Hello. This is Sue again posting to Andy’s blog. Thank you ANdy.

Today, November 18th, would have been Shannon’s 55th birthday. To celebrate his birth, I will take a solo ride to Gilroy Hot Springs. Shannon hadn’t been there and we had planned to do so the next time when for a scoot.

The story here is about riding with Shannon from my seat. A unique seat.

Many people have been on a ride with Shannon. I believe I am the only one who has also had the privilege and pleasure to ride many thousands of miles with Shannon.

Shannon took me on my first motorcycle ride, which was also our first date. Though out of character for me to jump on the back of a bad boy’s motorcycle, I just knew from the moment I met Shannon that I would be safe while in his company.

Our first ride was up highway 9 and down into Boulder Creek. We rode the VFR since the LT needed tires. Shannon gave me very strict instructions not to hold onto or lean into him. Ahh, all right. Will do.

Without proper riding gear and a very old helmet that had a piece of foam in the top, why did I feel so safe? Shannon is why.

I wanted to be a good passenger. I was so afraid of doing something that may upset the balance of the bike. I tired to sit still and upright. At the same time I wanted to learn how to ride with Shannon.

So I shut my eyes, put one had on his thigh, and held onto the grab handle with the other. Yes, you may think I was out of my mind closing my eyes. But think about it. No anticipation of the next turn. No fear of a car turning, stopping, or pulling in front of us. As we gilded along, I could feel Shannon’s slightest body input at each transition. Left turn. Right turn. Acceleration. Deceleration. Always as smooth as silk.

Riding the LT was different. I never felt the need to hold on. I could lay my head back on the top case and watch the clouds, birds, and trees go by. I frequently held my arms out as we rode through the twists and turns during the thousand of miles we enjoyed together on that bike.

Sunday rides. Hardly a Sunday passed without Shannon taking me for a ride. Only weather, sickness, or injury, and yes there were those, got in the way. Even if he went for a ride with the guys, he more often than not would come and get me in the afternoon and take a quick ride. He knew how much pleasure I got from riding with him.

Our usual route took us up Bear Creek Road, into Boulder Creek, up HWY 9, maybe to Alice’s and then home. I recall one particular Sunday. It was the weekend Shannon shaved his head. We’ll save the head shaving for a future story.

We stopped at a wide spot in the road right after we crossed over Skyline Road. I snapped a few photos, including this one, the first photo of Shannon’s shaved head.

For our first overnight ride we decided to celebrate the New Year by going to Jenner. Though the weather report was for clear skies, we ran into a heavy drizzle. Yikes…my first experience with wet weather on a bike.

We stopped in Point Reyes for a mid morning treat. I don’t recall the name of the bakery but I do remember how yummy the treats were.

Our route home took us north to Steward’s Point. Shannon wanted to ride by the spot on Skaggs Road where he had broken his leg some years ago. We happily rode by the spot and continued east by Lake Sonoma and into Santa Rosa to visit Shannon’s sister and brother in-law.

A truly memorable trip.

Our ride down HWY 25 was also another one for the record books. My first, and not my last, 100mph sprint on a bike. I liked it.

It was a glorious early spring day. I packed a picnic lunch. We found a lovely spot along Carmel Valley Road on which to trespass and spread the blanket. A yummy lunch followed by sun-warmed nap made for a picture perfect day.

The most recent rides we went on where as two riders.

The first was on my two bikes since Shannon’s Triumph was still in the “needs work” mode. Shannon rode Daisy and I rode Iris. We stopped at the Bear in Los Gatos for the traditional cuppa coffee/tea.

Riding behind Shannon made me giggle. That long body on little Daisy. For him, he was just happy to be riding.

When I wanted to swap bikes, Shannon face lit up. Having never ridden a SV, Shannon was up on one wheel in a puff of black smoke. Guess the bike needed to be really ridden.

When we got into Saratoga, he pulled off his helmet and gave me that devilish grin of his. He liked my SV.

We ended our first ride as two riders back at Shannon’s where he prepared a yummy brunch. We watched a documentary on a moonshiner in Tennessee and then he washed both bikes. A girl couldn’t ask for a more perfect day.

In September 2009 he surprised a bunch of us by showing up on the annual Larry’s Ride. About 30 of us stayed in Mariposa and took day trips in that beautiful part of California. I planned to take a solo ride into Yosemite. And to my delight, Shannon planned the same ride.

We departed shortly after the group left. We quickly were up highway 140 riding along the Merced River. Shannon zipped passed a car. I was unable to get by so I waved him on. A few miles down the road I got by and Shannon had slowed to wait for me. As I approached him I was engulfed by what felt like a ray of sunshine. Warmth. I knew it was Shannon’s energy. It was so vibrant it took me by surprise. I knew at that moment I was safe.

As many know, Shannon loved Yosemite. He was enjoying himself as he took in the splendor as we rode into the valley.

g

We rode to the Awahenne for brunch. We sat outside on a glorious fall day. With full tummies we took a nap on the lawn.

The next day we joined the group. As you will guess, I didn’t see hide nor hair of Shannon expect when he passed me doing a wheelie and when we stopped at meeting points.

His Speed Triple was well appointed. He loved the Isle of Mann TT and attended twice.

It was a long day ride with temps well into the 90’s. The hotel pool was the first stop when we arrived. Shannon clearly had the best seat in the house.

And I had the best seat in the house on the way home. Shannon trailered his bike to Mariposa. When I offered to buy him lunch for a spot in the trailer, he quickly loaded up my bike and gear for the trip home.

Riding with Shannon was an honor and pleasure. Thank you Mon Petite for imparting your love of motor sports on me.

xo