How Many U-turns does it take to make a Sandie Adventure

It was my great fortune to witness a gathering of the Sandies on this fine day, and I will say at the outset that seeing Tony Garcia among us again lent a certain dignity to the proceedings—though it never last long, the dignity. It was as always great to see Ace out.

There exists in this world a question of some philosophical weight: how many licks it takes to reach the center of a Tootsie Pop or how many U-turns makes a Sandie Adventure.  Learned men have debated it for generations. I regret to report that the Sandies, while enthusiastic, are unlikely to settle the matter, being short on philosophy and long on confusion.

Our ride commenced with confidence and ended with experience—most of it belonging to me, who demonstrated a bold and innovative approach to navigation. I sailed through a four-way stop with such conviction that one might suspect the stop sign had personally offended me. Stay tuned it gets better.

In short order, I performed not one, nor two, but four U-turns in an earnest attempt to regain Highway 90 from Old Bagdad Highway. It was less a route and more a wrestle with geography. By the third turn, the group had abandoned concern and taken up counting. While I was wrestling with U turns, JoeJoe and Bobby on the radio engaged in a spirited debate over the precise definition of a U-turn. Of course with any Sandie involved in an argument of such depth Joe and Bobby solved nothing at all.

     , not content with mere deep thinking, announced to the company that he had activated his cooling seat. This declaration, while unnecessary, was delivered with a pride that suggests it will be repeated frequently and without mercy as the summer advances.

There were 7 Sandies in total, covering 145 miles under skies so agreeable they seemed to apologize for the navigation. I myself shared a mount with Sam, though it must be said that the role of pillion warmer was contested. I made an honest attempt, but found the arrangement incompatible with my admirable proportions. Sam, being of more cooperative dimensions, assumed the duty of pillion warmer.

We were joined by two new riders, Randy Lovell and Bridget Lovell, who rode a fine Wing and handled it with skill enough to suggest they may yet survive future outings. Their return appearance confirms either courage or a lapse in judgment; in either case, they are most welcome.

We dined in Milton at Fire and Food on Avalon Boulevard, where the food was commendable and the service kind—two qualities not always found traveling together. It shall remain on the approved list, which is no small honor.

Thus concluded a day of fine weather, questionable direction, and excellent company. If wisdom was not gained, it was at least pursued—though it may have required a U-turn or four to find it.