| Author | Message | ||
     X1glider |
I can hear Aaron and Susan now..."1st Annual ColoBuellGanza? We're moving!" Actually, Captain Pete's ex-girlfriend (of 19 or 24 years) Linda gets credit for the 1st Annual part. Aaron and Susan: many thanks for putting up with me and letting me inhabit the office floor. I promise no mold will be growing in the carpet where I was drooling at night. Wonderful host and hostess. Also thanks for scrounging up bikes and a grill. Pete and Linda: for shopping and chauffering for everyone. Good music and laughs from both. Extra thanks for the use of the "ex-girlfriend's "damn" car." Notice I filled it up upon return! What a nice guy I am. Henrik, Paul and Grizz: please confine your singing to the barber shop! Seriously, you're a fun bunch. Thanks for the good chow Paul. SteveP: for taking it up in the rear...in the riding group!!! and working the grill. Ross: shy and quiet mostly, but we got you to come out of your shell. Funny guy. BTW, I lost your business card, please scan for me and post for all to enjoy. Rocket: for taking the piss all week. Too bad you can't take a HOG in ther corners. Brownstripe, I mean, Jilles: I'd change my diet, mate! Rocket and Jilles: sorry I couldn't get you laid before you left. I guess it takes more than a funny accent with the Boulder girls. Enjoyed throwing back the pints and cheesecake. Peter: sorry I didn't say goodbye before I left, I believe you fell in the loo and was stuck. Enjoyed your company. Now get to work putting on those shiny new parts. Dave in Philly: I'll forgive you this time for not bringing the cheese steaks and birch beer. Don't let it happen again! Glad you came. Hope you didn't get personal with any guard rails on the way home. Josh: for picking up Dave along the way and his enthusiasm. Roc and Doug: I envy the father/son relationship you possess. Good luck with the wedding Roc. Doug, I'll throw you around another time! ![:]](http://www.badweatherbikers.com/buell/clipart/proud.gif) FMJ: all around comedian. If he is indeed the typical American, it's no wonder the rest of the world disrespects the USA. At least he enjoys a fine bottle of port. FMJ and Henrik: for playing doctor. Blake: for hot winging it to the party. (Only after much haggling from the Euro and Aussie terrorists) Court: for the company secrets and BS'ing the local police. The Triumph trio: sorry you didn't like the sound of my exhaust. But that's what a real motorcycle sounds like. And to everyone else (and those above) in general: For the first time since June, I am able to smile and laugh. Thanks for the much needed therapy. What a bunch of characters. I thoroughly enjoyed everyone's friendship. We got to know each other on a personal level and had seemingly endless laughs. I can honestly say I liked everyone I met and that I miss all of you already. Good friends are hard to come by and I wish I lived close enough to see you all on a regualr basis. I hope everyone had a safe trip home. To those who didn't stick around: well, you missed out big time. Would have liked to meet you too. Advice to those who received Vegemite gifts: call the FBI immediately. Vegemite is an Australian biological weapon (they're not smart enough to build bombs). It causes a slow, agonizing death by eating away your vital organs, starting with the taste buds. The FBI will dispatch a crack cleanup crew to dispose of the threat properly. Lastly: endless thanks to the DOT and workers who constructed the awesome twisties we enjoyed during our visit. | ||
| Ferris |
great, great, great stuff! (especially the part about FMJ...............  ) FB | ||
| Firemanjim |
Ferris,have I told you yer a bastard lately?? Bob,thanks,I think?I enjoyed the chance to meet so many of the people I just know from Badweb.And to see everyone from last year. Aaron and Sue--thank you seems like so little for all the help,hospitality,and friendship you extended for our stay,but--thank you!! To all the Elves at Aaron's see ya next year at LSR's I hope. | ||
| Rocketman |
Yes it was great to be in another country, staying in a fabulous ranch in Colorado, and meeting up with some really fabulous people. Most of all though, a huge thanks to Aaron and Susan for putting me up, and putting up with me. You're kindness and generosity is secure in my heart. Thanks again Aaron and Susan xx As for the rest of the motley crew.........next year again then ??  Rocket in England | ||
| Redstripe |
WHAT ACCENT!? | ||
| Pilot |
