First Ride in 50+ years: 2023 Update

[MplsCoaster]

Hey Everybody,
My wife and me have been discussing for a while getting her 79 year old Dad on a bike
He still shovels snow and mows the grass but has some dementia/focus issues
He didn't remember what his childhood bikes were but remembered he had a Harley MC

So we practiced a bit with one of us on each side, stopping, standing, taking off
Then a little farther and less help, soon he was riding faster than me running

First request, "Can we ride to Dairy Queen?" Thought we'd start off getting to a close park first

My wife told him to do what Steve does and he followed my lead well

We asked how he was doing and he said "Terrific" , First time I ever heard him say that
This is his happy face (or why are they taking so many pictures face :lol: )

Things went relatively smooth as far as physically: good speed, balance, and stop/starting
Traffic and and other surroundings needed close attention and instructions,
but he did it! and I think I was happier than he was. :lol:
I can't wait to take him out more and especially to Dairy Queen

His "why didn't we go to Dairy Queen" face

Sure glad he never forgot
Thanks for Looking
Steve

 

[dogdart]

Re: First Ride in 50+ years, you never forget

Great story , Thanx for sharing . Hope you make it Dairy Queen soon .

 

[Hay Burner]

Re: First Ride in 50+ years, you never forget

That is awesome! Get the man a Blizzard!

 

[outskirtscustoms]

Re: First Ride in 50+ years, you never forget

Killer story. I just got my fiance out for a ride, Her first since high school. My first since yesterday.

 

[aka_locojoe]

Re: First Ride in 50+ years, you never forget

Happy and relieved to hear it went ok. A little worried when you first mentioned it on my post. You just never know how it'll go.


Years ago my Mother-in-law's sister visited us from Australia. She hadn't ridden since childhood and we took her for a ride. All went ok and she acted like it was the highlight of her trip. I regret I didn't think to take pictures. Hard to believe now since I photograph everything. She did ask me to send her photos of our bikes so she could show her friends.

 

[ruddigger]

Re: First Ride in 50+ years, you never forget

Ha, all of his faces look the same. It's all fun and games until someone breaks a hip...

 

[RollinStyle]

Re: First Ride in 50+ years, you never forget

WTG for getting him back on a bike! This post made me

 

[ndaway]

Re: First Ride in 50+ years, you never forget

awesome post thanks for sharing 8)

 

[user 135]

Re: First Ride in 50+ years, you never forget

Great story. Never to old to ride again. I took my father in law for a ride a few years back, his first in 50 years. He rode 18 miles of the Trail of the Hiawatha.

 

[fatkid]

Re: First Ride in 50+ years, you never forget

This is awesome. You are giving someone the gift of freedom. Bikes are awesome!

 

[schwinner]

Re: First Ride in 50+ years, you never forget

way cool story and awesome pics.hope you are proud of both him and yourself.many kudos

 

[MplsCoaster]

Re: First Ride in 50+ years, you never forget

Thanks Guys for all the comments, encouragement, and your own stories
Bikes are kinda magic when it comes to finding out what’s possible

Just so you know, we’ve been planning/discussing this for 6 months
My wife has been making sure it’s something he actually wanted and not just agreeing

There was an hour’s worth of testing and assessment at each stage
2 human "training wheels", then one person, then seat support only, then sidewalk only, then following our instructions, then following us, then the street, check with cars passing, stopping at signs, etc, etc,…
Last thing we wanted was for him to get hurt

We wanted for him to have more stimulation and enjoyment in his life
He mostly plays solitaire, does word finds, and watches TV
Giving my wife’s dog to her parents years ago has helped him greatly

He wanted to continue with the step-through girl’s bike so he was aware of his limitations
We had an 18” boys JC Higgins ready for him if he wanted it
Maybe I can come up with a more custom step-through bike for him with his input
Think we’ll have to get him a helmet with a visor or some cool shades; he seems to squint a lot.

I’m not recommending this type of activity for every older person, just wanted to share that it worked in this case
Great to here others have been inspiring others to successsfully bike again!

Now a little more traffic practice and we can get to Dairy Queen.
BTW the last picture, he is actually smiling if you look closely. :lol:
Steve

 

[chukndatruk]

Re: First Ride in 50+ years, he never forgot

you might consider getting a three wheeler, just for balance, it seems older folks tend to do better with them...

 

[Gold Street Customs]

Re: First Ride in 50+ years, he never forgot

you might consider getting a three wheeler, just for balance, it seems older folks tend to do better with them...

I have one I need to build for my motherinlaw after I get moved.

 

[caffeine7]

Re: First Ride in 50+ years, he never forgot

Age doesn't matter, riding can put a smile on anyone's face

 

[Oak Tree]

Re: First Ride in 50+ years, he never forgot

Dude, that's awesome. You gotta keep your respect and love for the elderly. Keep it up!

 

[3barFan]

Re: First Ride in 50+ years, he never forgot

You Sir, are an Honorable Man.

 

[RAT Motorsports]

Re: First Ride in 50+ years, he never forgot

Awesome Story! Looks like Dairy Queen is the next stop!

 

[DesignIt]

Re: First Ride in 50+ years, he never forgot

Great story! Good for you for getting him safely back on a bike. 8)

 

[largek9]

Re: First Ride in 50+ years, he never forgot

This post hits it home for me I just lost my dad yesterday! He built my first two bikes as a kid, out of parts and old bikes Great post, thanks in many ways Tom!