THOUGHT FROM THE ROAD

Dear Backroads,

To use a certain parlance, this “thing of ours” that we call motorcycling - the camaraderie created by many hours in the saddle and enjoying the euphoric experience of traveling by motorcycle, has given us all a thrill of a lifetime. Over the years it’s inevitable to experience personal losses - family members, parents, associates, and close friends. Certainly, Backroads is not immune, having experienced a fair share.

Some 30+ years ago, I met Jose Ferreira and his best friend Ed Straub at a motorcycle event in Orange County, NY. Jose and Ed, being best friends since High School, I became the 3rd wheel in the trio. We have been fast friends ever since with motorcycling as the core of our relationship. Our trio regularly attended Americade in Lake George with only a rare absence. Over 3 decades, we shared many a moto-journey, ball games, concerts, skiing, dinners, lunches and impromptu rides together. When it came to long distance motorcycle travel Jose and I became road roommates. Jose proved to be the best easygoing travel companion one could have. Never fussy or high maintenance, he was simply in it for the saddle time.

Back in 2015 or so I invited Jose to come along on a Backroads trip. True to form, the Backroads family embraced and accepted Jose as their own. Being part of the Backroads family meant a great deal to Jose. He would always ask about the next Spring Break or Fall Fiesta. Sadly, this past May’s Spring Break trip would be our last journey together. After what was supposed to be a full recovery from cancer the previous year, we chose to ride by ourselves on the Harleys so we could take our time if we needed to stop more often. He did run out of gas at one point (literally) which is now a great memory since Brian had those handy gas cans and saved the day! Along the routes we crossed paths with others at BBQ joints, sandwich shops and gas stops. There were no ill effects or complaints from Jose. We had a great time winding our way through the hills and mountains of Virginia and West Virginia at our own pace. Following each day’s ride, we celebrated with cigars in hand, dining and sharing experiences, talking motorcycles, life and silly stuff. On a Sunday morning in mid-August, Jose called and shared the terrible news that health-wise, time was not on his side. None of us knew just how quickly his condition would worsen. We enjoyed one last day riding in late August. Ed, Jose and I were together a nal time Labor Day weekend at the Jersey Shore. On Tuesday Sept. 28th, Ed and I received news neither of us ever wanted. The sentiments from social media, messages, texts and personal phone calls from the Backroads faithful over these past few days has been heart-warming and very much appreciated. Each has been passed along to his family. While my heart is heavy, the support offered by you all helps more than you will ever know.

Godspeed, my friend. ,