[Teflon Mike]

today was my dads last ride on his last bike he'll ever own. He's trading in his Indian for a down payment on a pontoon. He's 70 and the legs aren't what they used to be. I was beyond bummed watching him ride away for the last time to turn it in.

He's the one who got me into motorcycles and more importantly, Victorys. He was riding a cct for a while. Sweet bike. At that time, he was already older, so I figured I better get off my ass and get my endorsement and a bike. I was reluctant at first. I didn't have a major interest in it at first, but I thought I'd never forgive myself if something happened to him and I never got a chance to ride with him.

So I went and got my permit and a Kawasaki Vulcan 900. It took me a long time to take to it. I sucked at first (still do) and it took me way longer than it should have to learn. But I got the hang of it and began to love it. We went on a few rides and I had a blast, but wouldn't ya know it, that Vulcan just couldn't hang the way I wanted to. So off I went to the Indian/victory dealership.

I test rode a gunner and man was that thing mean. To this day, I don't believe that it was stock. I fell in love with the victory line and went with a Vegas because it seemed to fit better and I liked the looks of the big front wheel. I'm glad he introduced me to victory. I wouldn't have known a thing about them otherwise. But he ended up jumping ship after I got my Vegas and traded for the roadmaster. Pshhh, whatever. We gave some good ribbing back and forth about bike brands.

He was happy on his roadmaster. He would always lead wherever we went. He knows the good routes better than I ever will. I was happy to be along just for the rides. But like all good things... They must come to an end sooner or later. And today is that ending. My main riding buddy hung up he keys for good. The main reason I got into this thing in the first place. I knew this day would come sooner or later, but it's hitting me pretty hard right now. I'm all alone.

I just got a magnum added to my fleet, and I said hey, you'll always have my bikes to kick around. And he may or may not, but as most know, it ain't the same. Your bike is your bike. It's fun riding someone else's, but it just ain't the same, so I hope he takes me up on my offer, but I don't foresee many rides, unfortunately. Oh well, it's been a good run, and I'm thankful for the rides we got to share.

Looking at the bright side, things could always be worse, I mean he is trading it for a pontoon, which he seems to be pretty excited about. So I'll try to keep focus on that aspect. Just to wrap it up... Enjoy your bikes, your riding partners, and live it up while we all can. And ride safe my fellow voggers!

 

[Ghostrider25]

Like someone once said in a movie, "Time is a predator that stalks us all". It's hard right now for you, but you are right in looking at the positive side of this. You did have a pretty good run with your Dad and made memories that no one will eve be able to take from you. We are not all that fortunate. So remember those times and savor the flavor. And since you have a bike or two in the stable, there may well be a ride or two left in the tank! I am willing to bet that there is. Your riding career will take on a whole new chapter; meanwhile, you will be able to hang with Pops on the Pontoon! That sounds pretty good to me...

 

[Teflon Mike]

Like someone once said in a movie, "Time is a predator that stalks us all". It's hard right now for you, but you are right in looking at the positive side of this. You did have a pretty good run with your Dad and made memories that no one will eve be able to take from you. We are not all that fortunate. So remember those times and savor the flavor. And since you have a bike or two in the stable, there may well be a ride or two left in the tank! I am willing to bet that there is. Your riding career will take on a whole new chapter; meanwhile, you will be able to hang with Pops on the Pontoon! That sounds pretty good to me...

Spot on ghost. Just wasn't ready for this chapter to be over. I thought I'd have more time... I was even planning a surprise road trip up north. But I think he had already checked out and looking forward to his new pontoon. Happy for him that he has that to look forward to, and again.. Things could always be worse. Thanks for the uplifting words.

 

[BlackCCT]

I went through a simialr experience. I went for years without a bike, college, new bride, house, kids, job, grad school, etc. seemed to just get in the way, always some reason why not now. Then my best friend and more of a father figure than my real dad, together we started conspiring, he too had gotten away from bikes over the years, same reasons. We pushed each other till I finally cracked and bought another bike, same day I bought mine I jabbed at him and said what are you waiting on, peer pressure got to him and he to caved. We road for years together started taking cross country trips, and even though he was in Georgia 8 hours away we found ways to meet up and ride together every year.

