Since the first time

[Jeriatric]

my Pop walked up and saw me with something torn apart - like the Bendix brake off my bicycle back when I was about eight or nine. He's always been around to provide his unique manner of support in my projects. I remember that first time (Bendix brake) vividly. Was on the back porch (old style wood porch, went most of the way around the house) and I had all the pieces laid out in order. He didn't say what are you screwing up now? Instead he asked, "think you can get it back together right?" That was my Pop. The optimist. Heck, I still have the very first quarter inch drive - socket set, he and my Mom gave me for my tenth birthday. Every piece of it, and I've used it on the Spyder or on something to do with the Spyder almost everyday since this project began.

Dad loved motorcycles. His older brother taught him how to ride, (much like he taught me I suppose). He used those riding skills early in his military career. Ferrying his company commander around on his military issue '39 Indian w/sidecar, and he rode after the war. But he quit riding when he became a family man...a father. That's just who he was...family first.

The Spyder is the first project I've undertaken that Pop hasn't been around to share in the excitement of, or the challenges a projects like this can present. He may not be around in body but his spirit has sure been abundantly present today.

This ones for you Dad. :thumbup:

 

[boborgera]

my Pop walked up and saw me with something torn apart - like the Bendix brake off my bicycle back when I was about eight or nine. He's always been around to provide his unique manner of support in my projects. I remember that first time (Bendix brake) vividly. Was on the back porch (old style wood porch, went most of the way around the house) and I had all the pieces laid out in order. He didn't say what are you screwing up now? Instead he asked, "think you can get it back together right?" That was my Pop. The optimist. Heck, I still have the very first quarter inch drive - socket set, he and my Mom gave me for my tenth birthday. Every piece of it, and I've used it on the Spyder or on something to do with the Spyder almost everyday since this project began.

Dad loved motorcycles. His older brother taught him how to ride, (much like he taught me I suppose). He used those riding skills early in his military career. Ferrying his company commander around on his military issue '39 Indian w/sidecar, and he rode after the war. But he quit riding when he became a family man...a father. That's just who he was...family first.

The Spyder is the first project I've undertaken that Pop hasn't been around to share in the excitement of, or the challenges a projects like this can present. He may not be around in body but his spirit has sure been abundantly present today.

This ones for you Dad. :thumbup:

Well said,
:thumbup:
:thumbup:

 

[bruisersbaby]

My Dad would not have been pleased to know that I am now ryding, as he forbade all of us kids not to ride a motorcycle. The first time I was a passenger on the Spyder, he and I had a 'talk', and I knew that we were right with each other. I was always close to both of my parents, and respected their rules. Dad passed away at age 61 in 1981, and here I am, will be 61 in August. Our Dads taught us so much! My mom was pretty awesome, too!!

 

[jvicker]

Dad may have been able to ride again if he was still around when the spyder came out. He passed in '06.

I'm sure his smile is as big as mine when I'm out ridin the spyder.:thumbup: