Groovy...

[DDT (12)]

                                                        Grooves…

OK, I’m trying my hand at this writing thing again. I wrote a story last week, but somehow through the vagaries of technology or the result of just plain blind misfortune, either fat fingers or some sort of Gremlin in my smart box had caused that tome to evaporate into the dark recesses of that mysterious cyberspace labyrinth… the nether reaches of the unfathomable Ethernet… the domain of serious nerds and geeks only, and I for sure ain’t either! Anyway…

Tomorrow I’ll have been on the road two weeks, and this is only the second time I’ve felt much like writing. The first time I did what I thought was a rather creditable job of capturing the feelings of discouragement I’d been feeling and of the general indifference towards continuing this trek. Actually, I’d already made the decision by the time I’d written that piece to just return home and wait for better times, if things didn’t improve soon… a time when I was not in a weary, unfulfilling rut.

I’d left out on this trek in good spirits, though, but the cumulative effects of rain, long days in the saddle trying to avoid as much precip as I could, and low energy due to fatigue and the absence of excitement, had left me in a down state of mind. I was discouraged and just not on top of my game…

The difference between being in ‘the groove’ or in ‘a rut’ is not a matter of feet and inches, it is a function of attitude, perspective, and expectation… Is the glass half full, or is it half empty? Yes! Either way the volume of content is precisely the same, however… I, quite simply, had the wrong view of things to properly engage in this sort of spiritual travel…

Seeing is believing and facts are indeed facts. How we interpret those ‘facts’, however, determines what we actually think we see. No two people can view the exact same set of ‘facts’ and see precisely the same thing. Our ‘data base’ constructed over the course of our entire lives provides the backdrop for us to evaluate ‘facts’, and our ‘state of mind’ - our mood, our prejudices, our predilections, the things we’ve previously accepted as truth - fill in the detail for us… I suppose I just wasn’t seeing things in my usual context…

What changed my mind was a sequence of unrelated events that began with stepping out of my motel room that fateful morning on the day of the turn-around… In the stillness (rare for usually breezy west Texas), the sky appeared as an ink-black blanket with sequins strewn randomly about and a tiny sliver of a brilliant silver crescent moon… I’d thought to myself at that moment that if I’d had a prayer rug handy, I’d probably have been tempted to face towards Mecca and drop to my knees… but I didn’t…

I thought happy thoughts about how we’d finally made it through the rain, and that except for the cold, we were facing relatively decent riding conditions for a spell. ALI was doing quite well… ummmm, except for that seeping fork seal on the port side… nothing bad or gushing, just a persistent, ever present slight weeping that won’t go away. I should have that looked at one of these days…

At least I should be able to make it home without any of the stuff we’d ridden through to get this far… There was an inexplicable lift from just turning that emotional corner, though… Do I really want to return to that danged ol’ recliner and all that it represents? Of course I don’t, but… So far, I just hadn’t been enthused the way I should have been… What gives here, I inquired of myself…?

When I stepped back inside, the ebony fluid so vital to a return to conscious awareness was ready for ingestion, so I proceeded to give myself a clearer more realistic view of the new day… I checked the weather forecast. Temps in the low 20s, high forecast for the day to be only in the low 40s… more wind, of course, but no rain, though… Hmmm…

Soon enough it was time to step back outside, and… huh? The sky was cloudy by then, daylight was just beginning to make it possible to make out objects across the parking lot… and… there were what appeared to be a few small ‘wet spots’ on the pavement! I glanced over at ALI’s cover, and sure enough there were some spots on there, as well… only they were shiny…? Sleet! Back inside, I checked the local radar again, and sure enough there were some spotty ‘pale blue’ clouds on the map for down our way.

Nothing of any consequence, and the generally tolerable forecast remained positive… By now a combination of not wanting to ‘recline’, that incredible pre-dawn sky, and the unexpected sleet had combined to both challenge me and inspire me to stay the course! A sudden but profound change in plans… I would ride on… continue the ‘coddiewomple’…

A goober grin adorned my face as I cheerfully went through our pre-ride rituals… do the three Ss… pack the bags, then load them… warm-up ALI… mount and depart… North instead of east, however, as my mind had become resolute… No more apathy, indifference, or malaise… nope, all that had been replaced with resolve and a modest but growing level of enthusiasm! I thought I’d found my way back from the rut and into that so far illusive groove!!! I was correct…

That elusive groove is not something you go and find… for it must find you. It will only come to you, however, when you are ready to receive it… when you are in the proper, receptive frame of mind.

DDT

[97BLKVALK]

Love it!

Thank you for sharing .  Looking forward to catching up at Inzane.

