A Year Like This

Not since 2010 have we had a year quite like this one.  I had thought we had all of the bugs worked out of the system when we went in to this year’s ride – but – whenever you coordinate something on this scale and involve as many people as the HHMC does, there are bound to be problem areas that smack you on the head and remind you that you don’t have all the answers.

This year’s checkpoints have been phenomenal though!!  We could not be happier with the responses we've gotten from the dealerships about our riders or from the riders about the checkpoints.  It seems as if everyone is enjoying themselves and is pleased to be a part of this great event.  It is this sort of positive feedback that has kept me going back for more of this madness 4 years running.  And in year’s like this, that feedback is more meaningful than ever.

 By “year’s like this”, I am referring to the fatal accident that cost the life of Rider #737, John Anderson and the terrible accident that landed our friend, Rider #612, Carla DuBois in ICU.   We all know the risk that is inherent to motorcycling but such platitudes don’t fill the void and cannot heal the injured.   So - we pray.  We come together and we try to prop each other up and to be strong for the ones who suffer, who worry, who grieve.

This has also been a tough year for us because it coincides with the birthday of our late son, Nick Durham - he would be 33 years old today.  Nick passed away in the spring of 2011 when complications from the flu turned in to pneumonia.  And though he was more of a surfer than a biker, he loved the HHMC as an expression of freedom and self-determination.  He was a bright, gregarious, thoughtful, adventurous young man when he was alive.  Now… He is sorely missed.

As I said, I don’t have all (any) of the answers but I do agree with the thought that life short and we need to live each day to the fullest.  Whether that means a free wheeling lifestyle or deeper more meaningful, purpose driven life is up to the individual.  But we should never let a day go by without saying “I love you” to our children, or taking time to enjoy the sunset.  We have to be take care that we don’t get so caught up in what’s at the finish line that we forget to enjoy the ride!

Hoka Hey