While in training for my motorcycle license I experienced a dull pain in
both my legs. It found it very odd because I have been very active most of my
life. For years Ive enjoyed weight training, running, cycling and kayaking. I
sensed something was not right and immediately upon completing my course and
receiving my motorcycle license I went to the doctor.
I was diagnosed with severe osteo arthritis of both hips. X-rays revealed I
only had a hairline of cartilage left cushioning my hip sockets. I have never
had any physical problems or major illnesses in my life other than having my
tonsils removed when I was 4 years old. Needless to say I felt devastated. I
felt like it was the beginning of the end. Old age had arrived uninvited,
unexpected and unwelcomed and was here to stay! The doctor said there was
nothing I could do but take aspirin for the pain and avoid exercise that would
further impact my hips and destroy what little cartilage I had left. I asked how
much time I had before having bilateral hip replacements. The doctor said that
couldn't be predicted with certainty but "don't worry, the pain will let you
know!"
After about a week of feeling sorry for myself with the encouragement of my
cousin who is about 8 years older and has been riding for years, I decided to
take action. What was I going to do? Sit on the couch and wait for this
inevitable operation, wasting my precious life away with each day that passes?
No way! Not without a fight or at least some effort on my part!
I made it my mission to visit every motorcycle dealer in town. I was on a
quest to find a motorcycle that was comfortable for me and if there wasn't one,
at least I tried. In almost every case, every motorcycle I sat on was too low to
the ground for me causing me to squat lower than my painful hips allowed. The
controls on most cases were also directly beneath my sitting position causing me
more pain when my hips joints opened even wider as I lifted my legs onto the
controls from an already uncomfortable position.
I left going to the TRIUMPH
dealer for last because in my mind they were the more expensive bikes. As
I approached the dealership I couldn't help but think that this was it. My bike
is either here or there goes the dream. By this time I had already sat on so
many bikes that I could tell just by looking at the height of the bike along
with the position of the seat and controls if it would be a bike for me.
It was in that TRIUMPH dealership that I first saw my bike. The Triumph
America, Pacific Blue with a creamy tear drop design on it gas tank, it was a
classic beauty like no other I had seen. My heart raced and as I write this my
eyes still tear up as I, for the first time, contemplated the possibility that
this in fact might be the bike I had been hoping for. Asking the salesman for
permission I grabbed the handle bars and threw my leg over the seat. I prayed
that my eyes were not deceiving me. As I sat on this magnificent bike with my
feet comfortably flat on the ground I lifted my whole leg just a few inches
forward and I was on the controls! Lifting my leg several times from floor to
controls, controls to floor, over and over like a child, I couldn't believe it!
I thought, my God! I could do this all day! I just may ride this bike for
years!
So... this is the story of my TRIUMPH and my TRIUMPH over my "situation"
thanks to this incredible motorcycle. It is my sincere hope that my story will
help someone. I love my Triumph. I have been riding for a year and a half now. I
ride whenever possible, almost every day. My bike is admired not only by myself
but it gets the thumbs up from every biker and almost everyone I encounter on
the street. My only regret is not having discovered the
joys of riding sooner! Many times when I wonder how long I will be able to
ride I remind myself that with FAITH as my fuel and LOVE as my compass
I can make the best of my life's "situations" and be forever grateful for my
chance to RIDE!
3-19-12
Peter Fernandez
Miami, Florida