Tour de Dixie - Texas (Part Two)

[DDT (12)]

                                    Tour de Dixie – Texas (Part Two) 

Confused again? Yeah I know, I styled this series as a tour of Texas, and early on I’ve already placed us on the way to New Mexico… Again, another simple explanation… This ride was never envisioned to be a Texas only adventure. However, it was designed to include some special locales in that great state, so I’m letting it count as part of my winter tour of the southland…

Leaving Weatherford, TX, we rode out delaying breakfast for an hour or two. I prefer to do this even though I could eat as soon as I throw the covers back in the morning. I find that by delaying that first meal, I can get by with only two meals per day, and that helps in keeping this bulbous protrusion between the bottom of my rib cage and my waist from expanding even more! Its size is testimony to the need… it is also an indication of the success (or lack thereof!) of this strategy.

My companions were really easy… They were fine with eating whenever, riding where ever, taking whatever route we ended up on, going anywhere… my kind of companions indeed! When I’d ask them for any preferences or input they might have, the standard answer was, “We’re just following that Alabama tag… other than that it doesn’t really matter…”

Nice words, but in practice things can be a tad different… They proved over and over again just how comfortable they were with this loose, fluid, evolving pseudo-plan that was developed on the fly, and that quite literally was tweaked, adjusted, modified, altered, and changed daily throughout the ride! I love it this way!!!

We visited some locations we hadn’t anticipated, we skipped some others leaving them for another time, and we managed to work in all the high points we needed to in order for this to wind-up being a fabulous adventure! For those who have traveled like this, no explanation is necessary… For those who haven’t, no explanation is possible!

When we got to the point where we finally left the super-slab to ride backroads the rest of the day, a truck stop offered an irresistible meal target… so we pulled in. It was late enough in the morning for the lunch buffet items to be out, but breakfast was still being served. Dennis and I had bacon and eggs, while JP had fried chicken and an interesting assortment of veggies… all good.

Our waitress was very pleasant, handled teasing rather well, and seemed quite amenable to the not-so cleverly disguised flirts hurled her way. Obviously she was more than experienced enough to recognize those were mostly bluffs anyway, as none of us were available for anything beyond the immediate bantering back and forth. Just good natured fun everyone seemed comfortable with…

While waiting outside by the bikes for my companions, I saw our waitress come outside for a smoke, so I joined her. It turns out that that pleasant demeanor was somewhat of a façade… She had lost her husband a couple of months back, and she was reeling from the shock and sudden, completely unexpected change in the course of her life… and with the nothingness, the emptiness and confusion she felt.

She was not looking for a replacement, only a sympathetic ear and an encouraging word… I did the best I could, but, alas, all healing must come from the inside, not be given by another. Time will lead her out of her shell-shocked vacuum of an existence and on to the next chapter… as it always has for the rest of us and will again throughout our lives…

Soon enough the waitress returned to her duties, and the three amigos returned to theirs. Cool, crisp air, Gerbings full on, not a cloud in the sky, breaking wind with like-minded souls in Mother Nature’s great expanse… I can’t imagine a better way to spend the day!

Dang! I felt so good, I was sorely tempted to sing at the top of my lungs… only I can’t sing… Besides, I don’t know enough of the words to any song to even attempt to do so… Ummmm, there are occasional instances where I will make the effort anyway, though, but that requires me to make up lyrics… not a pretty thing, I’m sad to report.

Far western Texas and eastern New Mexico are… well… I think they are beautiful in their own way, but they definitely are not tourist destination-quality attractions. This time of year, however, new life is struggling to burst forth… Buds and fledgling blooms produce modest colors, birds flying all around, occasional sightings of deer and other critters all combine to confirm life is still present and determined to hang on. I find it all refreshing, renewing, and encouraging… Spring has always been my favorite season.

Each day of this ride except for the first one for me had been long…  A long time on the road and in the saddle, not so long in terms of actual miles. Still this takes a toll… We continued to do this for several more days before I finally needed to play the ‘geezer card’ and take a break… that came a week later, however.

This particular day was made even longer than it needed to be because our navigationally challenged leader demonstrated that he is fully capable of making other errors, as well… I ran out of gas… twice! Can you believe it? I know at least two other riders who can and do…

Now, in my defense, let me say that JP was riding a new F6B, so I knew he had at least a 50-mile range advantage on us, and that if a boo-boo were to occur, we could overcome it without major inconvenience… So, I gambled on a stretch between fill-up opportunities that wasn’t worthy of the risk after all, and I lost my bet. It didn’t help that I’d forgotten to flip my ‘reserve’ switch back to ‘on’ at the last fill-up either.

I ran out far enough away from gas that the Gatorade bottle I carry for emergencies didn’t hold enough to get me there, so JP had to rescue me twice. I suppose I should be embarrassed, but… you know…

We finally arrived in Artesia, NM, and everything worked out satisfactorily in the end. Heck, JP was even still speaking to me, and Dennis… well, he was just Dennis being Dennis… cool, calm, unaffected. Mitch arrived there, so now our group had been fully assembled, and it was time to celebrate a bit that evening, then get down to deciding what might come next.

