Today was probably my last ride.
I once promised my wife that I would get out of motorcycling when our daughters were older. I didn't plan on doing it this soon, but it's time.
Tonight my wife asked me to give it up. I don't expect everyone to understand, but those who are married with kids may be more likely to. No matter how much it pains me to quit riding, it is my duty as a husband and father to do what is in the best interest of my family.
I will always cherish the good friends (and unique characters) I have met through this forum, and from riding in general. I will keep all of my pictures, and remember the great rides and adventures with fondness. Motorcyclists are absolutely the best group of people on the planet.
Even though I will no longer be riding, all of my friends here will always be welcome in my home when they are in the area.
I will remain active for the next few weeks while I sell all of my bikes and gear, and say goodbye to friends. After that, I probably won't spend much time here. It will be too difficult to be involved in the culture when I can't participate.
Thanks go out to everyone here. You have all given me a great deal over the last few years, and for that I can never repay you.
Ride well my friends.
Count Desmo (Jeremy)
Only you know what's important to you.
Good on you for doing what's right by those who clearly are the important stuff.
Try to stop in every now and again though. ;)
And I guarantee that within 12 months you'll regret it and resent your wife for making you do it, I know that sounds harsh, And I mean no disrespect to you or your wife, but I have seen it to many times where a Husband
(or Wife) is Asked to give something up for the sake of the kids and the Marriage, and it seems to cause more heartache and pain down the track.
You can't find a happy medium, rather than give up something you enjoy?
Just my 0.02 and feel free to tell me to piss off, And I really hope I'm wrong.
But if you do give it up, Your a stronger man than I.
Quote from: CairnsDuc on June 08, 2008, 09:47:53 PM
And I guarantee that within 12 months you'll regret it and resent your wife for making you do it
You're wrong, friend. She isn't making me do it. She asked me to follow through on a promise I made years ago. It means a lot to her. There is absolutely nothing I won't do for my wife and kids. It's a bit sooner than I would like, but I can handle that.
I gave up riding too for a spell. Really at that time in my life it was not a big deal.
Do what you need to do mate.
I may makes the same decision down the road.
Be sure to check in every once in a while to say hi or just stick around of course [thumbsup]
as a father and husband... i understand. I have battled with the option myself but have always arrived at the same conclusion... to stay ridding... for my own philosophical reasons. but my philosophy is not others.
My wife never asked me to give it up... she just made me take out a 2 million dollar life insurance policy. I am waiting for the day i go out and my brakes are out... I will picture her at home with a glass of wine and a pair of scissors. Just kidding... my wife would not know what wire to cut.
but i am sure the road will miss you... but not as much as your family would if something were to happen. god speed.
Well I respect that, I don't agree with it, But I can respect your decision.
Like I said your bigger man than I [thumbsup]
But please tell me you'll still hang around the board and contribute.
Best of luck, hope we still see you around from time to time. :)
OMG :'(
it has been great fun riding with u babe... we will certainly miss u
and im sure a group of us will be up there to harrass ya, and i would u would do the same
[beer]
maybe we can talk about of ur gear
Being a father and a husband myself I understand what you are doing 100%
You've got my respect for being one of the few that has their priorities straight.
I'm sure I'm just too young to understand, but ti's not like you're playing russian roulette with a full clip.... Sure, riding can be dangerous, but you can get hurt doing ANYTHING. Seems like the chances of getting really really hurt are alot lower than many people think.
If it's important to you and your family, then it's the right thing to do, but I still don't get it.
See what happens when you make promises. They come back to bite you in the arse. Repeat after me, "Never make promises".
Seriously . . . Sad to see you go. We made only one ride together (first half of Az and second half of Utah is all one ride to me) but it was a blast. You'll know where to find us if you get a reprieve. :(
PS You know, if you don't ride you'll age faster. I'm not trying to influence you or any thing like that, but . . . [roll]
Good luck and add your 2 cents to the forum every now and then.
I respect you man, better person than I [thumbsup]
start riding offroad and involve the whole family!
First I find out my brother bought an HHR and now this?!
What next?!
??? ??? ???
Jeremy, sorry to here about that. Didn't you JUST buy an S2R?
Wish you the best bro but have to say personally I couldn't disagree more. I can understand making certain concessions to one's wife but giving up riding would be inconceivable to me. Good luck.
