Coming home last night from work,I got thinking about all the times I've
been asked "Why do you have a motorcycle with a sidecar?". The only
words I come up with are "It's a hoot or it's fun". I got thinking
about my son's reactions during this last weekend (we put in a lot of
hrs this last weekend) and other times. My son, as you may recall, is
24 years old and mentally disabled. As we driving; Travis pointing
Hawk in flight, his face when a big buck crossed in front of us, bring
to my attention some scenic view, etc. After the first 1/2 mile in a
sidecar and he said "fun". At the end of a weekend when I take him
back to the Adult Family Home and Travis asked "take ATV home". I had
to think for a bit because I do have an ATV. I asked if he meant the
motorcycle. Yes was the reply will a BIG grin.
I got the sidecar so Travis could ride with me. I guess it's worked
out good for BOTH of us. I'm learning the real "joy of sidecarring"
through him.
Wayne
6,500 miles since Jul 24
It's going to be a long winter
Good post Wayne. I'm going to print it and show it to a friend who has a similarly disabled daughter. Maybe I can introduce him to the idea of a rig and he'll be able to give his daughter the same thrill your son gets. Of course, you don't have to be mentally disabled to get the thrill...
Though, there are people who think we are "un-stable". I've learned a lot through the eyes of my son over the years. It's good to be "different". The rest of the world should try it.
Wayne
You should see me in my Disney Goofy hat
Last night I went to 2 wheel tues [again].
as soon as I pulled in I was immediately swamped with people , asking about the rig.
I think I converted about 4 or 5 people last night to sidecars. it happens every time I stop.
I tell them of the combination of the great feeling of riding the bike, PLUS the peace of mind not having to worry about sand, gravel, wet leaves, falling over in parking areas, I told them convenience is a plus! shopping, hauling junk around, dogs, kids, just plain riding around for the enjoyment.I told them, the happy smiles are always a plus on my Grandkids faces.
As soon as I popped open the FII lid, they all went GAA GAA! the wives and girlfriends were poking and commenting to their partners...lets get one!
also a few lady riders were really impressed.."that's what I need!! That would give me peace of mind ,so I can relax more while riding!"
My thoughts exactly. After 40 years of 2 wheel riding, the sidecar really give me, and my passengers, "peace of mind".I can see it when the passengers climb in and settle down, relaxing, with a big grin on their faces. not like climbing on the back of a 2 wheeler ,and hanging on for dear life, worrying about getting around the next curve safely.
they really relax and enjoy the trip! with "peace of mind".
I just wish I would have found this all out many years ago, and put one on my bike a lot sooner.
Don't wait till you are 'handicapped',or 'need one' to enjoy this great pastime! You are missing a great riding experience.
I don't know...one of my fondest memories is of making a grown man squeal like a 12yo girl through a cetain series of turns with a rock wall on one side and a stream on the other in Marin County.
"It's good to be "different". The rest of the world should try it."
I think that may come more naturally for some than for others. ~:^))
