In honor of my husband and fellow Ducatisti, Caleb Bryant

[River]

After a great deal of thought I decided to share my husband's life with you.

Caleb James Bryant, born June 17,1972, was killed in a motorcycle accident on July 4, 2008.  He was riding an absolutely beautiful (and highly customized) '07 Ducati S4RS.  We were on our way home from a perfectly lovely ride to Santa Barbara and back when it happened.  He collided head-on with an SUV coming through a blind corner.  I was fortunate enough to be with him when he left this world.  It was only my 5th ride on a motorcycle.

Obviously my life hasn't been the same and will never be again.  But I continue to ride, learn, and do what I can to understand what happened.  In the mean time, I wanted to share my beautiful, brilliant, amazing husband with you.  This seemed the time to do it.  I couldn't let 2008 go by completely without making his existence known.

Caleb was a brilliant engineer with 7 patents to his name, a loving husband, a music lover and a renaissance man.  He spent his free time riding motorcycles, playing guitar, traveling, and rolling at his favorite ju jitsu dojo.  His retirement plan was, “Ericka, you write a best selling novel, and we'll get a house in Tahiti.  I'll fish and play guitar.”  Most importantly, he made me laugh.  Every day. 

We held an incredible memorial for him on July 10th.  There were at least 300 in attendance, which is a testament to his remarkable life and the people whose lives he touched.  Please, in honor of his life, visit his memorial website and my facebook page as well.  (The facebook page requires you to have an account, which is free, but the pics I have up there are phenomenal and well-worth the visit.) You'll find some great stories and amazing pictures.

http://memorialwebsites.legacy.com/calebbryant/homepage.aspx

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/album.php?aid=13244&id=1041795868

I have also been blessed with many dear friends whom I never expected to witness a day when Caleb and I were not together.  Stuart (DucStew) is one of them, and has become more than a friend.  In recent days he's not only looked after me, escorted me to track days, and ridden with me when prudence suggested otherwise, but he's been here for me during my darkest hours when I never thought I would make it through the night.  Thank you, Stu.

Please, honor my husband and fellow rider by acknowledging his wonderful life.  He was, and remains, an amazing being.

[ducpainter]

 

People look at me and wonder why I have this shit eating grin on my face...

It's so I don't cry.

[Statler]

glass raised.  

As a wordsmith by profession I should be able to say something but I am failing miserably.  I am sorry.


May 2009 bring you some unexpected laughter...every day.


Chris

[stopintime]

Hmmm

I'm sorry for your loss.
Can't find anything worth saying .... other than the fact that you're sharing your memories proves the value of what was.

[somegirl]

Thank you for sharing Ericka.   ((hugs))

[Grampa]

big hugs

[red baron]

On this New Year's Eve I raise a toast for you, may you be blessed in 2009.


On New Years Day, I'll ride with Caleb in mind. [moto]

[Popeye the Sailor]

big hugs

+1.

[Speeddog]

I'll raise a glass in remembrance and good thoughts tonight. 

[River]

Thank you so much, everyone.  You are an amazing bunch!!!   

Happy New Year's to All!

   

[Statler]

Now Gwendy and I have been talking about this.   It's really close to home in terms of age group and that she is a new rider (and bike for make the beast with two backs's sake).


I am humbled.



truly.



Here's a woman who is a new motorcyclist and despite this incident she joined here, participated actively, and is still riding.

Tough chick.  (with all the good and honor that saying that entails).


Our glass is raised to Ericka tonight.   She's the one we can all learn from.

I'd help run this place if there were one of you for every thousand members.

I'm going to go try to make Gwendy laugh.


Thank you.

[Howie]

I am very sorry for your loss.  I don't really know what to say, your post touched me deeply.

A toast to Caleb and to your strength on this New Year's Eve.

[duclvr]

RIP.

I commend you on your strength .

[superjohn]

My deepest condolences. As this year closes I will raise a glass for those that are no longer with us and raise my glass again to all those they left behind.

May the new year temper your loss and bring you the best of luck and life.

[mitt]

Late to the game - but sorry to hear about your husband.  By your description, it seems he and I would have a lot to talk about. 

Let 2009 be a great year for you.

mitt