Well it will be sad to see ya go, but only you know what needs to be done. :(
I was going to say how I'm glad about how my life is different or other comments, but they wouldn't even matter.
So, I'll leave it at, hope to see you return sooner than later [thumbsup]
Living up to promises is a rare things these days. Thanks for sharing that rare moment. Best wishes in your time away from the rides. Godspeed [thumbsup]
it's sad news, but [thumbsup] on making a decision that YOU think is a benefit to your family.
if we ever have a child, i'm not sure i'd keep riding either...
stop in and say hi
I am sorry to hear that , and I am certain it will not last ,you will regret it , also anyone who asked such a promise cannot really love you as you truly are. Sorry .....my mother asked a similar thing of my father years ago with boats and it turned him into a deeply bitter and unhappy person . My wife would never ask such a thing of me, we have been together 15 years ride together and our 9 year old daughter also rides with us.Mind you my work and life style are hazardous but my family accept me for what I am .
I wish you well and I hope you find another joyous passtime.
It's nice to see someone putting what they feel is most important before their own wishes and wants. That's very giving of you and your family will be the better for it and benefit from it.
That being said, I agree with the poster that said get dirt bikes and involve the whole family if you want a fun way to be in two wheels AND still enjoy that time with your family ~
JM
As they say, "Ya gotta do what ya gotta do..."
-My father used to be really into skydiving (I have gone a few times with him), and the exact same situation transpired.... He promised as my brother, sister, and I got older he would get out of it, and he did..
-He has snuck a few jumps in here and there (like when I went w/him), but had to give up a whiole lifestyle + group of friends because he made a pact that he would....
Do what you have to for now and be a father fist + foremost... Motorcycles + the good people who ride them aren't going anywhere, should you choose to return down the road when your kids are all grown up.... :)
-Good luck man....
:'(
I don't understand it, but I do respect it. Hope it works out for you. Just promise me that in 15 or 20 years time when you become a "born again biker" you'll get back on a beautiful Italian machine, not some Japanese appliance (or American ditch pump) ;)
big
I totally understand. It's the same reason my brother won't get on one. He has two kids and a wife who depend on him entirely. He could never really enjoy riding with the thought of leaving them stranded if something were to happen. Best of luck man, maybe it's time to get that classic muscle car you've always wanted ;D
Quote from: ducmouse on June 08, 2008, 10:28:09 PM
OMG :'(
it has been great fun riding with u babe... we will certainly miss u
and im sure a group of us will be up there to harrass ya, and i would u would do the same
[beer]
maybe we can talk about of ur gear
Ditto! My house is always open to everyone in the NMMR crew! :)
Quote from: 55Spy on June 09, 2008, 12:15:48 AM
start riding offroad and involve the whole family!
This is a definite possibility in the future!
I'd like to clarify that my wife isn't reading me the riot act over riding, nor is she demanding that I give it up. She didn't give me an ultimatum. I would probably respond diferently under those circumstances.
Her request is not based soley on safety concerns, though that is part of it. My wife is a stay at home mother, so I'm the sole provider in our household. I work in a fairly stressful job and spend a lot of time at the office. Couple that with business trips and it doesn't leave as much time as I would like. This is really about being more accessible to my family and spending more of my free time with my daughters.
2 years ago I would have been posting up what many of you have. Even as a father then, I would have told you how I didn't understand the decision and told you that you would be back. I'm in a different place now, and everything has shifted for me.
This is something I will do, something I will miss, and something I will stick to.
Good on ya, CD.
You don't owe us an explanation, just gotta do watcha gotta do.
+1 for Integrity [thumbsup]
Safe travels, & hurry back ;)
You are right. Spend as much time with the family as you can. The kids grow up fast. When they are on their own you can take the MSF and start rideing again. Good Luck
Sorry to hear that you'll be stepping off the bikes for a while. :'(
I know you're doing this for the right reasons.
We'll be here if'n you need a moto fix now and again.
- R
Wow Jeremy...I've always held you in very high regards. You really are a selfless man, kudos to you. Your wife and girls are very, very lucky.
Best wishes in the future. Hope to see you around...Colorado isn't so far from N.M. ya know. [beer]
T
Quote from: T-byrd on June 09, 2008, 07:19:30 AM
Wow Jeremy...I've always held you in very high regards. You really are a selfless man, kudos to you. Your wife and girls are very, very lucky.
