Thursday, May 21, 2020

A Father's Day Ride


I know a lot of people are bikers - motorcycles are quite popular - but when I think of them, the first person I think of is always my Daddy even though I don't think he's been on a motorcycle in at least 20 years.

Why is he my motorcycle man? Because he's the one who first introduced me to them back when I was just a child. My dad, who is a self-made mechanic, wanted one in the worst way, but how he got his first one is actually a tale in and of itself. He brought it home - IN A GARBAGE CAN. The previous owner had taken the motor apart in an attempt to repair it and couldn't figure out how to put it back together - so he sold it to my dad for a penance. Daddy got the Kawasaki back together without too much difficulty and rode it a lot before purchasing a second bike - this time a 150 Honda. It was a pretty little white thing. I was so eager to learn to drive it even though I wasn't quite 11-years-old.

For three months (literally) I'd spend time most days sitting on the seat of that Honda, telling my dad, "I'm now going X miles per hour and I'm shifting into X gear." He had me practice - a lot! Then finally he gave me the keys and I took off for my first drive - in the empty lot behind our house.

I enjoyed hours and hours on that Honda 150, first in that lot, then in fields behind our next home. Those fields were not flat - but quite hilly instead - and on more than one occasion I wouldn't get shifted down fast enough and would kill the motor trying to go up a hill. Daddy would jump on his Kawasaki and come to my rescue, never fussing. I think he liked flying over the hills. 

Our parents graduated to matching Honda 350s when I was about 15 years old - bright red - and when I got my license at 16, I was finally able to drive those on the highways and byways. I loved each adventure. Well, until one June day when I was 16. I was hit broadside by a car - I was not at fault - and flew through the air 32 feet before landing. I had some injuries, but surprisingly, nothing too serious. The pretty red motorcycle didn't fair too well; it was totaled. That night I was feeling quite distraught about the whole experience. My dad did not want me to be afraid to ride/drive again, so even though I had a broken arm and my left knee was significantly swollen, he had me get on the twin to the bike I wrecked, and I drove it to the end of our driveway. 

I rested from riding after that until my arm had healed (it's hard to drive a motorcycle with one working arm).

To this day, there are times when I really wish I could hop on a bike and take it for a drive. (My husband does NOT share that desire.) Alas, only in my memories. Memories that also include my Daddy.

Daddy - THANK YOU for introducing me to the joy of two wheels!



The two stamp sets used for this card
are from The Project Bin:
Wild Thing (the motorcycle)
Classic Man (the sentiment




Thanks for stopping by my blog today!

Stamp Sets: The Project Bin Classic Man and Wild Thing stamped with Memento Tuxedo Black Ink and colored with Copic Markers

Papers: Accent Opaque 120# White and SU Blueberry Bushel CS and DP from my scrap file

Dies/Punches: MFT Slanted Sentiment Strip and MFT Stitched Rounded Rectangle Dies and EK Success Corner Rounder Punch

Embellishments: Gina Marie Enamel Dots

4 comments:

Lynn McAuley said...

That must be why to love driving all over the country in Hot Sauce!! What fun to hear about your biker days, Jeanette!! And such fabulously fun memories you made with your dad! I know he is going to love this Father's Day card!

s.mcfeggan@gmail.com said...

Jeanette what an awesome story. Captivating in-fact. Though to look at you know I can't imagine you on a motorcycle. Such a great Fathers day card too. I agree with Lynn on the reason you love to get up and go. Hot Sauce is your Red Honda wanna be.

jimlynn said...

LOVE your card and the memories of your dad and bike riding experiences are so wonderful! I can just see you riding and know it had to be so much fun. Your dad will love the card and bring back memories for him too.
Lynn

kiwimeskreations said...

Love that card Kelly - that is stunning. Love your story too - I rode pillion a lot, but never ended up riding or owning my own bike...
Stay safe
Blessings
Maxine