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deadwood
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« on: November 27, 2015, 09:38:41 PM » |
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For about a year now I’ve been thinking of upgrading from my 2001 Interstate. 95K miles. Absolutely love the bike but at 63 I figure I have only 10-15 years more of riding in me if I am lucky. Not sure the Valk will make it there without a lot of tinkering, which I seem to like less and less. Just want to ride. Test rode and F6B. Nice. Then made a short round trip from Albuquerque to San Diego and decided I really need a trunk for the kind of riding I do. Never liked the Goldwing’s until I saw the 2015 40th Anniversary one with the two tone red and black paint and blacked out engine and exhaust. Wow. I could get used to that. Then I started having second thoughts. $25K is a lot to pay for a motorcycle. I’ve bought airplanes for less. Lots of family around that I could help with that money. Maybe I should wait.
Enter my old college friend Mike, an old time scooter trash and skydiving buddy. About 5 years ago he and his wife Janet came out to visit and I loaned them the Valk for about a week. They went all around here and the neighboring states and loved it. They live in Florida and he hasn’t been very communitive lately. Finally talked and found out his wife is dying of cancer (his second one to do this) and has about 2 months to live. Damn! After a long talk about what they are going through and how their life sucks right now my decision was made. What am I waiting for? Two days later I put a down payment on the Goldwing and the following weekend went out to Phoenix to pick it up. Drove it off the lot with one mile on it. 7 hours and 440 miles later I was in Albuquerque. What a sweet bike. Now the garage was getting crowded and I had to do something with the Valk. The decision was easy. I called up Mike and said. “If you come get it, it’s yours.” He graciously accepted to give the Valk a good retirement home in Florida. A few days later we talked and he said he told Janet how she had inspired me to get off my ass and buy the new bike and that I gave them the Valk. He said it was the first time she had smiled in weeks, which was the best thing he has seen in a long time.
Thank you Janet for getting me off my ass and making me realize how precious life is. Love you and will see you in the next adventure.
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Skydive New Mexico Motorcycle Club, Touring Division.
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icandoitfaster
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« Reply #1 on: November 27, 2015, 10:07:48 PM » |
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Lots to chew on in this great story....thanks for sharing it with us.
paul
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Dave Ritsema
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« Reply #3 on: November 28, 2015, 04:01:11 AM » |
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Powerful story and very thought provoking indeed, thanks for sharing!
My red/black 2015 anniversary is on its way to my dealer from a Honda warehouse as we speak.
Like you, never thought I would spend that much money on a motorcycle but I decided that there are too many folks in the obits every day much younger than me and I am living my life for now, because tomorrow may not be there.
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VRCC 2879
Lake City Honda Warsaw IN
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signart
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« Reply #4 on: November 28, 2015, 05:15:35 AM » |
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Thanks, maybe your story will be an inspiration to others. I know I can use a kick in the butt.
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Rams
Member
Posts: 16169
So many colors to choose from yet so few stand out
Covington, TN
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« Reply #5 on: November 28, 2015, 05:29:58 AM » |
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I have a close friend who's significant other is in the late stages of cancer. She is the only the second love of his life. My heart breaks for him and her but, it is, what it is.
He's not a motorcyclist but, he is a car enthusiast. Together we've built several cars for autocrossing. Our favorite is the Pontiac Fiero. Due to a very nasty divorce, he no longer has his second passion, the race prepped Fiero. So, just recently, I took mine down to him for a long term loan. He and she are now enjoying running around in my 3800 Supercharged 88 Pontiac Fiero. It will scoot, I assure you. It's not much but, it makes me feel good to know that they are both enjoying the time she has left and doing what they can in my little car. Good friends are hard to find in the little bit of time we have on this rock, taking care of those friendships should be a priority.
As I've told a few close friends, money isn't the only important thing in life, family, loved ones and friends can and do help complete the circle of life.
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VRCC# 29981
Learning the majority of life's lessons the hard way.
Every trip is an adventure, enjoy it while it lasts.
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Alpha Dog
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« Reply #6 on: November 28, 2015, 07:09:57 AM » |
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Every so often a great story that just clutches at your heart comes around. This is one of them.
Thanks Deadwood. A great jesture your part also Rams. One of the reasons of love this forum. Just a bunch of really good folks around here. Bless you all.
Chuck
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Hook#3287
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« Reply #7 on: November 28, 2015, 07:55:05 AM » |
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Great story.
Thanks for sharing it.
Enjoy your Wing.
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Flat6Valk
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« Reply #8 on: November 28, 2015, 10:31:09 AM » |
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very nice story.
Greg
Flat6Valk
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RIDE SAFE-RIDE OFTEN........GO BUCKEYES!!!
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