Best wishes in the future. Hope to see you around...Colorado isn't so far from N.M. ya know. [beer]
T
Thank you, Tanya. I appreciate that.
Quote from: Count Desmo on June 09, 2008, 07:29:42 AM
Thank you, Tanya. I appreciate that.
I'm suprised the wife didn't want the pink hat gone. [laugh]
good for you.... it's not often people do what right, at the right time. [thumbsup]
Count Desmo [beer] My salutations. Stop by the DMF once in a while, this place will always be here for you. You are a brave man.
If it were a concern, why didn't you quit when your daughter(s) were born? If it's a concern now, why wasn't it a concern then?
No value judgment, just a question.
I've raised two wonderful kids who have ridden with me a million times. I know scoots are more "dangerous" than cars, but when your numbers up, it's up.
I can't say I don't know understand at least to a point, as the same thought has crossed my mind too.
You will be missed around here.
LA
Good luck, godspeed and congratulations on living up to your promises. [thumbsup]
I too gave up biking years ago for similar circumstances.
...the kids are grown up, and I'm back riding now ...and no doubt when your kids leave the nest, you will ease back into riding again.
Good luck
Quote from: LA on June 09, 2008, 09:46:28 AM
If it were a concern, why didn't you quit when your daughter(s) were born? If it's a concern now, why wasn't it a concern then?
It's always been a concern. This has been a 4-year conversation, which will end when I fulfill my promise. I'll miss you all, too.
I don't know if this is the same thing or just sort of the same thing. I have only one living family member and that's my 3 year younger brother whom I share a residence with. After I had my crash in April he told me that if I ever rode again he was leaving . He expects that if I ride again the next phone call he will get will be to come identify the body and he can't live with that thought. I love to ride.I love my brother. I'm not giving up riding. ...Jeremy I understand you made a promise and you would be less a man not to keep your promise. Enjoy the family for all you can and one day if it's to be you'll be back in the saddle. We'll miss you 'til then.
You scared the f'ing snot out of me J!! I thought this was a RIP message from your bride like the one we got a year or two ago from Sean's. Im gonna kick your ass for the title. >:(
As for the reason, my hat is off to you with much respect. You are a good man! (so....lets talk about that mini van you will be selling)
(http://photos-180.ll.facebook.com/photos-ll-sf2p/v250/243/65/2730180/n2730180_38074532_1727.jpg)
Mad Respek, Yo.
Just think, when the Kids grow up, You can spend there Inheritance and buy yourself a new Italian Mistress! ;)
Quote from: vivaleduc on June 09, 2008, 04:55:29 PM
Jeremy,
How in the world will you ever get out of Farmington? You should really hang it up after Ouray, one last hooray!
Hey George! Wish I could, but it needs to happen before Ouray. Someday I would really like to get a Jeep so the family and I can get away into the mountains, but that will have to wait a while. Wish I could have ridden with you again, though!
Quote from: CairnsDuc on June 08, 2008, 09:47:53 PM
And I guarantee that within 12 months you'll regret it and resent your wife for making you do it, I know that sounds harsh, And I mean no disrespect to you or your wife, but I have seen it to many times where a Husband
(or Wife) is Asked to give something up for the sake of the kids and the Marriage, and it seems to cause more heartache and pain down the track.
You can't find a happy medium, rather than give up something you enjoy?
Just my 0.02 and feel free to tell me to piss off, And I really hope I'm wrong.
But if you do give it up, Your a stronger man than I.
You know, i have personal experience with this sorta thing. my wife wanted me to stop riding. so i did. and it made me off kilter, if you will. and what killed me was watching guys do that low hand wave, while i was in the car with my wife. one night she said"whats a matter" I said " I really miss riding" she said, " if you love it that much get another bike, i cant stand to see you like this" a 2006 s2r eight hundred is what she got.
the ron [evil]
good luck in what ever you choose to do.
Quote from: ducducgooseme on June 09, 2008, 01:12:44 PM
You scared the f'ing snot out of me J!! I thought this was a RIP message from your bride...
Yeah :-[ The title made my heart sink for a second too! Don't
do that! [cheeky]
My first response is that the whole idea sucks but I know where you are coming from. I'm sure part of it is the danger and family security aspect but I'm thinking the other part of it might be just spending time with your family. I know now I spent way too much time on work stuff. I hope that isn't your case. It's all balance and sometimes the balance gets out of whack.
