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This story is about my wife, Martha, and her journey since the purchase of my motorcycle, the inspiration she found while dealing with one of lifes worst tragedies, and her transformation from being totally against the two-wheel experience to her awakening and becoming part of the ever growing community of women motorcycle riders.
She cautioned me when I bought my big cruiser and said, “Dont think Im going to be riding with you on that motorcycle. If you are, youre making a big mistake.” As time went on she did finally ask me for that first ride and she became the typical wife riding on the back of her husbands bike. After a while she suggested that maybe she should take a riders course and learn how to operate a motorcycle just in case she ever had to drive mine in an emergency. The fact that she mentioned wanting to learn how to ride was really surprising to me. The more I thought about it, the more the idea of someday the two of us riding side by side on our own motorcycles intrigued me. By the end of 2003 she had racked up 1,500 miles or so as my passenger. During that winter I asked Martha if she was really serious about learning how to ride a motorcycle. She did not hesitate a second and said “sign me up.” I was able to enroll her in a state-sponsored riding class that was scheduled for September 2004.
In April of 2004 our youngest son, Brandon, became very sick. Hed been diagnosed with a blood disorder and was fighting an infectious disease. Most of my and Marthas time and energy went to nursing Brandon. Our motorcycle riding took a back seat so we could do everything possible to help Brandon battle his disease. His illness continued throughout the year but when September came I encouraged Martha to take the three day motorcycle riders course and try not to worry about our son. Besides, he wanted her to take the course too. At the end of a long three days she pulled her car into the driveway. As I watched through a window I could see she was crying. I walked out and said to her, “Dont cry, a lot of people dont pass the course the first time.” It turned out that she did pass and got her motorcycle license, she was crying only because she was so happy. Brandon and I were both so proud of her.
As 2005 proceeded, riding the motorcycle was not something we thought about. Brandons condition had worsened and we were fighting right alongside him against pre-leukemia and then full-blown leukemia. In early September 2005, it took his life at the tender age of 24. One night before Brandon passed away, after the doctor told him there was nothing else that could be done, Brandon told me that he would always be with us and that he would always fly right above us as our guardian angel whenever we were riding on our motorcycle. The next day I shared what Brandon had told me with Martha. Later that month when friends encouraged us to ride with them to a fall rally in Wisconsin, as hard as it was, we decided to go. As we rode along we felt close to Brandon for the first time since he had passed away.
In the Spring of 2006 as we dealt with our sons death, riding together on the bike resumed to almost our normal pace. During that year we toyed around with the idea of Martha getting her own motorcycle. As intimidating to her as it sounded she was beginning to like the idea. Knowing that she would be close to Brandon whenever she would ride inspired her. In early 2007 Martha agreed to go with me to look at a used 2004 Road King Classic at the local Harley-Davidson dealership. We purchased that bike for her and Martha has become an excellent rider travelling more than 3,000 miles during her first year.
She has come full circle but never rides faster than her guardian angel can fly. As for me, I couldnt be happier for her knowing she is experiencing the great feeling of piloting her own big cruiser and being close to our angel. Ladies, it is never too late to start riding, even after the age of 50. I love the sight of my Queen going down the road on her King, and best of all she is smiling again like she really means it!
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What an inspirational story. You both are awesome people. We are proud of you both.
My gosh, I was bawling like a big baby as I read this article. This is a truly inspiring letter here, and I am so glad Martha followed through on her dream. And Brandon does fly with you both. Carry on with the wind in your face and Brandon at your side! Yahoo for all us women riders and for the unfailing love of their partners and children!
What a wonderful article. Congratulations to the both of you for all the love and support you gave to your son. I'm sorry to hear of your loss. And Martha thumbs up to you for becoming a great woman rider on your FLHRC Road King.