Last Ride
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Stage II
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 2
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From: Arlington Heights, Illinois
Last Ride
I have been riding motorcycles for the past 40 years. Julie, my wife loved to get on the back and go for a leisurely ride on the weekends. For 22 years she watched me bring home new bikes – went on ride, shared my happiness and encouraged me to get out and take some time for myself.
Seventeen years ago she was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. It was bad – got better – than got real bad. I was still able to get her on the bike and take her for short rides. Three years ago I took her on my Buell Ulysses – had to literally strap her to me so she would not fall off. We went for a short ride and she loved it!
But in the last two years, the disease started ravaging her body.
When I picked up my new Harley last year, I was trying to figure out how I could take her out for a quick ride. I could not safely put her on the back - even strapped to me. She had lost her core strength and could not even sit upright. I thought about a trike – but had the same problem. I would not take no for an answer! I had to find something.
A bike with a sidecar! I know URAL’s have them standard - but I could not find one. I remembered seeing a Sportster with a sidecar covered in leather at City Limits. I mentioned my dilemma at the HOG Chapter meeting. The Officer at Large – Keith St. Onge – made an announcement for me. He told people my story and asked if anyone had or knew someone that had a sidecar. Two guys gave me numbers for their friends who had sidecars – but did not know if they were running. Made a note to call them the next day.
The next morning I received a call from Jan (from Woodstock Custom Leather) - who heard about my dilemma. She was the owner of that custom Sportster I had seen at City Limits. She said Keith called her the night before and told her my story. Jan said she has a nice scenic ride planned and would take her any day she wanted. To add, Keith called that day as well and said he had 6 members who offered to ride with us! It totally blew me away!
I told my wife the plan – but could not convince her to go. I tried for a week – but no luck. She said she was afraid – but did not know why. Unfortunately, the MS has severely affected her cognitive ability.
I called Jan and Keith back and thanked him for all that they had done. I explained in more detail about my wife’s condition. Both understood and said if she changes her mind – just call.
I NEVER expected such a response – and I think that’s what made it so special. Total strangers willing to take their time to help someone. This is why I ride – the freedom of riding gives you a sense of self. How small we are in comparison to the rest of the world. But we can make a big difference in those around us by very simple acts of charity.
I hope that my wife has traded in the iron horse for a pair of wings.
Seventeen years ago she was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. It was bad – got better – than got real bad. I was still able to get her on the bike and take her for short rides. Three years ago I took her on my Buell Ulysses – had to literally strap her to me so she would not fall off. We went for a short ride and she loved it!
But in the last two years, the disease started ravaging her body.
When I picked up my new Harley last year, I was trying to figure out how I could take her out for a quick ride. I could not safely put her on the back - even strapped to me. She had lost her core strength and could not even sit upright. I thought about a trike – but had the same problem. I would not take no for an answer! I had to find something.
A bike with a sidecar! I know URAL’s have them standard - but I could not find one. I remembered seeing a Sportster with a sidecar covered in leather at City Limits. I mentioned my dilemma at the HOG Chapter meeting. The Officer at Large – Keith St. Onge – made an announcement for me. He told people my story and asked if anyone had or knew someone that had a sidecar. Two guys gave me numbers for their friends who had sidecars – but did not know if they were running. Made a note to call them the next day.
The next morning I received a call from Jan (from Woodstock Custom Leather) - who heard about my dilemma. She was the owner of that custom Sportster I had seen at City Limits. She said Keith called her the night before and told her my story. Jan said she has a nice scenic ride planned and would take her any day she wanted. To add, Keith called that day as well and said he had 6 members who offered to ride with us! It totally blew me away!
I told my wife the plan – but could not convince her to go. I tried for a week – but no luck. She said she was afraid – but did not know why. Unfortunately, the MS has severely affected her cognitive ability.
I called Jan and Keith back and thanked him for all that they had done. I explained in more detail about my wife’s condition. Both understood and said if she changes her mind – just call.
I NEVER expected such a response – and I think that’s what made it so special. Total strangers willing to take their time to help someone. This is why I ride – the freedom of riding gives you a sense of self. How small we are in comparison to the rest of the world. But we can make a big difference in those around us by very simple acts of charity.
I hope that my wife has traded in the iron horse for a pair of wings.
