SAN DIEGO (CBS 8) - It's a dream come true for a former Navy Seal who has had a rough year. He just won a contest to have his motorcycle restored by one of the best in the business.
Carlsbad resident Ron Mercurio and his dad shared a passion for motorcycles. A love that goes back to the late 80s, when his dad bought this Harley Davidson FXLR. But five months ago - tragedy struck.
"On May 20th, my dad passed away," Mercurio said. "He had a really aggressive brain tumor, unfortunately."
Then, four months later, one of Mercurio's closest friends was killed in action in Libya.
"With the combination of losing my dad in May and losing one of my best friends in September," he said. "It definitely takes an emotional toll on you - so to have some uplifting news is always nice."
That uplifting news came from motorcycle customizing guru Roland Sands. And Mercurio inherited that Harley from his dad but it needed a little work.
News 8's Steve Price has more in this video story.