Eventually his health too caused him to give it up, diabetes set in and his legs would no longer support his desires. Last year he died suddenly from pneumonia. Left a big hole in my heart, last few years before he died we started going hunting trips together, but the last bear hunt we went on I new it would be his last as he had a hard time walking to his tree stand, legs were slowly getting worse. I think he new as well as that last trip we spent a great length time reminiscing about all the adventures we took together and the great bike trips and experiences we had, instead of what we were going to do next, that was the end of August, he died in January.

I have been longing for more cross country bike trips but have no one to share them with me. My son now rides but he is busy with high school friends and about to leave for college, no time to spend with dad. So I have been looking for that riding partner who shares the same riding style and desire to take long rides and so far have not found them.

Art was not my dad but I was closer to him that my real father, all I can say is you still have your dad even if its sharing different experiences.

 

[jwfuchs1]

Well TM it's better he hang up the keys willingly instead of being forced to hang up the keys. Like yourself I ride with my dad and really enjoy it. When I went to go buy my first bike I looked at Yamahas since that is what my dad had at the time. He even let me use it for the few months that I lived at his house after college. I thought the Yamaha was gonna be my future until I came across a Victory. The jackpot was my first love but didn't have the funds or a place to put it so I never got it. Then I finally saw a CC (2013 sunset red) and I couldn't live without it. Once I was financially well enough to buy it and had a garage to put it in I was off to get the bike.

While I was determining where to buy the bike from my dad thought that it would be cool to have matching brands of bikes (brother thought it was stupid). Once I had my brand new CC in his garage it wasn't long before he sold his chopper and traded in his Yamaha Stratoliner and brought home a 2013 nuclear sunset orange CC for himself. That first year of us both having the CCs we made a trip up to Michigan to see my Granddad. I had to plan the hole trip and lead the whole way (I hate leading but he refuses). We had such a great time doing that we decided that we need to start making long trips yearly. The next year (last year) was when I planned a trip out to Cali and that's where we both had Corbin seats customized for our bikes. This year we are riding the southern coast line and cutting up to North Carolina from there (actually heading out Saturday morning). I hope this continues every year.

I can't imagine this ever ending so I understand where you are coming from TM. I hope your dad still throws a leg over one your bikes every now and then.

 

[Teflon Mike]

I went through a simialr experience. I went for years without a bike, college, new bride, house, kids, job, grad school, etc. seemed to just get in the way, always some reason why not now. Then my best friend and more of a father figure than my real dad, together we started conspiring, he too had gotten away from bikes over the years, same reasons. We pushed each other till I finally cracked and bought another bike, same day I bought mine I jabbed at him and said what are you waiting on, peer pressure got to him and he to caved. We road for years together started taking cross country trips, and even though he was in Georgia 8 hours away we found ways to meet up and ride together every year.

Eventually his health too caused him to give it up, diabetes set in and his legs would no longer support his desires. Last year he died suddenly from pneumonia. Left a big hole in my heart, last few years before he died we started going hunting trips together, but the last bear hunt we went on I new it would be his last as he had a hard time walking to his tree stand, legs were slowly getting worse. I think he new as well as that last trip we spent a great length time reminiscing about all the adventures we took together and the great bike trips and experiences we had, that was the end of August, he died in January.

I have been longing for more cross country bike trips but have none one to share them with me. My son now rides but he is busy with high school friends and about to leave for college, no time to spend with dad. So I have been looking for that riding partner who shares the same riding style and desire to take long rides and so far have not found them.

Art was not my dad but I was closer to him that my real father, all I can say is you still have your dad even if its sharing different experiences.

