I knew this was going to be a long week. Starting on Thursday, January 12th I would be driving a lot of miles in central and East Texas to see family and say farewell to my mom and uncle at their respective memorial services. Somewhere in there I would be dropping off the F-bomb at the J&P Cycles Ultimate Builder Custom Bike Challenge Competition at the Dallas stop of the Progressive International Motorcycle Show held at the Kay Bailey Hutchinson Convention Center, and hopefully get the opportunity to see some folks I have been lucky to meet on this motorcycle building adventure.
First up some soul searching
Regardless of your belief system, folks you love passing away is one of life’s purest sadnesses. Nonetheless, the facts are that we all exit through the same door. I find myself at these times mentally going on a walkabout around my soul. Checking in on my empathy, and making sure my memories are intact and stored safe. Being thankful for having known them, and being grateful for another opportunity to honor what they gave to me by trying to live up to their expectations. It usually includes tears and tissues stuffed into every pocket for the inevitable moments where my joy for the end of their suffering crosses over my sorrow at no longer seeing them.
Delivering Opportunity
In between these two not-so-fun events was a really promising opportunity. On Friday with the help of some friends I loaded the F-bomb up in the back of a minivan and delivered it to Dallas to put it on display for an estimated 26000 people. Best part was I had so much other stuff on my mind that I had little expectation other than getting exposure. I was mainly looking forward to getting to see some of my heroes and hang out with people who love motorcycles.The show was great, and there were many amazing custom builds to see. The North Texas Norton Owners Association put on a great exhibit that included one of only two Honda Motocompo examples I have ever seen. Seeing some 2017 models of bikes provided me with some fresh inspiration. I even got to meet Erik Buell and get a photo with him. I had no idea that at the end of it I would be awarded the K&N Performer award. Really satisfying to have someone in the industry notice my work. Mom would be proud right after she told me how dangerous motorcycles are… Love you, Mom.
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