X1glider, Better to be thought a fool than to open ones mouth and remove all doubt(not pointed at you)Just that I sit back listen to all conversations and if I can add to them I do .I have learnt a lot by listening.For example,On the last day of riding after we had left Estes Park.At the next stop SteveP asked what was in the cookie I had eaten,As I had markedly improved in my riding through the twisties,SteveP claimed to be the worst rider ,But I offered to fight him for last place,I explained that I had listened to all advice and it was starting to show in my riding.Too bad I have to ride for 4 hours to find twisty roads around here.Ross. | ||
| Blake |
Memorable Rocket moments... 1. Rocket offering me a cold beer and actually fetching it for me. (He was already nursing two drinks himself) 2. The fluffy skirt table dance. 3. Later that night, after dragging himself off the floor, kindly offering to share the pull-out bed with me. Not sure if I was his first choice. But the good looking one, Jilles (Brownstreak), was already asleep. I politely declined and slept on the floor with one eye open.  More to follow with pictures. | ||
| Redstripe |
Blake; Logically the BIG Brits' first choice would have been You, as the rest of Us were already wearing chastity-belts! BTW, for best security, use Kryptonite next year... | ||
| Rocketman |
Memorable Blake Moments... 1. Blake hot winging it to the party.....because he thought EB was there (guess who told him that little white lie ) Rocket | ||
| X1glider |
Oh, come now, Ross. If I recall, you had no alcohol the whole time I was there. So, with that in mind I find it hard to believe that you could have potentially said anything foolish. Can't speak for the rest of us though! Got my pics developed and am proud to say that there's only 2 people whose names I can't remember. Can't believe I only took 3 rolls. But they pretty much capture the spirit of the event. Another memorable Blake moment: giving the foreigners "Don't Mess With Texas" t-shirts! Probably being used as shop rags on their Buells and Saabs at this very moment. | ||
| Blake |
I'd do it again in a second. But next time, the heck with the SKS, I want to get a turn with the high voltage fly swatter!  Rocketfibber, Actually, it was Captain Pete's presence that really turned the screws on my priorities. I did after all help goad him into driving all the way to Colorado. Thanks all for a gathering I'll not soon forget. | ||
| Grizzlyb |
We, Alice and me, had to make plans for our vacation next year. Going to the US, rent a motorhome, making a trip around the Grand Canyon, the Rockies....and the Salt flats in a nice 4 weeks tour sounds good to us. So when is the BONNEVILLE TEAM ELVES GATHERING 2003 ? I am serious about this. I want a second shot at seeing the Buell take the WR at over 200 mph. And even as important...I want to meet some of my best friends again. Grizzly | ||
| Paulinoz |
"I politely declined and slept on the floor with one eye open." Blake you need not of worried as our Rocket powered Britt freind Takes all the precations for safe sex as can be seen in this late night spy pix taken earlier in the week. I will not mention Brown Strip in the lower postion to preserve the inocent.  Grizzly with a motor home you could mount a 70mm Panavision camera on it, make some real movies. | ||
| Captpete |
The "damned car" made it back to F-L-A in three days flat! 1 & 1/2 qts. of oil in 4500 miles. Not bad for a stolen car w/ 210,000 miles on it. (I wonder if that little 4-cyl hummer would fit in an S1W?) My appreciation note will be forthcoming. Not something to be taken lightly, it's going to take a little time to compose. Capt. Pete | ||
| Rocketman |
Paul that pic doesn't tell the whole truth ! The flash makes it look light. Truth is, Jilles pooped his pants when the 'Night Prowler' attacked in the dark, thus his Brownstripe handle Anyways, you think the Yanks 'll let Grizz back in after his 'run in' with the local constabulary ???? Oh boy I miss your cooking, Mother Hen, and those Reises Pieces, oh chocolate to die for. Next year, I'd love to think I'll be there. Not doing the racing thing is a tough one to swallow, but YOU great people made it worth while in the best other way possible. It's just a shame that most of you went to bed early. I'm nocturnal you know, and I am therefore at my best in the wee small hours. Tis a pity I had to wake so many of you up to prove this to you. I'll warn you all next time  Best Riding Moments.... When X1glider turned up on his FXR, and proceed to chase for the lead the moment Aaron opened up a tad, once we'd hit the first canyon of the day. Bob was serious, and heard to be complaining, light hearted of course, about the 'processionary pace' later. He wasn't on his own. Fat Harley or not, he was on the pace and good on it too. Well for a Texan Style 'storm in a tea cup' he was, but no Tornado was he though !!!! Mind you, his generosity off a bike was ah em, well, HARD to forget LOL First canyon we get started on, I'm