Our 500,000 mile biker, DDT, Ali and a good buddy t-man403 revisited.

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There was a recent addition to the high mileage thread a month or so back in which DDT's bike went over the unheard of 500,000 mile mark.

I happened to capture a few pics a while back at a certain gathering in Ashville, NC of a bike that has now turned over 500,000 miles and it's proud owner.

I think DDT(Bruce) would admit he had a little(ok BIG)assist from a man who formed a lasting bond through happenstance. That man would be t-man403(Terry).

Oh, yeah...the bike and star of the show is called ALI.





DDT, ALI and a cameo of Misfit


And ALI, the +500,000 mile Valkyrie

[Oss]

 

[Rams]

There are events in each of our lives that we will never forget.   This was one of them for me.   
It was a memorable event to witness a man and his beloved companion reunited.   

Credit to t-man and all the others that made this happen.    Some things are special, this was one of them.   

[wiggydotcom]

There are events in each of our lives that we will never forget.   This was one of them for me.   
It was a memorable event to witness a man and his beloved companion reunited.   

Credit to t-man and all the others that made this happen.    Some things are special, this was one of them.   

You're right, Ron. There were more folks that helped make it happen that I failed to mention---all the VRCC folks who contributed; the Honda dealer who donated the parts, Des at Ultimate Seats, and I apologize for other's that I missed.

I agree it was a very Special occasion.

[Pappy!]

Anyone that knows or has met Bruce (DDT) will not forget him. He is a special person and a pleasure to be around.
Congratulations on this milestone!

[Popeye]

An amazing feat, no doubt.  Pretty cool that Terry and others got Ali back on the road and into DDTs hands.

Popeye

[DDT (12)]

WOW Wiggie!

You sure know how to make a fellow's day!!! For all the good aspects of that whole affair, there is another easy to overlook aspect that a friend of mine pointed out recently...

That point was about how a really crushing failure, a powerful negative event didn't ruin an otherwise grand adventure. Nope, that depressing time evolved and morphed into one of the best overall experiences of my life ever! Funny how something so positive and long lasting, so joyous and good could come from what at first appeared to be an absolute tragedy... a bitter and ignoble end to a best friend and a very sweet run.

It points out how we shouldn't easily despair, and we shouldn't give up too quickly... things ain't always what they seem, and good things are often preceded by downside effects. Most of all it reminds us that there are good souls out there, and good things can happen to us when we least expect it.

Terry is such a good soul... A man who has experienced his own share of hardships and set-backs in life, but one who has also persevered and overcome each of those and pressed on... stronger and better than he would have otherwise been... and wiser too.

To those who can keep their heads and continue to think clearly, good can indeed come from 'bad' experience. That ''good' or 'bad' are sometimes simply a matter of context and perspective, and of how a particular event stacks up in a broader scheme. Not solely the 'splash' but the 'ripples', too.

As I look back and think of that time, I can't help but marvel at how bad I had felt... a truly low time for me... but... I chose to keep a stiff upper lip and force myself to think through the issues, and to come up with a good plan to both deal with my own circumstance compounded by my surprise and disappointment, but to also do the right thing by my traveling companion, and to not leave him stranded far from home and alone.

The lessons from this seemingly 'final breakdown' had yet to occur to me back then, as I sat there that fateful morning waiting for the local Honda shop to open. I wasn't really in the mood to answer a bunch questions and to hear opinions and speculations from a stranger... I had hard thinking to do. But...

That friendly, nice guy was just being neighborly and curious about Valks, so I couldn't be rude and try to cut things short. The more we talked, though, the more I liked this guy... and the better I felt. The rest you pretty much know about...

One of the lowest moments in my journey of life had a wonderful 'next chapter', and I can only say that I wouldn't go back now and change anything even if I could... Yeah, it cost me some major bucks, but the lessons learned were cheap at twice the price... I am a blessed person indeed!!!

I appreciate this walk down 'Memory Lane', Wiggie, and I do sincerely appreciate the way our 'family' embraced this sad happening and turned it into one with such a happy outcome! That was another lesson learned... None of us are alone... we have others out there willing to lend a helping hand... and a dry shoulder... to give a smile and kind word when most needed... Folks just like you... Again, thanks, my friend...