Cheers

Michael

[Misfit]

Glad to hear that you are back on track. When you feel low just think, you could be one of us working stiffs still. That should make you smile and wipe the blues away. Ride on my wandering friend. 

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

Love these ... Keep'em coming 

[Rams]

Reminds me of the "warrior spirit" I have seen in others, rising to the challenge.   It's somewhere in each of us, more prominent in a few.    It's my belief that the glass is only half empty when you're drawing from it, not when you keep adding to it.   Bruce, your glass should be overflowing.   

The devil is in the details...........

[..]

Thanks Bruce. 

[Hook#3287]

Some might have seen that sleet as the "rut".

I'm glad you didn't.

Ride, and write, on

[The emperor has no clothes]

Nice story  it's good to hear that you are back at it. 

[robin]

Love it Bruce keep riding my friend

[R Bowers]

How about a grilled ham & cheese. It's only a short run.

[Valkorado]

"The difference between being in ‘the groove’ or in ‘a rut’ is not a matter of feet and inches..."

Unless your personal rut happens to be several feet and some odd inches -- of snow!  Nobody likes dealing with the occasional "wet spot" (yecch), but I'm glad you're out conquering the rideable highways and byways!  Forge ahead!

[Oss]

This must be what it feels like to wait for Santa

I find myself looking south to see if Ali can be seen riding north with her rider

[DDT (12)]

All,

Thanks everybody for the positive comments! What a difference a good day or two in the saddle can produce! I've now had a couple of those since overcoming my melancholy, and I do feel like a new man!!! Heck, I even had a couple of gals at local watering holes drag me out on the dance floor and have their way with me...

It is so true: When you're smiling, the whole world smiles with you! None of those gals would have grabbed the sullen, brooding guy I was just a few days before, but now... WOW!!!!!!! Wonder if I can now leverage this new energy...?

DDT

[The emperor has no clothes]

All,

Thanks everybody for the positive comments! What a difference a good day or two in the saddle can produce! I've now had a couple of those since overcoming my melancholy, and I do feel like a new man!!! Heck, I even had a couple of gals at local watering holes drag me out on the dance floor and have their way with me...

It is so true: When you're smiling, the whole world smiles with you! None of those gals would have grabbed the sullen, brooding guy I was just a few days before, but now... WOW!!!!!!! Wonder if I can now leverage this new energy...?

DDT

have fun my friend. 

[Bighead]

What part of the world are you in Bruce? Any chance you may be home this coming weekend? If so I will be close and the Florida boys are planning lunch which I plan on attending would be good to see you and your Ol gal again

[DDT (12)]

BH,

I'm in Sierra Vista, AZ, at the moment... Won't be down that way for some time... maybe a month or more... I was following those threads on the FL board, and I sighed when I saw the timing of all that... Can't catch up with ya this time, ol' buddy, but it's gonna happen again one of these days!

DDT

[DDT (12)]

How about a grilled ham & cheese. It's only a short run.

Never say never... I just may do that, but I dunno... I hate to break a string of failure as long as this one has turned out to be! On the other hand, something could come up and... Hmmmmm, I'll be pondering on this for the next week or two... or three... Maybe after I make the turn for home, I'll be of a mind to seek another one more time! Thanks for the suggestion!!!

DDT

P.S. If I were to go there again, any chance you might could meet me there?

[Bighead]

BH,

I'm in Sierra Vista, AZ, at the moment... Won't be down that way for some time... maybe a month or more... I was following those threads on the FL board, and I sighed when I saw the timing of all that... Can't catch up with ya this time, ol' buddy, but it's gonna happen again one of these days!

DDT

Hey it is all good keep the rubber side down and be safe ,have fun

[The emperor has no clothes]

BH,

I'm in Sierra Vista, AZ, at the moment... Won't be down that way for some time... maybe a month or more... I was following those threads on the FL board, and I sighed when I saw the timing of all that... Can't catch up with ya this time, ol' buddy, but it's gonna happen again one of these days!

DDT

SIERRA VISTA !!! Any chance of getting a get together with some of the AZ guys for lunch or something ? I know how you are with planning and all, but I'm sure some of the guys would love it. 

[DDT (12)]

Sounds like a downright upright notion to me! I'd enjoy meeting y'all and swapping a yarn or two... Ideas? Obviously I'm rather flexible... so...

DDT

[Rams]

Sounds like a downright upright notion to me! I'd enjoy meeting y'all and swapping a yarn or two... Ideas? Obviously I'm rather flexible... so...

DDT

Flexible, I heard pliable.  Couldn't be moldable, that mold was broke years ago.      

[The emperor has no clothes]

Sounds like a downright upright notion to me! I'd enjoy meeting y'all and swapping a yarn or two... Ideas? Obviously I'm rather flexible... so...

