It is through tears that I write this post.

HDForum Member, Linda Allard aka "SoftailGirl" lost her 11 year battle with breast cancer today.

I was fortunate to have met her this summer in Milwaukee. Linda's smile was infectious as was her spirit and enthusiasm.

Riding her Heritage was her joy and from speaking with her, I have no doubt being a biker added years to her life. She purchased her Heritage to feel "alive" after the cancer spread to her bones and she found it was just the right therapy.

She often rode to her chemo and radiation appointments (against her Doctor's advice) and would book fly and rides during the winter months whenever she was in-between treatments. Despite her illness and treatments and living in Canada where she had to store her bike more many LONG winter months...she managed to log 56000 kms (35000 miles) in 2 seasons.

She was active in her HOG Club and received the #2 and #1 mileage awards the past 2 seasons.

In Linda's words... "When I leave the city behind, and get on the back roads, I forget about tomorrow and live for the moment. I get lost in the sunsets on the Ottawa River or in the fall leaves of the Gatineau Park. Riding reminds me that the world is still a beautiful place. Even with cancer."

I don't think I could have said it any better. We often talk about "real" bikers here on the forum. As far as I am concerned...Linda "Softail Girl" was the real deal...a true biker through and through....

Ride free, my friend!

MaryO

 

Very sad.
Makes you appreciate what you have and not sweat the small stuff.
RIP Linda.

 

Sorry for the loss and from what I just read, I believe it when you called her a "real" biker.

 

Thanks for posting that here too, Mary. I learned much about Linda I didn't know from your post. What a strong and courageous woman she was. Rest in peace Linda, ride with the wind!

 

Rest in peace Linda. One day we will all ride together in the sky.

 

That's so sad, thanks for sharing the info.

 

Damn, that was a tough read. Thanks for posting it. May she rest in the wind.

 

Thanks for posting Mary. Rest in Peace Linda - you will be missed.

 

Awwww ****! That's all I can manage right now.
RIP Linda.

 

RIP Linda