He posted this on the SKUNK site...
Sometimes our lives change in ways that we don't anticipate. I had Polio as
a child and for the last several years I've been battling Post Polio
Syndrome. The nerves that control my muscles are going away and I'm slowly
losing the use of my arms and legs, and my lungs shut down on me at the most
terrible of times. The pain is almost unbearable so the doctors have me on
a cocktail of some mighty fine drugs. I haven't been able to hold up a solo
motorcycle when stopped for some time now so I've been riding sidecar rigs
for the last 9 years. Now the pain from riding even that is so bad that a
ride of just 10 miles literally takes days of recovery. The "Catch 22" is
that the pain stops me from riding, and if I take the drugs I can't ride.
So, after 42 years, and just shy of a million miles of riding I no longer
own a motorcycle. A gentleman from Chicago, David Booth, came and picked up
my beloved Guzzi rig a week ago and I'm hoping he will pop up at some of the
rallies.
The day he came to get it was tough, but it really hit me the next day when
I was driving my wife's 2006 Buick Rendezvous SUV into town. We live just
off a scenic road and there were hundreds of bikes just in that short
distance, and there I was driving an SUV. Actually broke down in tears.
BUT... All is not lost, last Monday I picked up my replacement. Can't ride
a bike but I can still drive a car a bit. My limit in a car is about 120
miles, so I decided I had to have something fun. A 2000 Mercedes-Benz SLK
230 Sport. It is an awesome two seat roadster, with AMG package, and that
retractable hardtop is incredible. I'm going to have a blast with it as
long as I can drive. I've had an incredible life so slowing down a bit is
just another chapter of that life. Photos at:
http://www.sheldonaubut.com/slk
Because of my situation it is doubtful that you will see me at any more
rallies unless they are quite close. I'll continue to attend the SKUNK
(SideKars Up Nort' Klub) rallies in Cameron WI as long as I can,
http://www.cwizard.com/skunk and other events that are within my driving
range.
My friends in the motorcycling community have been my family for so very
many years and it pains me to step outside that world. I'll probably still
monitor some of the lists for awhile but it is doubly tough to read how much
fun you folk are having on your bikes and not be able to hop on one and ride
away. I could maybe still hold up a moped or a scooter but I don't think
that would do it for me. I've got some incredible memories of all the
friends I've made riding, and those I will cherish.
Sheldon Aubut
38 Peterson Street
Houlton WI USA 54082
(612)481-9300
http://www.sheldonaubut.com
Yes, that was very emotional to read and amazing that he share that with us... fhew, gives me chills...
I sent him my warmest regards on the MGCL board and told him I would like to meet him at the SKUNK Rally nest year...
He brings back to mind a friend that lost his battle with ALS and could not hold up his cycle, had to come to grips with the imminent demise.
Very brave for Sheldon to talk freely about this... Hey, gonna cruise around in a drop top Mercedes now... 🙂
Rob
He's an incredible friend. Check out his website. He has done about everything, and my feeling is that he ain't done yet.