DDT

[Valkorado]

 

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[quote author=DDT link=topic=83572.msg822038#msg822038 date=145139722

I appreciate this walk down 'Memory Lane', Wiggie, and I do sincerely appreciate the way our 'family' embraced this sad happening and turned it into one with such a happy outcome! That was another lesson learned... None of us are alone... we have others out there willing to lend a helping hand... and a dry shoulder... to give a smile and kind word when most needed... Folks just like you... Again, thanks, my friend...

DDT
[/quote]

DDT, once again you captured all your thoughts, emotions, and insight as to what it's all about. I couldn't even begin to put in writing what you so eloquently expressed. We've enjoyed reading about your adventures as you've completed those 500k miles and we know there will be many more.  
I'm proud to say that I've had the opportunity to meet both you and Terry at that Inzane and proud of what this VRCC stands for.
Thanks to you and ALI for being an inspiration to the rest of us--and for being a friend!

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Russ Harris

[Hook#3287]

Mister DDT;

I have more than received, the price of admission, for the small donation I made to Ali's resurrection.

It gives me a feeling of connection to you, your travels and your unbelievable bike.

Thank you for sharing your life view's and adventure's with us.

As always, your posts are very entertaining and eloquently written.

Keep it rolling

Bill

[DDT (12)]

[quote author=DDT link=topic=83572.msg822038#msg822038 date=145139722

I appreciate this walk down 'Memory Lane', Wiggie, and I do sincerely appreciate the way our 'family' embraced this sad happening and turned it into one with such a happy outcome! That was another lesson learned... None of us are alone... we have others out there willing to lend a helping hand... and a dry shoulder... to give a smile and kind word when most needed... Folks just like you... Again, thanks, my friend...

DDT

Mr. Wiggy,

On several occasions, including this one, you have been most generous in your comments to and about this humble biker dude... I thank you for that! You and the rest of our family make a big difference in the lives of all of us, and that lesson has not been lost on me, either. I hope your holiday season has been good, and that the year ahead will likewise be good... I also hope to see you at InZane in West Virginia... Maybe I can buy you a drink or two...?

DDT

Mister DDT;

I have more than received, the price of admission, for the small donation I made to Ali's resurrection.

It gives me a feeling of connection to you, your travels and your unbelievable bike.

Thank you for sharing your life view's and adventure's with us.

As always, your posts are very entertaining and eloquently written.

Keep it rolling

Bill

Mr. Hook,

Ya know, the outpouring of concern, the offers of help, parts, etc., and the donations of money to the project all combined to simply blow me away... I truly was overwhelmed! Terry started things rolling by deciding that repairing and returning ALI to me would be a worthwhile undertaking. Then Oss stepped up and established a Pay Pal account, then the generosity of the members took over.

I hadn't expected any of that. I would have survived without it, but the feelings of gratitude I felt, and the emotions that came to me as I watched in amazement and realized that I was a part of something big and good...

My only part in this was to be that of a victim of misfortune... "The price of admission" for me was different than for you and the others, but the rewards were likewise different... and HUGE! I benefited the most by witnessing good people doing something good for the sake of doing good, with no expectation of something in return... and it was all being done for ALI and me. Quality folks, and I get to be part of that!!! Thank your for your part in it...

One more thing... I agree with you that this leaves us connected in some way... part of something greater than ourselves. More than a fraternity or club... more like a band of brothers and sisters... And, by participating in the event for the reasons expressed above, you have indeed become much more than merely a witness and/or donor. I like that. Maybe you can join Russ and me for some libation and swapping of yarns in Morgantown...?

DDT

[wiggydotcom]

Mr. Wiggy,

On several occasions, including this one, you have been most generous in your comments to and about this humble biker dude... I thank you for that! You and the rest of our family make a big difference in the lives of all of us, and that lesson has not been lost on me, either. I hope your holiday season has been good, and that the year ahead will likewise be good... I also hope to see you at InZane in West Virginia... Maybe I can buy you a drink or two...?

DDT

While I'd be happy to share a drink or two with you, DDT, you owe me nothing. If anything, I've gotten far more from you than you have from me. The pleasure to buy would be mine! As I have a daughter getting married in Colorado on July 8th next summer, IZ is still up in the air as to if I can make it. I'm sure going to try!

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

Got to agree with Bruce on this... You are a good one Russ ... Even if you ride a F6B 

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Got to agree with Bruce on this... You are a good one Russ ... Even if you ride a F6B 

Thanks, Joe. I appreciate that. I'm glad you put a smiley after that F6b comment!
Hope to see you both next summer.