Chance meeting

Everyone knew Kimo, he was the main man of the local biker rights organization. A big guy with his long gray beard, he was hard to miss, since he was 6 ft. 5 in. tall and weighed an easy 290 lbs. He was as solid as the steel he worked with. Not only did he represent the bikers well, but he also worked with the Iron Workers Union.

Kimo was just the kind of guy who cared and worked to make a difference instead of just bitching about things. He would help organize the Bikers Toys for Tots parade each year. The kind of man that commanded respect from everyone who met him!

Becky was a typical suburban Soccer Mom, she had her hands full with five kids all still in school, her life was busy, not only did she work at the local high school, she was the one who made sure the kids all made it to practice and their games. A tough job by anyone's standards, she loved it and was great at it.

Kimo's kids were grown already and his wife had passed on a few years earlier, he was thinking of retiring next year so he could finally do that Alaska ride he had always dreamed of doing. After almost 50 years of working with iron, he was getting tired, but he could still outwork men half his age and when a job had to completed on budget and on schedule, he was the man.

Becky's life was a typical American life, living on the outskirts of town in an area that used to be country, but was now 2 acre lots, she loved it, with her white fence and all, she had earned it, she helped her husband through college and now he made great money as an engineer for the largest company in the area, he was not around much, but he made some great money.

Saturdays typically were for just taking care of odds and ends at home for Kimo, he looked forward to his Sunday rides. He and a few good friends made it a point to ride together on Sundays, they would hit the few area "biker" bars and shoot some pool and drink a beer or two.

Saturday for Becky was insane, with three kids in soccer she had to run around all day long with no breaks to relax, Sunday was her day too, it was the one day her husband was always home, he loved to watch his sports on TV, he was the typical sports junkie on Sunday, but that gave Becky some time to go do her own thing.

This Saturday was extra hectic for Becky, she had to drive all the way across town to the little one's soccer game and then get back to pick up the boys before 4 pm. It was not going to be easy, but she didn't like her kids to be alone in the park without her, she was a very protective Soccer Mom.

Kimo had some business to take care of on Sunday, he had promised one of his good friends he would help them move and Sunday was the only day they could do it. He hated to give up his Sunday ride, but he was a true bro and figured he would ride on Saturday instead. Solo, he never seemed to ride solo much anymore, not enough time during the week, Sundays were for the boys.

A Saturday ride down to the beach sounded good. The little girl's soccer game lasted longer than expected since the referee was late getting started. Becky had to rush her daughter to get the snack pack and head to the van. The little girl was upset because she wanted to eat with her friends, but Mom made her leave, they had to get to the boys, their game would be ending in 10 minutes. It was a half hour drive.

Kimo finished up the last chrome on his old panhead, it was a beauty, completely stock and in almost perfect original condition, he had bought it brand new in 1960. She was a beauty with the dark blue paint and the white panels on the tanks and fenders. A true classic! Kimo lived a little further out than Becky, he lived in the country, even though they were slowly building houses out to his area, he had 40 acres and loved the isolation and quiet.

His job was all about noise and sky scrapers, he enjoyed the country and had owned this place for 25 years, he and his wife had purchased it when it was still a farm. Becky was getting impatient with the traffic as she got to the outskirts of town. Normally she was very patient, however she didn't like her boys being alone at the park, she wasn't sure if anyone would stay there until she arrived or not?

The park was in one of the rougher areas of town and she didn't like the idea of them being there alone, without the coach or team. Kimo was just making his way down the highway from his home and the traffic was busier than on Sundays, he didn't like riding in traffic. Becky only had a few more miles but she couldn't take it anymore and started to speed up and run some yellow lights. Kimo was coming down the hill with the traffic light up ahead still green. He could see the van coming up to the light from the other direction and cautiously slowed a little as he approached the intersection.

He was now committed, right then Becky turned left on the yellow light and went right in front of Kimo! The sound was sickening, the side of the van looked like it had been hit by a train. She hadn't noticed the old panhead and the giant biker.

Kimo didn't make it home that day, he laid in the hospital for a month before he came home in a wheelchair. That day many lives changed, simply because Becky was in a hurry, had she been paying attention instead of trying to call the coach on her cell phone while coming up to the intersection. Kimo would still be able to walk and ride his bike, but as fate would have it. Kimo's riding days were over along with his walking days!

The Alaska ride would never happen now. Luckily the side airbags saved Becky and her daughter from serious injury. Becky now has become an advocate for motorcycle awareness. They have become friends. Watch for bikers, it may be your life that is affected.

copyright thewind 2008