Dad Skips Daughter’s Wedding for a Motorcycle Trip

You could be watching MCrider videos ad-free. Find out how.

If you are an ad-free member make sure to log in to see your ad-free video.

Would You Skip Your Daughter’s Wedding for a Motorcycle Trip?

So, this story has been making the rounds lately, and I want to hear what you think.

A dad is skipping his daughter’s wedding to go on a motorcycle trip with his buddies.

Now, we all love motorcycles—MCrider is all about motorcycle safety, training, touring, and the pure joy of riding.

But here’s the question:
Would you skip your daughter’s wedding for a motorcycle trip with friends?

A Proverb About Judgment

There’s a proverb that says:
“The first to state his case seems right, until another comes and cross-examines him.”

It’s a good reminder not to rush to judgment until both sides are heard. And in this case, there’s definitely more to the story.

The Father’s Side of the Story

Here’s a direct quote from the dad himself:

“Some quick context. Last year I was told my daughter was getting married in 2025. I immediately supported this decision and was there every step of the way. Following tradition I gave her $4,500 for help with venue payment.

During the planning process they changed from a local wedding to a destination wedding in Puerto Rico and moved the timeline forward by a year. Suddenly, I had to pay for flights and accommodations too.

Reservations for Airbnb and tickets were purchased. Then they broke up over some immature reasons. I was stuck with the bill. I tried for refunds but was told the trip was still on—for ‘revenge’ photos to make him feel bad. Since my wife and stepkids are Puerto Rican, I said fine.

In total, that trip cost me $22,500.

Shortly after, I was invited to ride Glacier National Park with buddies. I figured, after paying for multiple trips to Disney and Puerto Rico, I earned it. We planned the ride for September.

Four months ago my daughter went back to her fiancé without a word. We hadn’t spoken once since then. Recently she showed up and said the wedding was back on—set for Thursday, 9/11.

I told her I couldn’t make it. I had prepaid plans. She said, ‘You’re really going to miss my wedding?’ I said, ‘I was there for the first one.’ She said there wasn’t one. I said, ‘Not according to my bank account.’”

Online Reactions

Most of the reactions online lean toward supporting the father. But let’s look at this from a rider’s perspective.

Why I Train and Ride Safely

For me personally:

I’ve taken multiple motorcycle training classes—from basic to advanced to track days.
I’ve spent countless hours practicing motorcycle skills in parking lots.
I wear protective gear every time I ride.
I constantly study and apply road strategies to stay safer.
I’ve dedicated more than a decade to teaching others how to ride better and safer.

Why? One big reason: family.

Motorcycling comes with risks. If I’m going to ride, I want the best chance of getting home safe—for me and for my family. That’s my biggest motivation for safe riding.

My Answer: Family First

So, would I skip a motorcycle trip with friends to be at my daughter’s wedding?

Absolutely. I’d skip the trip.

Being a father means making sacrifices—sometimes sacrifices on top of sacrifices.
Sure, this daughter may show some entitlement issues, and I can see why the dad is upset.
But kids often reflect both the good and bad they see in us. Maybe that’s worth some thought here.

At the end of the day, as parents, we sometimes take one on the chin for our kids. This dad has clearly taken hits already, but for me—family comes first.

It’s the same reason we:

Train and practice riding skills.
Surround ourselves with skilled, safety-minded riders.
Wear full-face helmets, even on hot summer rides.

We do it not just for ourselves, but so we can always make it home to our families.

What Do You Think?

Would you skip your daughter’s wedding for a motorcycle trip?

Drop your thoughts in the comments below—I’d love to hear your perspective.

Till next week,
Kevin – MCrider

Become a Member for immediate access to the MCrider Field Guide.

Below is some gear that I ride with on a daily basis…if you are in the need of good riding gear, the products below have worked well for me.

KLIM Jacket – https://www.MCrider.com/KLIM
Shoei Motorcycle Helmets – https://www.MCrider.com/Shoei
Windshirt/Jacket Liner – https://www.MCrider.com/Liner
Lee Park Sumo Gloves – https://www.MCrider.com/LeeParks

The best source for guiding your practice session is the MCrider Field Guide.
If you are not a Member join for immediate access to the forums and Field Guide

Resources

Road Strategy Videos
Road Skill Videos

Become a Member of MCrider