Leather Jackets and Dad

 


This jacket is in great shape for its age. The 2nd picture is one of my Dad when he was in his early 30s. I don't remember the motorcycle, but the jacket was in my parents' coat closet. I grew up going to my soccer games sitting on the back of his 1970 Harley. It was a fun way to travel and I'm sure I thought I was pretty cool. I have many traits from my Dad, and most of them are good! I definitely developed his love of motorcycle riding. I now ride a BMW F800ST that I love. I now live in CA but when I lived in Jersey I had a Yamaha 700 that was great. My Dad & I did many rides together. It was a lot of fun and a great way for us to spend some quality time together. Being a Father myself, I have learned how special it can be to share passions with your children. 

My Dad has Alzheimer's disease and his riding days are behind him, but his jacket lives on! My Dad was always very generous with his time and possessions. I have fond memories of him taking my brother and I out when he got a new car or truck and letting us drive it for a little bit. One of my favorite motorcycle memories with him is when he got his first new Harley. He had the 1970's Harley for years and years. Then he finally bit the bullet and splurged on a new bike. This occurred when they were super popular and supply had not caught up with demand. He had to put his name on a waiting list and he waited close to a year before his new bike arrived. He picked it up in the winter and one sunny (but cold) Saturday we went for a ride. Him riding his new Harley and me on my trusty Yamaha. It was great and at one point we pulled off and without hesitation he said lets switch. I was nervous but we rolled out with me on his Harley and my big, tough Dad, in all his leathers on my Yamaha. I wish I had a picture of him. I remember looking over and he was having a blast, as was I. I had to slide down a little on the seat to reach the shifters. These big bikes aren't built for a 5'8" guy! 

The leather jacket lives on. It brings a smile to my face each time I see this jacket in my closet or when I put it on to take a ride on my bike. And I use it to tell stories of my Dad and I and our riding days. My brother has his Harley, so my Dad's love of riding is going strong with us. Look forward to passing it on when my riding days are behind me too. 

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