The below two pictures were first published in the June 2012 edition of AMERICAN IRON MAGAZINE. My motorcycle journey through life with its twists and turns although interesting and unique can be more appreciated by someone that is profoundly and unquestionably inspired by Then Came Bronson The last and probably best television show of the 1950's and 60's that not only entertained but attempted to inspire young people to build their lives around socially positive values in their interaction with other people. So if you are one of those people that really fell in love with the series and understood that the motorcycle, music and mannerisms of the show gave you an inspirational guideline in your life I think you will enjoy the rest of my story.

I was born on Michael Parks birthday in 1951 but my serious interest in motorcycles did not start until I graduated from high school in 1969 and Then Came Bronson gave me an inspirational "kick start" into my young adult life. Unlike today, most of the "boomers" had little or no money.  They only had dreams and the only way to fulfill those dreams was to prioritize your life and work hard.  So I put my thoughts of motorcycling on the back burner, went to college, earned my degree and started my first real job.

My actual riding experience started in the summer of 1972 when a very good friend let me learn to ride on his 1965 Electra Glide.  I soon discovered that I loved to ride so I got my license and now I wanted my own motorcycle. I paid off my car loan and saved every dime that I could and in January of 1973 ordered a new red Harley XLCH Sportster. I waited and waited for months because the new AMF Sportsters were in such hot demand. Finally in June my ride arrived and when I went to claim my bike, in the showroom window was a beautiful red 1969 Harley Davidson Electra Glide.  ..........   Now I was torn.

Do I buy the "Bronson" Bike that I dreamed of, or the Electra Glide that I really loved to ride for about the same price?  A new full dress FLH in 1973 was $2850 and a new Sportster or the 1969 FLH was about $1600.  I could not pass up the dresser and after adding a few accessories I rode away on a great machine. Here is where things really get cool, crazy and lead to a dramatic unexpected change in my life.  I finally had a wonderful bike, I changed professions and started a carrier that would take me through retirement and I met the girl of my dreams.

What a year!   Who could have asked for more? Our first date was on a beautiful October ride through the picturesque southern tier of western New York and now we have been happily married for thirty six years!  (Jim Bronson could not hold onto a girl longer than one episode).  The crazy part is that in 1974, right after the "Memories" picture was taken, I needed a new car so I painfully prioritized and sold the bike for $2500.  (At least Jim Bronson kept the bike). For thirty years I would occasionally look at that picture from 1974 and fondly remember the time.  So in 2004, when Barb was on vacation, I decided to pick up where I left off.  In the newspaper, I found a 1976 FLH that was just like the bike that I wanted back in the day.  The owner was Paul who at 71 was looking for a home for his beloved cycle that he could not provide for anymore.

It was black with a Harley Davidson Vetter fairing with 17,450 original miles and only owned by two people.  It was mechanically sound but what I liked was that the original post sprung seat and fairing with windshield was in storage and in perfect condition.  Paul loved the bike because it was just like Elvis's last bike and he did not want to sell it to anyone that would chop it. Paul knew what I wanted to do, so with a little charming persuasion from Barb he took $1000.00 off the price to help me with the restoration!  Since I had not ridden in thirty years a good friend, that rides a 2005 Screaming Eagle Electra Glide, rode it home for me and was politely kind in his assessment.  (You can imagine what he thought).

In August 2005 the bike was finally finished and to those that remember what it looked like it was remarkable.  On my first day out I was determined to show what I proudly had accomplished.

I called Paul and discovered from his wife that he had died two months earlier from asbestosis and bone cancer.  I felt so sad for Paul's wife and I was devastated not to be able to see his reaction when he saw the bike.

The next week we recreated the scene and duplicated the picture that we took thirty one years ago.  Now I can go into my garage and uncover the motorcycle that I never wanted to part with.  What a feeling!

For Christmas in 2009 Barb surprised me with a painting that she commissioned which was composed of both Electra Glide photos.  She let the artist do whatever he wanted to do. What resulted was an unbelievable painting with the '69 on the top in sepia and the '76 below in color.  It is such a remarkable work that it must be scene in person to fully appreciated!

My story continues to a new phase.....  a Sporty!