Silver City, NM, became our next destination for a couple of reasons. First, it was sort of on the way west from Artesia… if we were to ride up through Cloudcroft on US 82… a great ride in itself! Then through Alamogordo and on to Silver City.

That interim destination also positioned us to ride US 180 West the following day… a superb gateway into eastern central Arizona! We then had a tentative plan, but… even though we were several days into the trip already, we still had no ‘proper’ baseline plan… Fabulous way to make a ride and tour, though, at least in my opinion!!!

There was one huge downside to making a road trip this way… We didn’t know at any time exactly when we might be at any other given point, even later on the same day… or even if we would make it to that point at all.

This precluded us from attempting to meet up with other riders from the area for part of our trip, or even to simply pause for a meet & greet at some meal stop. Too bad, really, as it would have been nice to meet some of the folks out there… a few we already know, many we don’t… and yet… Another time, perhaps…

DDT

[The emperor has no clothes]

Thanks DDT. I can't tell you how much I love your stories.  As I was halfway thru this one a thought came to me, that even a country boy from Alaska and one currently in Alabama can have much of the same likes.

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

Tour de  ... All of them  


Thanks for taking the time to share the ride.

[Hook#3287]

Great read, as usual.   

Thanks

[t-man403]

First thing I do when I pull up to a pump ........ re-set the odo and check the gas rooster!

Now ....... an experienced rider like you ...... what the hey!!  

[DDT (12)]

Thanks DDT. I can't tell you how much I love your stories.  As I was halfway thru this one a thought came to me, that even a country boy from Alaska and one currently in Alabama can have much of the same likes.

Thanks! And I can't tell you how much I appreciate your consistently positive feedback!!! Yeah, folks everywhere have so much more in common than not, it's a mystery to me why we all can't get along any better than we do... I am looking forward to meeting you down the road someplace... You seem to be someone with whom I could find fascinating conversation!

DDT

Tour de  ... All of them 


Thanks for taking the time to share the ride.

Thanks, Joe... No one has been more generous than you have been in sharing road trip stories... Seeing our great land through the eyes of others is a special treat and a great way to expand ones own 'view' of the overall... I look forward to the next time our 'stories' overlap!

DDT

Great read, as usual.   

Thanks

Thanks, Hook... Your replies, too, have encouraged me greatly, and I do very much appreciate them...

DDT

First thing I do when I pull up to a pump ........ re-set the odo and check the gas rooster!

Now ....... an experienced rider like you ...... what the hey!! 

Yeah, I, too, have my own little sequence/ritual I go through each time. Like most of us, I've tried to form 'good habits' so I don't overlook the small details that can blow up in our faces. That said, I can't seem to alter the fact I'm sometimes inattentive, occasionally absent-minded, often easily distracted, and then there is the inexplicable brain fart that can blindside any of us at anytime! As simple as this little miscue is to avoid, however, there is an even more awkward boo-boo that is even more embarrassing to admit... forgetting to put the kickstand down! (Must I tell you how I know this?)

DDT

[Misfit]

It's good to see JP back on the road. Keep em comin. 

[Jack]

Los tres amigos! 

[DDT (12)]

Daman,

Yep, it is indeed! That guy has accepted his fate and moved on impressively! I've only ever known very few folks who are as resilient as he, or more able to put troubles behind them and move forward to the next chapter of their life.

He bought a new bike (F6B) as you know, and he has made adjustments and done what he needed to do. That guy has even talked me about 94.7% into going with him following IZ to New England and the Maritime Provinces... He claims to have a special fondness for lobster up there...

I'm not sure that area is ready for both of us at the same time, but I reckon we'll likely find out. Say... why don't you play hooky from work and go with us? I'll even write a note to Kim to get you excused from honey-dos, if needed...

DDT

Los tres amigos!  cooldude

Jack,

Yep, that would be us! We had a blast, too. I've done enough 'accompanied' travel to know it often doesn't work out all that well... Those guys, however, are tops and then some as far as being on the road together for extended periods!

DDT

[t-man403]

 forgetting to put the kickstand down! (Must I tell you how I know this?)

DDT


And I will never admit to it!!     Did I say that out loud?!!  

[old2soon]

I LOVE riding by following the front wheel!   My professional driving career when I was earning a living I was headed in a specific direction with a definite destination and a time to be there.   I've passed thru so much of this country that I would love to go back and SEE from the saddle of Phatt Ghurl. Instead of HAVING to run 600-700 mile days iffin I wanted to run only 200 or 250 that would be Okey dokey.    Bruce-MAYBE envy is the wrong word but fer sure and fer certain I duz Admire what you and Ali are gittin done!   Enjoy while you are able!    Cuz afore you know it-yer old2soon!   RIDE SAFE.

[Super Santa]

I too envy your traveling and the style of traveling.  Some day I may be in a position to do it in real live with you rather than vicariously.

Nothing like riding with a few good friends and seeing the country, some old scenes and many new views.

For now I will just continue to ride along in my mind.

