Jon bid adieu to an old friend on Wednesday.

We purchased this motorcycle (an '05 Victory Hammer) for him when we moved to Cincinnati in 2005. Jon's Dad rode it to him from Wyoming. It was his first motorcycle. He loved the bike, spent a lot of time customizing it. In fact, just this Christmas he had it powder-coated, and hadn't even had the time (thanks to home renovation) to put it back together until mid-September. For 9 long months, it went unridden -- longer actually, since he didn't ride in November/December due to the cold.

He said parting was bittersweet. He did love the bike.


Motorcycle riding is still a part of him though. He got rid of his bike so that he could buy his Dad's. It's the same style and year, but his Dad has customized it differently. (I'll get pictures when we get it.) He knew that he'd kick himself if he didn't get his Dad's bike -- no matter how much he loves his own. His Dad has had many offers for his bike -- especially considering it's won many "best in show" awards at bike rallies. But he gave Jon first dibs. Jon took the opportunity.

Of course, we had to take pictures of the bike before we shipped it off. And the kids, who had long been forbidden to touch it, also got a ride. This picture of Amara largely mirrors the photo of her on it at 8months old, when we first got the bike.


And of course little D-man, who pretends everything is a motorcycle, and I'm sure will one day ride with his Daddy and Grandfather!


Bye Bye Bike. You were a good one. Give someone else many fun and safe rides!