Joe G Posted June 19, 2007 Report Share Posted June 19, 2007 So that's how its gonna be, eh? I get the idea. Very clever. Get back on the horse. I dig. Stay tuned. I love you guys. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RUFDRAFT Posted June 19, 2007 Author Report Share Posted June 19, 2007 I went to truck driving school right after I got married at 19 years old. It took me 2 years to get a job. I had never even driven a pickup prior to that. My first job was with a company that hauled steel. Since I was the new guy, I got the raggedy B-Model Mack (B-61). Underpowered - no power steering - a 15 speed tri-plex tranny - no a/c, etc. My first run was to deadhead (run empty) to Youngstown Ohio on a Sunday with 2 other drivers. We got there without incident. And we checked into the cheap motel to spend the night and then load at US Steel on Monday morning. During Sunday afternoon, the seasoned drivers told me all sorts of stories about driver's having wrecks on I-80 in PA. Blown front tires - brake failures - etc. It spooked me. I called up my new bride early that evening and told her I was coming home on a bus. My nerves were shattered. Then I went across the street to the bar and found my 2 colleagues. I told them what I planned on doing. First, they apologized for scaring the crap out of me! Then, for the next couple of hours, they did their best to build up my confidence. They were having no part of me bailing out. To seal the deal, they said they'd wait for me to load up and then they'd keep me between them on the ride back to Bridgeport CT. I loaded. And they kept me in the "rockin' chair." What followed was a 20 year career of haulin' azz in big trucks. Most of that time was spent in the left lane. All night long - in all weather - and in about 20 states. All it takes sometimes is someone to show some care. Like right here. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
moabman Posted June 19, 2007 Report Share Posted June 19, 2007 You've got more miles than all of us put together! As the Dead said: "... Truckin - like the doodah man once told me you got to play your hand sometime - the cards ain't worth a dime if you don't lay em down Sometimes the light's all shining on me Other times I can barely see Lately it occurs to me What a long strange trip it's been What in the world ever became of sweet Jane? She lost her sparkle, you know she isn't the same Living on reds, vitamin C and cocaine all a friend can say is "ain't it a shame" Truckin' -- up to Buffalo Been thinkin - you got to mellow slow Takes time - you pick a place to go and just keep Truckin on Sitting and staring out of a hotel window Got a tip they're gonna kick the door in again I'd like to get some sleep before I travel but if you got a warrant I guess you're gonna come in Busted - down on Bourbon Street Set up - like a bowling pin Knocked down - it gets to wearing thin They just won't let you be You're sick of hanging around and you'd like to travel Tired of travel, you want to settle down I guess they can't revoke your soul for trying Get out of the door - light out and look all around Sometimes the light's all shining on me Other times I can barely see Lately it occurs to me what a long strange trip it's been Truckin - I'm goin home Whoa-oh baby, back where I belong Back home - sit down and patch my bones and get back Truckin on" Truck on my friend! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joe G Posted June 19, 2007 Report Share Posted June 19, 2007 All it takes sometimes is someone to show some care. Like right here. You da man Ruf. We'll be in the passengers seat in spirit for ya! :beerchug: Rock and Roll Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joe G Posted July 3, 2007 Report Share Posted July 3, 2007 Still Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RUFDRAFT Posted July 3, 2007 Author Report Share Posted July 3, 2007 You've got more miles than all of us put together! As the Dead said: "... Truckin - like the doodah man once told me you got to play your hand sometime - the cards ain't worth a dime if you don't lay em down Sometimes the light's all shining on me Other times I can barely see Lately it occurs to me What a long strange trip it's been What in the world ever became of sweet Jane? She lost her sparkle, you know she isn't the same Living on reds, vitamin C and cocaine all a friend can say is "ain't it a shame" Truckin' -- up to Buffalo Been thinkin - you got to mellow slow Takes time - you pick a place to go and just keep Truckin on Sitting and staring out of a hotel window Got a tip they're gonna kick the door in again I'd like to get some sleep before I travel but if you got a warrant I guess you're gonna come in Busted - down on Bourbon Street Set up - like a bowling pin Knocked down - it gets to wearing thin They just won't let you be You're sick of hanging around and you'd like to travel Tired of travel, you want to settle down I guess they can't revoke your soul for trying Get out of the door - light out and look all around Sometimes the light's all shining on me Other times I can barely see Lately it occurs to me what a long strange trip it's been Truckin - I'm goin home Whoa-oh baby, back where I belong Back home - sit down and patch my bones and get back Truckin on" Truck on my friend! It's difficult to put in perspective 20 years of driving trucks. All kinds of screwy hours on the road. Waiting hours to load/unload. The constant worry about cops. Leaving somewhere loaded and knowing you have to drive all through the night - alone. Lousy truck stop food. Hookers and gay guys harassing you in rest areas. Trying to find the place you need to deliver in a city you've never been in before. (and no cell phones or Mapquest!) 10-12-14-16 hours straight - every day - driving as fast as you can - all the time. In a hurry to get to your destination - but that's just temporary. Your destination always changes. Will you ever find where you need to be? Truckin. Indeed! Thanks, Mark. I've got 20 years of Life in the Left Lane to remember. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Super Snake Posted July 3, 2007 Report Share Posted July 3, 2007 good on ya Ruf Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RUFDRAFT Posted July 4, 2007 Author Report Share Posted July 4, 2007 Thanks, SS. My eyes have seen 1,400,000 miles. One mile at a time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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