This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Health & Fitness

A Love for Two Wheels Bonded Lifelong Northfield Friends

Time, distance and separation does not alter great friendships.

I was born in Northfield in 1943 and our family knew a family that lived one block over from our place.  My Dad remodeled my buddy’s family kitchen; our parents were friends when we were kids, so we’ve known each other for as long as I can remember.  We really bonded when we were old enough to be trusted to safely cross the street that separated the blocks we lived on.  I won’t mention my friends name to protect his privacy.

We used to get together during Jessie James Days, to have a couple beers at the beer garden, connect with other Townies and then hit the food stands.  For a number of years he would say, “You gotta get out to Sturgis with me!"  I finally did and fell in love with the South Dakota Black Hills and the Badlands. My friend and I have been to the 50th, 60th and the 70th Black Hills Ralliess. Eighteen years ago my wife and I bought our first Harley Davidson, for our 50th birthdays and we're still riding a Harley. 

I first thought about writing a short story after a spring ride from Mankato to Northfield, down to Pine Island, Lake City and back to Northfield.  I thought about this because my buddy was first diagnosed with prostate cancer some years ago; he was then diagnosed with chronic lymphatic leukemia and following that, Parkinson’s disease.  In spite of all that, he remains positive, active and he’s making a change from a two-wheeler to a three-wheeler so he can continue to ride. He’s loved motorcycling since he was about 14 years old when he got his first two-wheeler.  I used to wash and clean it for him so I could ride it around the block.  I now have a pace-maker, but when we ride, I let him set the pace.

Find out what's happening in Northfieldwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

We accomplished a “bucket list” ride last summer when we rode out West to Yellowstone and down the leeward side of the gorgeous mountain ranges in Montana and Wyoming.  While we were riding in Montana, I realized that at every crucifix and memorial, there’s a curve in the road.   I’ve realized another constant when riding in South West Wisconsin on the rural “letter roads,” at every farm place, there’s a corner.

It turns out I'm writing this on Memorial Day when our thoughts go out to our Veterans who have so bravely lost their lives, serving their Country.  If you get a chance, thank a Veteran for helping us preserve our freedoms.  The types of freedoms that allow two old friends to criss-cross this beautiful nation and truly enjoy a lifelong friendship.

Find out what's happening in Northfieldwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?

More from Northfield