A Christmas Ride with Mom

You just never know how a day will unfold when you get up in the morning, do you? On Christmas day, our family gathered to celebrate. We ate and laughed and listened to stories of the past, of hopes for the future.

During lunch my dad asked about the Ural as he often does. This was his first visit to our house in months so he’d only ever seen it in photos. Kenny quickly wheeled it out so that my pop could get a good look at it.

I made a promise to my dad that if he is feeling up to it in the spring that I will take him for a ride. That idea really must have tickled him, because he hung on to it for the rest of the day and every conversation we’ve had since Christmas. He has been reminding me that he’s excited to go for a ride. That makes my heart happy.

While we sat and chit chatted at the kitchen table – my mom, my sweet, awesome mom, didn’t bat an eyelash when I asked her if she wanted to go for a ride. There was no hesitation, no wavering, just YES! 

I’m proud to say that after nearly 20 years of riding motorcycles, I finally took my mom out for her first ride with me.

I threw my riding jacket on over my dress, slipped a pair of jeans and with the biggest smile in the world on my moms face ~ away we went putt-putting down the road.

mom, me and the ural

When I glanced over at her in the sidecar, it was like looking at a 20-year-old version of my mom. Her gray-blue eyes were busy smiling away through the helmet. The magic and youthfulness of wonder had captured her. She was thrilled and that was the best feeling in the world for me.

mom , me and the ural

When we arrived back at the house from the sidecar I heard, ‘Oh, I love it! We could ride across country. Would you ride this to California?’   Yes, mom. I think I would 🙂

Seeing my mom so happy made my Christmas.

Have you ever had the pleasure of going for a ride with your parents?

Fuzzygalore

Rachael is the whimsical writer behind the 20+ year old Girlie Motorcycle Blog. As a freelance blogger, she is on a mission to inspire laughter, self-examination, curiosity, and human connection. Girlie Motorcycle Blog can be found on several Best Motorcycle Blog lists.

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22 Responses

  1. I thought that nothing could be cooler (and sweeter) than you riding with your daughter … but I was wrong.

    This … well, this was pure awesome 🙂

    • Fuzzygalore says:

      <3 Thanks, m’dear. <3

      If I leave now, I can come pick you up and take you for a ride in the sidecar this spring. THAT would be awesome, too. Roadsiding in a rig starring Wendyvee and Fuzzy! Okay, I’d better stop before that actually becomes a thing. 😆

  2. “I threw my riding jacket on over my dress” <– this is why you’re awesome

  3. Charlie6 says:

    Great posting Fuzzy!

    Looking forward to when your dad can ride with you as well!

    Dom

  4. You continue to be an inspiration to us all. Take your Mom on a very long ride on that awesome URAL you have. She will love it. Wish I could do the same with my Mom who only has a few more years left. Happy New Year and may life’s blessings always be great.

    • Fuzzygalore says:

      Never say never, Madeline. Maybe your mom has a ride in her – even if it is just a quick one?

      Peace and love to you, lady. Looking forward to watching your 2013 journeys unfold 🙂

  5. Trobairitz says:

    Well that is just about the coolest post. You are giving me goosebumps again Fuzzy, stop doing that, lol.

    How cool is it to take your mom for a ride. I am glad your dad has it to look forward to again. I am sure he has a twinkle in his eye just thinking about it.

    Happy new Year Fuzzy!

  6. RichardM says:

    I love this post and the pictures. That is pretty amazing. I’m not sure I can imagine my mom being willing to go for a ride like that….

  7. Diane says:

    OK, I have wiped my tears away, so I can type now. 🙂 Very good post. I am so glad your mom went on the ride. Can’t wait to see the pics when you get to take your dad in the Spring. Family….can’t live with them or without them. Love the wonderful memories you are making with them. 🙂 Happy New Year

  8. Liz Jansen says:

    What a beautiful story and wonderful memories to treasure. And build on! My mom and I started a tradition of a Mother’s Day ride when she was 78. We got 5 years in until ill health forced her to stop but she still tells anyone who will listen about them. Thanks for sharing.

    Happy New Year!

  9. Dar says:

    Rachel – this is lovely! I could just picture you and your mom road tripping! It would be divine! I would so love a sidecar rig, because I think for some it is less intimidating than riding pillion. What a great story!

    • Fuzzygalore says:

      thanks, Dar 🙂

      I think the sidecar is “cute” to people. You’re right – much less intimidating. The idea that you wouldn’t fall off (or out), no balance required etc. makes it more mentally accessible to people.

  10. Carrie says:

    What a great post! My Dad started riding a few years ago now and I started this year. We ride very differently but my Mom is not a fan. However, when I pointed out a Ural to her one day…her eyes lit up. I might bribe her with hot chocolate and share this post with her. Thank you for sharing it, fuzzy!

  11. Michael says:

    Love this story! I had the pleasure of helping teach my Dad how to ride…it’s over on my old blog if you want to take a look!

    https://theveebumblebee.wordpress.com/2013/06/22/teaching-my-dad-how-to-ride/

  1. January 4, 2013

    […] posted December 28, 2012: A Christmas Ride with Mom;  Reposted with […]

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