Clear it with your dad, and the rest be damned!

About 10 years ago, a close friend and avid performance boater was close to death from Lou Gehrig's Disease, and on a beautiful summer day a few of us got together and carried him onto a go-fast center console for a day on the water (yes, we had to strap him into his seat). Not exactly "bucket", but a last chance to do something he'd loved all his life.

So if your dad says "YES", go DO IT!

 

Just do it...slow down..anticipate...communicate...and video the smiles! God Bless You!

 

If your dad wants to do this, then follow the above suggestions and go for it. Pick your route for the smoothest roads you can find and that are not crowded with other traffic so you can go as slow as you need to. And good on you for wanting to do this for him!

 

Tears are running as I reply because it brings back the memory of "Maw" going on her first and only ride on a Harley Davidson or any motorcycle at 92 on her birthday. She to had the same horrible disease in her back. I have a not great quality photo of the smile nothing could remove from her face, but the pictures in my mind are memories I will keep forever.
If he wants to go by all means do it! You have assembled a bunch of others who will be proud to show support and thanks, rightfully so. I can assure you that the memory of the event will live as long as all who participate live. Everyone will "remember the time I saw" in his honor and perhaps most important thing is you will cherish it the most. Everyone here has offered some great ideas to assist in the event. Good luck and ride on.

 

One other thing - it dawns on me that this could create a lot of pressure on you.

People with these conditions have "good days" and "bad days" as I'm sure you know. Whatever you decide - maybe rule number one is for any participants - this is only on if it's a good day for him. Otherwise, no go. Nobody should be offended by that but getting the notion out there will set a proper tone for those who don't know better.

Regardless of who rides with, it's your' Dad's moment, not theirs.

 

For your Dad's sake DO IT ! As many here have offered recommendations don't be afraid ! There are many things our Veterans need, more so our Fathers. It will be something you will treasure for life.
The PGR love these things ! They will have the patients to honor you & your father so take your time & enjoy your time.
Later the PGR will want to escort your Father to his final resting place. Please allow the PGR to honor both you & your father.
The PGR escort will also afford you as much privacy as you want from the media. If it is your wish let them know. That is their job.
NOW GO ENJOY YOUR FATHER !

 

This is great! Thanks for all the tips, especially about the tire pressure and shocks.

I cleared it with his oncologist today. He saw a pic of a tri glide and feels dad will do fine, and its best to do it now while the cancer has not made his bones totally brittle yet.

And YES dad wants to go! He keeps asking how many more weeks

I chose Forged Alliance to assist because their chapter is close to us. They have completely taken over everything. They are planning the route, will pre-ride it, arrange for a police escort, then will have a small crowd waiting at the destination (Kimball's Ice Cream in Westford, MA). They are working on getting the local media there too.

My very good friend who is a occupational therapist will be there to direct those helping dad onto the bike to do it properly. She is also my dad's assistant (I hired her to take him to his many doctor appointments so I could keep my day job).

This is going to be so awesome for dad who has felt so lonely since mom passed. He and I will both have a great memory of this, I can't wait until July 2!

 

Glad you are going for it, you have everything in place. Enjoy the ride, the memories will last forever.

 

If you feel it's appropriate, please post a photo or two. With all that goes on in the world today; I for one think acts of love and kindness take a back seat too often.

 

If it's on his bucket list and the roads are good, I say do it. My Dad passed after a long bout with cancer and his last ride was on his Tri-Glide, never seen him happier!