Consider it a break away from riding. Maybe when the time is right it will make sense to ride again.
Good luck. It's not like I know you but judging from your past contributions I'm betting it's going to be hard for you to stay away. I know it sounds like one addict enabling another, but I hope you drop in just to see what's cooking every now and then. This board tends to be more than just a moto-board sometimes.
i am young, with no wife/kids so nobody relies on me to bring home the bacon, play catch, or provide a roof.
My friend from work who is a few years older, that i ride with, has 1 very young son and another on the way. To tell you the truth, i worry more about him than myself when we ride.
When i was in elemtry school my best friend lost him mom. I would not want any kids to have to grow up not knowing their father/mother.
i can total understand you giving it up, when/if i end up in the same boat, i;d give up street riding without much fuss
My dad did when i was born. but he kept the bike around for about 15-18 years in the shed. My mom blames that Honda for me wanting to ride haha
All the best man [thumbsup]
Sad to hear Jeremy, but you've made a very selfless decision. [thumbsup]
Will more chocolate biscuits sway her/your decision?
[evil]
May the luck be with you Count Desmo ..........
p/s : What's next? .... Gardening?? ;D
Who's gonna give me good gear deal news now?
<Blinking>
<Blinking>
<Blinking>
<Blinking>
<Blinking>
<Blinking>
<Blinking>
Quote from: Count Desmo on June 09, 2008, 05:32:22 PM
Someday I would really like to get a Jeep so the family and I can get away into the mountains
(http://image08.webshots.com/8/4/16/93/2544416930059766400XmpMwJ_ph.jpg)
Come visit J
Come crawling with us at our place
www.peterscreekrvorv.com
Quote from: Super T.I.B on June 09, 2008, 09:23:58 PM
Sad to hear Jeremy, but you've made a very selfless decision. [thumbsup]
Will more chocolate biscuits sway her/your decision?
[evil]
Are you kidding! My wife ate nearly every one of those chocolate biscuits! She raved about the double chocolate ones, especially! Seriously, I may have eaten 5 or 6 max! Thanks again for those, btw. [thumbsup]
Quote from: NAKID on June 09, 2008, 11:53:59 PM
Who's gonna give me good gear deal news now?
Good question! I'll be selling all of my stuff, keeping it around will just be a temptation. I can't even believe half the crap I have in the garage and the closet. Riding for so many years has allowed me to really collect a lot of stuff. ;D
Thank you everyone for your comments!
Mother, I don't need another addiction yet! Seriously, thanks for the invite! I'm a few years away from the Jeep idea, but pics like that definitely get me going.
Gave it up from when my son was born till he was 25 (out of college with a job with benefits). Last bike a yamaha 750 triple shaft drive, I'm kinda glad I waited now ride a 2007 S4RS
Jeremy, you did the right thing for your wife.
Somehow, somewhere in the future the right thing will come back to you.
For now just enjoy your wife and kids.
Hope you drop in here at the DMF every now and then.
Hard decision, I bet. But good on ya for putting your priorities in order.
For me it was giving flying planes when my daughter was born and smoking when my son was born.
Hmmm. Note to men out there: Pick some really bad habits to give up first ;D
Quote from: Drunken Monkey on June 10, 2008, 08:24:09 AM
Hmmm. Note to men out there: Pick some really bad habits to give up first ;D
Good thinkin'!
Quote from: Drunken Monkey on June 10, 2008, 08:24:09 AM
Hmmm. Note to men out there: Pick some really bad habits to give up first ;D
Like having sex with strange women?
Quote from: Mother on June 10, 2008, 08:44:25 AM
Like having sex with strange women?
Lower on the list than you might think...
Spending (
our) money on new toys (
for you) (
without permission) will get you deeper in the doghouse than cheap hos any day [laugh]
happy trails cowboy...
Best of luck [thumbsup]javascript:void(0);
waytogo
As a father of two children, I totally understand and respect your decision. It is your decision alone as it should be.
Motorcycles are going no where so there will be time to ride yet. When I started at the dealership I was surprised how many people did just as you are doing waiting for their children to get out of collage. Bikes will be different but the people will be the same, all good.
From your work description (as a stressful job) be sure to pick up something new to blow off some steam. Hey try chainsaw juggling, you may be asked to start riding again [evil].
