BamaRider Posted July 9, 2008 Posted July 9, 2008 After 9 consecutive summers of cross country trips, I took this summer off. Not that I was burned out after riding over 200k the last 7 years, but I just needed to give back. My wife has never complained about my riding, and she has endured my long absences as best she could. So when I announced last May I was going to take this summer off she was excited. She took the month of June off to be with me. Together we remodeled a bedroom, landscaped the front yard, poured a driveway extension, and waxed the car. I even put her on back of the RT for a long weekend trip to North Alabama. It took us 3 days to do 500 miles. It was very different than what I'm use to. A good thing I stayed busy, because I missed long riding terribly. While trimming azaleas and buying new furniture, I could not help but think about past trips, and all those currently on the road to somewhere. Although I tried to hide it, she sensed something was amiss, and I told her at Appelbee's one night, that it is hard being away from something that had become such a part of my life. I quit coming to this site because if I wasn't riding, I didn't want to be around those that were, that seemed to make thing worse. I've still ridden over 11,000 miles so far this year, including a week long trip to Key West last Feb, but nothing is like a cross country ride. I had big plans, but things changed, I was called to do something, not from anyone close, but a higher power. I drove the Meals on Wheels truck a few days in June for my church. For the first time ever I was home to attend my Sister in law's annual lake gathering for the family, and my 28 year old son commented, "you know this is the first Father's Day you've been home since I was a teenager." Giving back to all those things was great. My war chest for road trips this year is pretty much empty, I turned it over to my wife last May for home projects, but I now have a year to rebuild it. I'm planning a 7 day fall tour, but it wont' be all that many miles, but I'm looking forward to it. So if any wanted to know, that's where I've been, but it's good to be back. I'm at the point now I can deal with being around it again without going in the tank, but it sure is strange to be reading about somebody's else rides.
BFish Posted July 9, 2008 Posted July 9, 2008 good post...hope it helped getting it off your chest so to speak. sounds like you have a great wife. my trips are not as long as yours. my wife looks fwd a few days of alone time.
Firefight911 Posted July 9, 2008 Posted July 9, 2008 Wondered where you had gotten yourself to. Good on you and welcome back!
EffBee Posted July 9, 2008 Posted July 9, 2008 Welcome back, Guy. I've missed your contributions both here, and on your website. Your ride reports are something which those of us who are still clocking 8-5 days, use as escape fodder. Some day. . . Your wife sounds like a gem. Take good care of her. And ride safe.
MrHondamatic Posted July 9, 2008 Posted July 9, 2008 Wow, I was just wondering about you this morning. (Twilight Zone theme starts now) Sometimes you need to take a break from something you enjoy, and do other things. Been there, still doing it on a couple items. Glad all is well, but we sure do miss your tales and pictures.
flars Posted July 9, 2008 Posted July 9, 2008 This thread means nothing without pictures... new furniture driveway . . .
BFish Posted July 9, 2008 Posted July 9, 2008 This thread means nothing without pictures... new furniture driveway . . . ROFLMAO
DaveTheAffable Posted July 9, 2008 Posted July 9, 2008 Your wife sounds like a gem. Take good care of her. And ride safe. +1 It's an honorable thing to honor your wife and family. Looking forward (as always) to your next ride report.
BamaRider Posted July 10, 2008 Author Posted July 10, 2008 I'm working on that, I have a 7 day Fall Ride planned for October, but in the meantime, I'm hung out.
tallman Posted July 10, 2008 Posted July 10, 2008 Guy, Glad to hear from you. Sometimes the appreciation of others, is a wonderful feeling, equal to or exceeding that of personal accomplishment. Often it isn't the miles per memory, but the memories per mile. Enjoy the family. Best wishes.
VinnyR11 Posted July 10, 2008 Posted July 10, 2008 200K miles vs. no father's day with the kids? I'd say you may be experiencing your best summer in a long while. I'm, much more impressed with the volunteer work for MOW's (they really need the help) than the long mileage.
BruceWA Posted July 10, 2008 Posted July 10, 2008 Nothing like a break from the routine to build enthusiasm for the coming adventures. Time spent with the family has greater rewards, at least IMHO. Looking forward to your next posts, riding or otherwise!
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