It seemed like any other sunrise this morning, as the sun peaked over the horizon, as it has since time began. The sun sparkled through the dancing leaves as the gentle breeze fanned the branches to and fro. “The Quickening” sat expectantly, awaiting to come to life at the twist of the key. She did not know it yet, but it would be her last day in my garage.
I was Ok with it all as I wiped her down for the last time – I just had to make her shine for that last time. We had lived this routine for a period of ten years. As I mentioned, I was doing fine when I wiped her down. She is still beautiful. However, when I slipped on my boots, the toes sandblasted by more than 100,000 miles aboard both versions of “Quickening,” tears filled my eyes. I may never wear these boots again. The realization came home to roost – it would be her last Ride with me.
Now I would be the first to admit that the Valkyrie was not the first motorcycle I had ridden. There were countless others. However, the Valkyrie was hands-down the very best. It had grace and style, cornering ability, power and torque, and most of all exceptional beauty. When I left behind the other motorcycles, I did not experience the loss I feel today. I felt comfortable in the knowledge that the replacement was a better motorcycle. I am not sure that there ever was, is, or will ever be a better motorcycle than the Valkyrie. Thank you Joe Boyd for your vision. Shame on you Honda for deciding to be second to all when you decided to drop the Valkyrie from the line.
It was time to start a new chapter in my life. I realize that, but it does not make it any easier. I have met so many great friends, traveled back and forth across the country to attend ride-ins, bike shows, just to travel because I could, and a wedding or two. I thank everyone I have met, swapped tales, and who have given so much to my life. They have no idea that I continued ti live during much of this period because of their kindness. I was very fortunate. I lost my life and had it returned generously both literally and figuratively. I cannot thank the many friends that impacted my life in those times. I viewed some pictures from those times. What I thought was a smile appears as a grimace. Now I smile. Now I have a new outlook on life.
Some have chosen to attach the word “legend” to my exploits. I choose to look back on them as incredibly stupid. I have paid the price both physically and mentally for riding too far, too fast, too long. I do not regret these times, the friendships, the many miles. I just hope the stories will die out before some fool attempts to top them. But I digress . . .
When I walked outside, there she was. She had been there every mile. She had performed like no other every step of the way. She is the legend. She killed two dear and did not fall down. She traveled from Chicago to Bakersfield down the path of the legendary route 66, just because she could. She has also rarely had the same paint scheme for very long, but at her heart, she never changed.
Her first ride was at the age of one day. We traveled to the 2000 Honda Hoot in Ashville. I roomed with Roy Pilot, and Mountain Man put the first pin stripes on her paint. I met Lamonster, Dragbars, Hoosier Daddy, Mosa, and so many others. The VRCC was in its infancy then. I always rode alone until then. I became the Southern Illinois Rep., and we had weekly rides. The VRCC changed my life. I rode to Vicki Duffy’s where I met RJ, JW, TJ, Yogi, and so many I cannot list them all, as we enjoyed that famous BBQ and hospitality. It was all about the ride then. Still, is somewhat. Politics and religion were not mentioned because we were riders and didn’t have time to waste on useless arguments and viewpoints. We just looked forward to the next ride. Some moved on to other bikes and other boards, while others just moved on.
Today, “The Quickening” jumped to life like she has thousands of times before. Her power and grace were evident as we negotiated the few twisties on the two lane pavement on the way to her new temporary home. I patted the seat after I dismounted out of respect. I could not look back.
I sit here now recording these thoughts realizing that my life has changed for the better, but as I said above, it does not make it any easier.
