Anticipation...

[DDT (12)]

                                                      Anticipation… 

It’s been said that the closer we come to positive change, the more intolerable the status quo becomes. Well, I’m definitely living proof of this basic truth! The day after tomorrow I’ll be heading out on the next leg of my journey. However, I won’t be aboard ALI… not just yet anyway. Nope, she’s still in Alabama, and I’m down in Florida. And this doggone wait is becoming… well, you know…

So, I’m sitting at the keyboard of my laptop doing what I sometimes do to pass the time. This isn’t bad, though, as I do enjoy trying to fathom my emotions, thoughts, feelings… all that inner-self stuff… and then attempting to reduce all of that down into words that capture the essence of what is going on inside my cranial cavity: Perhaps even to arrive at something intelligible enough to share with anyone else who might be interested in reading it.

The morning of August 17, 2016 (next Wednesday), I’m catching a ride with friends up to Tallahassee, FL, where we’ll rendezvous with Jim, a good bud and riding partner of mine in Wetumpka, AL. After a meal, I’ll then go with Jim to Wetumpka, where ALI and I will be reunited, while my escort to the meet place will return to Ocala. Not exactly like a spy exchange at Check Point Charlie during the cold war, but similar, I guess. I’m by no means a clandestine operative, but I most certainly am a mystery to all who know me… arguably even to myself.

I’ve been fighting not too successfully the natural tendency to ‘plan’ something. I can’t help it. I know better, of course, and I do come to my senses periodically and make necessary ‘course’ corrections… as in canceling any plans recently made. Still, even I can’t totally escape this life-long conditioning to try and figure out in advance what I’ll do next.

It’s hard to comprehend the joy of spontaneity and the thrill of totally unexpected but equally wonderful events just popping-up out of the blue. Old habits grab ahold of us like a high-dollar pair of vice grips, and they tenaciously hang on like a hair on a biscuit. Planning is like that for this former conscripted soldier in the war of wage slavery. Planning was necessary then… absolutely essential, actually. And, I learned to do it to the point it became second nature.

Having rediscovered the amazing freedom and exhilaration of NOT planning… of letting go of the boulder in the stream and just floating along with the current, unfettered and unrestrained, just drifting whichever way I end up going… of being in harmony with the current instead of trying to swim against it. Well, you can’t truly appreciate that sort of thing until you’ve given it a nice, long chance to work its magic. I stumbled upon that realization once upon a time, and now I’m going to completely immerse myself in it again… Regrettably, it may take a while to fully regain my former success, it appears…

Several group gatherings are coming up. I’ve toyed with the idea of making many of those, but… then I thought better of it. There is even one here in Florida this coming Saturday. Yes, I could easily enough make a modest alteration to my ‘plans’ and attend that, and I know I’d be glad I did. On the other hand, I’m trying really hard to keep faith with my new plan… that is, no plan! Dang, it just ain’t easy being me sometimes…

A couple of other items have crept onto my non-itinerary… See, it just never ends! There is this hamburger joint in Decatur, AL, that I’ve visited at least once each calendar year, beginning in June 1962. More like a grease-burger actually, but still, I do hold with upholding traditions, so this will likely happen. I’ve already visited that place this year, so there is no sense of urgency or anything… it just seems fitting as long as I’ll be in the neighborhood anyway.

And, there is Scooter Dogs in Virginia. Two of our Valk aristocrats live near there and they operate this novelty food boutique. I do enjoy sitting on a bench in front of the store and listening to Highbinder’s stories while stuffing a monster dog down my gullet! I’ve been thinking that a swing by there would be at worst only a technical foul regarding my no-plan rule… See how this slips up on us?

And, as if all that isn’t enough, there is this old, non-riding friend of mine, also in Virginia, that I haven’t seen in far too long, and… well… there I go again! This planning crap is so insidious and so much a part of the person I’ve become, that at times it is next too impossible to avoid. Some would argue, convincingly I might add, that if this is the biggest problem I have, then I don’t really have any…

That may be true in a literal sense, but there is a certain mindset or state of mind that I’m seriously searching for, and ‘plans’ are anathema to that lofty pursuit… Oh well, no situation or circumstance is perfect… Nope, it ain’t easy at all being me sometimes… but it sure is fun!!!

