G'day, mate...

[DDT (12)]

Does going 'ride about' count as a rough equivalent to an Aussie 'Walk About'? If so, then I'm attempting to show solidarity with the spirit of such an undertaking, and I most certainly mean no disrespect.

I've been on a four thousand mile trek so far with JP the last couple of weeks on our way, round about, to IZ. So far, we've dealt with a blown U-joint on ALI, got an oil & filter change for JP's F6B, and arranged for him to get a new front tire in a few days.  Not bad at all, actually, as we've both had worse events arise to challenge our enthusiasm and high spirits... No complaints at all.

The weather for the most part has been really great! I've been following a couple of other threads posted by fellow travelers, and it appears our luck has been much better than theirs! We did encounter a light rain in northern Minnesota last week, but that episode actually had a silver lining...

I had decided to leave my Gerbings at home, since I anticipated they would just be in the way taking up space for 95% of the trip. I figured I could just tough-out those few times I might actually need them.  Well, I was pretty far off on that little detail, and the cold, dreary rain in Minnesota convinced me of that!

I bought an additional sweatshirt while waiting on ALI to undergo her 'out patient procedure', and that one little seemingly insignificant additional garment has made all the difference! It has allowed me to be only uncomfortable several times without being miserable or shivering to the point of unsafe operation of my dearest life partner.

This journey has also been yet another voyage of discovery... There is much to be learned about the people, places, and things throughout North America while on 'ride about'... For me, none of these discoveries have been more revealing than those I have made about myself. An example...

Now, my un-talent at navigation is legendary and well documented. Well, it is not my only un-talent, I now know. Nope. Timing, it has been said, is everything, and it has become obvious that I'm fully capable of committing boo-boos on this score, too. It's kind of a long story, but I've got some time tonight... It wouldn't hurt my feelings, however, if you don't and choose not to read further...

JP and I just visited Glacier NP. We got a room at a one-half star motel/cabin for two nights, so we could spend an entire day in the Park... I've been there before, but JP has not, so I wanted this to be done right... That truly is a very special place!

The first two times I visited there, I was not able to get in... too early in the season and they weren't open yet. Well, all subsequent visits were timed so that I'd arrive well along in the season to ensure there was no repeat... until this time! Imagine my chagrin when the lady at the motel informed us the park wouldn't be open for a couple of more weeks!!!

We did get to ride into the park, but we were not able to go across Logan's Pass or see the western side of the park. Still we were able to see, and photograph, many stunning views. We also had a female moose and her young'un cross the road just ahead of us, and that is always interesting. Some horses out of their pastures roaming around and out into the roadway on the way to the park added a touch more spice to the already exhilarating ride. So, all in all it was a worthwhile trip... only we didn't actually get to grab the 'brass ring'...

If JP ever asks me to go there with him again, I'm going to suggest we go sometime after July 4th!!! Geeez, I hope I have the correct dates for IZ...

DDT

[DirtyDan]

Yes,  I would say ride about, walk about, on safari, all interchangeable imo

4K so far ? Dang dude, if I wasn't fighting multiple sclerosis.......oh well I'm riding

Keep up the good work

Dan

[t-man403]

Wow ..... so close and yet so far ..... 

[hubcapsc]

So far, we've dealt with a blown U-joint on ALI

I saw you mention that one or two other places... how do you
keep doing that ? ! ? I figured after the new swingarm you'd
be good-to-go for a while...

-Mike

[DDT (12)]

Yes,  I would say ride about, walk about, on safari, all interchangeable imo

4K so far ? Dang dude, if I wasn't fighting multiple sclerosis.......oh well I'm riding

Keep up the good work

Dan

Any person of character and spiritual substance understands and respects the toughness one must have to 'soldier on' in the face of serious obstacles... While I do relate to your need to get out yonder, I marvel in awe at your doing so considering what you must face. I know very little about MS, but it seems to me your journey is far more trying and difficult than mine has been... You keep up the good work, too!

DDT

Wow ..... so close and yet so far .....  

Terry, I could write a whole section on 'timing' regarding our close encounter! Would have been nice, but we just plain ran out of time to squeeze in a run before IZ up the Icefields Parkway to Jasper with you and perhaps John. Next time, my friend... Say, I'm toying around with the idea of a reunion ride up there next summer... any thoughts? I'm fairly confident we could find a couple of takers to make that ride, too...

DDT

So far, we've dealt with a blown U-joint on ALI

I saw you mention that one or two other places... how do you
keep doing that ? ! ? I figured after the new swingarm you'd
be good-to-go for a while...

-Mike

Mike, the swing arm replacement seems to have remedied the pinion cup and drive shaft issue. Dennis (Troutdude) replaced my rear tire just before this ride, and everything still looked as good as it did when he did the last pinon cup/drive shaft replacement about a year and a half ago! The U-joint, however, was last replaced my T-man403 two and a half years ago... and more than 80K miles... The consensus seems to be that this latest failure occurred because the U-joint had simply worn out and quit. Not quite as long as some I've had to replace, but pretty close, so this seems fairly consistent and reasonable to me.

