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Cruiser
Posts: 97
Brighton, Colorado | I'm 60. He's 86. Retired doctor. Taught me how to ride a motorcycle when I was 8 years old. (A sears and roebuck mo-ped). Paid $186 for it. 2 speed. Top speed about 35 MPH. Anyway, he hasn't been on a motorcycle for at least 30 years. It took a while for me to get him on the bike. I tried to get him to use the passenger foot rests when it came time to hop on. He did, but somehow, wound up sitting in MY seat. Took a while to get him into the "throttle boss" position. Got him all suited up with helmet and gloves and goggles. We headed out without too much fanfare. During the ride, I asked him if he was nervous. He said "hell yes." I could tell how nervous he was by the pressure from his knees on my side. The faster I rode, the tighter his grip. He told me that this was the first time he had ever ridden as a "passenger." I know I HATE riding as a passenger. Add 26 more years to that and I can understand why he was "nervous." Anyway, got home safely. Took him a bunch of time to wipe the smile off his face. I'm glad I did it. I'm glad he had the moxey to give it a shot. I don't have much more time with him and it turned out to be quite memorable. When we got done, he told me his butt was "sweaty." Told him it was the heated seat. He laughed. GREAT DAY! |
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Visionary
Posts: 1484
LaPorte,Tx. | Squeak, thank you for sharing todays ride with us. It was great to read. Enjoy the rest of your GREAT DAY!  |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 1158
Richmond, Virginia | OUTSTANDING. Both of my parents died a few years ago, so I know how you feel about the realistic short time to come, and wanting to share as much as you can in that same short time.. The coolest part about your story isnt what he said or how he looked once you two got home, but its knowing how many times he will re live that over and over for as long as he can. We overlook the elderly and their desire to still explore, learn, experience, share things even at their age. Heck, I will bet you he will even be telling people about his sweaty butt for weeks because your ride has so many things for him to re live. KUDOS to you for the guts to do it, and for him
for having the sweaty pair to still go. thanks for sharing what we all here know was a special experience for you. |
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Visionary
Posts: 3204
Memphis | I"ll make plans now to ride on the back of my grandkid's 6th generation Vision, 35 years from now (when I'm 86). Great story. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 175
Colorado | VERY KOOL...fantastic story!!! |
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Cruiser
Posts: 55
Las Vegas, NV | Great story. Thanks for sharing. My dad passed away a number of years ago. Last time she was here, my mom asked for a ride on the Vision. I declined because I was afraid she'd panic. Now I'll think twice...
Again, great job. It's a memory you will never forget. |
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Tourer
Posts: 537
, FL United States | That's awsome |
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Visionary
Posts: 8144
New Bohemia, VA | When I got my GL1200 I took my Dad, then 76, for a spin. I was new back to riding and it was testy for me, but none the less I'm glad I did it. Now that I've got a few miles under the belt and the Vision, he may be up for it. I've been wanting to take him to the Korean War Memorial which is about 2 hours away, so may, as back up my sis could drive down and I could ride my Dad and if he felt like bailing then there is always sis. Thanks for sharing, really keeps life in perspective. |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 732
Western WA | That is really cool.
That's one thing the Vision does well - build great memories. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 166
Bullhead City, AZ | When I was 12 my parents decided to get rid of the horses and by a dirt bike to chase cows with. My grandfather had many freinds that died riding bikes when he was in the Navy and was very much against it. When he told my Greatgrandfather Max (92) about this idea his comment to us was "can I get a ride!" Never underestimate the joy of riding even in the elderly. |
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Visionary
Posts: 2118
Pitt Meadows, BC Canada | Shortly before my bride of 44 years passed away of a 15 year-long debilitating disease, some friends and neighbours helped her aboard my Honda Police Special. We had to velcro her legs down so they would stay on the floorboards, and put a sash around us both so she couldn't lean without me - then went for a Christmas ride around the area to see the lights. It was her first ride in too many years, and her last. But was well worth the effort as she talked about that ride until the day she passed.
People out there - MAKE THE EFFORT !!!! And SQUEAK - thank you for sharing..... |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 1158
Richmond, Virginia | thanks guys reading this particular post at the end of my crappy work day kinda re focuses me on things, hopefully it does the same for all of you. Being the only person left in my family is a strange feeling. Esp at the holidays. Guess thats why I enjoy reading
all of your stories and kinda living it through you guys. so thanks |
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Visionary
Posts: 8144
New Bohemia, VA | .... speechless.... |
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Fountain Inn, SC United States | Great story Squeak. We're all a bunch of softies at heart, especially when it comes to our parents. My folks live in Idaho, I'm in Massachusetts. Can someone out there give my dad (78) a ride on a Vision? I know he wanted a bike back when I was younger but scrimped & saved for the family instead. If I were out there, I'd be riding him around like he's the mayor! |
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Cruiser
Posts: 266
Hartland, , WI | Thanks gentlemen for all the stories under this post....you all give me a moist eye...for Real!
Edited by Vinner1 2009-01-26 11:03 PM
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Took my dad for a ride