Thursday, September 15, 2011

Last man on the Road...





I named my motorcycle after my sister "Sincha". She passed away in April 2009 (complications from pancreatitis). She was 29 years old. I've had a couple of setbacks on the challenge. The first being a new rider. I received my motorcycle indorsement back in 2005 but have been off more than on. When I first got "Sincha", I drove once around the dealership parking lot and called my neighbor (the Ranger) to drive it 26 miles to my house. I was sooo unfamiliar with it that I couldnt just jump back on. On 11 Aug, on the tail end of the HWY 14 route in WA, I was trying to make miles and drive through the night. I noticed some road kill on the opposite lane and when I looked up it was too late. A wolf was in my lane eating road kill and my attempt to swerve wasn't enough and I clipped it with my gear shifter and left leg. I assessed my physical damage and knew I sprained/broke my left leg/ankle. I was able to move it so I knew it couldn't be that bad. When I tried to shift, the impact sent the shifter 90 degrees north so I stayed in 6th gear for a couple of miles till I could exit HWY 14. I slept behind a gas station with the shift manager's permission and pressed on to MT the next morning after I bent the shifter back into place until I could get it replaced at the next checkpoint...

I think it was on the 22 of Aug when I had my second incident. After driving through what I thought were the worst rains I've been through at the border of New Mexico, I tipped the bike over in Trementina. There's a new bridge construction out there in the middle of it all and I didn't take my time negotiating the terrain. The dirt was hard packed, until I got to the bottom... So now I'm nursing a swollen left leg, the bike ends up on my right leg/foot to even things out. I was able to push the bike off of me, but wasn't sure about getting her back on her kickstand. After a few minutes, the site mgr for the bridge shows up and helps me get her back... She starts up and push on...

From the beginning, it has never been about the money. Being a new rider, it was a snow ball's chance... I've served in the military for 24 years and I figured it was time to see our country that we've been defending... I ride for my sister who didn't get a chance to see all of this beautiful country... I ride to see family and friends along the way that I haven't seen in years... I ride because I'm still able and am thankful for all the military members still serving that allow us pursue all these freedoms...

Will I do the next challenge? If the timing and finances are right--maybe and with a windshield next time? 8)


Aristotle Liceralde #660

19 comments:

  1. Press on my friend and finish the challenge for yourself and the memory of your sister!! She's in heaven looking down on you. You can do it!!

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  2. Aristotle,,,if you decide to ride again, call me up, i will ride with you,,,you are right it is not about the money,,,it about the ride....and the beauty of our mother earth.

    carlos
    cbj3@cox.net

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  3. What a great story. So glad that you were able to make it through to the end on this one. Sincha was with you all the way.

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  4. bro,i'm proud of you for pushing on,and doing something that your sister always wanted to do,i'm sure whe's looking down on you with a huge smile on her face,plz. be careful and keep riding until you can't ride anymore ! take care Steve daniel Ohio

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  5. Congratulations to a true Hoka Hey Warrior....

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  6. Aris didn't mention the 7+ tours in Iraq since the first gulf war. He's been attached to the Navy, Army, and Iraque Air Force. We are extremely proud of him and his service. Thank you for allowing him to complete his mission.

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  7. I enjoyed your story, it inspired me to keep plugging along in my job search and getting my own life in order. This was a tough challenge, even for seasoned riders, which I am not. but my brother was there,610. he was not able to complete the ride, but enjoyed most of it.For some, it was the money, but for most, i think wass about the ride and the challenge on a personal level. I would do it in a car, never on a bike.Congratulations on the completion and hope your legs heal well! Thank you for your service to the country. I'm glad you got to see it first hand!

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    1. I am right there with you (job search)... so I can pay for this last trip (ouch!)

      aris

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  8. May be the last but not alone, many of us are with you. Be safe and bring her on home.

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  9. The Greatest of all is last in line; To ride the ride is much better , than not to ride at all. Be well

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  10. The finish line is still standing at Ramsay's Cycle and Sport as we await the arrival of Aristotle here in Sydney. The stories and reasons why the Challengers ride have been absolutely incredible. So, in true Canadian fashion Chapter 9044, the Cape Breton Harley Owners Group, is on guard for thee. We hope to intercept Aristotle on the Cabot Trail tomorrow as 1000 motorcyclists ride the trail in support of cancer research, this ride is called the 8th annual Ride for the Cure. We would love to have a Hoka Hey Challenger as part of this unique Cape Breton Event. Congratulations to all Challengers and thank you for the opportunity hosting the finish line.

    Andy Tonet
    Director Chapter 9044
    www.capebretonhog.com

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    1. To the Riders of 9044,
      Thank you for keeping me on track! I remember growing up as a toddler in Old Scotland (Holy Loch) and have come kind of "full circle" in New Scotland. Best wishes to everyone...

      Very Respectfully,
      aris

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  11. Hoka Hey Aris #660! It was a pleasure meeting you tonight last rider & all.Enjoy the Cabot Trail tomorrow.!! Stay Safe.

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  12. The spirit to see what we start through to the end in spite of adversity is what is called COURAGE. You have it brother! Cheers and ride safe. Greetings from India.

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  13. Congrats Big Brother!! We're very proud of you. You and Sincha be safe on the way home. Love you and Thank You.

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  14. I miss you sis... We finished... The many folks I stopped and talked to asked if I was traveling alone... Initially it was yes, but I was never alone... Not for a second. I believe in this country of ours because I only got a chance to meet a handful of folks along the 18,000 miles we rode and if this is just a sampling, we have nothing to fear... Thank you to all my brothers and sisters.
    Hoka Hey
    Let's ride...
    #660
    Aristotle Liceralde, Master Sergeant (USAF) Retired (1 oct 2011)

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  15. Fantastic. Your worked through it, you did it. Hope to see you in Mesa on the 8th.
    Bill 611

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  16. For those that would like to know, Aris passed away yesterday. Aris, we miss you. 2011 rider #660 - is riding

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