DDT

[Rams]

Keep that motor warmed and that seat filled Bruce.    You're fulfilling the dream most of us can only wish for.   

[DDT (12)]

Keep that motor warmed and that seat filled Bruce.    You're fulfilling the dream most of us can only wish for.   

Thanks, Ron... I'm doing what I can. Seems with each passing year, though... you know. The spirit is very much still willing, but the flesh... well, let's just say I have a whole bunch more sand in the bottom chamber of my 'hour glass of life', and it's starting to show more and more. Still, I have no plans to stop... although I am forced to slow down just a tad. We'll see...

DDT

[The emperor has no clothes]

It's kind of a long story, but I've got some time tonight... It wouldn't hurt my feelings, however, if you don't and choose not to read further...



DDT

Not a chance my friend. That would be akin to Sacriledge. 

[hubcapsc]

and more than 80K miles.

 

I've only gone about 90K in ten years!

-Mike

[Misfit]

You boys stay safe and I will see you in a few days. 

[John Schmidt]

Keep that motor warmed and that seat filled Bruce.    You're fulfilling the dream most of us can only wish for.   

Thanks, Ron... I'm doing what I can. Seems with each passing year, though... you know. The spirit is very much still willing, but the flesh... well, let's just say I have a whole bunch more sand in the bottom chamber of my 'hour glass of life', and it's starting to show more and more. Still, I have no plans to stop... although I am forced to slow down just a tad. We'll see...

DDT

Bruce, no truer words were ever written when applied to myself.    I'd love to be able to take that "reunion ride" with you, haven't had a chance for a long trip in years and I miss the challenge. I guess as one ages the wanderlust doesn't subside, kinda like a couple other issues in later life. Certain things don't subside, just one's ability to to pursue them. As with many of us, over the last 60+ yrs. of riding I have accumulated a substantial number of miles on two wheels, many times into the 6-digits and the majority have been solo. Having said that, when creating new memories it usually is more fun to be in the company of good friends.

I guess there's always next year. My best to both you & JP. Ride safe. 

[havoc]

G'Day mate indeed! keep the tales of the Ride-about coming!

[mike72903]

Enjoyed reading that.  Keep the saga going

[DDT (12)]

It's kind of a long story, but I've got some time tonight... It wouldn't hurt my feelings, however, if you don't and choose not to read further...



DDT

Not a chance my friend. That would be akin to Sacriledge. 

Many thanks, MH... I'll keep posting these as long as somebody reads them... Glad you are one of them!

DDT

and more than 80K miles.

 

I've only gone about 90K in ten years!

-Mike

Being retired and single helps! Also, not having a home helps more than one might think. I'm in the process of selling mine now, and I hope to return to serious 'riding about' soon...

DDT

You boys stay safe and I will see you in a few days. 

Looking forward to that Daman! First round is on me...

DDT

Keep that motor warmed and that seat filled Bruce.    You're fulfilling the dream most of us can only wish for.   

Thanks, Ron... I'm doing what I can. Seems with each passing year, though... you know. The spirit is very much still willing, but the flesh... well, let's just say I have a whole bunch more sand in the bottom chamber of my 'hour glass of life', and it's starting to show more and more. Still, I have no plans to stop... although I am forced to slow down just a tad. We'll see...

DDT

Bruce, no truer words were ever written when applied to myself.    I'd love to be able to take that "reunion ride" with you, haven't had a chance for a long trip in years and I miss the challenge. I guess as one ages the wanderlust doesn't subside, kinda like a couple other issues in later life. Certain things don't subside, just one's ability to to pursue them. As with many of us, over the last 60+ yrs. of riding I have accumulated a substantial number of miles on two wheels, many times into the 6-digits and the majority have been solo. Having said that, when creating new memories it usually is more fun to be in the company of good friends.

I guess there's always next year. My best to both you & JP. Ride safe. 

John, let's stay in touch... You'd be such a natural at this. You are wise, somewhat of a philosopher, good with people, particularly strangers, perhaps not as tough as you once were, but you still have plenty in you... especially inner toughness! You, like me, have nothing left to prove and no need to impress anyone... you just do what you do and are content with that. I'd love to share some major wind with you, and the folks I have in mind for such a ride are among the best travel partners I've ever had... You'd fit right in!

DDT

G'Day mate indeed! keep the tales of the Ride-about coming!

Thanks havoc. You keep reading and responding to them and I'll keep posting them!

DDT

Enjoyed reading that.  Keep the saga going

You can bet the farm that as long as I'm able to ride, I'll be doing just that! And, as long as anybody is interested, I'll keep posting about the adventure that awaits us around every corner out yonder... Thanks for responding!

DDT