Man. Condolences. Life is precious isn't it. We're all guilty of taking it for granted at some point. My 'dad' isn't my real dad either. Step dad. But he's more of a dad than my dad ever was. Thanks for the kind words and understanding. Maybe someday we can share a ride. I'm not too far from you, but I don't fare well with the super long trips. Im good for about 5 hrs, then stick a fork in me. Maybe with the magnum I can go longer.

 

[Teflon Mike]

Well TM it's better he hang up the keys willingly instead of being forced to hang up the keys. Like yourself I ride with my dad and really enjoy it. When I went to go buy my first bike I looked at Yamahas since that is what my dad had at the time. He even let me use it for the few months that I lived at his house after college. I thought the Yamaha was gonna be my future until I came across a Victory. The jackpot was my first love but didn't have the funds or a place to put it so I never got it. Then I finally saw a CC (2013 sunset red) and I couldn't live without it. Once I was financially well enough to buy it and had a garage to put it in I was off to get the bike.

While I was determining where to buy the bike from my dad thought that it would be cool to have matching brands of bikes (brother thought it was stupid). Once I had my brand new CC in his garage it wasn't long before he sold his chopper and traded in his Yamaha Stratoliner and brought home a 2013 nuclear sunset orange CC for himself. That first year of us both having the CCs we made a trip up to Michigan to see my Granddad. I had to plan the hole trip and lead the whole way (I hate leading but he refuses). We had such a great time doing that we decided that we need to start making long trips yearly. The next year (last year) was when I planned a trip out to Cali and that's where we both had Corbin seats customized for our bikes. This year we are riding the southern coast line and cutting up to North Carolina from there (actually heading out Saturday morning). I hope this continues every year.

I can't imagine this ever ending so I understand where you are coming from TM. I hope your dad still throws a leg over one your bikes every now and then.

Make the most of it my man. Believe me, make the most of it. Enjoy the trips and ride safe.

 

[iabob]

Thanks for sharing. I've got zero family members that ride, no parents, children, brothers or sisters. Wish I had one to share this with even if just for a short time.

 

[poptop]

As I age and watch my son's grow I see a pattern .Derek my oldest will be ,becoming a father in a couple weeks,as they prepared the house for the new Comer he ask me to go over his bike for him and sell it! Deja vu as I once did the same when my first child was born to! Well I slivered it up and got everything right on it ,sure enough sitting there in front of my little shop a fellow came by,man that was a very very hard thing to do,part with my son's bike,it took a chunk of my heart as I helped load it and watched as it pulled away!
The youngest boy has his bike still and I do have an extra Vegas in the shop for either to ride, but ya watching a motercycle leave knowing lives are changing can bring a tear to the eyes of even a mean old bugger!
Memories,we still have those!
Hold tight my friend to the rides with dad, he to will be recalling them quietly as he peers at you pulling away and heading home! His heart I'm sure will also be torn,hoping agianst hope he did the right thing!
Keep the memories alive as some of us no longer have our old dad's to ride with nor boat with, they have left on anouther adventure!

 

[IM12STPN]

Mike, my step Dad (real Dad left when I was 1 1/2) was a sailor. Last boat he had was a 36' Pearson. He was probably the only one that could get me to cancel a ride if he called me to go sailing. He sailed till he was 83 years old, would take out on Lake St Clair by himself! I'd call on ship to shore and ***** him out for not calling me, he'd say "you have to work"...I'd tell him I OWN the F'ing company and can leave when I want :lol:. Anyways, what I forgot to pass on to him before he passed away was # 1 I LOVE YOU and #2 THANK_YOU...PLEASE do with your Step Dad before he's gone. God Bless, Dean
:huepfenicon111:

 

[jsjohnson1969]

I just hope I can have some good times riding in the next 4 years when my son gets old enough. The plan is to give him my Vegas and I will go get me a CCT (don't tell him lol).

I can see why you are bummed out, but at least you will have a fishing buddy.

