| Author | Message | ||
     Court |
I've got a LOT to say about this . . . so will Dave Gess. . . but I've got to get some sleep tonight. Short version . . . this is a dream realized for so many people . . . many of whom had fully bought into it and committed their lives before Danny Eslick was born. It's nothing short of amazing that a small, I mean REALLY small, company in Wisconsin was able to pull this off. It takes some mix of resources, talent, brains, hard work and long hours . . . but most of all it takes heart. I feel honored to be one of the few who has watched the evolution of something that hit the wildest highs I can imagine today. I've seen folks work late, cuss, cry and laugh working toward the goal they realized today. It took more than a motorcycle . . it required the convergence of more talent than most can imagine. One of the truly unique things about Buell is that each and every person involved in this played a major role and played it perfectly. I've got to give a huge tip of the hat to young Danny Eslick and I'm going to say right now, so I can get to a couple of other things, that he is one of the finest riders I've ever seen ride a motorcycles. He absolutely "communes" with the bike . . . he toys with it, taunts it, challenges it and literally gives it a personality that makes the Buell so much more than the sum of it's parts. Here's where it gets good . . . there are some other folks who can do that . . but they could NEVER be Danny Eslick. I've been around Buell for years . . . winning is so cool but Danny didn't just win a race or a championship. Throughout the year, in a sport known for some dicey temperament and short fuses, he's done nothing but exude class. He's ALWAYS got time to talk to Buell owners, to laugh and to share his excitement. One of my favorite parts of watching is to watch his Mother . . . I can see where the kids gets it. Danny is a sponsors dream . . . he's cordial, he speaks well, he makes everyone for 9 miles around feel important and a part of the team . . .but when the visor goes down it's all business. As I stood an listened to the ceremony today there were two things that moved me. Each of the top three riders today went out of their way to not only congratulate Danny, but each went into some detail about what a sportsman and gentleman he was . . he's a fierce competitor that has the brains and skill to use where some would reach into the temper bag. In short . . having been associated with Buell, Erik and the Buell Motorcycle Company for over 20 years I am just as proud of young Danny Eslick as I am his accomplishment. In my mind . . he'd be no less of a hero or champion if he'd finished last place. Danny is the public face of everything Buell is as a company and his personal character and professional talent are spot on with what I have always seen and come to expect from all the folks at Buell. He's a marvelous ambassador. I've got more to say . . . but will let Dave do the next installment. This is a milestone in the life of Erik Buell and Buell Motorcycle Company. Court Canfield New York City 9-6-09 P.S. . . . I know this is WAY more photos than anyone wants . . . but different folks enjoy different ones.                                                                                                                                                   (Message edited by court on September 06, 2009) | ||
| F_skinner |
Great Pictures. I am just an average Buell owner, if there is such a thing, but I really feel a part of this even though I have nothing to do with it. When I think how far Buell has come in just a few years it is just amazing. Thanks for sharing that Court. | ||
| Backcountryme |
Court, As a member of the Eslick family I want to thank you for the kind words about Danny. I am more than proud of him not only for his riding abilities, but more for his professionalism. He has always been a happy go lucky kid with a smile a mile wide. I remember him running the indoor bullring tracks. It didn't matter if he won or lost, he never had a bad word to say. I also want to say a big thank you to Erik and all the Buell family (yourself included) for the years of hard work you put into making a bike that will run so well. Thanks to the RMR team for giving Danny a chance to realize his dream. And the Rossmeyer family for supporting and inspiring everyone in the Buell / HD community. Also thank you to every Buell rider out there for supporting the brand. You share in this championship as well. I look forward to visiting the Buell plant at the end of the month. And I hope someday that I can get the opportunity to shake Mr. Buell's hand and thank him in person. | ||
| Prior |
Court, Great pics! Wish I was there! Congrats to Danny for riding a great season and congratulations to Erik, the elves and Buell supporters for making this happen!!! How frikin cool! Prior | ||
| Crusty |
Great Pictures. Thanks for sharing them | ||
| Samiam |
Court, It was great to finally meet you, Erik, and all the awesome team Buell has set up. Danny really is a stand-up guy. He did an awesome job out there. Great pics by the way, I see you got a few with me in them... Really was a great experience! Hats off to Buell! Three cheers for Danny! -Sam | ||
| Doerman |
