| Author | Message | ||
     Jb2 |
I should start this out by saying that this is an event report for the memorial ride we had for my Dad this last weekend in Franklin, NC. The second thing I should point out is that all of what happens here and throughout the world of motorcycling gives credence to one of my favorite sayings; "I got in to this for the bikes and stayed for the people!". A year ago my Dad lost his life while riding his Harley. The road since has been pretty tough as a lot of my free time has been spent helping Mom. I missed the canceled World of Speed and the following party at the Wilson's and put most all other riding activities on hold for the last year. At the urging of two close friends, Ernie DuBois and Tim Dickey, we threw together a memorial ride in honor of Dad, during which we'd place a memorial cross for him at the scene of the accident. We brainstormed an idea for the cross that included logos from his military service to the country and his preferred recreation; riding his Harley. My newfound friends, Mike and Sue Breedlove wanted to help host and participate. Things began to fall in place. We sent out a small number of invitations due to the heavy holiday traffic and the obvious danger of the intersection where it happened. We really had no idea it would be so well attended. Several days of anticipation led up to Saturday evening before the ride. Henrik Bo Pedersen rode from Brooklyn to Mom's on his S2 and likewise Roger Winton on a Guzzi and his friend Alan on a Beemer rode down from Raleigh, NC. Ernie made the jaunt from Indiana with his wife Cindy and together the six of us left from Mom's and arrived in Franklin about 8:00 pm. We were greeted by none other than Hillbilly Ed and word that my good friend Tim Dickey and his wife had called and were about an hour away. My uncle Warren Westbrook and his girl had also made it in and after grouping we made the trip a few blocks up the street where we drank many beers in Breedlove's "beer garden" and basically told all the good stories we knew 'til the wee hours of the morning. Morning came and greeted us with a half dozen family members in cars, four of Mike and Sue's friends who wanted to ride along and who we openly welcomed and my favorite surprise of the weekend... Pete Tamblyn. It was a short ten mile ride to the place that will forever be hallowed ground for our family. Tim and Ernie and I placed the cross on a bluff overlooking the intersection and another uncle, Alan Carran, dedicated it with a prayer. What followed was a beautiful day of riding and the building of new friendships and reaffirmation of old ones. We told stories, rode the twisties(Dragon included), broke bread and even had a little rain that only added to the dimension of the day. Several times I thought about how proud Dad would be that we were having fun in his memory and weren't dwelling on his loss. Of course, as with any good biker story, there's always a hidden dimension... those that ride with you when they can't be there. Henrik came in tow with packages that had been forwarded to Mom's. In them were notes from people who couldn't come but wanted to let us know they were there in spirit. Like a card put together by FMJ and signed by Woz, John Chan, Jim Armstrong and Rex Chaney, a note from Court, a call from Ferris and a piston from Capt. Pete(lump in throat). This little deal mirrors the world of motorcycling as well as anything I know. The best of friends and complete strangers coming together for an opportunity to ride and share in the camaraderie. All flavors of occupations and motorcycles were well represented. That evening Henrik found a crack in his header. Who might you think would call and make arrangements to get it welded early Monday(Memorial Day) and get him on the road? Mike Breedlove told me in his conversation this evening that he never met such a good group of guys and was wanting a status on the good Doctor's safe return to NY. (I got in to this for the bikes and stayed for the people!)  It has certainly been uplifting for Mom. I think she was a little surprised at the thoughtfulness and solidarity amongst those of us who ride. Our family sincerely appreciates everything that came our way from the BADWEB community. I'm not good at this computer stuff and I know the Doc has a ton of stills already on digital, maybe he'll post some good pics.  Thanks and Ride Safe, JB2 (Message edited by jb2 on May 29, 2003, %time) | ||
| Edmanning |
Thanks for invitation Jim. I had a great time riding with the guys again, Although I'm sure Henrick thinks I need training wheels after folowing me in the rain. That VFR of yours was smooth."Still think Buella could give it fits in the quarter though." Probably a good thing we didnt try it in town Sunday night. Liked the suggestion though. Henrick, Did you make it in OK? I'd also like to see a few of those pics. Take Care, Ed "Hillbilly" Manning | ||
| Firemanjim |
Jim Bantz,thanks for the report.I was with all of you in spirit,and was wondering how it all went.Had a quick note from Henrik.Hope you like my poor attempt at art as I am just learning all about these digital cameras ,etc.Unfortunately,timing of other things kept me from joining you.Your dad was an amazing man and will be truly missed. Here's hoping you can make Bonneville this year as were gonna tear it up. | ||
| Edmanning |
Jim,I'm guessin Henrick made it home OK with his exhaust issues. Again I feel privlaged to have been invited as it was most certainly a memorable event. I even priced a new viffer last week. Now I hate to break into Dane jokes but I remember "amazingly" your digital camera Henrick. I know I spent way to much time in Stockholm and not near enough in Copenhagen, but give a Hillbilly a break. Lets see some pics Bro. Ed |
