos and beyond.  My leather jacket will be hanging in the closet at home.  I am having fun just planning for this excursion!

See you soon!

Bigwolf

[DirtyDan]

 

Keep going while you can

Looking forward to Taos

Dan

[Valkorado]

We all play the hands we're dealt, Bruce.  I'm praying you draw a royal flush this round, and are healthy enough to rack up north of a million miles with your beloved gal.  Prayers out for Hard6 as well.  Keep up the good fight!

[DDT (12)]

Thanks again, everybody! It's good to be able to come on this board and express one's thoughts and other stuff. I'm not one to whine, bitch, or moan much, but I am human, and venting my thoughts and sharing my feelings on occasion helps... as we all know! Not a pitiful plea for help nor even a dispirited request for advice, just blowing off some steam and getting emotions out in the open.

I feel better just letting it all out, and the supportive sincere replies from good friends adds much to the soothing outcome... Sort of a warm feeling of relief... but not at all the same as a 'Golden Shower'... Nope, those are just downright yucky! When this is all over, they will most definitely be among the many things I will absolutely NOT miss!!!

DDT

[The emperor has no clothes]

Thanks again, everybody! It's good to be able to come on this board and express one's thoughts and other stuff. I'm not one to whine, bitch, or moan much, but I am human, and venting my thoughts and sharing my feelings on occasion helps... as we all know! Not a pitiful plea for help nor even a dispirited request for advice, just blowing off some steam and getting emotions out in the open.

I feel better just letting it all out, and the supportive sincere replies from good friends adds much to the soothing outcome... Sort of a warm feeling of relief... but not at all the same as a 'Golden Shower'... Nope, those are just downright yucky! When this is all over, they will most definitely be among the many things I will absolutely NOT miss!!!

DDT

Just so you know Bruce. Not ONE of your postings over the years have ever come close to whining, bitching, or moaning !

I’m sure I can speak for 99.8% of us here that your stories of life have brought much joy, introspection, and amusement over the years. (It’s that cursed Skinhead who knocked down the %) 

[old2soon]

            Well right from da git go Prayers up from the Ozarks for You and Hard6.  I'm finally beginning to realize some-hell most-of my warranties are/have/will continue on the expired/expiring path!  And like you My Friend I ain't complainin nor cryin nor slingin snot it Just are what it are. Oh the stuff we realize we have effed up After we've done it! In my case me and smoking! I AM payin the price now as That particular bill came due couple years back.  I fer one applaud your thinkin on this and i WILL continue PRAYERS for good outcome(s) and fast faster healing for ya Bro. IF i were to ride today-Phatt Ghurl currently on the lift-i would need my leather jacket and chaps as it IS a bit airish today and 2moro. On the plus side the hours of daylight have passed the 13 hour mark!  Bruce Prayers up for a cursed Good report from yer saw bones! And just keep on keepin on. I'm realizing just how Much i miss the cross country riding and that gathering once a year we here call and love-Inzane. When next i lift a heiny I'll lift one fer ya Bruce!  RIDE SAFE.

[Black Dog]

Hey Bruce,

Say 'hey' to JP from me..., You two are in my prayers 

Hope to trade some stories when we meet in Taos 

Black Dog

Safe winds my friend...

[t-man403]

Nervous, suspense, anticipation all adds up to worrying  , which is such a waste of energy  ......but we all do it  ! Maybe because it won't be such a let down if the news isn't what we want to hear. Maybe because if the news is all what we want to hear, there is such a rush of energy we feel ....... and be assured Bruce, we all want to feel the rush with you  !

[Wizzard]

Thanks for your info Bruce. Have not seen JP since the covered bridge days in Indiana. Prayers for him and you in your recovery and hope things go as planned. Life goes on and we make the best of it. I know you are.
 

[Sweet Cheeks]

I will have my fingers crossed for a  positive doc report. 

I will be riding in TN somewhere between May 1 and 5th.  I’ll text you know when I have firm dates. Perhaps we can find some coffee, bacon, and maybe even a slice of coconut cake. Hmmmmm.

Stay safe my friend.

[DDT (12)]

Thanks again for the positive and most encouraging words! Lots of smart, insightful, and caring folks on this site... No wonder many of us turn to it for comfort and support! This latest experience has indeed been an eye-opener for lots of reasons, but, as you can imagine, it has raised the stakes and heightened the concern for this largely unprepared but rapidly aging trekker!!!

Funny how when we think of things more or less in the abstract, our emotional detachment allows us to be focused, objective and clear about the ramifications... When it falls 'closer to home', though, especially when it's our lives on the line, emotions kick-in big-time, and our view is clouded considerably! It takes more than a little effort on my part to keep things in proper perspective and maintain a balanced, realistic view of things... Your always keen insights and helpful inputs help to bolster my spirits and keep my eye on the prize! I appreciate all y'all more than you know!!!

DDT

P.S. Sweet Cheeks: Yep, we definitely need to hook-up someplace soon... It would be great to share some wind with you again and to catch up on old times... Of course, bacon and coconut pie are sure-fire ways to successfully bait a trap to catch this easy prey! Hope your ride plans all work out, and that you have yet another wonderful memory to tuck away in your recollector archives for current pleasure as you make them and future enjoyment as you reflect back upon them... Business folks talk about that sort of thing as 'maximizing return on investment'!

DDT