 

[Trout]

Hey Mike,
My story is a reverse of yours. I've ridden pretty much my whole life & my oldest son (who is now 40) rode on the front and then when he got enuf leg on him on the back. We never rode together on our own bikes. Now his son his 18 & a couple of years ago was helping us in the business & I was picking him up on the Vic & sometimes in the afternoon we would take the long way home. He fell in love with riding & his Dad talked about getting his MC endorsement.

I found a 2001 Guzzi Jackal at a decent price, bought it & rode it to his house & left it there with a pair of helmets & the keys & a full tank of gas. For the next 6 months he went on about getting their endorsements & how much fun it would be to ride together. In the meantime I found the '89 Guzzi Mille GT & bought it so that we would all have a bike.

Almost two years have gone by they never got their endorsement & now show very little interest, I recently picked the bike up & brought it home.

I understand your sadness totally but from a different perspective.

Enjoy the memories, buy a fishing pole and learn to ride the waves on a pontoon.

 

[Lorenzen]

My Dad is one of the main reasons i got into bikes & i've done more miles with him than anyone, so i can understand why this would bum you out.

 

[Squatch]

today was my dads last ride on his last bike he'll ever own. He's trading in his Indian for a down payment on a pontoon. He's 70 and the legs aren't what they used to be. I was beyond bummed watching him ride away for the last time to turn it in.

He's the one who got me into motorcycles and more importantly, Victorys. He was riding a cct for a while. Sweet bike. At that time, he was already older, so I figured I better get off my ass and get my endorsement and a bike. I was reluctant at first. I didn't have a major interest in it at first, but I thought I'd never forgive myself if something happened to him and I never got a chance to ride with him.

So I went and got my permit and a Kawasaki Vulcan 900. It took me a long time to take to it. I sucked at first (still do) and it took me way longer than it should have to learn. But I got the hang of it and began to love it. We went on a few rides and I had a blast, but wouldn't ya know it, that Vulcan just couldn't hang the way I wanted to. So off I went to the Indian/victory dealership.

I test rode a gunner and man was that thing mean. To this day, I don't believe that it was stock. I fell in love with the victory line and went with a Vegas because it seemed to fit better and I liked the looks of the big front wheel. I'm glad he introduced me to victory. I wouldn't have known a thing about them otherwise. But he ended up jumping ship after I got my Vegas and traded for the roadmaster. Pshhh, whatever. We gave some good ribbing back and forth about bike brands.

He was happy on his roadmaster. He would always lead wherever we went. He knows the good routes better than I ever will. I was happy to be along just for the rides. But like all good things... They must come to an end sooner or later. And today is that ending. My main riding buddy hung up he keys for good. The main reason I got into this thing in the first place. I knew this day would come sooner or later, but it's hitting me pretty hard right now. I'm all alone.

I just got a magnum added to my fleet, and I said hey, you'll always have my bikes to kick around. And he may or may not, but as most know, it ain't the same. Your bike is your bike. It's fun riding someone else's, but it just ain't the same, so I hope he takes me up on my offer, but I don't foresee many rides, unfortunately. Oh well, it's been a good run, and I'm thankful for the rides we got to share.

Looking at the bright side, things could always be worse, I mean he is trading it for a pontoon, which he seems to be pretty excited about. So I'll try to keep focus on that aspect. Just to wrap it up... Enjoy your bikes, your riding partners, and live it up while we all can. And ride safe my fellow voggers!

Mike, Know how you feel. You can always turn one into a trike and he can enjoy the experience with you from time to time.

Just had a great weekend with the man my son has become. Word do not express.

The torch has passed and now it is your turn to inspire the passion of riding in the next generation be that one of yours or someone else. Carry the torch until you find that special one to pass it to.

Cheers My Friend.

 

[Teflon Mike]

Hey Mike,
My story is a reverse of yours. I've ridden pretty much my whole life & my oldest son (who is now 40) rode on the front and then when he got enuf leg on him on the back. We never rode together on our own bikes. Now his son his 18 & a couple of years ago was helping us in the business & I was picking him up on the Vic & sometimes in the afternoon we would take the long way home. He fell in love with riding & his Dad talked about getting his MC endorsement.