on Susan's trusty S1. I gets on the pace a bit as one does, pushing a little harder in the corners, enjoying the moment like you do, then this White Lightning ridden by an unfamiliar to it pilot, comes past me on the outside of a tight left hander like I'm wearing the 'orange vest' ! Welcome to the fray Jilles. He was well on the pace and obviously an experienced and talented rider. Having said that, I'm sure he was using 'fart power' along most of our routes ! The Triumph brigade joined us sometime later in the week. Oh boy, we'd not been riding for more than a few miles when Dave wants to 'mix it' up front on his Daytona. Ah well, he was crap in the corners and fast on the straights, but what's new, so he pissed Grizz off when he did the European style 'through the middle' and 'round the houses' overtaking manouver to get up front. I can still see Grizz's head shaking from side to side, and I just know Grizz's thinking "if only I was in uniform now" Pilot Ross asking us for riding tips, especially how to take corners, due to the fact there's only a hand full of corners in the whole of Australia, but asking this after he's ridden I don't know how many canyons, and lived to tell the tail. Be real Ross, why d'ya think we were all going so slow ? You think any of us could ride that good after all those beers consumed ? Henrik's moaning face when he's attempting to tell some stupid fat Brit' that crossing the DOUBLE YELLER is not de rigueur ! Well it ain't over here either, even if the lines are white and not yellow, but hell we do it. Snake Pass comes to mind. Still, it must be tough been a biker living in Brooklyn, where the nearest open road is a 2 hour ride away. I forgive you Henrik sweetie, but not for your behaviour in the 'Gentlemans Club' , or should I say outside the 'Gentlemans Club' . Ah no sweat, we enjoyed it better without you anyway, didn't we Ji.....Bo.... ??? Rocket | ||
| Captpete |
P.S. Y'all left too soon. Four inches of snow up on the passes Wednesday night:  | ||
| Blake |
Rocket, I don't believe a word you say anymore.  Capt. Pete, Cool, glad we got a pic of Linda. She somehow escaped the group shots posted elsewhere. | ||
| Captpete |
Where to start? It’s obvious: Aaron and Susan. You guys must surely be suffering from the “empty nest” syndrome, after enduring a week and a half with your home stuffed to the gills with a bunch of unruly kids who never grew up. There aren’t enough adjectives to describe what you have given all of us who invaded every square inch of your floor space, your bathrooms, and your kitchen; mangled your front lawn, killed half the grass in your back yard, and scattered so much grill residue out front that I’m sure Opie, Baxter, and Cherokee will be licking what’s left of your grass until the snow falls. (Of course, the good news for them is that everyone’s left, and they will have no competition from any “fat bastard Limeys” out there.) Personally, it was one of the most memorable holidays of my career, and you guys made it happen. I speak for Linda as well when I say a heartfelt thanks to you both. I kinda fumbled through my little speech at dinner Saturday night; so let me try it one more time. (For those of you who weren’t in attendance, I sort of fell down and whacked my noggin on the deck one evening, and evidently took a little while before returning to the party.) When I did make it back to the land of the conscious, I was surrounded by a bunch of people I had only known for three days, but a bunch that showed as much concern for my well being as any of the life-long friends that I am fortunate to have. Three days, mind you. And those friendships continued to grow for the remaining five days I was there. To me, this is what this Buell thing is all about. Making friends, forming bonds that will continue to strengthen for the remainder of time I am allotted. The bikes are important; they are the glue that brought us together. But the people are what it’s all about. For those of you who were not able, or were not inclined to attend this event, I urge you to reconsider your options next year. I’m sorry that you missed something wonderful, but you will have another chance. Don’t let it slip through your fingers. Me, I’m a lucky guy. I know what it’s all about, and I have a whole year to get ready. A whole year to write a song celebrating the “First Annual Colo-Buell-Ganza.” (Some of you have seen what happens when I turn my talents to song writing. Stand back – get your best hold.) (By the way, Roc, thanks for the “I like yours best” compliment.) I guess the best way to get started is to consider some of the salient points: Rocket, “My friends call me Sean, but you ain’t there yet, mate,” dancing on the banquet table in his custom-made