About a month ago, my family was going on vacation to Taos,NM. I was riding lead, my mother-in-law was behind me, and my father-in-law riding behind her. Behind the 3 of us in our Suburban were my wife and 3 children. I pulled off into the Vietnam Vets Memorial outside of Angel Fire. I heard tires screeching and turned around in time to see that my Mo-in-law had locked up her brakes for whatever reason.

She was wrangling her Heritage and trying to hang on. Had the bike slowed down to maybe 15-20 mph when she couldn't hold it anymore and went flying off. KDC was an experienced rider with many, many solo miles under her belt. She WAS wearing a DOT approved Bell helmet. The helmet was not cracked. Chopper came from Santa Fe and flew her to Albuquerque. Nanny never woke up and went to Heaven on July 25th due to massive head trauma.

The horror of what I witnessed that day will haunt me the rest of my life. What's even worse is that her husband, daughter, and grandchildren witnessed it as well. We had all lost a great wife, mother, grandmother, mentor, and friend.

Fast forward to this past weekend when a buddy that I work with lost 2 members of his club when some goddamn deer ran in front of them. Lead man took a freakin antler right in the chest. A female passenger on another bike was killed as well.

Since the loss of my mother-in-law, I've ridden my bike as has my father-in-law. My wife has ridden on the back of my bike but still has not climbed back on her bike. My wife's sister and her husband have decided to sell theirs.
As you can tell, riding as a family is something we really enjoyed and brought us closer together.

I don't know what the hell to do. I have 3 children under tha ages of 17 at home that count on me and a wife that I love more than anything on the planet. I love to ride and I love to ride my Harley. To me there's no greater feeling of freedom in the world than hearing that big badass V-twin come to life and heading out on the highway. But recent events have made me seriously contemplate my own mortality and whether I should keep riding or not.

Sorry for the ramblings..............

P.S.- my dog passed away on the day of my Mother-in-laws funeral. Talk about a kick in the f'ing *****!

 

Sorry to hear that.
All can tell you is you have to do whats best for you and your family.

 

Very sad story. Sorry for all of the family.---- Only YOU will know what is best to do for you and the family.

 

Sorry for your and your families loss. You have no idea what caused her to or why she locked up the brakes? Not that it matters ofcourse. Even with a helmet, there is always danger in motorcycling. You have to make a personal decision about what is right for you. If you decide to hang it up, there is no shame in that.

 

Sad story , things will get Better ,

 

Very sorry to hear your story. My condolenses. As written previously there is no shame should you decide to hang up your helmet. You do what you feel is best for you and your family. Best wishes for whatever you decide.

 

Sorry about your losses. I'm a believer that when your name comes up, you're going no matter what it is that you're doing. I'm sure Elvis wouldn't have chosen the bathroom. I've told my wife that if I go when I'm on the bike, at least I was doing something I enjoyed. We don't get out of here alive, so live you're life the best you can, trust in God and you should keep the family riding together. Just think of all the memories you have. Not everyone has that.

 

i believe when its ur time it don matter what u up to its ur
time...even if ur in the safest place in the world when he wants
ya he takes ya. my opinion=might as well enjoy my ride there

 

I am very sorry for your loss, thoughts & prayers for you & your family. My thoughts on motorcycle riding is, it is a calculated risk. I scuba dive, used to fly, also calculated risks. Doing things with some risk involved makes me feel alive. Hell, driving a car or crossing a street involves some risk, but you can't live your life in a shell. That being said, if I were in your shoes, with a family I might have a different take. Take some time off from riding, talk with your family, re-evaluate, & make a decision that is best for you & yours. Good luck.

 

Sorry for your loss. If it's more of a worry then it is fun, maybe it's time to take a break.