Seeing the future (kinda long)

[phenrichs]

It's funny how things change over time. Last June I attended the first National Rally in Custer and told myself and my wife there is no way I am missing the next one especially if it in Deal's Gap. I have been looking forward to meeting up with various folks along the way down there and riding down and back with them.

Well......

This last weekend we closed the deal on our first camper. This has opened a whole new door for me. My father, brother and I are avid deer hunters. It is our "boys time" every year. We haven't missed a season together in over 10 years. We have always talked about going out to hunt the "west river" season in South Dakota, which includes portions of the Black Hills area.

Well now that I have the camper we may be able to make that a reality. My Dad turned 60 this last year and I know that with each year that goes by it will be harder for him to do alot of walking out in the hills. (I know alot of our members here are around the same age so don't shoot me for the age statement.)

It really struck me though how one thing can really change your whole outlook. I was dead set on going to the rally. Had a checklist of things to do and get and setup. Now I don't know. As much as I want to see everyone again I know that if I can make this trip with my Dad happen I probably better not pass it up.

[cactusjack]

People's priorities change all the time. You do what matters most to you.

My son is getting married next summer, and for awhile it looked like I'd miss his wedding because I'd be in Deal's Gap. Lucky for him they scheduled it for May instead of June. ::)

[dantama]

Makes sense to me. Some events in life that have to be canceled can be recreated at a latter time and be pretty close to what you missed, like bike rallies. Other things can't be recreated, like time with family before people are too old to enjoy the activity in the same way.

[Bdog]

Its always good to make plans as long as you don't plan the outcome. Life throws curve balls at us all the time, sometimes this is a good/bad thing. I would do the same and spend quality time with my dad as he won't be here forever, my dad is 80 and I'm taking time out in may for a bike trip to see him and spend sometime with him. ..Bdog

[Cajunrider]

OP, there was a time when I wouldn't have missed a deer hunt walking in water up to the yellow line on my hip boots for any motorcycle rally. That's easy to say because I didn't have a motorcycle. I still have both of my parents. My father is 83 and mother is 82. I turned down a transfer to Colorado that came along with a big time promotion and salary increase. A much better place to live than down here and no more shift work. My reasoning is my parents wouldn't have come with me. They were always there for me when I was coming up and even after I got married. Now it's my turn. I will not leave here as long as they are alive. There are many things I wish my Dad and I could do together but it's too late now. Don't let the years pass and miss out on the little things that will be so big later. A wise man knows what his priorities are.

[cactusjack]

My dad passed away in 1980, 4 days past his 61st birthday. I had just turned 20. I would give anything to spend a day fishing with him, but he's been gone 30 years now.

Like I said, you do what is right for you. There are things you can never get back.

[phenrichs]

Originally Posted by Cajunrider

Now it's my turn.

Wow, it can't really be said any better than that.

You guys are great. I have really been struggling with this over the last week. CJ your time frame of losing your father is exactly my concern.

It is hard to say but in my heart I know I can't do both and I have to go with my dad if it works out.

[blowndodge]

Hard to believe but these are the things in my life that have limited the traveling on my Nomad. I did however put 10K on my bike last year so time did open up for me. My father is the only one left of his generation and I spend more time with him.

My son's grown up (24) and might be joining g the military when he graduates from college. I'm spending more time with him. I'm an avid golfer that entertained joing the PGA Senior Tour 5 years ago but stuff happens and changes lifes priorities. Now I just recreation golf. It's still good.

I now have a new group of riding buddies in southern california along with Dave Degreve that I ride with many weekends. We site see and not iron butt ride. I'm the only Nomad owner so loyalty to the Nomad product is no longer a novelty to me. My favorite bike is my next bike! Whatever it may be. Just like my favorite drink is my next one.

I did however get to meet lots of you last year in Custer. That was one of those "bucket list" items that doesn't need repeating for me at least. I did it once. I will continue to try a few "meet in the middle" rides with any of you as time permits but cross-country jaunts are not in my future. Now maybe towing a camping trailer behind my motorcycle to Alaska might be an adventure I'd consider!!

CJ I know the feeling about "just one more day". I lost my mom on my birthday 14 years ago. Right after that my brother passed the bar and I finished my advanced degree. I'd like to spend one day with her to see her reaction to her boys!

OP, good thread... Had this site never happened we may have never passed this way...

BD

[audiogooroo]

Family is always top priority. Good on you!

[waterman]

As many have said, new priorities do take over in life. You should enjoy your father while he still has the health. There will come a day when that won't be the case.

[Netnorske]

OP,
What will really put the topping on the cake, is tracking down a big 6x6 and insisting your old man take the shot....with pictures immediately after !

I was on a salmon fishing trip in Canada to write a magazine article for a new fishing lodge a few years back. I got teamed with an old geezer who told me this would be his last salmon trip as it was just getting too tough on him. We talked all day while fishing and after a few days we got to be pretty close.

Long story short....by the end of our trip most all the guests had landed king salmon over 30 lbs....except him. On our last morning of fishing, I hooked a real monster....then instantly handed the old guy the rod as I knew this would probably be his last shot at a huge king salmon. He was hesitant to take it, but I insisted. When that thing finally hit the net (45 minutes later) we were both in awe. It tipped the scale at just a hair under 50 lbs.... ! He wasn't my dad....but he sure could have been....and the smile on his face with that behemoth hanging on the scale is something I will never forget ;). To this day that is one of my most favorite fishing memories.

Enjoy your time with your dad....there will always be more bike rallies....but your old man is only around for so long before memories is all you have left, so make some good ones while you still can.... !

[watchman]

I don't have a good story for you because my father passed away 31 years ago. But I would give up my bike to spend time with him if I could. Go! You know what you should do. If things work out maybe you will be able to do both.

[phenrichs]

Originally Posted by Netnorske

OP,
What will really put the topping on the cake, is tracking down a big 6x6 and insisting your old man take the shot....with pictures immediately after !

Ya know I did almost exactly that a couple weeks ago. He talked me into starting to Turkey hunt this last fall. It was kind of fun but we were really waiting for spring to see how calling would work. He and I set up our blind and I started talkin. A few minutes later I had a hen nearly in the blind with us and then a young Tom was making a B-line right for us. I just kept callin him and let dad blast him. Man was he grinnin after that.

[sonny]

OP, I did not have a father that I wanted to spend time with. Sounds like you got some thing great that some folks don't get. IMHO it would be a real shame to waste it.
Thanks for your time

[oldbikers]

OP I am like sonny I didn't have a farther to speak of so you are a very lucky man and I won't get offended about the age thing hell I will admit I can't do half the things I did ten years ago so enjoy your dad while you can you are young there will be lots more bike rallies.