I use to ride...

[Highbinder]

I'm sure all of us have made a stop for gas and someone comes up and starts to tell you how they use to ride...but....there's always a but....some of the stories are quite memorable...here's one that stands out in my mind...

I had stopped for gas and a cup of coffee in Monterey, Va. about 8 PM, I was riding a V-twin at the time with Vance and Hines pipes...I was standing in line to pay for the coffee when I noticed a older lady staring at me, I thought nothing about it, figuring it was the motorcycle jacket that caught her attention....after I paid I went out to the bike and started to get my gear on, when I noticed the old lady sitting in the car next to me, again staring at me and the bike.....I continued to put my gear on when I realized she was waiting for something...I looked over at her and said.."you're waiting to hear it start up aren't you" she nodded her head and said "yes, my husband and I use to ride all the time, BUT, he died and that ended my riding" I told her I was sorry to hear that and started the engine, when the pipes sounded off, she had a smile that went from ear to ear and gave me a thumbs up....and said "thanks for the memories" never forgot that night...

[Crazyhorse]

Cool story .

[The emperor has no clothes]

Cool story .

Very cool 

[GiG]

......... I noticed a older lady staring at me.......

What was she like about 45?

[..]

 

[Robert]

Thats awesome, 

Similar story I parked in the sidewalk spot at Walmart and was coming out and like you there was a lady looking intently at the bike. I didn't really know what to expect and but walked to the bike and said hello and she recounted a similar story. We talked a minute and I started the bike and we both smiled and went our ways.

[Oss]

Surprised a boy scout like you didnt give her a ride around the block.

Musta been you didnt have a spare helmet

Thanks for the great story Don !

Oss

[Alpha Dog]

Now that is one cool story.  Really feel sorry for the lady as it must have been a big part of her life and her husbands.

[John Schmidt]

Don, many of us have had that great experience over the years. My most recent happened in a Walgreens pkg. lot. Came out of the store and noticed an elderly couple standing there looking at the bike, holding hands. She was stroking the seat, he was looking at everything and pointing it out to her. Then they both stood back to take it all in, sorta leaning in toward each other. I stayed back for a minute or two, then as I walked up they turned to greet me and acted a little embarrassed. I chatted with them, their experiences went back into the 30's and 40's and you could tell by the look in their eyes they were having some great memories brought back. I then asked the old gent if he'd like to throw a leg over it, at first he declined but his wife urged him. I stood in front and helped steady the bike while he got on, sat back and reached for the grips and got this huge smile. Then said "they sure have come a long way in how they build seats these days."  While he was sitting on the bike, his wife got out her cell phone and took a couple pictures, "to show the grandchildren" and then she giggled a bit. I'm sure they talked about that event for days.  

[Rams]

Excellent stories.      Gives me more reason to ride while I can.   I'm not looking forward to the day she and I can no longer dance.

[hubcapsc]

Some co-workers were out in the parking lot the other day
admiring the black Valkyrie...

"I used to ride, but I got married..."

-Mike

[Highbinder]

What was she like about 45?

[/quote]

If that's her, I'm glad it was dark that night....

[Willow]

...
"I used to ride, but I got married..."

For the fella that said that, bad trade.  If I were young and single again I'm pretty sure I wouldn't marry a woman that wanted me to quit riding.   

[Mr Whiskey]

Met a gent & his wife at a rest stop in Ohio.
He said he was 88 years old & hadn't ridden in more than 10 years.....
but you could still see the gleam in his eye lookin' at my ride!
For some of us, the "itch" never goes away!

[Scoop171]

  Great stories......

Scoop171

[lonewolf/va]

very cool Don

[old2soon]

About 2 years ago at the wally wurld in West Plains Mo. I was admiring a G/W with a custom paint job. The owner of said G/W showed up and we commenced tire kickin and story tellin. Tuned out he was 85 or 86 and was originally from Wisconsin. At that time he was going up to Wi. 2 or 3 times during the summer to see his Great great grand kids and other assorted relatives. Hadn't seen him or the G/W in a bit.  RIDE SAFE.

[Thunderbolt]

Several years ago we were attending the Big Bike Riders gathering in Maggie Valley.  Most every one stayed at the hotel where 276 goes North, the name has changed since then.  We were allowed to park the bikes underneath the large covered area at the front door and we spent a lot of time there kicking tires and looking at chrome shiny things on the bikes.  We were there one afternoon and a tour bus rolled up slowly and parked over in the corner.  Turns out most of the folks on the bus were shall we say "older" ladies.  Even a pair of twins in their upper years.  We saw the look of apprehension in their eyes as they slowly walked by the bikes.  The ice was broken by a comment from one of the ladies about how they used to ride.  Lamont Bryden was there with his Boss Hoss and one of them suggested a picture with him and the bike.  One lady said she wanted to show the picture to her grandson.  Believe it or not that progressed to Lamont giving several of the ladies a ride around the parking lot in the hotel.  They all had a great time.  One of the ladies told Lamont as she was getting on the back seat that she had not had her legs that far apart since her husband died.    I would never have thought that Lamont's face could get that red.  I have some pictures somewhere.  I'll see if I can dig them up.

