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  1. #1
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    Default These things make dreams come true...

    Some of you may’ve seen my earlier post about test riding a Ryker at BRP parking lot event. Well, after speaking with the dealer sponsoring the event, and the folks from BRP, I enrolled in the dealer’s three wheeled motorcycle course. I’ve always loved motorcycles, but living with cerebral palsy, I never in a million years thought I’d be able to ride one by myself. However, for $50 I figured I’d give the class a shot. My instructors were awesome, one of which is a full time Spyder guy, putting about 12,000 miles a year on his RT. Everyone, from my instructors to my fellow classmates were super supportive and stoked for me, even going so far as allowing me to stay on the bike for the duration of the exercises as opposed to switching on and off, as getting on and off the bike was the trickiest part. Much to my surprise, I passed both the written and skills portions with flying colors, and was awarded my paper license. I’m glad I was wearing a full face helmet with the visor down, as I bawled like a baby upon shaking the instructor’s hand at the conclusion of the final skills test, and hearing the words, “Congratulations, you are now a licensed three wheeled motorcyclist.” I went to the DMV the next day, and had my M3 endorsement added before the ink was dry on my paper slip. Twenty years of wishing I could ride a motorcycle have finally come to fruition. The feeling of being in the wind, no canes, no wheelchair, just me and the bike, is indescribable. I still choke up thinking about it. My first test ride on the open road was as close to heaven on earth as I’ve ever been, just me and a 600 Ryker, soaking up the world around me. I’ve since been aggressively job hunting to get off of disability and afford a Ryker of my own. These bikes have truly changed my life, and proven that dreams really do come true.
    Attached Images Attached Images

  2. #2
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    That is awesome! Congratulations.
    2017 F3T-SM6 Squared Away Mirror Wedgies & Alignment
    2014 RTS-SM6 123,600 miles Sold 11/2017
    2014 RTL-SE6 8,600 miles
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    2010 RT- 622

  3. #3
    Very Active Member PW2013STL's Avatar
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    Thank you for sharing your story
    To many many miles of smiles
    2021 Sea To Sky, 2020 RTL

    Isn't it weird that in AMERICA our flag and our culture offend so many people......
    but our benefits don't?
    2015 F3S , White & Blue

  4. #4
    Very Active Member BoilerAnimal's Avatar
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    Congratulations and I wish you the best of luck!
    On the road again...........and forever young!

    2013 RT-S SE 5



    Yesterday is a cancelled check.
    Tomorrow is a promissory note.
    Today is cash.......spend it wisely.

  5. #5
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    A beautiful story - I am very happy that you can realize your dream. I keep my fingers crossed for you to buy a Ryker soon.
    2016 F3-S Special Series , triple black

  6. #6
    Very Active Member JayBros's Avatar
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    Congratulations and good luck in getting your Ryker!
    Artillery lends dignity to what would
    otherwise be a vulgar brawl.
    ******************************
    Cognac 2014 RT-S

  7. #7
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    Dreams do come true.

    So happy for YOU!



    Enjoy your new found freedom.

  8. #8
    Very Active Member Haze's Avatar
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    Congratulation and welcome to the Spyder world.
    You are on your way to miles of smiles.
    David C
    2016 F3T
    DIY Garage Door Opener & GPS Mount
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    Rear IPS Pack Rack



  9. #9
    Very Active Member ARtraveler's Avatar
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    Default

    and

    Currently Owned: 2019 F3 Limited, 2020 F3 Limited: SOLD BOTH LIMITEDS in October of 2023.

    Previously : 2008 GS-SM5 (silver), 2009 RS-SE5 (red), 2010 RT-S Premier Editon #474 (black) 2011 RT A&C SE5 (magnesium) 2014 RTS-SE6 (yellow)

    MY FINAL TALLY: 7 Spyders, 15 years, 205,500 miles

    IT HAS BEEN A LONG, WONDERFUL, AND FUN RIDE.
    2020 F3L , Magma Red

  10. #10
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    Wow what a great story. Congratulations big time.
    2014 ST-S , Cognac

  11. #11
    Very Active Member Grandpot's Avatar
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    That was an inspiring story. Your writing skills are also excellent.
    2011 RTS (Sold to a very nice lady)
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    Experience is recognizing the same mistake every time you make it!

