The time has come yet again to journey into Reggie's World. It has been some time since we have gathered together so it might get wordy. Try to get any necessary beverages and visit the necessary room before we start the trip because I am not stopping! Today began like any other day, but something special was planned for today. Today I would bear witness to the culmination of a life. I had spent the previous night preparing for this most auspicious of events. I suppose some background is in order. For the uninitiated, I am an RN in the ICU by trade. I am near death in one manner or another frequently. Around 8:15 or so I drag myself begrudgingly from the bed. I am not looking forward to this. I know that I will need Scratch (my trusty steed for those unfamiliar with my ramblings) for the catharsis to come later. She fires right up and we are on the road. It feels good to take a breath of the cool breeze flowing through my helmet. We can get through this. To the hospital. My friend is resolute. I have known him only 3 weeks, and only in tragedy yet he has made a positive, lasting impression. He has faced death, and seems ready to start this new journey. I will see him on his way and then begin a journey of my own. Goodbye, friend. Back on the bike. Breathe deep. Let it go. Listen to the engine. Let it go. He had his dignity. It was his way. Time to find my zen. First stop just south of SLO in Shell Beach to gaze at the big blue. I give a call to Tori and Brian and we meet for lunch and a drink. Talk about track days and road trips. Make plans for the weekend. My mind keeps going back to my new friend and his journey. Say goodbye to the guys and get back on Scratch. Ride a nice wheelie probably 30-40 ft and smooth. It feels good. I know he'd be smiling if he'd seen it. He was full of life right up to his death and I'm sure could appreciate a good wheelie. Back up the coast. I'll stay close to the ocean for a while. For some reason there is comfort in the vastness and our proximity to it. To the small village of Avila. would that any camera could capture the images that my eyes capture every time I ride. Would that any recording device could capture and playback the feelings that are achieved when there is harmony between bike and rider and environment. here is a unique look at the big blue from near Pirate's Cove. Back on the bike. Let's head down into Avila. In my mind I snap countless pictures wishing I could get the all for you. My words, while well intended, will fall short of opening your eyes truly to what I see. entering Avila Beach Now to find a parking spot and enjoy the view for a few mintues. Okay, back to the bike. Too many people here for me right now. A little more solitude would suit me right now. Ahh, this spot is more to my liking right now... I relax here a bit and ponder the greater meaning of things. After several minutes of consideration, I come to the conclusion that I need to ride more. There is more I need to work out. Back on the bike. I head up the Hwy and then out toward Morro Bay. I have to get a shot of this fog rolling over the rock. Unfortunately, my phone is not quite up to it. Now a blast up Hwy 1 then turn onto Old Creek Road to head back inland. Temps in the 70s and occasional 80s depending on location. I was starting to get hot until heading back out toward Morro Bay. Feeling good now. Through a couple great sweepers then over some tremendously rough patches. and into the tree lined quick switchbacks of Old Creek. Through a few mores curves including a hairpin uphill righthander then on up out of the valley again. One last look back on Old Creek Road and then it's time to blast home. Up to hwy 46 and then Vineyard back to Templeton Rd to get me back home. Never quite achieved 'the zone' on this ride. My mind seems to be elsewhere today, but I still feel better. Life goes on for those of us who try to live it. This piece was more of a stream of consciousness style than usual in that I just wanted to get some riding done and get a piece posted up to kind of let me work some things out. I have no epiphanies to share with you, just these last few lines and last few photos from the day my friend was allowed to continue the ultimate journey.
Nice write up, thanks for sharing, Now can I kick you? Damn thats nice to see someone is having great weather.
Sometimes we forget the normal mundane days and take them for granted subconciously - there's going to come a day where you would have wished you didn't. It's never gonna be easy....
Sorry to here about your friend Reg, he must have been a special and unique person to touch you so deep in three weeks. Thanks for the winter write up, winter is really hard on me not being able to ride the twistys and enduring the typical winter threads. Scratch is looking good, I bet she's really looking forward to the make over Saturday, looking forward to seeing the thread on the install...
I didn't really know it, but Reg writes like a poet. He posted his images, thoughts and perspective. I think it made me get kinda reflective. Of the friends and faithful who I've poked here in jest, Reg71 you are one of the best. Thanks for sharin' Peace.
I feel your pain, Reg. I to lost a close friend this past week but I had known him longer than a few weeks. He was a former USAF fighter pilot (Vietnam vet), former police officer, and a good friend. I'll miss him as I know you will miss yours. I think your farewell ride was an excellent idea and I wish I had done the same thing. I think Buck would have appreciated it. Actually, in retrospect, he probably would have appreciated a beer blast and a rip down the interstate at WFO more though Thanks for posting that.
I may not post much, but I'm on the site quite often. Reg, that was quite a tribute to your friend. Being in your field of employment is hard enough, let alone getting close to a patient, and making him a part of your life. He'll be watching you. Keep those wheelies to a minimum, and think of him often. Thanks for sharing.
thanks to all for the kind words. it is hard to imagine the kind of willpower it would take to say 'pull the plug' and mean it. it shows a tremendous strength of character.
Great write-up Reg. ......definately thought provoking. Thanks for sharing your wisdom and great photos.
I'd agree...I don't think I've met anybody with that kind of strength. Isn't it beautiful how a person can fully grasp this life until the very end here on earth? God Bless BZ
That was DEEP Reg....sorry to hear about your loss. I know a lot of people say it, but I am ready to pull the plug if need be, cause I have spent more than half of my life with family members being cared for in hospitals, some with help from machines and constant meds. My mom recently passed and was in a hospital for 9 years, and cared for before that. We loved her and visited her, but she just had no life just sitting there unable to move wasting away. It just is not a life to me to waste away in a hospital bed....I would rather be gone, and I think she (my mom) felt the same but just could just say it in the end.