DDT

[Rams]

While I envy your ability to let go, I'm just not put together that way.   I have too much I want to do, see and accomplish before I take my last ride.   Some planning is required if I hope to even get close to doing, seeing and experiencing it all.

Know that if you just happen to find yourself in my vicinity by accident (of course    ), there's always room at my table for you, a room awaits and ALI is welcomed to a stall in the shop.   

[3fan4life]

It sounds to that it would be easier to be "You" if, you allowed yourself to make plans.

But you just plain didn't care if they changed on a whim.

[DDT (12)]

While I envy your ability to let go, I'm just not put together that way.   I have too much I want to do, see and accomplish before I take my last ride.   Some planning is required if I hope to even get close to doing, seeing and experiencing it all.

Know that if you just happen to find yourself in my vicinity by accident (of course    ), there's always room at my table for you, a room awaits and ALI is welcomed to a stall in the shop.   

I do understand! Most of my riding career has been spent frantically sprinting hither and yon, ticking off must see items from my to-do list, and cramming as much 'experiencing it all' as I possibly could into whatever time I had available! Then one day, it came to me that I'd visited every state but Hawaii, and every province and territory of Canada on the saddle of a motorcycle. Now what?

I then re-evaluated my priorities, preferences, and needs, then chose a different course. Nope, most folks haven't had the opportunities I've had, so they are still pursuing 'phase one' needs... just like I did for so long. No, I'm not suggesting my way is the 'right' way or 'the' way anyone else should go... I'm only trying to explain what I'm up to and why...

I sincerely appreciate the invite you extended. I assure you I find it most comforting to know that is out there, but even more, I truly appreciate that kind of offer from that kind of person... You'll do, my friend!

DDT

It sounds to that it would be easier to be "You" if, you allowed yourself to make plans.

But you just plain didn't care if they changed on a whim.

Interesting observation! I see your logic, and it does make sense. Still, it's to me more about the mental state of mind than it is the production or restriction of patterns of thought. I don't want to just alter the 'thinking' habits of my life, I want to explore entirely new ones, too!

I'll be thinking about y'all on the Meet In The Middle Ride... I think I'll face in your direction that Saturday evening and hoist a toast at y'all... Let me know if you receive it...

DDT

[Disco]

As we say at work,

In preparing for battle I have always found that plans are useless, but planning is indispensable.

Dwight D. Eisenhower

 

[~ Timbrwolf]

...Dont come to this Boad all that much anymore, for a myriad of reasons.
But when I do I always make a point of reading your post if they happen
to be posted, and as usual its always a pleasure to read. Your style reminds
me of the writings of Mark Twain and such. ..  

[f6gal]

If you find yourself in AZ, you're welcome to a room for you and garage space for ALI.  No need to plan, just call when you're in the neighborhood.  (602-663-1723)

[Bighead]

Bruce one day I hope to be able to do just what you do or have done  
And I am sure we will recieve your toast and send one back my freind

[The emperor has no clothes]

Good to see your chapters just keep building.  I think someone that has seen as much country as you have on a bike, it would be plain stupid to plan out a ride. And we all know you ain't that. Keep the travels and stories coming my friend. 

[Oss]

Just make sure that you get the code for the drawbridge that goes over the moat if you go to Surprise Az


Dont ask me how I know............but I know


Its kinda like how russian maps were always wrong to foil invaders the closer you got to Moscow 

But once there, the hospitality is first rate, you can ask me why I know

[KG]

While your not planning you still need to know whats going on.

Take off and when you hit a fork in the road or arrive at an intersection and just travel where Ali takes you it may just be destiny that you end up near friends or an event worth stopping at since your close by.

I travel anymore just for the enjoyment of it. I take off with no destination in mind except to enjoy the journey to become one with the bike and sooner or later I'm near that restaurant that I enjoy the country fried steak at or the ice cream parlor with the pretty girls in short shorts or even an old friend I haven't seen in a long time and enjoy sitting on his porch and watching the sun set.

Sometimes you just have to make a detour in you no planning lifestyle just to stop and do the things you enjoy. As Willow said we only have limited days to devote to whatever we love in this life

[Willow]

It sounds to that it would be easier to be "You" if, you allowed yourself to make plans.