Tutu, presented by Paul, self-proclaimed Aussie scoutmaster, who kept chaos just outside the door by virtue of his considerable leadership/organizational skills. Created the “fund” and supervised disbursements that kept us all fed and the juice freaks from the DT’s. Did a bunch of cooking, and got others involved as well, including Grizzly (NO “E”), who prepared his Dutch Waldorf Salad, while taking a break from hugging everyone in sight. (You were over-doing it a bit there with the ex-girlfriend, Grizz. I can see around corners, you know.) And reassuring his countryman, Jilles, that it was OK for your mother to call you, interrupting your bonding experience with a bunch of real-men bikers, to tell you that you hadn’t called you girlfriend in three days, and your belongings were flying out the window as she spoke. He pulled it out when he said, “All I worry about is Old Redstripe; she’s got that as well.” (Take it from a man of experience, young fella: You need to get yourself an ex-girlfriend. They’re a whole lot easier to deal with.) And there was that line of Aaron’s. We were going to hold the Saturday night banquet outside, and someone, Rocket, I think, suggested we cut the grass first. (Probably was Rocket, but Ross ended up doing the cutting. Bad back on that Rocket, ya know. Anything under 160 mph is quite painful.) So anyway, some one asked Aaron where the mower was. “Ahh, I think Susan keeps it in the barn.” Sounds to me like the last time Aaron saw it was the last time it was dyno-tuned. And then there was Blake, who had the audacity to call Friday night to announce that he would be a no-show. I was in line to give him my two cents worth, but alas, I was too far back. He had rung off in shame before I got my turn. My message was simple: just take the damned car. (I think I got through, anyway.) Steve on his new Bolt. I was feeling pretty puffed-up about driving all the way from Florida; until I discovered he probably passed me somewhere outside of Atlanta. Ponytail Bob (Linda’s term of endearment): Thanks for the gas. But more than that, thanks for bringing the car back intact, along with your cargo of reprobates. No small task. Henrik: You keep your light hidden under a basket. It was an embarrassing circumstance for me when I caused you to lift that basket, but I am so glad you were there. Deep down inside I knew I might be in trouble, and your consummate professionalism gave me the confidence to believe I would be OK. Thank you! Fireman Jim: Same goes for you! Thanks for beating me into submission. I remember thinking to myself, “This guy has been doing this for years. I’ll never outlast him; I may as well give up.” Thank you! Doug: Linda says thanks for all the wine she stole from you. (I should have warned you.) My personal thanks for all the peanut shells that littered her car by the time we hit Oklahoma City. She had it coming! Young Peter: Thanks for keeping me confused for a week. I’m still not sure who’s from what country, who lives in what other country, whose flag goes which way, and who won the bottle of Bundaberg Black from whom, and how come I ended up with one? The only thing that did make sense to me is the fact that the Amsterdam Flag has three X’s on it. Thanks to all the guys who prepared bikes, and had to deal with the disappointment of the cancellation. Ray and his Dad, from Winfield, Kansas. (We used to whip their butts regularly at football when I was in high school, but Ray tells me they have a new coach – 45 years later – and now they’re doing better.) His Dad designed the hack – 29 adjustment points. Doug and Roc, another father-son team. And man, they don’t fool around! Those guys like to go fast! Fireman Jim, and his Tangerine Tornado. (How come the ugly guys build the pretty bikes?) Aaron and the 6 or 7 bikes of his own he prepared for the salt. I’m getting confused. There were so many machines going on and off the dyno, I’m just not sure anymore. Thanks to all you guys. Without your efforts, none of this would have ever happened. I know I’ve left a lot of guys out. Phillyblast; another long-distance rider who made my little jaunt in the cage seem trifling. And on and on. If I missed you, don’t feel slighted. It’s like FMJ said, “You’re not a young man anymore.” I’ve been fighting that realization for a long time, but it’s starting to become a useful excuse. And now, I’m starting to blather. But, like I said before: I’m a lucky guy. Capt. Pete P.S. Hey Court: April fool! You didn’t think I forgot about you and Vicki, did you? Thanks for your tireless efforts to bring this all together. | ||
| Court |
