I cannot adequately express how much I appreciate the common theme of the comments on my last post of concern for my well being. There comes that time as we age or suffer infirmities that compromises must be made.
We struggle with that inner conflict between maintaining whatever reputation we may have ( or would like to have ) and taking the path of wisdom based on our current circumstances.
That's part of what I tried to convey and share in that last post. It would seem that my writing made a connection with everyone. I tried to share honestly how I felt at the time and it seems that we all face the same struggles. I have an ego and will be the first to admit it. I cherish my reputation as a tough, hardcore, rider. Even Iron, however, is subject to wear and tear from the ravishes of time or other events.
So here's the deal. Carry this with you as you ride. Have fun. Ride with zest and enthusiasm. Charge about on your steel steed. Go conquer castles, dragons, and oblivious cagers. Live the Legend. Share you stories over the campfire. Enjoy.
When you wake up one morning and some parts of your body take longer to wake up than others, when sitting by the fire sounds much better than chasing dragons, go with the flow. Legends are the result of many days and deeds. A day here or there will not diminish the Legend. Legends are built upon years of battle. A Knight who choses to withdraw from daily battles will not be thought any less of a Knight. The Legend will not diminish.
In plain language, take account of the current circumstances and pursue the Path of Wisdom.
Which brings me to Mr. Riepe.
Jack heaped praise upon my last post. I am truly honored to be thus commended by a writer of his ability. Seriously. In his comment Jack wrote the following of himself:
I was in Tennessee last summer, and the pain in my knees was excruciating. A buddy of mine had driven to the BMW rally with his wife. He said to me, "You ride home with Dot in the car, and I'll follow on your bike." It was the ultimate temptation... And I passed the test. I rode my own bike. But I did so because I was afraid I wouldn't ride if every time my knees hurt... And they hurt all the time.
In this regard Jack represents us all. I respect Jack's decision to ride. I would still respect him if Jack had decided not to finish the ride. I believe I speak for all of us in the blogosphere when I state that the respect I have for everyone is based on the pursuit of a common interest and a shared humanity. On what we have learned about and shared with each other. Not on how tough a rider is. Sure, I enjoy the stories as much as anyone. But that is not what I base my assesment of a rider on.
So, I found this picture from a post I did years ago. It is not of my originality. I do not know where it came from. Somebody passed it on to me. That being said, here it is:
If this is Jack and Stiffie moved to Key West to eternally harrass Conchscooter, so be it. I, for one, will think no less of him.
The real secret of success is to know one's limits and to ride within them. These limits are different for different riders. Things I do might seem crazy to others. Yet, my limits are different, as well. What we do have in common is that limits are fluid. Day to day. Week to week. Year to year.
This is the Path of Wisdom. Ride within whatever those limits are at the time. Those who do so will always garner the deepest respect I can bestow. They will always be a True Knight to me!
Miles and smiles,
Dan
P.S. For Bobskoot: Tomorrow is Friday. Look for a post in the afternoon involving actual motorcycle riding and at least one photo of a bike!