Also I can tell you from experience it is hard to keep those friends that do ride just because it will be hard to be hanging out with people talking about something you no longer are able to do. Keep at it and find some new common ground.
Best of luck. see you in 20 years.
Quote from: Count Desmo on June 08, 2008, 09:42:32 PM
Today was probably my last ride.
I once promised my wife that I would get out of motorcycling when our daughters were older. I didn't plan on doing it this soon, but it's time.
Ride well my friends.
Count Desmo (Jeremy)
Always sad to see someone give up the bikes. Still, as other posters have pointed out, bikes will always be here. Don't sell yours, eh - keep it under lock and key: it'll be completely retro if you decide to ever climb back into the saddle. [thumbsup]
Hope you'll be logging on for a couple of days. Nearly finished the second DMF video. Because I lack scruples, I used one of your photos
without permission - I'll post the vid soon, and PM to let you know when it's up.
Good luck.
Roy [beer]
twice in my life i have given it up for one reason or another, usually for economics... i love it, it means a lot to me, but could live without it.
my girl scoots and wants her own bike soon, but we aren't doing the family thing so we are the oddballs in our social-circle.
props to you for honouring your word, there are a few guys i have met who hide their bikes at a buddies place, and that's not right.
[thumbsup]
Quote from: Mother on June 10, 2008, 08:44:25 AM
Like having sex with strange women?
that is a bad habit? 8)
Quote from: ducducgooseme on June 10, 2008, 09:49:58 AM
that is a bad habit? 8)
it is when you are married and have children
I'm considering giving up street riding. I would simply take the bike to the track. But me decision is mostly based on the fact that there are no decent roads in South Florida to ride on. I'm sure my wife would appreciate it.
Quote from: roy-nexus-6 on June 10, 2008, 09:34:34 AM
Hope you'll be logging on for a couple of days. Nearly finished the second DMF video. Because I lack scruples, I used one of your photos without permission - I'll post the vid soon, and PM to let you know when it's up.
I'll be around hawking all of my stuff. ;D No permission needed on the pic, I just wish I would have had time to mod it a bit more!
Quote from: Dareduc on June 08, 2008, 10:05:10 PM
as a father and husband... i understand. I have battled with the option myself but have always arrived at the same conclusion... to stay ridding... for my own philosophical reasons. but my philosophy is not others.
My wife never asked me to give it up... she just made me take out a 2 million dollar life insurance policy. I am waiting for the day i go out and my brakes are out... I will picture her at home with a glass of wine and a pair of scissors. Just kidding... my wife would not know what wire to cut.
but i am sure the road will miss you... but not as much as your family would if something were to happen. god speed.
I am with you on that one .. ALL THE WAY ... [evil] [wine] [laugh]
I respect your decision even though I couldn't make the same one.
We'll miss you bro.
Seriously, a big [thumbsup] on coming through on the promise.
If you want/need some cheap internal combustion thrills, try autocross... there are even kart classes for the kids [cheeky]
Funny, you waited to have kids to STOP riding, and I waited to have kids to START riding .. :-\ Now that I have kids I have something to LIVE for when I get out there, Keeps the throttle hand in control .. if you know what I mean ..
No I 100% understand where you are coming from. Although im not the sole provider for my family, every morning when I ride into work I keep my eyes peeled for that old lady going to get her pills, both wheels on the ground and my mph under control.
Trade the duc in for a little 50cc, Tons of fun, it'll give you your 2 wheeled fix, and involve the Fam!!! Even the wife won't be able to say no to a rip around the house!! Only 700 or less on Craigslist!
and remember ... You can take the man off the bike but you can take the bike off the man ... Wait that doesn't make a bit of sense .. there has to be some type of quote to insert here .. Anyone??!?
Quote from: Drunken Monkey on June 10, 2008, 08:24:09 AM
Hmmm. Note to men out there: Pick some really bad habits to give up first ;D
What kind of habits are we girls supposed to give up? ;)
Quote from: msincredible on June 10, 2008, 07:47:22 PM
What kind of habits are we girls supposed to give up? ;)
Nagging.
[cheeky]
Quote from: Mother on June 10, 2008, 08:44:25 AM
Like having sex with strange women?
Like that's a problem with you....
Quote from: Mother on June 10, 2008, 08:44:25 AM
Like having sex with strange women?
