I was about 8, 40 + years ago, when my Godfather stopped by to take me fishing just outside of town on his Harley. All I remember is it was a retired Sheriff Patrol bike, 6 volt system, windshield, leather saddle bags with Conchos, and the big "buddy" seat. I held the fishing rod in one hand and his leather belt in the other . I was disappointed when we reached the river because that meant the ride was over. Enjoyed the ride much more than the fishing, didn't catch anything anyway.
A bit of rain caught us on the trip back home. At one point traffic quickley stopped and the bike skidded but luckily did not go down. It happened so quickly I never had a chance to get scared but I knew I could not tell my Mother what had almost happen for fear of her stopping me from going on any future rides.
Always wanted a fast bike in my youth but also figured it would hurt me so I never did. Did own a dirt bike for a short time after highschool. Today I have an '04 Heritage much in the style of that old Harley from my childhood memory. Had to also get a sidecar rig so I could take my dog along as I was leaving him all alone to often once I had the Heritage.
I'll have tell my Mom about that skidding incident one of these days.
My first bike was a Triumph Cub (200cc) back in 1963. I think the paint job made me buy it as it was really nicely done with gold and purple flames on it. Sounds ugly but I really thought it was cool back then. Well to tell you the truth that thing got pushed more than ridden it was a mess.
Eventually I sold it and bought a Harley 250 Sprint with the high pipe on it. Sprint 'H' maybe? I loved that thing. It woudl go anywhere and we logged a lot of miles together both on and off the pavement.
I used to go down to the Harley Shop and hang out when gas money was short. It was fun listening to the old guys tell their tales and see the different bikes pull in. This was back when a motorcycle dealer was much more than just a corportate representative concerned about the profit and loss statments. It had wood floors except for the work area. The coffee was free and the it had a feel about it that is sadly not seen much anymore. It was a place to hang out, meet people and just enjoy the time at.
Anyhow there I was one day when a guy came into the shop on a sidecar outfit. He was well known for his travels all over the country . He had the normal harley hat on with a bizillion pins it it from various rallies and gypsy tours. Quite a guy and i admired him even if he had a sidecar.
Me being the youngster in the bunch thought sidecars were dull and boring.
Well a part needed to be delivered and the mechanic asked the sidecar guy if he woudl deliver it for him. He said sure and then looked straight at me and said " Come on kid you hold the part and ride in the sidecar".
To make a long story short I am sure that old geezer knew I was in need of learning what fear was all about. He did his best to show me and that one ride convinced me that someday I would have a sidecar. I was hooked even if no sidecar actually came into my life until 20 or so years later.
"that old geezer knew I was in need of learning what fear was all about"
Oh man that's funny! I have a great memory of a passenger- 6'3", over 200lb- racing along with a rock canyon wall on the right and a river on the left as the wheel came up and it took me a little bit to realize that "noise" was him screaming like a 12yo girl.
Well not only the passenger may become afraid.
Once I was the one to fear! A nice girl in the sidecar and that nasty women I mentioned earlier, that was responsible for my scar in the arm, on the back.
I took with as much as the bike would give under a bridge with a long lefty and a full left behind the bridge. The Youngster and me monkeyed well that other what ever to call sat straigth on the back....And I felt with every detail how the back tire was trying to Plopp of the rim... Still don`t know how I got the situation handled.
The scar came in that same week.
Hey Felllows: Have a nice Saint Valentines day.
Sven
Great story claude!!! good things come to those who wait. Ed.
hey claude,..if ever in these parts,..Clare's cycle & sport IS one of those bike shops,coffee is always on...hehe great stories. crawf
There are a few around crawf. Sure is the exception rather than the rule these days though. I will take you up on the offer someday 🙂
I'm told Ned's Moto Guzzi in Iowa is the same, but I haven't been there yet.
I have also heard rumblings of late that Bob( harley wrench) left Clare's in fenwick to open a custom sidecar shop in port colborne ontario a year or so ago and is doing well , if I know Bob,..the coffee is ALWAYS fresh there, I hope to check that shop out next time I slide through town....Velorex and Ural& CJ's I believe..
bump.....I wanna see more of these.
Back in the 80's was an ornament on the back of a Beemer...always longed to own a Harley also a side car...Romance, nostalgia of days gone by... so, vallah! Found my sporty and cozy and new history is made...
