well this day had to finally arrive and close a chapter in my life. a chapter i wished could have gone on nearly forever.
i had gotten a call from the motorcycle dealer where my bike was repaired and being stored. the dealership itself is closing its doors forever on December 24th......
my bike was on the showroom floor just waiting patiently for someone to come in and buy it. but sadly, no one did. there hadn't been any REAL floor traffic in that dealership in many, many weeks. let's all take time to thank the economy.
the dealership was there for nearly 26 years. a typical mom & pop place where many of thier family members have worked. either in the service department, or in the office.
now it's going to fade away. i had bought a total of 3 motorcycles from that place. i was always treated great. they never let me down.
since there wasn't any takers wishing to buy my bike, i told the dealer to see if he can wholesale it away with his current stock of new bikes. another dealer, probably more better to handle this economy, bought up the remaining bikes he had, as well as mine.
i lost money on this wholsale deal, but i had to get rid of the bike. i am still unemployed, and i need mortgage payment money. i am still NOT collecting unemployment either. i am still waiting for thier decision, which i am hoping it'll be by tomorrow (saturday) or by mid-week next week.
the chapter closed now of course is my bike riding enjoyment. thanks to a stupid 4 wheeler being dumb as we all know they are, i can no longer feel any freedom when riding a motorcycle.
but sadly too, is the chapter on my bike dealer's legacy over the years, and the friendships that were started there.
the parts man has been there for 17 years of his life. its all he knows he says.....he's 3 years older than me. his wife has a very good job, and she will be taking home the bacon. if he gets another job that pays more than $15 per hour, they will be in a much higher tax bracket. i wish i had that problem right now....
when i got my money from the bike sale, and signed over all the important paperwork, before i left, i told the dealer i wanted to be of some help to him when he closes. sweeping up, taking things down, moving things, whatever. i told him to call me. he said he would.
i also told him i WILL BE THERE next week at least one day, if only to "shoot the breeze". then i told him i will be there his last week Christmas week, to shoot that same breeze.
he will close officially on Dec 24th.........and will remain closed till about the second week of january when he has to be there for inventory, and last effort sales of his stock. but his doors will be closed to outsiders.
this is a tragic tale of a business. one that depends on great weather, and the economy. its not like a new car dealer. people NEED cars and pick-up trucks, when it rains or is cold, or when it snows. they certainly don't need personal watercraft or motorcycles in bad weather.
the dealer has already said he'd like to re-open sometime in the spring, as a used bike shop and repairs only. heck, he owns the building, so he doesn't have to rent out a new location. this idea though, is dependant on his morale through the winter months.
if he does this independant thing, at least he's not at the mercy of the major motorcycle manufacturers who rammed product down his throat when he couldn't afford to do it...it was all part of his franchise agreements....now he can tell them to "kiss-off"..............
i do wish him and the crew there the very best of luck, as many of you and others i know, have wished me the best of luck in finding a new job for myself.
a great person here at this website once said to me, "one door closes, another one opens".......
i hope that "new door opens", for my friend the dealer, and for me, soon.............
Tags: Bike Motorcycle Sold Closed