But you just plain didn't care if they changed on a whim.

Interesting observation! I see your logic, and it does make sense. Still, it's to me more about the mental state of mind than it is the production or restriction of patterns of thought. I don't want to just alter the 'thinking' habits of my life, I want to explore entirely new ones, too!

I'll be thinking about y'all on the Meet In The Middle Ride... I think I'll face in your direction that Saturday evening and hoist a toast at y'all... Let me know if you receive it...

DDT

It occurs to me you may be making this harder that it has to be by trying too hard.  Plans are intrinsic to life.  I only live three blocks from the grocery store.  When I leave my driveway and turn left at the light I very well may have a plan to visit the grocery store but if I decide to turn left at the next corner and go to Arkansas the plan can be discarded.

People don't go anywhere or do anything without a plan.  The problem isn't planning.  The problem is unalterable planning.  Go with the flow traveler, but don't be afraid to aim now and then.

See you down the road.  It's a plan.

[Pappy!]

It seems to me as if DDT has planned and made happen for many many years and at this point has nothing more to "prove". He has seen this country and the amazing land and sights by motorcycle many times. Canada too. Made get-togethers, attended rides, been there and done that with people and for people and has that tee shirt ten fold.
It takes a totally different mind set to just let go and let Ali take you where she takes you, probably more difficult than it sounds. I think about it but I have trained this brain to be structured and it is a trait that is difficult to get rid of.
As always DDT, I admire you as a person and really admire what you have done so far! Go for it!

[Thunderbolt]

Ride on and keep on exterminating those bugs Bruce.  Hopefully someone is saving all of your writings for that book that has been suggested.

[Roidfingers]

DDT, I love how you roll. Or don't roll. I'm sorta like you. I work, cuz I love what I do. Although, I don't really need too. I don't try to plan or make commitments outside of work. I go with the flow, I only have to answer to me and I'm good with that.
If a friend says, "Hey we are all getting together at this place and this time ." I'll say we will see. If that time arrives and I feel at that moment to go, I will. But if not. So be it. Life is short. I'm gonna finish it doing what I wish to do and when.
I'm sure it's pissed some folks off at times, But hey. I'm happy. 
I'm just 52 and I'm just getting started. 

[larue]

Was an a honor and a pleasure to have met you at jerrys cottage in zephyr hills Florida. You have set the bar too high for those of us who wanna explore this country and more on two wheels. All I want now is like terry thunderbolt mentioned "the book "

[Bigwolf]

Bruce,
I always enjoy reading about your travels and thoughts.  Better still, I enjoy hearing about them directly from you in person.  You have a way with words that brings a novel and fun perspective to my mind.

You do realize that you are in fact forming a plan....attempting to galvanize that plan into action.  True that it is a plan of no set direction, no set destination and no set timetable, .... but that in itself is a plan.  A very wonderful relaxing and enjoyable plan I think.  I have toyed with just such an idea myself but alas,..... life, it seems, has a different plan for me.  So ride on my friend.  Enjoy this "no plan" plan, .... and please keep the rest of us updated by sharing your thoughts and travels with us.  Even if you can only do so by posting here.

If your gypsy pathway brings you through this area, the door is always open to you and Ali.  Or would love to join you for lunch or a cold beverage.

[trout dude]

Bruce Great read and when you are on the road don't forget we are only a phone call away. Take care my friend and have a large time at  what ever you are doing  Hope to meet up with you soon out there in your backyard. 
  Dennis
PS Take care of our girl and if you or she needs anything just let us know.

[paulmull ( Wimp )]

what did he say?

[hubcapsc]

what did he say?

You know how we're always getting lost when we go on
rides with Joe?



He's saying he does that on purpose...

-Mike 

[3fan4life]

what did he say?

You know how we're always getting lost when we go on
rides with Joe?



He's saying he does that on purpose...

-Mike 

I can't imagine Mike having to turn around on a dirt road. 

[3fan4life]

Bruce, I wish you well with your no plan, plan.

I'm sending you my cell # in a PM.

Whenever, your travels find you in my neck of the woods give me a call.

I'll be glad to share the wind with you anytime.

Besides, You're a pretty good guy to pass some time with.