[NewValker]

  This past spring I was heading for the Berkshires in western Mass. for the day.
Stopped in to a mom-n-pop diner for a bite. When I came out there was a tall, seasoned gent looking at my bike.  Said hello to him and when he looked at me, I could see he was just about crying. I asked him if he was all right?  He said yes, it's just that this is the exact bike we owned before my wife died.  It was his first Honda and they loved it!  Told me about their travels around New England. He kept the bike for 2 years after she passed, but never rode it again.  
   Over a half hour had passed and he said he had to be going. Glad I stopped there for breakfast.
Craig

[..]

Several years ago we were attending the Big Bike Riders gathering in Maggie Valley.  Most every one stayed at the hotel where 276 goes North, the name has changed since then.  We were allowed to park the bikes underneath the large covered area at the front door and we spent a lot of time there kicking tires and looking at chrome shiny things on the bikes.  We were there one afternoon and a tour bus rolled up slowly and parked over in the corner.  Turns out most of the folks on the bus were shall we say "older" ladies.  Even a pair of twins in their upper years.  We saw the look of apprehension in their eyes as they slowly walked by the bikes.  The ice was broken by a comment from one of the ladies about how they used to ride.  Lamont Bryden was there with his Boss Hoss and one of them suggested a picture with him and the bike.  One lady said she wanted to show the picture to her grandson.  Believe it or not that progressed to Lamont giving several of the ladies a ride around the parking lot in the hotel.  They all had a great time.  One of the ladies told Lamont as she was getting on the back seat that she had not had her legs that far apart since her husband died.    I would never have thought that Lamont's face could get that red.  I have some pictures somewhere.  I'll see if I can dig them up.

I was there for the weekend but missed that part.

[Skinhead]

After last years inzane, the FG and I headed out west, taking the long way home.  We stopped in Bryce Canyon NP at one of the overlooks.  A nice looking woman with 2 early teenage boys started talking to the FG about riding and the bike.  Pretty soon along comes her 80 yo mother, complete with cane, and joins the conversation.  She loved the Valkyrie
And said she had never ridden on a mc.  I told her if she wanted to,and could get on the bike, I would take her for a ride.  She handed the cane to her daughter, hopped on the back and I  took her on a ride through some of the most picturesque country you could
Hope for on your first ride.  The daughter and grand kids were as excited as she was.

[Highbinder]

After last years inzane, the FG and I headed out west, taking the long way home.  We stopped in Bryce Canyon NP at one of the overlooks.  A nice looking woman with 2 early teenage boys started talking to the FG about riding and the bike.  Pretty soon along comes her 80 yo mother, complete with cane, and joins the conversation.  She loved the Valkyrie
And said she had never ridden on a mc.  I told her if she wanted to,and could get on the bike, I would take her for a ride.  She handed the cane to her daughter, hopped on the back and I  took her on a ride through some of the most picturesque country you could
Hope for on your first ride.  The daughter and grand kids were as excited as she was.

Hey Joe, I had almost the identical thing happen to me....I was visiting a friend and his 80 something mother came out and said the same thing...I've never ridden a motorcycle in my life....so I said hop on, I need to get gas, let's go...well we couldn't find her a helmet, the only thing we had was a construction workers hat, a white one, so on her head it goes and down the road we went...I stopped for gas and she never got off the bike, I'm standing inside paying for the gas and I look out the window and see her sitting there with her arms crossed staring straight out in front of her while the bike is still on the kick stand, with that hat on....funniest thing I'd seen in a long time....said she enjoyed it, but didn't want to do it again...

[Oss]

Reminded me that I gave a ride to a nice senior secretary at Inzane think it was Ashville or the one before that while at a charity stop, Bonnie took a pic and I think Carl took one also. 

My mom (before dad passed) enjoyed taking some rides with me on the Valk and before that on the Vulcan.  She doesnt have the balance any longer.    It sure a great feeling to watch the years just jump off these folks for just a little while.......

Great stories keep em coming guys

[..]

From a ride I took in 2004

A sign post for Gouldings Trading Post http://www.gouldings.com/english/index.htm comes into view and I remember that this is the very place John Ford and John Wayne stayed at when filming in Monument Valley. OK this is where I’m going to stay. A quote of $160 for 1 night makes me rethink my decision but I’m offered a $60 discount when I start to put my helmet and gloves back on. It’s worth the money just to be in the Valley.

The views from the bedroom window of the Utah portion of Monument Valley makes the $100 worthwhile. I look forward to sunset so that I can see the stars that remain invisible in light blighted Atlanta.