Court. Thank you for the awesome pictorial review. It is somehow a consolation for us folks that had to miss this grand occasion. It is also nice to see that someone gets a few pictures of Ebear. He's usually on the other side of the camera. Eric, we need to catch up when I get back from Brazil! (Message edited by doerman on September 07, 2009) | ||
| Motorcyclemike |
Fantastic, I'm very proud to be the owner of three Buell motorcycles! What a great racing season, thank you to everyone who contributed to a wonderful racing season. | ||
| Blake |
Wow. Nice photos Court! Jack is cool as ever. We need some captions on some of those for sure. The one of Erik and friends on the 1125R Pace bike is perfect. | ||
| Thespive |
Yes Court, thanks for sharing with the rest of us. There are a lot of us "average" Buell guys who believed in the brand long before this new era of success, accomplishment and respect, who can take our Tubers, Blasts, and XBs out tomorrow and ride a little taller in the saddle. We bought in to Buell because we knew it was something different, something special. We believe in Buell, because we believe in the people behind it. The people, led by a great Patriarch in Erik, are what make this family so special. It isn't just about the motorcycles, although that is the great glue that bonds us. Sending my best thoughts and congratulations to Buell & Company. --Sean (Message edited by thespive on September 07, 2009) | ||
| Froggy |
Wow I look like a total nerd! Excellent photos! | ||
| Ustorque |
Wow I look like a total nerd! Yes, you do, But you are one lucky bastard to have been there, and i'm still glad to know ya! Thanks for all the great pics Court! I love the look of joy on Erik's face, how many days do you suppose it will be before he comes down off his high and sleeps? Can anyone truly imagine the excitement at BMC on Tuesday! Congrats to BMC, RMR, and all involved. Maybe my little "9" will turn a few extra heads today, after the big win, but in the end we all know the truth......it really doesn't matter! P.S. Court thanks for all the Geico Girls.......I have always believed that God himself had a hand in creating the high heel, and you my friend have proved it!  | ||
| Dentfixer |
Court,Any chance you have a pic of Erik congratulating Danny? I'd sure like to see it. | ||
| Crackhead |
Erik is back at the garage trying to figure out how to win superbike. sleep, who needs sleep when there are races to win. | ||
| Daves |
Thanks Court, for the words and pictures. The dream continues! Go Buell! | ||
| F_skinner |
All of a sudden the poor advertising effort and the attitude of Buell haters no longer makes a difference thanks to the skill of Danny Eslick and the determination of BMC. Congratulations Erik Buell and BMC. What a thrill to have this realized. I have a feeling that Buell will not rest and will keep the dream alive and viable. I do not know what brought Danny to ride a Buell but we could not have asked for a better combination of racer and promoter of Buell. Frank Buell Enthusiast | ||
| Skully |
+1 to all of you! Keith | ||
| Boltrider |
I didn't think riding my Buell could get any better, but knowing this I'm sure it will. Long Live Buell!!!! | ||
| Bishopjb1124 |
Court awesome pictures as always. | ||
| Ratbuell |
Outstanding stuff. I'm so happy for Erik and family (and that includes the Elves - I think the whole factory is really just "family") and Danny and everyone involved - it's been a long time coming, and it's great to see all the hard work finally coming to fruition. Court - please congratulate everyone for me. I wish I could have been there! | ||
| Ratbuell |
Oh...and Court? Write all this stuff down now, so when we remind you to tell us later....you don't have to try and remember all of it.  | ||
| Jointeffortracing |
Great Pics, Great Story, Great Bike. Thanks for sharing Court. Congratulations to Danny, Erik and the whole Buell family of riders and supporters. | ||
| Court |
Erik's on an early morning flight back to reality but man oh man . . . what a year, what a season and WHAT A CHAMPIONSHIP ! ! | ||
| Samiam |
I'll bet it's a nice relief when the early morning flight back to reality is back to a reality where your company WON THE AMA SPORTBIKE CHAMPIONSHIP!!! | ||
| Court |
It'll take a while for everyone to come down off this high . . .this is a huge deal. | ||
| L8_br8ker |
Thanks Court, great pics! The realization of a dream to win a championship vs the worlds best. Grats to Danny, and the team, and to Erik, and Buell! | ||
| Davegess |
I meant to post this here not start a whole new thread, http://www.badweatherbikers.com/buell/messages/158 664/494132.html?1252375734 Congrats to all. | ||
| Etennuly |
I believe! | ||
| Road_thing |
Very cool! Great pictures--I was gratified to see that some of the umbrella girls included boots in their costumes... Did Erik autograph Jack? rt | ||
| Lemonchili_x1 |
Court, Thanks for sharing ALL the great pics, never too many  Danny sounds like a pretty amazing guy, and great for Buell. You've said before that sometimes it's best to write a letter - you know, the old fashioned, on paper, put-in-the-mail kind. What be the best addresses to mail letters of congratulations that would reach Danny Eslick? How about the best address for Erik Buell? cheers, chili |