I found a 2001 Guzzi Jackal at a decent price, bought it & rode it to his house & left it there with a pair of helmets & the keys & a full tank of gas. For the next 6 months he went on about getting their endorsements & how much fun it would be to ride together. In the meantime I found the '89 Guzzi Mille GT & bought it so that we would all have a bike.

Almost two years have gone by they never got their endorsement & now show very little interest, I recently picked the bike up & brought it home.

I understand your sadness totally but from a different perspective.

Enjoy the memories, buy a fishing pole and learn to ride the waves on a pontoon.

Bummer. At least you tried. I hope that your relationship is great otherwise. There's more to life than riding and maybe that wasn't meant to be. Your bonding experience that is. as long as you make an effort to be part of his life, and hopefully vice versa, I feel like that is what's most important.

 

[nakota7]

Mike, I know the day is coming sooner than I want that my dad is going to need to give up riding so I'm trying to enjoy the rides I get with him now. He got me into riding back when I was 8 years old and I was his navigator on a poker run. Been riding together pretty much ever since and I'm 57 now. I try to get down to see him and ride with him at least once a month (he lives @ 200 miles south of me). This July we're going to ride from Virginia up to Vermont and ride around the state (maybe NH and ME too) He grew up in the Bennington VT area and we lived there until I was 15. I think this is pretty much his last hurrah and a trip down memory lane for him. I'm looking forward to hanging out with him for a week!

 

[Teflon Mike]

Mike, Know how you feel. You can always turn one into a trike and he can enjoy the experience with you from time to time.

Just had a great weekend with the man my son has become. Word do not express.

The torch has passed and now it is your turn to inspire the passion of riding in the next generation be that one of yours or someone else. Carry the torch until you find that special one to pass it to.

Cheers My Friend.

My thoughts exactly. Thank you. Just don't know if I'm man enough or ever will be to carry that responsibility the way he has. At 30, I'm still a boy, and I hope I can develop into someone who he can admire, and know he's done an awesome job raising me. He's earned it and I hope to make him proud someday by being half the stand up individual that he is and in turn showing my kids the right path.

 

[Squatch]

My Son is 27, and has the whole world by the short hairs. Much to learn yet as well all do but confident in his capabilities and abilities yet amazingly humble. He follows his dad on the trip this past weekend learning then switching leads he takes the horns and rides with all the passion his old man has.
To someone you are grown up and a figure to admire. Your dad showed you the way and now it is your turn to pick up that badge and carry it with honor. We all influence the people around us in some way , form or fashion you did not loose a riding partner but rather switched leads. Explore and learn, remember the past and apply it to the future. Make your Dad proud that he showed you the right way and you now can put into practice his teachings.

One day we all come to a cross roads, just one of many in life. I choose to go the path less traveled and write my own story. My son shares that and at the same time chooses his own path and writs his story as well. Respect to each of us and the satisfaction of a father to see what his son has learned and developed.

New chapters my friend embrace it make it your own and make him proud.

Cheers

 

[jwfuchs1]

My thoughts exactly. Thank you. Just don't know if I'm man enough or ever will be to carry that responsibility the way he has. At 30, I'm still a boy, and I hope I can develop into someone who he can admire, and know he's done an awesome job raising me. He's earned it and I hope to make him proud someday by being half the stand up individual that he is and in turn showing my kids the right path.

Wow TM I wasn't aware that you just have a few years on me I'll be 27 in a week.

 

[Teflon Mike]

Wow TM I wasn't aware that you just have a few years on me I'll be 27 in a week.

Likewise. I figured you were one of the younger ones here, but thought you may have some years on me. Especially Rocking the big tourer. That's usually something us youngins aren't ready for or need to grow into. Kudos on your choice. Oh, and happy birthday. Hope you have a good one.