[DDT (12)]

forgetting to put the kickstand down! (Must I tell you how I know this?)

DDT


And I will never admit to it!!     Did I say that out loud?!!  

The devil is in the details!

I LOVE riding by following the front wheel!  My professional driving career when I was earning a living I was headed in a specific direction with a definite destination and a time to be there.  I've passed thru so much of this country that I would love to go back and SEE from the saddle of Phatt Ghurl. Instead of HAVING to run 600-700 mile days iffin I wanted to run only 200 or 250 that would be Okey dokey.    Bruce-MAYBE envy is the wrong word but fer sure and fer certain I duz Admire what you and Ali are gittin done!  Enjoy while you are able!    Cuz afore you know it-yer old2soon!    RIDE SAFE.

I'm getting there plenty fast enough! I'll reach a major milestone in October... an '0' birthday that will officially mark my passage into full-blown gezzerhood... However, I'm still able to throw my leg over ALI's saddle and twist her throttle... and I plan to keep doing just that for a long time to come.

All those years I traveled on vacation before retirement, I did like many do... I tried to cram too much trip into too little time. As a result, I was always fighting 'deadlines', schedules, reservations, commitments, etc. I did see a huge chunk of North America, but at speed as I flew by!

I used to wonder what it might be like to just follow the front wheel, stopping whenever to savor the experience and immerse myself in the local culture and scene. I never imagined I would get the chance to do precisely that. Well, I did, and that has made all the difference! Give it a try, amigo... You strike me like a natural, a guy who would find it very much to your liking.

DDT

I too envy your traveling and the style of traveling.  Some day I may be in a position to do it in real live with you rather than vicariously.

Nothing like riding with a few good friends and seeing the country, some old scenes and many new views.

For now I will just continue to ride along in my mind.

Anytime, Ray. You are a good guy, an excellent rider, and tough as nails. It would be a pleasure to share my 'backyard' with you!

DDT

[Hook#3287]

He bought a new bike (F6B) as you know, and he has made adjustments and done what he needed to do. That guy has even talked me about 94.7% into going with him following IZ to New England and the Maritime Provinces... He claims to have a special fondness for lobster up there...

DDT, if you get up this way, please consider my place as a stop over.

I've got 2 extra rooms and with notice, I can make room in my garage for a couple more bikes.

I don't even think my girls would be jealous, being in the company of the famous "Ali".

I could also set up a stop over in central New Hampshire at my sisters summer place for the trip north.

Although, you might have to put up with me riding up there with you.

Two nights free lodging and it would be my pleasure.

[DDT (12)]

Mighty generous offer, Hook! Be careful what you ask for... At this point there is no course or timetable laid out; and, if past is prologue, there won't be either! My style and that of my probable partner is to wander and zig 'n zag as whim and/or interest indicate. We're both retired and matrimonially unencumbered, so we can do stuff like that... Anyway, I'll keep your really nice offer in mind... Could happen, so... In any event, I sincerely appreciate the kind offer... and the frequent replies to my posts.

DDT

P.S. As far as you riding with us, we'd both love that! Figure on doing at least some, no matter how the other part works out. Got a current passport?

[Hook#3287]

Got a passport and a want for the Maine sea coast.  At any rate, you should include Cadillac Mt in your trip.

[DDT (12)]

I don't recall Cadillac Mtn. Reckon we'll just have to do something about that!!! Do I correctly infer that you are offering to be a tour guide? If so, great! Looking forward to IZ and seeing everybody there... If you're there too, we can get down to details... In the meantime, let's do chat... I'll send you a PM with my email addy... Thanks!

DDT

[Oss]

Bruce

Not since I was a real young child of maybe 8 reading about a couple of boys floating on the Mighty Mississippi have I felt as comfortable with a yarn (or 10) about travel
in your free and unfettered whimsical style of riding.

The thought that someday, perhaps this year, the haley's comet that is a DDT ride might pass close enough to my own orbit to include some badly needed windage is a thought to keep real close

With No doubt that I will have returned from the west coast by the time that your group, (there is always a tail to a comet it seems)
comes within say a hundred miles I would also make the effort to intercept the course taken.

Maine is fun, taking an east then north then west then north then east route to get there from here is also fun

Fine story so far, keep em coming.

[DDT (12)]

Oss,

It most likely will come to pass... so, be prepared! Let's stay in touch, because the near proximity of our ride will indeed come close to your 'orbit'... but not intersect! I rode through NYC on a scooter once upon a time... and made a vow... My Maker has kept his end of the bargain and spared me, so now it's up to me to honor mine. So far, I have! Since that fateful ride, I've made it a point to always cross the Hudson at Poughkeepsie or points north.

That said, it would be a genuine pleasure to share some windage with you... I like your ride stories, too, and from the sound of them, you know your way around pretty well. No substitute for local knowledge and insight for adding zest and luster, sparkle even, to a ride, so I do hope we can hook up!!!

BTW, your comments on my stories are most welcome! I appreciate the always positive messages, and I also delight in the prose... You do have a certain 'style' that makes your words resonate quite nicely...

DDT