General Harley Davidson Chat Forum to discuss general Harley Davidson issues, topics, and experiences.
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

Jimbo's last ride

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
  #1  
Old 04-15-2010, 08:06 AM
Traceman's Avatar
Traceman
Traceman is offline
Road Captain
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Huntsville, AL
Posts: 591
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
Default Jimbo's last ride

Well we buried one of my best friends yesterday. He died in a wreck Saturday afternoon while we were out on a ride. His sister in law wrote this letter and I thought I would share it with all of you. I found it touching.

Jimbo's Last Ride
Today I was fortunate enough to witness a celebration of life and a show of respect at the funeral of Jimbo Travens. Jimbo had developed a great love of riding motorcycles, and during his last ride, it was evident that the love was reciprocated. Jimbo was driven in a glass hearse, pulled by a Harley Davidson. The funeral procession must have been a mile long. I know that from my vantage point toward the front of the procession, I was never able to see the back. There were Harley Davidson’s as far as the eye could see.

People stopped what they were doing, not only in their passing cars, but also in their lawns, in front of businesses, to witness this incredible site. But those people only got to see the long line of motorcycles, I got to see more.

I was able to see the outpouring of love and support for the Travens family. Though I’ve never been a biker, I’ve always heard that they are a close-knit group. That is an understatement. The love for Jimbo was palpable. These wonderful people with colorful nicknames sewn onto their clothing had so much love to give to Jimbo’s family. The Harley’s revved their engines in unison, and their sentiments were apparent.

The Travens family has an incredible support system of bikers, and even though I’m still certain that motorcycle riding is not for me, I have a deep respect for this group of people that should be called an extended family, rather than a circle of friends.

For Jimbo, I don’t worry. I know that he is in a better place, and will be waiting to be with his Afton again. I am so very grateful that Afton, Jimmy and Cassie have this huge group of people to lift them up, to cry with them, and to look after them. Life is precious folks, let your loved ones know how you feel, and enjoy each day with them. Tomorrow is not a promise.

Tracey Thompson Pruett
 
Attached Thumbnails Jimbo's last ride-26245_114789335205596_100000235901100_205603_4900105_n.jpg  

Last edited by Traceman; 04-15-2010 at 08:09 AM.
  #2  
Old 04-15-2010, 08:16 AM
hatchetman's Avatar
hatchetman
hatchetman is offline
Road Warrior
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Vancouver Island British Colombia Canada
Posts: 1,595
Likes: 0
Received 8 Likes on 8 Posts
Default

My condolences to the family of the fallen rider! What a stylin' last ride for a man! What was the cause of the accident of your friend?
 
  #3  
Old 04-15-2010, 08:17 AM
will2002's Avatar
will2002
will2002 is offline
Extreme HDF Member
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Texas
Posts: 10,787
Received 2,100 Likes on 1,023 Posts
Default

Sorry for your loss...........................Very nice letter!
 
  #4  
Old 04-15-2010, 08:23 AM
sp9997's Avatar
sp9997
sp9997 is offline
Tourer
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Carol Stream, IL
Posts: 321
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default

Very touching indeed .. sorry for your loss.. may his soul rest in eternal peace
 
  #5  
Old 04-15-2010, 08:38 AM
Soft06's Avatar
Soft06
Soft06 is offline
Outstanding HDF Member
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Southern California
Posts: 2,179
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Rest in Peace Jimbo.
 
  #6  
Old 04-15-2010, 08:39 AM
Bennington HOG's Avatar
Bennington HOG
Bennington HOG is offline
Cruiser
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Bennington, NE
Posts: 137
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

I witnessed the same thing one year ago today. I had never thought about riding until the funeral of my step sons father. It changed my life. Two weeks after the funeral I stopped by a Harley dealership out of the blue and bought my first motorcycle. I had never even sat on one.

I now ride and think of my friend every time I'm out.


I'm sorry for your loss.
 
  #7  
Old 04-15-2010, 08:48 AM
XL50#674's Avatar
XL50#674
XL50#674 is offline
Elite HDF Member
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Streetsboro, Oh
Posts: 4,904
Likes: 0
Received 7 Likes on 7 Posts
Default

What a nice last ride, but suck it had to be the last. That was a very nice letter and it is impressive how bikers stick together. Sorry for the loss of your friend-I know how it feels.
 
  #8  
Old 04-15-2010, 08:56 AM
BigAlsRK's Avatar
BigAlsRK
BigAlsRK is offline
Road Master
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Columbus Mississippi
Posts: 847
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Prayers and condolences go out to all who knew Jimbo.
 
  #9  
Old 04-15-2010, 08:57 AM
Traceman's Avatar
Traceman
Traceman is offline
Road Captain
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Huntsville, AL
Posts: 591
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by hatchetman
My condolences to the family of the fallen rider! What a stylin' last ride for a man! What was the cause of the accident of your friend?
He took an on ramp way too fast and hit a guard rail. He was trying to get back with the pack. Just another reason to always make sure everyone is together and ready before leaving out.

He was a great friend and loved by many. I think we probably had a couple hundred bikes in the procession. It was huge!

Just remember...Think safe, Ride Safe, and make it Home Safe. There are a lot of people who are going to be hurt deeply if you don't.
 
  #10  
Old 04-15-2010, 09:01 AM
KBFXDLI's Avatar
KBFXDLI
KBFXDLI is offline
Big Kahuna HDF Member
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: USA
Posts: 23,881
Likes: 0
Received 31 Likes on 28 Posts
Default

Prayers to the family and friends. RIP Jimbo.
 


Quick Reply: Jimbo's last ride



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 07:28 PM.