Funeral for a friend

[Silver Penguin]

Gunny, on sharing the details on what must be an extremely painful memory. It is thanks to riders such as yourself that we are able to learn more about riding. However, as you rightly said, in this case there was very little that either of you were able to do. The problems were further up the road with whatever caused the rider to go down, and the reaction of the driver.

I believe what we learn here is that when your time's up, it's up no matter what precautions you take. What we all enjoy doing is fraught with danger. It sounds as though you and Harry did everything humanely possible, to enjoy thousands of safe and happy miles together. Had you not taken the risk of riding a motorcycle, you would have missed all those wonderful shared experiences.

My condolences to you, and to Harry's family.

Jill

 

[TheAxeman]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts about the accident Ken. It is with me all the time that things can go catastrophically wrong in a heartbeat and that there may be no way of preventing it. I'm sorry for the loss of your friend and the pain that you and your girlfriend had to suffer. We all learn something when the story is told by someone who actually lived through it.....Thank you.

 

[exskibum]

Thanks for the update on a tragic accident, Ken. I hope that you and Joannie are getting better, not too badly hurt, and that the pain of losing Harry will resolve into fond memories of the good times and rides you spent with him. So very sorry for your loss.

 

[rogdeb]

Thanks for sharing Ken. Hope you and your girl heal quick and well. My thoughts go with your friend.

 

[Toecutter]

The learnings I have from this event are use extreme caution (Harry and I rode in the very back of the pack at our safe speed) or don't ride in large group rides. Secondly, remember to always look as far ahead as possible. The further you can look ahead the better. Wow, thanks for the forum to express my thoughts. Wish you all the best and hope you guys are out there riding safe! Ken Lua, San Luis Obispo, CA

There is no safety in numbers with bikes in motion. More like the opposite, so act accordingly.

Thanks for sharing, Ken. I hope it brought you some healing.

 

[lawrencepepe]

Whoa, this thread has been going strong for a whopping 16 years! That's quite a journey, mate. It's never easy losing a friend, especially one like Harry Machado, who was an experienced rider and had a passion for bikes of all kinds.
I understand your sentiment, my friend. Harry went out doing what he loved, and that's something special. It's okay not to respond with the usual condolences because we're here to celebrate his life and the joy he found on those heavenly roads.
As you ride to Harry's service tomorrow, pay tribute to the memories you shared and keep his spirit alive. And hey, even after all these years, if you're ever looking for ways to honor him or find some inspiration, check out https://RileyGardnermemorial.com/. They've been helping people create meaningful tributes for a long time.