RickkciR

Hilo  Well, I'd hoped this post would occupy one of my other blogs ( East Texas Bike r), but had a lil twist and we didn't rent any bikes that weekend... Several months back, a good friend of mine in the CVMA (Boomer) made a side comment to me privately that he and Ya-Ya were headed to Hawaii to visit family, but ... also timed with the CVMA's Hawaii State Meeting. I was thinking ...... ' hmmmm.. Hawaii State Meeting?'   So on a whim, I mentioned it to our close friends Mark n' Nancy, along with Lucy .... and was surprised when all agreed.  Hawaii it is!  The State meeting was the driver, but now we could wrap a nice vaca' around it. Well, first thing I did was find a bike and trike to rent, but it'd turn out to be a scam that we quickly figured out and got off without losing any $.  Checked with the local rental businesses (Eaglerider, Dealers, etc.) and none had a trike for Mark so decided against it all.   As it'd turn out, wouldn't have been ...

Got to admit, I wanted to put a different spin on this one, on how it would all play out. Great Vaca' run to Colorado, riding in the mountains, enjoying time with close friends...   well, it sounded good anyways.   I attended a CVMA event last week, but I wanted to go up early and spend some time with a buddy of mine in Denver; didn't happen. I wanted to spend a few extra days riding around; didn't happen.  I wanted to Iron Butt it on my way up there; didn't happen.   But..... We'd just gotten back from MS last Monday . I'm dragging ass.  I'm watching the weather and it's taken the air out of my sails.  Chief has been asking me to go up a day early with him, but I'd be home less than 18 hours and...  not an option. Watching the weather, I opted out of an Iron Butt on the way up.  Wet, cold, and I'd be tired on the last portion ...  not what I call 'fun.'  I've got nothing to prove here, just have my reasons for that (CVMA...

 I used to think that I had a hoarding problem of sorts.  I'm really bad about collecting things sometimes.   I first noticed this with NASCAR, and realized it's with pretty much anything I touch/experience Working out. Back when I was 13 shit went sideways in a scuffle with .. I can't resist...  two racists (true .. of course never used that term back then)... and I came out on the losing end.  Hey .. I was freshman and they were seniors.  My excuse and I'm sticking with it.  On the upside I began taking marital arts and lifting weights.   Lets just say . it was the last time I ever came out on the wrong side of a fist fight.  As every year went by, I spent more time in the gym.   I probably peaked at about 23 to 28 age time frame, but still continued to work out hours a day until my 30s.   Around 40, I slowed down but wasn't until about 50 that .. it was on the back burner in the big picture.  I still work...

Was going to post this under the CVMA Blog ... but .. things took a turn.  The CVMA Gulfport MS chapter had their meeting yesterday and we planned to attend.  I pinged them for the location; VFW in Gulfport with the street address.  I opened up Google Maps ... type in VFW and there it is.  I remember it from the Poker run last year, have the visual ... look at the cross streets and we're on.  It's a chilly one, but sunny out.  It's in the upper 30s, but by the time we mount the bike it's up to 40deg.  No Leather, but we're warm enough and rolling down Hwy 90 with the Gulf on our right.  Fifteen minutes later we roll up and I'm thinking "you're kidding me .. no one else rode?"  There are a dozen vehicles, but none have Combat Vet stickers which is the norm.  Hmmmm.   Couple of doors open, lots of noise.  So, we're getting off, taking off the jackets ... when a guy my age comes out and I ask him which door is the front....