7 years on, still remembered (warning lots of pics)

[p38arover]

It's 7 years today since our son, Lee (aka Bucko on other motorcycle fora) passed away on a ride to the World Superbike Champs at Phillip Island. He was on his V-Strom.

His first bike:

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2015/02/171.jpg

Younger days when we lived on Norfolk Island in about 1992 (yes, that's me, too).

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2015/02/172.jpg
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2015/02/173.jpg


I subsequently inherited all of his many bikes, two of which I kept - the V-Strom (sold last year) and the XJR1300 which I ride.

His first XJR1300, written off when he was hit by a car a couple of years earlier.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2015/02/174.jpg

A few days before his death on the V-Strom he was riding:

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2015/02/175.jpg


His garage when I went to clear all his stuff out.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2015/02/176.jpg

Some of the bikes I inherited:

Lee on his GS1100 ratbike (which I gave to one of his best friends)

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2015/02/177.jpg

The V-Strom and the XJR (the Honda is his mother's bike)

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2015/02/178.jpg

His RZ500 as he bought it not long before:

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2015/02/179.jpg

and after restoration for the new owner (on right) in Western Australia. (His mother in the background, the restorer on the left).

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2015/02/180.jpg

Another GS1100, now being restored by a friend of his.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2015/02/181.jpg

He wasn't worried about riding with anyone. He owned a rat Vespa, too, but here it's his Honda 350-Four cafe racer.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2015/02/182.jpg

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2015/02/183.jpg

The rat Vespa, also given to a friend:

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2015/02/184.jpg

An orchid, grown by someone we didn't know, the FIL of Dave, adm333 of this forum, was named after him:

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2015/02/185.jpg

A sign we found on one of his favourite roads, the Bonang Way - someone had stuck up a Bucko sticker which were produced after his death.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2015/02/186.jpg

And lastly, a pic from the day 2 years ago when we distributed his ashes on a ride organised by his friends. We do the remembrance ride next weekend.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2015/02/187.jpg

Sorry if I've over-posted. Pretty moving around here today.

Ron

[Bytemrk]

No apology needed Ron.

It's an important day.... the sort of thing you should share with your friends... ;)

He had some great bikes.....

[pop058]

I can not imagine anything worse than losing one of your kids. Enjoy the ride, the company of friends and the good memories.

[Killer]

Thanks for sharing, Ron. Bucko was obviously a very special person to a lot of people. I remember well, your post 7 years ago when you heard the news of his accident.

Cheers,
Mick

[Ean Austral]

Thanks for sharing Ron, as parents the one job we should never have to do is bury 1 of our kids. I am sure it does not get any easier as the years pass.


A great collection of bikes and keep the memories alive as you have.


Enjoy the ride and the friends, and most of all the good memories.


Cheers Ean

[Tombie]

Thanks for sharing Ron...

Fantastic photographs and memories there.

[D110V8D]

Lovely post Ron. Thanks for sharing.

Can't imagine what it must be like to lose a child. He looks like he had a blast living his life and was loved by many.

[p38arover]

He looks like he had a blast living his life and was loved by many.

He did and, as a parent, I can't understand why so many people liked him! :D

[WillsTdi]

J remember that post too Ron. Sad indeed.

Sent from my GT-I9505 using AULRO mobile app

[Chucaro]

Thank you for sharing Ron, my thoughts are with you and your wife.

[Bundalene]

Thanks for sharing your memories and photographs..we never got to meet your son, but if he was a product of you and Elisabeth...he must have been a good 'un. Hope you enjoy the ride this weekend.

BTW in that first pic Ron...in shorts....you ALWAYS wear shorts...even in winter....Not sure about the long socks though:D

Cheers to you, Elisabeth and your daughter.

[Epic_Dragon]

Thankyou for sharing your memories and very special photos. May your son be riding on endless perfect roads up in the sky.

[p38arover]

BTW in that first pic Ron...in shorts....you ALWAYS wear shorts...even in winter....Not sure about the long socks though:D


That was my office wear, Erich. I was the facility manager. Back in Sydney, I still wore shorts in the office but had a suit in my office just in case I had to attend meetings with people visiting from overseas telecomms companies.

[Bundalene]

Just having a bit of a gig at you Ron :D:D. I am sure you dressed up to it and looked really swish when your overseas people came to visit & attended your meetings etc.

Still we really hope you have a great ride to share your respects to Bucko.

Sheila sends her best to you both and our thoughts are with you mate.

Cheers. Erich

[The ho har's]

Thanks Ron for sharing, I remember the original post well. Ride well this weekend in remembrance of Bucko....

[olbod]

G,day Ron.

I was here to when you told us what had happened.
A sad day.

I know what it is like to lose kids.

How is Elizabeth ?

[Disco Muppet]

Thanks for sharing Ron, he was obviously well liked, and I'm sure his loss is still sorely felt.

[Slunnie]

7 years already Ron. I recall the day too. Take care mate.

[JDNSW]

Thanks for the pictures, Ron.

The nearest I can come to appreciating your feelings is the loss of one of my grandchildren. By coincidence this will be seven years in two months and a few days. But we have only a few pictures of her, and those obscured by numerous tubes and wires.

John

[iPom]

Thanks for sharing those wonderful memories Ron ...

[crash]

Thanks Ron for sharing the photos. Enjoy the ride with friends and family.
Bucko was a true motorcyclist enthusiast - looks like if it had two wheels he would ride it.

[p38arover]

Thanks Ron for sharing the photos. Enjoy the ride with friends and family.
Bucko was a true motorcyclist enthusiast - looks like if it had two wheels he would ride it.

He would! He was 6' 4" and also had a pocket rocket something like this:

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2015/02/114.jpg

(I gave it to a friend for his very young daughters - it was more their size!)