To my mixed delight and terror, my brother went thru the motorcycle licensing course and passed. In decades past, he had motorcycles, but never had a license. That was when the world was a bit more relaxed, shall we say? It helped that he was a cop, I'm sure. Nowadays you have to have a license to take a bike out of a dealership's lot. And to get the license you go thru 3 days of classes, 7a to 5p for the last 2. And they put you thru maneuvers Billy said he never had to do in all his years on bikes.
In any event, now we proceed to the purchase and the getting used to the particular bike he buys. I can't believe the price of bikes these days. A Honda Goldwing is 20 grand plus, now. For that money he could buy a beautiful Harley, but he can't take the vibration of a Harley anymore. So this may take a while. He's looking at 3 wheelers too, just because they're so stable and he's old. Secretly I'm praying that's what he gets.
He'll be coming thru here a couple times while the weather's good. This Summer he and Strider are going on a daytrip. That entire time, my heart will be in my throat. He's always been a good driver and in all these years there's never been an accident. That's all I'll keep telling myself, until it snows and the bike goes in the garage. It'll be fine. It'll be fine.
MYSTERIOUS GARDEN
10 months ago
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12 comments:
I wish your brother every success on his new vehicle. Warn him about how reaction time decreases with age. Sometimes I go out to the barn and look at my old Honda 360, which was my work vehicle thru the late '70s, and just say no. It was last registered in 1980. Traffic is crazier now too. But a Gold Wing, now that was a fine bike --no, dangerous thought!
My smaller portion has a Ducati, and I have a small Honda. Both have rested in the garage for quite a while now - and I am happy. I won't mention it in case he gets his out...
Sending many, many good wishes - to your brother and to your worrying heart.
I understand. I never wanted to hear the word " motorcycle" come out of my children's mouth. A few years ago, my son mentioned it and I did what most mother's would do in such a moment. I took out my "guilt" card and let him have it . He is my only son and his son's only father, blah, blah, blah. I must have hit a nerve as he bought a very sensible car after that. He does have a souped up Jeep though with what looks like 6 foot wheels that does give me palpitations whenever I see him driving it.
Men have to have their toys. My hubby has always been happy with just a slow moving ride on lawn mower.
There are many out there who have ridden bikes since they were barely old enough and have lived to tell the tale. All will be well.
Geo.- what blows my mind is that I remember when he bought a Honda 750-4K. Yes it was 1978, but it was 4-5 grand. Those sorts of bikes are 5 times the price now. 5 times! Who makes 5 times what they made in 1978?
I'm sure he'll be fine. I just have a sensitive stomach and only one brother left...
EC- I get the loving bikes part, I loved them too when I could ride. It's just that we're older and I'm woosier than I used to be. Mac wouldn't let him have 2 things- a bike and a dog. So of course I'm happy for him to have the things he's wanted for so long. It's just that I knew 2 people who were killed on bikes up here in the last decade. I'll get over it. I hope. ;)
That's it, Arleen. He hasn't had a bike in 25 years, and has wanted one. It's a toy. And I can't tell him what to do. I don't know that I would if I could. Life is short and we all need to do what makes us happy. Ever since he was a cop I decided he had to do what made him happy and I'd shut up. I'm just losing nerve as I age.
Thanks, Lawless. I know plenty who've ridden for decades without a problem. He'll be fine.
We saw a Harley Trike yesterday. It was pretty cool. What I want to know is this: Do they teach the biker wave in licensing class or is that just something you "know"? We love watching the bikers wave to each other and ignore the crotch rocket riders. I haven't had the chance to go up to a biker and ask yet. Mom told me they put me on my dad's Honda when I was a year old. I would be standing. Mom hit me with a car when I was about 3. We had a car that the doors swung open every time you made a turn. No seatbelts... How the hell I'm still alive, I'll never know.
Billy's looking at a CanAm. I don't know what a biker wave is so I can't tell you... :D
Whoa! Yeah, how you're alive I don't know either!
we're gonna have so much fun!!! hooray!!
and we will come back just the same as we left. we have to, you can't have a dog. :)
I know you will!!
Yes, you have to. Maisie will need a long walk and I can only hold my breath so long!
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