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Bob D. Samba Member
Joined: September 11, 2003 Posts: 613 Location: Chicago, IL
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Posted: Wed Mar 10, 2004 1:01 pm Post subject: Back in the Saddle: The Simple Joy of a Bus Road Trip |
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I have had two ankle operations in the last four months. On Monday I finally got the OK to ditch my cast, and now have a fiberglass boot on my right foot. Compared to a cast this thing feels like an olympic sprinter's shoe, and I can now walk--and drive--for the first time since October.
Doctor's office Monday afternoon, bus out of storage and on the road by Tuesday morning!
After sitting five months in storage the bus started with TWO SECONDS of cranking and idled perfectly. Stopped after 10 miles or so to check oil, gas lines, brakes, tires--all were perfect. Bus ran smooth as silk the rest of the way on my 275 mile trip and I could easily have driven further if I'd had to.
The excuse for this trip is to check out a downstate shop to do some major work on another car I have, but truth be told I would have found any excuse to take the bus on a trip if this reason wasn't available. I am lucky enough to have a couple different nice vehicles, but when it came time to choose one for my "inaugural drive" I didn't even hesitate in picking the bus.
There is just something comfortable, relaxing and satisfying about driving one of these when everything is working right. For everybody who is in the midst of getting their bus running or sorted, hang in there! It is worth it! These are truly unique vehicles that will reward you with miles of fun driving if you get them up to snuff and keep them that way.
I have some more operations to go, but have decided to take the Summer off and enjoy my car hobby while the weather is nice here in the midwest. My bus is back in action, it is a nice feeling. _________________ 1978 7-Passenger, 37K miles
Proud Member #1, SBS (Stock Bus Society)
*Enjoy and appreciate your good health*
We used to play for silver
Now we play for life |
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Randy in Maine Samba Member
Joined: August 03, 2003 Posts: 34890 Location: The Beach
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Posted: Wed Mar 10, 2004 1:06 pm Post subject: |
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All right Bob!
Glad you are back! |
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orangeeyesore Samba Bammer
Joined: November 23, 2003 Posts: 1264 Location: looking in Hazetguy's windows
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Posted: Wed Mar 10, 2004 1:10 pm Post subject: |
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awesome,glad you are up and around again. _________________ HBB
As it says, who have you got as a quote in your signature line and why? |
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ratwell Samba Member
Joined: April 26, 2003 Posts: 8717 Location: Victoria, BC
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Posted: Wed Mar 10, 2004 1:22 pm Post subject: Re: Back in the Saddle: The Simple Joy of a Bus Road Trip |
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Bob D. wrote: |
There is just something comfortable, relaxing and satisfying about driving one of these when everything is working right. For everybody who is in the midst of getting their bus running or sorted, hang in there! It is worth it! These are truly unique vehicles that will reward you with miles of fun driving if you get them up to snuff and keep them that way. |
I couldn't have said it better. The weather here just hit 80 degrees and I can't wait to hit the coast in the bus. _________________ '78 Westfalia CDN
'76 Doublecab
Read the Baywindow FAQ |
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Bottomend Grease
Joined: September 20, 2003 Posts: 1500 Location: Smell Aye! via Nude Hamster!
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Posted: Wed Mar 10, 2004 1:54 pm Post subject: |
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The Great Green Bus ! |
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1979westie Samba Member
Joined: January 08, 2004 Posts: 1093 Location: Flying this P-27 bomber
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Posted: Wed Mar 10, 2004 2:19 pm Post subject: |
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Good for you Bob! Haven't seen you on the forum for a while. Glad you are using the nice season to enjoy the bus. There is nothing quite like it.
So, what are the "other" cars you own?
Welcome back to the realm of the bipeds,
Eric
SBS member _________________ Your car may do 0-60 in under 5 seconds, but can it sleep 4 and cook a meal?
1979 Deluxe Campmobile (quickly rusting away)
33K miles when bought, now at 61K
Proud Member #2 SBS (Stock Bus Society) |
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Amskeptic Samba Member
Joined: October 18, 2002 Posts: 8568 Location: All Across The Country
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Posted: Wed Mar 10, 2004 7:40 pm Post subject: Re: Back in the Saddle: The Simple Joy of a Bus Road Trip |
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Bob D. wrote: |
After sitting five months in storage the bus started with TWO SECONDS of cranking and idled perfectly. These are truly unique vehicles that will reward you with miles of fun driving if you get them up to snuff and keep them that way.
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That's my favorite part of spring, seeing how quickly it bursts into song.
Miles of fun driving done and yet to come. Glad the rehab is proceeding apace.
Colin |
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Bob D. Samba Member
Joined: September 11, 2003 Posts: 613 Location: Chicago, IL
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Posted: Thu Mar 11, 2004 9:26 am Post subject: Re: Back in the Saddle: The Simple Joy of a Bus Road Trip |
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From Ratwell:" The weather here just hit 80 degrees and I can't wait to hit the coast in the bus. |
Yup, that sounds just a little bit better than 39 degrees in Peoria! You gotta go for that Richard!!
No matter where you are, bus season is starting. Crank 'em up and hit the road folks, remind yourself why you bought the thing....
Thanks too for all the good wishes, they are appreciated. I stopped at a Wal-Mart yesterday, and on the way out of the store an older gent held the door open for me. He and his wife then stared at me sympathetically as I walked out into the parking lot. I'm sure I made an interesting sight, a gimped-up guy in a fiberglass boot and wrist braces, limping towards an old VW bus.
I could almost hear them thinking, "What's that smile on his face? What the heck could he have to smile about?" Simple: I know that I should enjoy everything I can, while I can still enjoy it. In a couple of days it's back to the reality of work, refereeing kid disputes and deciding which medication or operation to pursue next.
Suddenly a well-tuned bus, a full tank of gas and no particular destination sounds like it's worth an ocassional smile, doesn't it? _________________ 1978 7-Passenger, 37K miles
Proud Member #1, SBS (Stock Bus Society)
*Enjoy and appreciate your good health*
We used to play for silver
Now we play for life |
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rugrad92 Samba Member
Joined: January 14, 2004 Posts: 9 Location: sw va
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Posted: Thu Mar 11, 2004 9:54 am Post subject: |
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You have to appreciate the simple things in life. |
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bljones Resident Wit
Joined: February 08, 2002 Posts: 2377 Location: ontario canada
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Posted: Thu Mar 11, 2004 10:22 am Post subject: |
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Welcome back to the land of the TRULY living! _________________ OG JHC
Author of Original Rant #1
"It stingd itself to dead... now that is control on you"
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pawesty Samba Medic
Joined: June 28, 2003 Posts: 1545 Location: Northern Vermont
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Posted: Thu Mar 11, 2004 10:25 am Post subject: |
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Great to have you back Bob. Hope all is well on your end!
dave _________________ "Go smell the wind, go far. Hear the marvelous strange chime of midnight" Kerouac
79 westy
78 westy
purveyor of refurbed westies and parts!!! inquire within!
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