Can't sleep

[LaMonster]

Thought I would share this with some of my friends here.
http://www.v8bikeriders.com/viewtopic.php?p=34372#34372

[Michael P.]

:cry:

[BG]

how tragic.
I know many times I question why I ride, put myself at risk and seemingly try and cheat death.
About the only thing I console myself with is the fact when it's my time, it's my time, no matter what I'm doing.
I could be watching TV, riding in a car or even sleeping.
I will keep their families in my prayers as getting back to "normal" after such a tragic way of dying, may take some time.
Sounds like they were a great and loving couple.
The memories will help sustain their families during this time.

[Mosa]

wow... not sure how to respond except that I agree with you, live life to the fullest and when you die ( we all do) hope its doing what you love... Tragic that they both were killed too. Very sorry to read of this...

Mosa

[BigJon]

Thanks for sharing Lamont...
I agree, if I have to go today, let me be doing something I enjoy.
This is why LeAnn and I made a vow to never go to bed mad at each other or leave the house mad.
Yes it has caused some long nights. But I never want the last thing she remembers or I to be the thouht that one of us was mad at the other.
Tell your loved ones you love them, and make sure they know it.
For it could be the last time you ever speak to them.
I learned this a long time ago, with working like I do, and driving as much as I do, you never know.

[Bob E.]

Man, Lamont. Your words have really hit home with me, too. I am in the same situation with my wife as far as riding bikes. When we met in January 2002, she had never ridden before. But she was excited about it (one of the things she liked about me), though scared about it. So when the weather got nicer, I took her on a few very short rides...like 10-15 miles and she was starting to relax about it. Then, on July 3, 2002 (one month after we got engaged) my little brother was killed in a motorcycle crash about 2 miles from our house when a truck pulled out in front of him. Understandably, she totally hated bikes after that and wanted me to quit riding. Though I did stop riding for about a month or so, I refused. Well, let me tell you, she just about flipped out. It almost ended our relationship. We got through it, and she has gotten back on and has ridden with me a couple times. But it is still tough at times. One of those times is right now. Tomorrow morning I am leaving for a trip to Miami for work. She really doesn't want me to ride the bike and would rather I fly (which also scares her to death because her dad had a ticket to be on that plane that crashed in Pittsburgh a few years ago but at the last minute his trip was cancelled) . It is one of my dreams to be able to tour around and see this country by bike. And this is an opportunity to get a taste of it...paid for by my boss. She knows that and reluctantly understands. So she is letting me go. But it is still painful to know that I am causing her so much worry over the whole thing. :(

[BigJon]

Bob,
LeAnn hates for me to ride without her on the bike.
But she has gotten better, but I also call her at every stop or near every stop.
She knows about how far apart fuel stops are and understands.
Some may call me hen pecked, but I know she worries, and well riding has been a part of me for a long time (Thanks to PapaJon), and she doesn't want to change me.
So I will check in with her and let her know I am safe, and it gives her an idea where I am.
Mostly have just been short rides, but the run to Arkansas in January she almost had my check ins down to the minute.
Ride safe, hope to see you soon.
Jon

[solo1]

Lamont and all.

When I retired in 1991, two of my friends who retired with me, told me to quit riding so that I'd be around to enjoy my retirement years. Within the year both of them died of natural causes.

My wife also tried many times to persuade me to quit riding. She hated it. Imagine her anger when all three of my sons started riding. She died at 68 years of age also of natural causes and according to her doctors most of her problems were brought on by her morbid obesity.

Today all three of my sons have many good memories of the rides that we have taken. Chris and Mark just returned from Colorado with more great memories. My oldest son, Wayne, has ridden Deals Gap and the BRP and has more good memories.

As I look back as a father, I take great satisfaction in being responsible for contributing to my sons experiences and memories of motorcyling. It has been a precious gift for me and for them although it does come with risks. However, for us, it's been worth it.

Now, in my autumn years, I'm going to install a sidecar on my Valkyrie, in the hopes that I can prolong the riding experience just a little longer for me. Do I worry about the danger of riding? Oh yes! Will that stop me from riding? Not yet. However, it's really hard to keep from thinking about all those persons out there that have very little knowledge of how to be safe when driving (or riding) and these are the ones that we must outthink to the best of our experience. In my 78 years on this earth I have definitely seen a degradation in driving skills out there. People are in a hurry and don't care for others.

As fathers and mothers and brothers and sisters we should never forget the responsibilities that we have assumed but we must balance that with what we like to do, otherwise we have never lived!

Wayne

[TNT]

Makes me very sad. It doesn't just happen from riding bikes though. Jim and I lost our good friends/neighbors a few years back, when a very slow moving semi pulled out onto the freeway in front of them. I too believe when it's your time, it's not going to matter what you happen to be doing at that moment.....the Lord is going to take you regardless. I would rather go the way they did than to die a lingering death.