The restaurant is sited to give most diners a panoramic view of Monument Valley and as I am seated a cacophony of English accents assail my ears.  What the hell are they all doing here? Their stylish pairing of calf length black socks with sandals leads me to believe it’s a bus tour. The older lady who is seated next to me confirms this. The group of 40 is on a 23-day tour of the western US. Starting in Seattle they will fly home from Las Vegas. Marian tells me she is a consultant teacher for Special Need children back in England and we exchange views. Mine being that of a new US citizen having lived here for over 10 years and hers of a first time visitor. She tells me that she is going to take a side trip once in Las Vegas and enjoy a helicopter ride through the Grand Canyon. I ask her if she would like a motorcycle ride once dark along one of the side roads in Monument Valley and with alacrity she agrees. A game old bird.

We finish dinner and after she tells some of her traveling companions she gingerly climbs into the comforting grip of the Goldwing rear seat. Helmetless we go about 10 miles from Goulding's and then stand for about 5 minutes whilst our eyes adjust to the pitch black.

After a few minutes I return her back safely to Goulding's and she thanks me profusely for a first. She had never been on a motorcycle before.

[solo1]

Really great post Don and the rest of you.

If there are any good days left this season, i'm going to ask my sons to let me ride their bikes, either the Valkyries or the Scrambler.

Damn, I'm really starting to realize that I'm old as most all the stories here talk about him and her in their 80's.  I still have my riding gear.  If I ride, I WILL get a pic to prove that I'm not all show  and no go.

Hopefully next year too.  I'll be 88, same number as my favorite car, a '49 Olds 88.

[..]

Really great post Don and the rest of you.

If there are any good days left this season, i'm going to ask my sons to let me ride their bikes, either the Valkyries or the Scrambler.

Damn, I'm really starting to realize that I'm old as most all the stories here talk about him and her in their 80's.  I still have my riding gear.  If I ride, I WILL get a pic to prove that I'm not all show  and no go.

Hopefully next year too.  I'll be 88, same number as my favorite car, a '49 Olds 88.

 

[John Schmidt]

Really great post Don and the rest of you.

If there are any good days left this season, i'm going to ask my sons to let me ride their bikes, either the Valkyries or the Scrambler.

Damn, I'm really starting to realize that I'm old as most all the stories here talk about him and her in their 80's.  I still have my riding gear.  If I ride, I WILL get a pic to prove that I'm not all show  and no go.

Hopefully next year too.  I'll be 88, same number as my favorite car, a '49 Olds 88.

Yeah, I can see it all now. Wayne posting pics of himself doing wheelies in front of his son's house, then dragging the pegs as he disappears around the corner.   

Seriously, hope you do get a chance to ride a bit, it's surely good for the soul. 

[LTD]

It was 1986 and I was riding a 1981 Suzuki gs850g one fine machine and I was rolling thru a town in deep southwest Texas called Langtry the home of the Jersey Lilly the famous saloon of the law west of the pecos  and Judge Roy Bean fame and I had just visited it. Anyway I glanced over at a small frame house and an old Mexican gentleman was standing there and waved me over.  So we visited for a while I told him I just had visited the old saloon and how I was on my way to Big Bend national park and how much I loved the area. He told me how he had grown up there but had moved away for 50 years to Los Angeles, California to find work and how every day he thought of coming home and he had finally made it back. He must have been close to 90 but it was hard to tell you could tell the man had not had an easy life.  He asked about the bike and said he had never been on a motorcycle in his life and asked what it was like. I told him your fixing to find out get on the back.  He did we took off slowly pretty gently thru town and I thought aw what the hell and told the old boy hang on were fixing to fly. And I floored it for all the 850 was worth and man he screamed his head off he loved it! Took it up to about 80 turned around and took him back to his house he thanked me profusely and shook my hand.  I had made a friend that day even though I probably was not in the mans life more than twenty minutes its really something I still thank about to this day.

[RP#62]

Several years ago we were attending the Big Bike Riders gathering in Maggie Valley.  Most every one stayed at the hotel where 276 goes North, the name has changed since then.  We were allowed to park the bikes underneath the large covered area at the front door and we spent a lot of time there kicking tires and looking at chrome shiny things on the bikes.  We were there one afternoon and a tour bus rolled up slowly and parked over in the corner.  Turns out most of the folks on the bus were shall we say "older" ladies.  Even a pair of twins in their upper years.  We saw the look of apprehension in their eyes as they slowly walked by the bikes.  The ice was broken by a comment from one of the ladies about how they used to ride.  Lamont Bryden was there with his Boss Hoss and one of them suggested a picture with him and the bike.  One lady said she wanted to show the picture to her grandson.  Believe it or not that progressed to Lamont giving several of the ladies a ride around the parking lot in the hotel.  They all had a great time.  One of the ladies told Lamont as she was getting on the back seat that she had not had her legs that far apart since her husband died.    I would never have thought that Lamont's face could get that red.  I have some pictures somewhere.  I'll see if I can dig them up.

Here you go Terry:

[FryeVRCCDS0067]

I've got nothing to add except, "what a great post". 

[fon1961]

Yes, an awesome thread 

[Thunderbolt]

Thanks RP for digging up the pics.  I looked and found some from the hotel but I had the wrong year.  Hope you and Cheryl are enjoying the Desert South West.