Sometimes one finds they did the right thing. Glad I bought my R3T

[AnthonyD]

Sincerest condolences to you and his family. You have a great piece of his life to remember him by.

 

[Jvheli]

That is so awesome you have a tangible part of your friend. Memories, thats all we get in the end. You certainly were blessed by a great friend. Condolences on his loss....

 

[Dawg68]

Well said Sir

 

[BillyIndiana]

Jim's legacy lives on. I bet he knew you would appreciate the Rocket once you got past the size thing. Think about it. Every time you hit that stretch of road where your mind wonders you will think of him and smile knowing you are sharing the same experience he had on the Rocket.

Jim's friendship was a blessing to you and you are a blessing to us.

May he be at rest till we are all called home.

 

[1olbull]

It was with some misgiving that I bought my 2009 R3T from a friend, Jim Allen, early this year after trying to help him sell it for about four months. Jim was terminally ill. He just wouldn't advertise it though and finally asked me if I'd buy it. I was very reluctant to do so at my age because it's such a monster and I thought I'd be sizing down. I thought about it for about for several days before making the decision, with my wife oddly encouraging me to do it to help Jim out. I couldn't believe how grateful he was that I bought it. I guess it was one less worry for him as he arranged his affairs.

I've been somewhat on the fence about it since for the same reason, she's a real handful but a real beauty too, probably the most beautiful bike I've ever owned. My reservations are gone now though.

I received a call this afternoon from Jim's son to tell me that Jim died yesterday. He wanted to thank me for being a friend to his dad. We had just spoken last week and Jim wanted me to come over and take all of his music, vinyl, CDs, DVDs, a lot of it great jazz. I told him I couldn't do that. He would call me about once a week to see how I was healing from my surgery and we'd talk at great length about bikes, road trips, families and music. I thought he'd last into the spring and kept putting off going to see him until my knee was a bit better.

Jim was quite the guy. He was a high school music teacher but also a one time member of the Tacoma Symphony Orchestra, playing trombone, trumpet, coronet and other brass. He also had a MS in Computer Science. He was a respected session musician too, playing back up for singer Ray Charles years ago.

Now when I look at my Rocket I'll always think of my friend Jim and be glad that she sits in my shop, ready for some great riding adventures.

Terrific and heart warming story.
Gratitude for sharing, Mike!

 

[phar2slo]

Sorry for your loss.

But once you get fit and are able to ride the Rocket and that silly grin spreads across your face you will remember that Jim too would have been doing the same thing when he was the proud owner. Take care

 

[Sparky59]

May the memories of Jim help you find peace.

 

[Claviger]

Sorry for your loss Mike, but, it's a rather poetic situation if I do so say so. I'm very happy you didn't end up selling your Rocket now, and I hope you get lots of seat time next year with the new knee.

 

[Tal]

That's a great story...i'm sure your m8 would be comfortable knowing you will take care of his ride.
I think thats the way many of us would like to have our machines taken care of...by a good friend.
He will rest easy looking down on you enjoying the bike as he did...wont have to explain the joy to you cos you will experience it yourself....nice!

 

[BillyIndiana]

Thank God Jim was not into Unicycles. Just sayin