Well, crap. Last three years completed the Grand Slam with no issues. Over the years, I've missed some of the LRRP tabs though I'd met the requirements. I was just ignorant of the fact .. they existed at all. Others, because I misunderstood the requirements, completing them but not realizing which events actually counted (ie Sanctioned vs Meetings). Well, I've got it all down to an art form tracking, etc all year long and to aid in planning. Well, that brings us to the problem.
I've been all over the map this year traveling. Lot of miles on my bike. Lot of miles on planes. Lot of miles for work. But ... not enough traveling on two wheels in the Great State of Tejas apparently. Here it is early October and ... no bueno. Got a ride this weekend to State Meeting. Got a ride next weekend to Longview. But, I missed riding to SCOM/SHINDIG in late spring due to flying in the night before from AZ. And that's probably going to bite me in my ass.
Spent an hour last night scouring Sanctioned events on the National Calendar; only 3 or so left this year. Scoured chapter meetings on the Texas State Calendar, but I've got conflict after conflict with my 'non bike' schedule. When the smoke clears on 31 Dec 2025 I'll have had a blast on 2 and 4 wheels all over the map .. but .. not enough for the 1500 internal miles in Tejas to CVMA events. Fuck! I've always joked this is simple. A ride to El Paso and problem solved. Well it is if you have 365 days open on your schedule to ride. Apparently not so simple in '25.
Now, does this all matter really? Nope. Just something I've strived for the last five years (LRRP). Gives me a focus and leads to a lot of good times on 2 wheels enjoying our Brotherhood. Just pisses me off I didn't knock this out by July like I'd hoped to. I'd been scheming to complete the Grand Slam with the FTM being the final leg and but turned it around, Nationals being the first tab and I didn't complete Tri State until August. My foolish ass didn't realize I was quickly running out of time for the InnerState.
I'm still focused on ... the possibility. Got a spread sheet with all the info. But, 99% sure ... ain't gonna happen. Hell, I'm questioning if I really 'care' about FTM next year since a few chapter members are talking about a 3 day scenic ride to Nationals. Now, I could complete the FTM on the way back .. but .. makes me question what's more important. A 1,000 mile ride which honestly .. sucks .. or a relaxing multi day ride across country each way? The answer is obvious, yet ... I like to test myself annually.
Maybe it's time to just .... enjoy the ride. Hmmmmmm
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