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[Ironhorse]

As Shakespeare put it so eloquently, “There is a tide in the affairs of men. Which, taken at the flood, leads on to fortune”. Of late Ride Like A Pro West Coast has been experiencing a low tide dry period. I had two days scheduled for classes in October, and no one signed up.

Work (my NON motorcycle job) has afforded me an opportunity, that after some deep thought and consideration, I have decided to take advantage of.

I have accepted an assignment overseas,……..for one year…….in Afghanistan. I leave December 2nd and return one year later. At six months I get a two week home leave. It’s not the ideal living situation, but it will bring me a good income and open up other opportunities for me back here in the states. The hardest part will be living away from my kids, missing out on a whole year of watching them grow. I am comforted in knowing that with today’s technology I can Skype live with them and keep up on their activities on FaceBook. There is always e-mail and hand written correspondence.

First I’ll fly to a US Army base in Indiana for two weeks of training and processing. Then I will catch a commercial flight to Kuwait, and then a military flight to Afghanistan. I’ll be living and working on a military base and will be rather safe (as safe as one can be in a war torn country) behind the wire in the green zone. After e-mailing a friend I know who is working over there now, I believe my biggest enemy will be boredom. I will fight it with my laptop and iPad.

Ride Like A Pro West Coast will be on hold for one year and I am looking forward to holding classes when I return. Right now I have a few private lessons lined up for the next couple of weeks, but no full classes. Before I didn’t have the riders, now I just don’t have the time. I have to pack up my house and put everything in storage so I can rent it. There is so much to do, including ONE FINAL RIDE. I will be on leave starting November 14th and hope to be able to squeeze something in before then.

I will post regularly and live vicariously through your rides and postings. You can always e-mail me and drop in on my FaceBook page.

Mark

[grandpadoc]

Terry and I hope to make that "Final Ride" with you my friend. Keep us posted.  Doc

[9 1/2 Beers]

Mark

 I will try very hard to make a ride with you before you go. I wish you all the luck in the world on your new venture.

 See you soon

 Marty

[erniezap]

Mark,

This truly is a mixed blessing!  I am going to miss you at our get togethers but I hope that this works out for you!  As for the final ride, let me know and I will do my best to ride with you, and I am already looking forward to next year when you are back.

[WestCoastRuss]

Mark....Our best wishes for your new adventure.  We will follow your updates here on CVOharley......Russ and Vivianne

[Panhead_Jimmy]

You quote Shakespeare and I quote Tombstone:  "...I ain't got the words."  You are quite the worldly adventurer, Mark, and I hold you in very high esteem.  Good luck my friend and be safe.

Afghanistan!  Dam, you don't mess around.

[Wrongway]

 Wow my friend! Your smile is already missed. A little time before you leave is a must.

[Trapperdog]

There comes a time in the affairs of man when he must take the bull by the tail and face the situation.
W. C. Fields
Nothing like having an ex friend , er, five ohhh agent playing pranks on you. Guess I'll get a years reprieve but I may still miss him 
Mark's latest with the help of the above poser     posted all over San Simeon Ca.
Make sure to tell all the women folk over there what the Sausalito waitress called you.    Roger

[GregKhougaz]

Mark, 

       You'll be missed.  Heck, can I go?  Sounds like a great adventure but tough to leave family behind.  We'll be thinking of you and praying for your safety.  Seems like a ride a meal should be on calendar for this weekend or your convenience... Let me know? 

Greg Khougaz

[Mrs Rooster]

 Wow Mark, your bike is going to be lonely    I wish we were closer to go on your ride. I don't like the name "final ride" it sounds final  How about a "mothball ride"  since everything is going into storage. 

Be safe
Terry & Karen

[DDavidson]

There is so much to do, including ONE FINAL RIDE.

He didn't say it would be on his bike!

But if you are planning an extended absence de "Tour de Force Afghanistan" Harley adventure then let us in on your plans.

December is coming fast, be sure you don't over extend your time!

[Buy early]

Sounds like quite an adventure Mark! Can you tell us what you will be doing or would you have to kill us then? We'll add our prayers that you remain safe and garner positive experiences out of the time.

[RayG]

How old are your children?  That has to be one tough decision concerning family dynamics.  Good luck & hope things work out.

[RidinRuby]

To quote Batman "Holy Crap" or maybe that was Robins line

  We will miss you Mark, you always bring a smile!

                Chris & Anne

[JCZ]

You will be missed Mark.  Good luck over there.  Keep us posted on your farewell ride (I'll not refer to it as your last ride).

Terrie and I will have to keep up with you here on the forum.....neither of us do the facebook thing.