DDT

No real ideas yet. I'll post over on the AZ chapter and see what we can come up with. 

[DirtyDan]

I'm up for lunch. Be good to see some of you guys

Dan

[The emperor has no clothes]

I'm up for lunch. Be good to see some of you guys

Dan

Hey Dan, I posted over on the AZ Chapter. I'm sure some of the guys and gals will be chiming in soon. I'll keep you apprised of developments. 

[The emperor has no clothes]

Sounds like a downright upright notion to me! I'd enjoy meeting y'all and swapping a yarn or two... Ideas? Obviously I'm rather flexible... so...

DDT

Looks like it might be just me and Dan. Any idea which direction you are headed ? I'm working till next Tuesday. I should be sad if we can't arrange at least a lunch or a dinner while you are in the area. I'm pm'ing my number. I'm not very diligent at answering though . A text or pm I'm better at. 

[DirtyDan]

Well I'm still not riding (think I'm done) but I can walk and the cage is running. Let's do it

Dan

[Daniel Meyer]

Ride on!

If ya make it down Dallas way I can run a seal cleaner on that fork and see if that helps...but don't sweat the small stuff. There's near a quart of oil in that fork!

[threevalks]

            Glad to see you're back on the road. Jane was asking a couple days ago if you had been posting any stories. She, as the rest of your VRCC family enjoy the day to day exploits of our friend.
PS. Jane said, ya better go easy on the dancing, remember the last time.
           

[DarkSideR]

Perspective.. Dawning each day on my head are the perpetual responsibilities of Husband, Father, Employee, Landlord, Carpenter, Mechanic, etc, etc, etc. And though I accept those responsibilities with honor and blessing, there is a longing.

Daily, weekly, and monthly rituals have dug a rut that keeps me safely in it's limits as to not wander (the wife prefers it that way). But a groove, oh to find a groove would be something else.

There are times I am able to peer over the sides of my safety net and get a glimpse of someone actually in 'the groove'. It's there my longing is inspired.

Oh the life on the road. Nay a care depict my course. To ride with the wind, to the warmth, or cool, or emptiness of a road. Inspired indeed!

Impossible to imagine a day in which whilst living the dream could I possibly find myself in a rut. Could the comforts of heaven cause strife? I think not!

For most of us we are on the inside looking out as Bruce meanders by with his famous postings. And we dream, we dream of the day when we too will...

Should I be comforted or saddened when a legend steps into my dreams, and pushes the clouds aside so that I can see even there a rut can be worn?

Hence perspective, and my glass is indeed half of full.

Thank you Bruce.

[DDT (12)]

Sounds like a downright upright notion to me! I'd enjoy meeting y'all and swapping a yarn or two... Ideas? Obviously I'm rather flexible... so...

DDT

Looks like it might be just me and Dan. Any idea which direction you are headed ? I'm working till next Tuesday. I should be sad if we can't arrange at least a lunch or a dinner while you are in the area. I'm pm'ing my number. I'm not very diligent at answering though . A text or pm I'm better at.  

Rob,

I got your PM... I'll call ya later. Yes, we do need to make this happen... looking forward to it! I'm in Globe at the moment, figuring to mosey up to Payson tomorrow, then over towards Prescott... Ultimately I'm thinking I may wander down into southern CA, since I haven't been there in several years... need to make sure the Salton Sea and Joshua Tree NP are still there... No real plans, though, just gazing at the map occasionally and getting ideas.

DDT

Well I'm still not riding (think I'm done) but I can walk and the cage is running. Let's do it

Dan

Ain't nuthin' but a thang, Dan! It'll be good to jaw some with you again...

DDT

           Glad to see you're back on the road. Jane was asking a couple days ago if you had been posting any stories. She, as the rest of your VRCC family enjoy the day to day exploits of our friend.
PS. Jane said, ya better go easy on the dancing, remember the last time.
            

Keith,

Glad you enjoy my musings... I enjoy putting them into posts, so I reckon I'll be doing more of that. Please tell Jane for me that her advise is welcome and good... but the timing is just a tad off... I went into the Lazy Lizard Lounge last week, and... that danged ol' Lizard bit me hard! I was dancing and twirling, and all that stuff! I stayed over for some 'hair of the dog' and did it again... and that Lizard did it again, too! I gave up and rode on after that...

DDT

Ride on!

If ya make it down Dallas way I can run a seal cleaner on that fork and see if that helps...but don't sweat the small stuff. There's near a quart of oil in that fork!

Daniel,

Thanks for the offer! Actually, several folks, and even yours truly, have done that. JP even replaced both forks a few months ago... Troutdude will be replacing my rear tire in the not too distant future, and he's agreed (volunteered!) to have a serious look at it then... Baring a fluid blowout, I'm figurin' on waitin' 'til then...

