Mixed feelings.

Triple · 02-25-2011, 01:16 PM

Taking a trip this summer: Summer Michigan Tour

My dad called me last night to tell me he wanted to rent a bike and do the trip with me. He rode regularly from the early 70's through the mid-80's, but the last bike he owned was an 06 KLX250S that never even saw 1,000 miles. He's been out of the game for a while.

My dad is my best friend and this could probably be a very meaningful experience, but

A) This is a pretty rigorous route to jump into when you haven't been riding consistently for 20 years,

B) There's no way he'll want to ride the hours/pace I intend to keep,

C) I don't want to worry about anyone other than myself getting hurt in the middle of the woods, and

D) I haven't taken a trip in years and I was really looking forward to some time out in the wild, by myself.

My wife really made me feel like a dick for even considering telling him "no." Her dad has already passed and she thinks I'll regret not taking advantage of the trip with him while I can. Since I moved to Georgia six years ago, I only see my parents once or twice a year.

Captain Morgan · 02-25-2011, 01:33 PM

I can definitely understand the mixed feelings. I can also see your wife's point. I'd suggest talking to your dad in-depth about the trip. Don't tell him no, but let him know how you feel and why. See what he has to say. See if there is anything else the two of you can do together, maybe an easier trip, or maybe just fishing, rather than riding.

TommyHotWheel · 02-25-2011, 03:50 PM

I would do the trip with Dad. I have found a new respect for my Dad after I was diagnosed and he and I have become very close, to the point that he is helping me move back to Michigan and maybe even starting a new side business with me. If you are worried about the distances, break the trips up, there are hundreds of places to stay for cheap and miles upon miles of camping areas.

Avatard · 02-25-2011, 04:02 PM

Do it with your father. Don't even second guess it.

You'll look back on it only with fondness later. If you don't, you'll look back at a missed opportunity. Your dad, dude.

dReWpY · 02-25-2011, 04:21 PM

I have taken the longest trips with my father and grandfather, never doubt the kindered soul of our fathers, they will surprise you everytime

Gas Man · 02-25-2011, 10:10 PM

Even if you have to tone done daily miles I think it would be worth it taking your father. I wish I could have done stuff like that with my dad.

G-Rex · 02-25-2011, 10:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gas Man

Even if you have to tone done daily miles I think it would be worth it taking your father. I wish I could have done stuff like that with my dad.

What he said. I wish my dad was still around for me to take a trip with, but he passed away 18 years ago.

Do the trip with your dad, or regret not doing it.

'73 H1 Triple · 02-25-2011, 10:16 PM

Alter your plans so your dad fits into them. Don't be a self center asshole. ( I say it that way since he won't be around forever) Create some memories that you can savor for years to come.

My Dad died 3-3-99 and I'd love to do just one more vacation of any type with him.

Lamnidae · 02-26-2011, 12:29 AM

Do the trip with your dad.....

Fleck750 · 02-26-2011, 01:20 AM

See if you can rent a side car set up. Problem solved.

02-25-2011, 01:16 PM	#1
Triple uncomfortably numb Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: JOH-JAH! Moto: WR250R & Bonneville Posts: 409	Mixed feelings. Taking a trip this summer: Summer Michigan Tour My dad called me last night to tell me he wanted to rent a bike and do the trip with me. He rode regularly from the early 70's through the mid-80's, but the last bike he owned was an 06 KLX250S that never even saw 1,000 miles. He's been out of the game for a while. My dad is my best friend and this could probably be a very meaningful experience, but A) This is a pretty rigorous route to jump into when you haven't been riding consistently for 20 years, B) There's no way he'll want to ride the hours/pace I intend to keep, C) I don't want to worry about anyone other than myself getting hurt in the middle of the woods, and D) I haven't taken a trip in years and I was really looking forward to some time out in the wild, by myself. My wife really made me feel like a dick for even considering telling him "no." Her dad has already passed and she thinks I'll regret not taking advantage of the trip with him while I can. Since I moved to Georgia six years ago, I only see my parents once or twice a year. __________________

02-25-2011, 03:50 PM	#3
TommyHotWheel Imported from Detroit Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Michigan Moto: 2001 Suzuki TL1000R Posts: 989	I would do the trip with Dad. I have found a new respect for my Dad after I was diagnosed and he and I have become very close, to the point that he is helping me move back to Michigan and maybe even starting a new side business with me. If you are worried about the distances, break the trips up, there are hundreds of places to stay for cheap and miles upon miles of camping areas. __________________ Cry Havok! And let slip the hogs of war!

02-25-2011, 04:02 PM	#4
Avatard Crotch Rocket Curmudgeon Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Here to integrity Moto: Li'l red baby Ninja Posts: 7,482	Do it with your father. Don't even second guess it. You'll look back on it only with fondness later. If you don't, you'll look back at a missed opportunity. Your dad, dude. __________________ Insert free thought here.

02-25-2011, 10:10 PM	#6
Gas Man Trip's Assistant Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Imported from Detroit Moto: 2009 HD Street Classic Posts: 12,149	Even if you have to tone done daily miles I think it would be worth it taking your father. I wish I could have done stuff like that with my dad. __________________ -Chris "Why pay somebody else to fuck up your bike?" Run Amsoil Product

02-26-2011, 01:20 AM	#10
Fleck750 Spiker bike Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: KCK Moto: KZ750 Posts: 1,629	See if you can rent a side car set up. Problem solved. __________________ I ride way too fast to worry about cholesterol. ~Author Unknown

02-25-2011, 01:33 PM	#2
Captain Morgan Let's do another U-turn Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Indiana Moto: 2009 V-Strom Posts: 3,816	I can definitely understand the mixed feelings. I can also see your wife's point. I'd suggest talking to your dad in-depth about the trip. Don't tell him no, but let him know how you feel and why. See what he has to say. See if there is anything else the two of you can do together, maybe an easier trip, or maybe just fishing, rather than riding.

02-25-2011, 10:16 PM	#8
'73 H1 Triple restorer of the original Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Zionsville,PA Moto: '93 ZR1100 &'73 Kawasaki H1 500 Posts: 1,331	Alter your plans so your dad fits into them. Don't be a self center asshole. ( I say it that way since he won't be around forever) Create some memories that you can savor for years to come. My Dad died 3-3-99 and I'd love to do just one more vacation of any type with him.