>>>Thanks for your tireless efforts to bring this all together. As if yelling "Everyone to the Wilson's...NOW" took a ton of skill I've been doing Buell gatherings for 15 years. This year's Wilson Ranch International Elf-travaganza is the high water mark. Shirt's for next year may carry the wording... 1) A host of immigration violations and smuggled motorcycle parts 2) We were kicked out of the Wilson Ranch 3) The car's stolen and we'd prefer to be prosecuted in utah! It was fabulous.....frankly, if'n I were you, I 'd keep Linda AND the car! Court | ||
| Grizzlyb |
Hi Capt. Pete You must have 2 blind eyes, (or too much of the Bundy) The only thing I'll ever over-do is riding Motorcycles. With one on the floor and everyone around ya, who's ex is running around without a shoulder? Yep, thats the pro, thank you too mate, ps. i'm still working on the film + the music on CD Grizzly | ||
| Rocketman |
Actually Jilles and I were most concerned for Lindas well being when Capt Pete took a turn for the worse, and we told her so. Poor girl was in a bit of a state until I poured her a glass of port. Little did I know it was Bob's port, until he told me, but he didn't know it was for Linda, until I told him, which worked out just fine. Anyways, I think the Captain has 20/20 vision, unless the rest of us were blind also. By the way Grizz, how is the wife ??? Rocket | ||
| X1glider |
Oh, make me out to be a stingy bastard, will you? I didn't figure anyone who drinks that fizzy piss Coors light and Buttmeister could appreciate it. Now, who wouldn't share his pic of the girl from the bus stop? BTW have you e-mailed her yet? If not I'll do it for you, since I still remember the address! Amazing the useless bits of info I can retain! Even more amazing are the things I can tell her!  | ||
| Rocketman |
Bob don't be so stupid. I emailed her before I left the States. Hell she was a FOX. She even managed a smile outta Aaron, and he took the pic !! And listen my friend, you ain't no stingy bastard, corrupter yes maybe, but no stingy bastard. After all, if you hadn't have treat me to that lap dance (with the sexy blonde) and therefore corrupted me, my last 35 bucks might have lasted longer. Anyway I was merely pointing out that the poor girl needed a port. Some folks will go to any lengths to get a decent drink. Even coshing their ex-boyfriend around the head And you bought breakfast at Dennys, and you gassed up the stolen car. No Bob, not stingy at all, just a little fucked up but we can handle that Rocket | ||
| Aaron |
Captain, that was a touching post, thanks. And thanks to everyone who made it here, from both of us. I had worked SO hard for SO long and spent so much money, and I gotta tell ya, it's a shock to have the rug pulled out from under you like that. It was extremely difficult for me to just turn off all that intensity I've had going and go into a sociable host/party mode. And of course, I was a little depressed over the turn of events. So I hope y'all will forgive me if I wasn't maybe as jovial and in the party spirit as I could've been. But despite my mood, I'll tell you this with all sincerity, it was wonderful having everyone here. Words fail me when I sit here and try to type in how much it means to me to have good people around me who have banded together and made this LSR thing something truly special. I've spent a lot of years engaged in racing in one form or another, but this, this is a truly unique experience because of the people involved and the sheer power that brings to the thing. The friendships I've made are worth more than gold, and we have accomplished far more as a group than I could ever have hoped to accomplish as an individual. I cannot express how fortunate I feel to be surrounded by and count as friends the folks who were here, as well as the many other people around the country and the world who have supported this effort. Thank you to all of you.  Now, let's go out next year and kick some ass. AW | ||
| Grizzlyb |
Rocketman, I knew you where trying to get her drunk, (like with all the stewardesses on the plane and I have that on tape) thats why I kept an eye on her. I have miles of film to sort....you are prominently on it. I'll see to it that you get the role in it that you deserve my friend. Capt. Pete and Linda, Thanks for the great time you gave us at the Wilson Ranch. Special thanks for the help you gave me with that beautiful gift. Now the gift comes with your faces and a story. Alice is very happy with it. ciao friends Grizzly | ||
| Rocketman |
