I would like to suggest a bike repair fund contribution. I don't like giving flowers to my wife or anyone else. They wilt and die - then the flowers and the money spent are in the trash.
Assuming he would not carry comprehensive insurance on his old bike, its repair would be up to him. I would feel good about contributing to parts or even a Paypal fund for his use when he is back. The nice thing about cash is that he can use it where it needs to be used.Whether he uses it to repair the bike or not - $5, $10, 20, from enough of us would really add up and be more than flowers.
You guys that know him well, please give your input - I don't mean or want to offend him or his family. I don't have nor want to have any clue as to his financial situation, but I do know that I can find a way to survive if I sent him a small amount of repair funds and feel good afterwards. About 2 years ago, we had a member, Paul die of a heart attack at age 47 leaving a wife and an 8 year old son. We pulled together enough to purchase $2,650 in US Savings Bonds for Jacob.
Paul, do you know if he has a Paypal account? Anyone ever sold or purchased from him?
Regards,
Gordon