Memories, and sadness.

I was 79 this last April. I'm still riding the '05 V-Rod I bought in 2006. It had 2,100 miles on it then, and it has 36K+ on it now. I love this bike. I rode it back to the rally at the Kansas City assembly plant in September 2008. We had a reunion of V-Rod owners, and got a full tour of the plant. I even got to meet one of the guys who hand built my CVO bike. The reason I rode the V-Rod, instead of my much more comfortable Road King, is that we were going to do a large group V shaped picture of about sixty Rods at the rally. It never happened. We had heavy rains from the aftermath of hurricane Ike. So the picture got cancelled. My plans to ride on up to Milwaukee to see the newly opened Harley museum also changed. Instead, I headed home, by way of the Black Hills, and Mount Rushmore. I got V-Rod saddle bags for the trip, then sold them on eBay after I got home. I kinda wish I still had them. I did carry an extra two and a half gallon gas can strapped on behind, which I desperately needed a couple times, since I favored the road less traveled. I did have a GPS, which got me pleasantly lost more than once. Other than getting soaked, it was a good 3,500 mile road trip. I travel well by myself, but prefer not to anymore as I have gotten older.
        Riding a motorcycle provides a sense of freedom nothing else can touch. People who don't ride will never know, or understand this, and it is pointless to try to explain it.
        My good friend has finally had to give it up. He is only a couple years older than me; too ill to ride anymore. He does not complain. I understand the look in his eyes, when he asks me to help him sell his bike. He watches as I change his battery for him. It is resignation, silent, painful. It is time. So soon, it is time.