I find it odd you would use strange as an adjective.
just sayin' ;D
Quote from: msincredible on June 10, 2008, 07:47:22 PM
What kind of habits are we girls supposed to give up? ;)
You're supposed to give up all those "good" habits [evil]
big
Jeremy,
Lot's of respect. Have a good, healthy and happy life!
Marcel
Hats off to you countdesmo,you kept your promise,hard to do if you're to ask me,good luck. [thumbsup]
Take a look at the Can-Am Spyder. I kept my Monster S2R 1000 for me and ride the
spyder with the wife. This thing is as safe as your car or truck. Stability control, ant-lock brakes all computer controlled. Maby your wife would ok this type of ride? [moto]
Quote from: Gramps on June 11, 2008, 07:12:12 AM
Take a look at the Can-Am Spyder. I kept my Monster S2R 1000 for me and ride the
spyder with the wife. This thing is as safe as your car or truck. Stability control, ant-lock brakes all computer controlled. Maby your wife would ok this type of ride? [moto]
Thanks for the tip, but there is more to it than the safety concerns. Family time is the driving factor, so even the Spyder wouldn't fit the bill.
Totally understandable, I don't think you need to look at it as your last ride. I'm sure when you are older, daughters are all grown up, and maybe reitred, there will be another moto in your life. And by then they'll all have 600hp solar/feces hybrid engines and all gear will have force fields and you'll shit your pants (hence the hybrid) when you ride one for the first time.
Well, Jeremy that makes my leaving just a bit easier! Knowing that I couldn't ride with you anymore even if I stayed comforts me a bit, I dont know why. I made the same promise to my ex-wife (and no, that is not the reason she is an ex!), and she relented 10 years later after seeing how I would still look at any montorcycle that rides by. Take care brother!
Best to you Count Desmo. Only you know in your heart your doing the right thing. Take care of you and your family. [thumbsup]
at the fork in the road
turn towards the family.
Very Admirable decision.
Hope you stick around.
If you don't hope all is well with you and your family in the years (many) to come
Jim
Quote from: Brutale on June 11, 2008, 07:02:50 PM
Well, Jeremy that makes my leaving just a bit easier! Knowing that I couldn't ride with you anymore even if I stayed comforts me a bit, I dont know why. I made the same promise to my ex-wife (and no, that is not the reason she is an ex!), and she relented 10 years later after seeing how I would still look at any montorcycle that rides by. Take care brother!
Oddly enough, I feel the same way. Thank you for the kind words my friend. I'd still like to get together before you leave if we can work it out. [thumbsup]
Quote from: ducducgooseme on June 09, 2008, 01:12:44 PM
You scared the f'ing snot out of me J!! I thought this was a RIP message from your bride like the one we got a year or two ago from Sean's. Im gonna kick your ass for the title. >:(
As for the reason, my hat is off to you with much respect. You are a good man! (so....lets talk about that mini van you will be selling)
Back off, DDGM! I am first in line for the V-Strom. See, I even address it with the respect it deserves. You've done nothing but ridicule the dirty truckster since he got it!
But I'm wit ya on the way he broke the news to us. My computer took five long, long minutes to pull that link up, and a thousand scenarios, none of them good, ran through my mind. I was white as a sheet when it finally materialized. I was so relieved I was almost delirious that he was only retiring from the ride for awhile or forever, who even cared at that point. Talk about drama!!! Geez Jeremy! You ARE gettin' your ass kicked the next time you're down in the hood. I expressed the rest of my sentiments on the NMMR thread so will restrain myself. Okay, maybe just one little picture:
(http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc120/bonfygloria/taos/Picture054.jpg)
THE REAL REASON JEREMY IS GIVING IT UP! [laugh] [laugh] [laugh]
Count Desmo,
I wish you all the best of life to offer.
Hey DDGM and Bonfy, didn't mean to scare you guys with the title of the thread! I didn't even think about it when I wrote it.
Quote from: Count Desmo on June 12, 2008, 06:09:14 AM
Hey DDGM and Bonfy, didn't mean to scare you guys with the title of the thread! I didn't even think about it when I wrote it.
Jeremy,
I´m so sad to read that you´re leaving the community and biking for a while. I hope you do find "life after 2 wheels" and it works out. If not, we´ll still be here.
Kurt
has your wife given up frivolous shopping?
y'know, for the family's and the kids' college funds sake?
i'm just saying....
