On April 25th Ernie Sebree was riding his Old Sidecar rig after a long illness and had an accident.. Ernie and I had set this Harley up to be ridden without the use of his legs.. Ernie rode it for 7 years after losing a leg to Diabetes but due to other complications hadn't been able to enjoy it in the past year or so.. Heart , Lung, and Liver problems were wearing away at his health along with the diabetes.. Ernie was a member of the KMA and the Northern Kentucky Harley Riders. On the 25th Ernie felt pretty good and it being the UPday celebration for the NKHR he decided to ride to the Clubhouse to meet with his brothers... After a wonderful ride to the clubhouse he was greeted by 45 of his brothers along with a number of their Ol' Ladies who all admired Ernie and his endless Spirit and drive. You would have thought Willie G rolled in with the cheering and picture taking going on at the Clubhouse... After about two hours it was time for the UPday ride.. Ernie was wearing down a bit so he and I dropped off from the pack when we passed my road to return to sidecar to my house and pick up his handicap Van.. In a very sharp switchback curve as we dropped down into my valley Ernie felt the sidecar wheel raise and corrected it by following a driveway out of the middle of the curve.. Once in the driveway the hill was a bit steeper and the drive a rutted out gravel surface.. Ernie did his best to control the sidecar riding it out to the bottom of the drive but unfortunately a truck and a car where parked in his path.. I was there within seconds and did all I could to help but the Lord decided to end Ernie's years of suffering in a way befitting a great man and Motorcycle rider.. Ernie died that sunny afternoon doing what he loved and after seeing friends he hadn't been able to visit in a couple of years. He is missed by many and was honored at the NKHR clubhouse with a biker wake that will be talked about for years... With his wife Alice and his children in attendance the stories and good memories unfolded throughout the evening... Ernie was a unique man who lived life to the fullest and always tried to let his friends and family know how much he cared about them.. Ernie was known for his little sayings and remarks that always were right on track.. One of his often heard comments was "No Negative Waves" and this was the theme for his going away party. With a large number of people in attendance as the rain drizzled the guys from the NKHR sent him off in style that only real riders would understand... Rev. Jerry Spegal ( a close personal friend)spoke a few words and was right on in his feeling having rode numerous times with Ernie and a few of his friends... His son Shawn then stood up , said a few words about his feelings and appreciation for Ernie's friends and told of what it meant to him to know his father had the best people in the world as friends. Good job "Superman" Shawn You opened a few eyes to the family side of Ernie and his wonderful way of dealing with adversity. The Boys at the clubhouse gave a 21 gun salute followed by his son saying just as his father would have " what are you idiots doing standing out in the rain? don't you have anything better to do?" We all laughed and agreed he would have felt the same way being a man who didn't want a fuss made over him or anyone inconvenienced in any way for him.. We retired to the warmth and comfort of the clubhouse where Ernie had asked that his memorial fund from the NKHR be spent to supply all who attended a cold drink and a belly full of food.. Many people brought covered dishes which were appreciated. The evening was full of stories about a great man but one thing the stories all had in common was the respect and pride of being a real biker. Ernie and I traveled many miles together for the last 20 plus years and met many people. His determination to continue to ride his bike long after losing his leg 10 years ago was very inspiring to many who met him. He will be missed by many who loved him and respected his determination when time after time he was faced with adversity. A man who was a real inspiration to all who met him. We can only hope when its our time we can face death with the same class Ernie did, doing what we love and after a great day with close friends.. Like Shawn said " Ernie won, even in dying, He went on his terms.. his way"....
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