Amongst other crazy things we've done together, John is the one who introduced me to the wonderful gathering of petrol-heads that is the Parry Sound Sportbike Rally.
The two pilgrimages I made there in 2005 and 2006 are among the very greatest rides and enjoyable social events I've ever participated in, no small part in thanks to the hospitality of John's brother Dave for putting up with us crazy bikers at his beautiful house on the water in Parry Sound, and the chance to meet John's cousin Mark, who was every bit as delightfully warped and entertaining as John, but in his own particular way.
At the time, I had no idea it would be the last chance to share such an experience.
John tells Mark's story in the context of our shared passion for motorcycling, but I couldn't help but think there's a much, much bigger picture here for anyone who thinks that time is eternal, and you can always put your dreams on hold for another day.
Don't be so sure.
It kind of gives the phrase “Live to Ride, Ride to Live” a whole new meaning.
It was only 4 years ago at the Parry Sound sport bike rally 2006, when my buddies and I had a great time, hanging out, enjoying the sights and of course carving lots of corners! I can only look back now and say it wasn’t just a great time, it was a time I will always remember.
This weekend way back in 2006 was perfect in every way! The sun was out, the roads were clear, the people of Parry Sound were having a great time, hell if I didn’t know better, I would have to say that even the O.P.P. who were constantly keeping an eye on us, were even enjoying themselves. What a great place to unwind and have some fun. My buddy Ian on his classic 1985 Honda VF1000R, my cousin Mark on his Suzuki RF600 and me on my Kawasaki ZX9R, set out to have a great adventure, and great it was!
But it’s funny how time changes things and molds them into something much more. You see, looking back now, that was the most amazing time of my life, as we were all healthy, happy and didn’t have a care in the world.
The following spring, my pal Greg and I had planned to haul our bikes down to North Carolina to ride the infamous “Tail of the Dragon”. I called my cousin Mark and invited him along, but with Mark, as usual, he didn’t want to spend the cash! We always would kid Mark about opening his wallet and letting the moths out.
He was always well off as far as cash was concerned, but man, he didn’t like to spend it. In any case Greg and I headed down to North Carolina and were wowed by the roads and the scenery. We had a great time. Later that spring, I e-mailed over some pics of the trip to my cousin, and like everyone we showed them to, he wished he was there. No biggy, we had lots of time, there would be other rides, right? Well later that spring I was talking to Mark and he was telling me he was having issues with his shoulder, felt like a pinched nerve and he wasn’t feeling comfortable riding his bike, so he had decided to park it till he was feeling better.
Days turned into weeks and weeks turned into months and months into years. Mark was having more and more issues with his shoulder. I clearly remember him telling me during one of our conversations, “Johnny, when I get better, I will never turn you down ever again about going for one of your rides. He went to specialist after specialist and by the following summer, he seemed to be having even more issues with muscles and nerves. It wasn’t long after that that he was diagnosed with ALS, better known as Lou Gehrig's disease, after the famous American baseball player who died of it in 1941. ALS is a progressive and ultimately fatal neuromuscular disease. All of a sudden, Parry Sound 2006 became far more important than I ever thought a ride could ever be, after all, that was our last ride together.
Last spring, I was in Toronto for the “Walk for ALS” where his family and cousins raised over $5000.00 for the ALS society of Ontario. Following the walk we all went back to Mark’s for some beer and burgers. Mark is now restricted to a motorized chair which he controls with his cheek as that is one of the few movements that he can easily make. He has said to me “John, when you ride, can you ride for me too?” Of course the answer is yes, and I do, every time I go out, but it will never be the same again.
I have not written this to make anyone feel sorry for Mark, he is far too proud a man for anyone to feel sorry for. I have written this with the hopes that it will be read and some of you might see just how lucky you are to still be riding. Riding is not a right, it is a privilege. We need to get out there and soak up every bit of the road we can. There is no better feeling than cruising on an open road or carving some canyon corners, you are free! Forget about the petty bickering of which is better, cruising on a Harley or tearing up the corners on a race bike. It’s all good! Just take the time to enjoy what you have and live in the moment for once, because if you don’t take the time, the moment can be gone before you realize it was even there.
There is nothing holding you back.
Get out there and breath in ever moment, after all, tomorrow is a whole new ball game, and you just have to hope it doesn’t get rained out.