DDT

Perspective.. Dawning each day on my head are the perpetual responsibilities of Husband, Father, Employee, Landlord, Carpenter, Mechanic, etc, etc, etc. And though I accept those responsibilities with honor and blessing, there is a longing.

Daily, weekly, and monthly rituals have dug a rut that keeps me safely in it's limits as to not wander (the wife prefers it that way). But a groove, oh to find a groove would be something else.

There are times I am able to peer over the sides of my safety net and get a glimpse of someone actually in 'the groove'. It's there my longing is inspired.

Oh the life on the road. Nay a care depict my course. To ride with the wind, to the warmth, or cool, or emptiness of a road. Inspired indeed!

Impossible to imagine a day in which whilst living the dream could I possibly find myself in a rut. Could the comforts of heaven cause strife? I think not!

For most of us we are on the inside looking out as Bruce meanders by with is famous postings. And we dream, we dream of the day when we too will...

Should I be comforted or saddened when a legend steps into my dreams, and pushes the clouds aside so that I can see even there a rut can be worn?

Hence perspective, and my glass is indeed half of full.

Thank you Bruce.

Josh,

That's some pretty fanciful writing of your own, amigo! Well said, and I do connect with your meaning... I used to find myself daydreaming at work, before my grand exit, and I just couldn't wait! My life is closer to perfect now than at anytime previous... Still, I'm a human, and my moods and weaknesses are with me yet... I'm far less prone to being 'down' than ever before, but there are occasions when... Oh well, I am able to cope and deal with those better... When your time comes, you will see for yourself... until then dream on! BTW, I emerged from that rut, rode north instead of back towards home... and that has made all the difference!!! I'm groovin' to beat the band right now!!!

DDT

[The emperor has no clothes]

  Sounds good 

[Oss]

Bruce, you may need a BIG ASS SIGN as Meathead has been known to ride right past a frantically waving Oss (and half a dozen Valkyrie's) and cross a bridge or two before realizing he done turned the wrong way (again)

Maybe one that says MEATHEAD STOP HERE would be sufficient

[The emperor has no clothes]

Bruce, you may need a BIG ASS SIGN as Meathead has been known to ride right past a frantically waving Oss (and half a dozen Valkyrie's) and cross a bridge or two before realizing he done turned the wrong way (again)

Maybe one that says MEATHEAD STOP HERE would be sufficient

wonder how much the rental on a billboard is ? I've read a few of DDT's stories of turning the wrong direction and having to backtrack. We might just end up riding circles around each other like a fine tuned MC ballet. I'll try to GoPro the ballet for your viewing enjoyment . 

[DDT (12)]

Bruce, you may need a BIG ASS SIGN as Meathead has been known to ride right past a frantically waving Oss (and half a dozen Valkyrie's) and cross a bridge or two before realizing he done turned the wrong way (again)

Maybe one that says MEATHEAD STOP HERE would be sufficient

I appreciate the heads-up!!! If we do miss each other, I won't be able to complain, though... I'm a tad navigationally challenged myself! Why don't you just fly down and join us? You could lead and all that...

DDT

[DirtyDan]

I'm buying first round, maybe the second

Salton sea is cool, very interesting to me. Mountains in the area are cool but probably snowed in. The "palms to the pines" is really neat. Again high elevation so snow.

East side of the salton sea is the worlds tallest flag pole. It's WAY up there. And the top of the flagpole is SEA LEVEL !!!

Spent a bit o time that way fun place to be

Dan

[Oss]

careful what you wish for you bug slayer you

I have been known to fly to places and then ride, ask f6gal and hayhauler

[DDT (12)]

I'm buying first round, maybe the second

Salton sea is cool, very interesting to me. Mountains in the area are cool but probably snowed in. The "palms to the pines" is really neat. Again high elevation so snow.

East side of the salton sea is the worlds tallest flag pole. It's WAY up there. And the top of the flagpole is SEA LEVEL !!!

Spent a bit o time that way fun place to be

Dan

Looking forward to the ride... and to hanging with you again... See ya soon!

DDT

careful what you wish for you bug slayer you

I have been known to fly to places and then ride, ask f6gal and hayhauler

Well, you just come ahead on! We just may have the makings of a party going on here...

DDT

[T.P.]

We have 3 eggs under MOM     T.P.

[paulmull ( Wimp )]

Chin up Bruce I think I know what your problem is.It's called Lack O Nookie. Wimp

[DDT (12)]

We have 3 eggs under MOM     T.P.

Well... whatever that means. I'd love to see it, but, you know... I ain't going anywhere that far north for several more months!!! Weather is nice in southern AZ and CA...

DDT