Quote from: ato memphis on June 12, 2008, 07:41:40 AM
has your wife given up frivolous shopping?
y'know, for the family's and the kids' college funds sake?
i'm just saying....
[laugh]
I know where you're comming from. I didn't ride for years because of family (not wife, mom & dad). Then got married and a youngster. She's in college now, so mid life brought me back and my first street bike. Try fly fishing and backpacking.
Good Luck, do you need someone to watch your bikes?
bdub
Good luck Count Desmo!
Im just getting started riding but I do know I will stop for a bit once I get married and have kids. Im only 20 and I figure I might ride now without any dependents.
Oh the joys of youth and middle age. [thumbsup]
So your giving up motorcycling for your family. Oh man. I wish I could agree with that, but I do not. I have 4 kids from 11 to 4 and I have two streetbikes and a dirtbike. I decided to go the dirt bike route with my kids, and they all have their own ride and they absolutlely love it. My daughter rides the wheels off her Yamaha 50. I look at it as I enjoy motorcycling so much, to not open my kids to the experience would be short changing them of a possible lifelong enjoyment. Plus, it erases the "motorcycles are dangerous" stigma. NOt to mention the afternoons spent riding, teaching, and seeing their faces light up at the sound of the engine starting. They put their little helmets on with all their riding gear, ride around for hours. They fall off, run into trees, wipe out; they cry and learn the importance of driving safe and what happens if you are careless. They always get back on and ride again eventually.
Sell your Monster and get a couple 50's -- they are like $1100 a piece. Then get yourself a kick ass KTM. You can regulate the speed on the little minibikes, and they are small enough to keep in yor garage. If your girls are a bit too big, get a 4 stroke small displacement like an 80 or so. Honda and Yamaha make some great bikes for kids; especially Yamaha. My daughter got a pink helmet, pink Thor riding gear, and she picked it out herself. She liked that more than getting a bike. If you think of it this way -- they are part of you and you enjoy motorcycling; they will probably really enjoy it just as much. Plus, it really really is some quality time spent with the kids, and they never turn down the offer of going riding.
As far as any safety concerns. I was widowed 9 years ago, and everybody told me to sell my bike and raise my kids. I thought about it, but then again I could be driving on the interstate with the kids in my Taurus sedan and get creamed too. I worry more about a car accident that a motorcycle accident. I drive my car a lot more miles in Iowa weather and see obits for families killed in car accidents regularly. BUt, when it is a car accident, nobody tells you to sell your car because it is dangerous. Planes crash, trains wreck, boats sink. Houses catch fire, weather can blow a house apart, and you can get shot by a jerk robbing a gas station.
Do your daughters a favor and expose them to the joys and challenges of motorcycling. you can take riding vacations to remote scenic locations. Then when they grow up they can buy street bikes and go riding with you and think how lucky they were to have a dad who showed them a lifelong passion.
Quote from: bigiain on June 10, 2008, 08:26:31 PM
You're supposed to give up all those "good" habits [evil]
big
I like that ;D
Quote from: robartlum on June 12, 2008, 05:24:43 PM
Good luck Count Desmo!
Im just getting started riding but I do know I will stop for a bit once I get married and have kids.
Really?? Why??
I agree with IowaS4r
Iowa S4R, I agree with everything you said...but that doesn't mean it applies to my situation. My youngest daughter is only 1 1/2, so we're a couple of years away from dirt bikes. It is a possibility, but who knows? Each person has to do what's right for them and their situation. I'm glad you have found happiness in your decisions. [thumbsup]
Jeremy, I totally understand your decision and I'm sure that it's the right thing to do. I, too, made the promise that I would give up riding when my son turned six. I've got a little over three years left to ride before I have to fullfill that promise. But I've been thinking lately that I may do so sooner than that. Like you, I too have the option to do the dirt bike thing instead. I am almost certain that I will do that. We have a farm in SE Oklahoma that will allow me to keep the bikes down there and it will always be a treat to get to ride them while we're there. Plus, it may provide an incentive to go there more often. My son loves riding on the tractor with his grandpa and feeding the cows ;D
You get my respect for standing behind your word [clap] I see so many that do not everyday.
Don't be a stranger. You've got my number and are always welcome here in OKC [beer]
Thank you, Trent. That farm sounds like a lot of fun!