Good Morning,
In 1999, and after a comment made to Jeanie that I would like a “Harley”, we decided to get a motorcycle. Not just any motorcycle, but a Harley Davidson Ultra Classic Electra Glide (FLHTCUI). A bike that was made for taking trips, or as referred to in the industry as “Touring”.
Having never ridden a bike of any significance in “BC” (before cycle) my previous life, and now at 50 taking it on, I’m sure the decision was considered by many as the typical “middle age” crisis. Once we got through the initial indoctrination and actually learning how to shift this magnificent machine, we took off and in the first year put 12K miles on the bike. We rode everywhere we could find the time and with that came experiences not easily replicated or replaced. Being fortunate enough to be geographically located in one of the stellar areas of the country for flora and fauna, the rides were a plethora of sights, sounds, smells and scenery rarely matched.
Many trips up and down the Oregon Coast, Columbia River Gorge and even a couple down to beautiful Santa Barbara, California. The most ambitious was a cross-country trek from York, Pennsylvania to Portland, Oregon, which turned out to be an eight-day adventure and a time where just the two of us enjoyed each other and shared life’s experiences.
If there is one constant in life it is that things change. Our timing was perfect as it was a short 2 years later when Jeanie’s bones started to cause serious issues with her quality of life and prevented her from riding. We bought the bike for us to ride and without “us” on the bike the fun wasn’t the same. After 6 months sitting in the garage and the prospects of ever riding again together uncertain, we chose to sell the bike. It was akin to parting with a good friend, complete with all of the emotion.
This last month, we made the decision to once again get out there. So with a tacit understanding that it is “later than you think” and opportunities at this age rarely knock twice, we bought another bike. The next focus is on converting it into a “Trike”, which should take about a year to complete. Why a trike, well mainly for stability and far less risk with a fall. Done that and didn’t like it. The intention is for Jeanie and I to enjoy Arizona and any other part of the country our hearts take us, while we still can.
I am excited on so many levels, none the least of these is something Jeanie and I can do together.
New chapter, new experiences, fun times.
Love, Dad