I was wondering when you was gonna chime in Aaron, and I'm glad you did, and what you said is great. Why ? Because quite frankly, you were a bit of a moody bastard, which is understandable, don't get me wrong, but it doesn't excuse you from forcing a smile upon your face. I was especially pissed off with you when you didn't allow me to help change the plugs on Susan's bike. That kind of mood I don't follow. However, you were obviously put up to a serious task of hosting lots of people in your wonderful home, and I suspect privacy was perhaps what you needed more than anything else. Hell I know I wasn't perfectly behaved, but I needed privacy too, and a hotel room in Wendover and a late bar, would have been ideal for me. Going to bed early is something I've NEVER done in my entire life, but I can rise early if necessary, but I don't like to when 'hollidaying'. Anyways mate, if at any time you thought me a pain in the arse, well I understand, but it would have been nice to get to know you a little better. Like Capt Pete mentioned, I do have a name besides Rocket and sometimes it would be nice to hear you use it. Underneath the bull shit mate, there's a real nice guy called Sean, and one thing this guy knows well is RESPECT , and I owe you a ton of it, thank you mate Grizzly, if you mean the plane on the way home , you're mistaken. I prefer my women slender, and as far as I recall that didn't apply to any of the 'trolly dollies' on the way home. I did notice though that you were busy filming the attractive blonde sprawled across the three middle seats, that is until you realised she was pregnant. Obviously someone beat us to her As for my staring role, I look forward to viewing it, especially the part where I 'ripped' you all off and 'shot' to the front coming down Trail Ridge Road, looking like a Demon Bueller on Crack , but I bet you edited that bit out didn't ya Rocket | ||
| Aaron |
Rocket, I just have a "thing" about working on my bikes, and doing it myself. Nothing personal. Plus that was a high stress moment as something was going wrong at a terrible time, when we finally got everyone to go. People are people, you gotta excuse the little quirks that make us all individuals like that and learn not to take it personally. Believe me, I try my damndest to overlook yours! | ||
| Phillyblast |
Aaron, I was hesitant to ask you to dyno the S2, because I thought it would be rude to make you work, since you were hosting. Then I saw you start to clear bikes out of the garage, so more people could watch the proceedings, and realized (perhaps erroneously - correct me if I'm wrong here) that you were enjoying yourself, or at least blowing off some steam, dynoing bikes. I learned a ton watching you work, and I'm happy to report the shop at my work has TWO dynos, and I might be able to squeeze access to them after hours. Capt. Pete, You got yourself one hell of an ex-girlfriend there. Hang on to her. And next time I meet you try not to let the excitement of meeting the infamous "phillyblast" go to your head. Usually only the women faint . Sean, The most amazing thing about all of this is the reaction I get from friends and co-workers. "How do you know these people?" "Have you ever met any of them before?" I find it a bit hard to believe myself. I showed up at Josh and Mariabelin's house at midnight, never having met them, they graciously put me up in their spare room, and then Josh threw me in the passenger seat of his truck for a fourteen hour ride. If that's not trust in humankind, I don't know what is. I could have been a total ass, or a serial killer, for all he knew. In fact, Josh and I cracked up that you posted to the Bonneville Cancelled thread that "Josh and his buddy Dave" showed up, because at the time we had met less than 24 hours before! The immediate respect and camraderie afforded me at Casa de Wilson is something I will always remember. David | ||
| Aaron |
Uh, yeah David, I was dynoing bikes for recreation, and partly to keep my mind occupied on something other than the fact that I couldn't go racing. Whatever, you certainly shouldn't have felt any discomfort about rolling your bike up! I find it interesting to see how various setups run and often I see some kind of an opportunity to make them run better, and I enjoy that, makes me feel productive. That's one reason I haven't been able to charge anyone yet ... although I keep prmising myself I will ... I just enjoy it so much that it doesn't seem right to take someone's money at the same time! | ||
| X1glider |
Rocket, I was talking about you mate! hehe I still can't imagine how anyone who comes from a land full of great brews can drink Coors light! Alright, enough of that, my skin is beginning to crawl. No, wrong pic, I'm speaking of the one "she" gave you at the bar. That's a really good one of her. Since you acquired it during the event, I believe it's only fair that you scan it and post for everyone here to enjoy. And corruption of the innocent is my business as you've noticed. But Ross beat me to putting it on a business card. Was more than happy to corrpt you guys for a moment. |