  12. #12
    Very Active Member SteveLaoyster's Avatar
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    AKA Jud Smales, Four Year Spyder Ryder!
    "Quando Omni Flunkus, Moritati"

    The Critter 2016 RT-S
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    Gremlin bell from my son
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    2016 RT-S , stock not yet Pearl White

  13. #13
    Very Active Member JKMSPYDER's Avatar
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    Congratulations and I hope you will have your own Ryker soon!
    2020 F3 Ltd

    Spyderpops Bumpskid
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    2013 ST-S retired 1/9/16 at 25,061 miles
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    2015 F3-S , BajaRon Plugs Can-Am Red

  14. #14
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    I too want to congratulate you for be so courageous in making this great attempt at making your dreams come true. Keep on riding.
    2014 RT Limited , Pearl White

  15. #15
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    That is beyond awesome! Congratulations!!
    When life throws you curves, aim for the apex
    Current stable: 09 Thruxton / 09 FZ6
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  16. #16
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    I'm sending Ryker thoughts out to you and a mind's eye picture of the Ryker in your garage, registered to you.
    Congratulations, you're on the road now!

  17. #17
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    As a fellow wheelchair user congratulations. It opens up a whole new world.

    C ON G R A T U L AT I O N S

  18. #18
    Active Member MonPaul's Avatar
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    Congratulations! Hopefully BRP will hear about your story, I think it would make a great commercial for them!
    Of course you would be in the commercial and be able to take your Ryker home, that goes without saying

  19. #19
    Very Active Member Bfromla's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by spyderenthusiast View Post
    Some of you may’ve seen my earlier post about test riding a Ryker at BRP parking lot event. Well, after speaking with the dealer sponsoring the event, and the folks from BRP, I enrolled in the dealer’s three wheeled motorcycle course. I’ve always loved motorcycles, but living with cerebral palsy, I never in a million years thought I’d be able to ride one by myself. However, for $50 I figured I’d give the class a shot. My instructors were awesome, one of which is a full time Spyder guy, putting about 12,000 miles a year on his RT. Everyone, from my instructors to my fellow classmates were super supportive and stoked for me, even going so far as allowing me to stay on the bike for the duration of the exercises as opposed to switching on and off, as getting on and off the bike was the trickiest part. Much to my surprise, I passed both the written and skills portions with flying colors, and was awarded my paper license. I’m glad I was wearing a full face helmet with the visor down, as I bawled like a baby upon shaking the instructor’s hand at the conclusion of the final skills test, and hearing the words, “Congratulations, you are now a licensed three wheeled motorcyclist.” I went to the DMV the next day, and had my M3 endorsement added before the ink was dry on my paper slip. Twenty years of wishing I could ride a motorcycle have finally come to fruition. The feeling of being in the wind, no canes, no wheelchair, just me and the bike, is indescribable. I still choke up thinking about it. My first test ride on the open road was as close to heaven on earth as I’ve ever been, just me and a 600 Ryker, soaking up the world around me. I’ve since been aggressively job hunting to get off of disability and afford a Ryker of my own. These bikes have truly changed my life, and proven that dreams really do come true.
    IMG_1097.JPG & just wait till you get a full size rykers are fun, they just not full sized & as cargo capable as you will soon be wanting. Few threads on DIY chair racks available, sorry no manufacturer as of yet. Hopefully as we get more enabled ryders
    IMG_1133.jpg

    2013 STL SE5 BLACK CURRANT
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    SENA 20S EVO
    2013 STL , Stock Stock Black currant

  20. #20
    Active Member Chasinsparks's Avatar
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    I sent this to BRP I thought the same about a commercial. His story in inspiring along with how well the dealer and instructor took the time to work with him.
    To be continued....

  21. #21
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    Crying as I'm reading this! You are an inspiration!

  22. #22
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    Quote Originally Posted by Bfromla View Post
    IMG_1097.JPG & just wait till you get a full size rykers are fun, they just not full sized & as cargo capable as you will soon be wanting. Few threads on DIY chair racks available, sorry no manufacturer as of yet. Hopefully as we get more enabled ryders
    IMG_1133.jpg

    Unfortunately the width of the saddle on a full sized spyder is too wide for my legs to splay. They’ll do it, but not without a noticeable degree of discomfort. Then again, a few hours on the Ryker was enough to stretch my legs such that on subsequent rides, my legs were considerably looser; so who knows what a good chunk of time with Ryker might bring. Another benefit was that my back felt better after being on the bike than it did being off of it. Possibly the vibration, possibly the placebo effect, in either case, I’m not complaining in the slightest.

  23. #23
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    Default Awesome...!!

    Congratulations.... Now you can enjoy the wonder of the spyder/ryker with us all...let us know how it goes form here on out....
    2012 RS sm5 , 998cc V-Twin 106hp DIY brake and park brake Classic Black

  24. #24
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    Congrats from Minnesota..... Wishing you all the best!

  25. #25
    Active Member C. Lee's Avatar
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    Thanks for sharing, this is a terrific story.

    2021 RT Limited
    2021 Spyder RT Liminted , Marsala Red in Black

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