| Author | Message | ||
     Jerry_haughton |
Mikel, i couldn't agree more. even riding ONE-up on the Reactor it'd be a tough gig. he spanked me pretty soundly going up Yarnell Pass the other day. heck, by the time we rolled into Prescott (where he was waiting for us to point us the right direction), he'd been there long enough to read the newspaper and take a brief nap. just wait'll we get him out here for Oktoberfast, heh, heh, heh...  FB&D  (Message edited by jerry_haughton on April 26, 2005) | ||
| Wyckedflesh |
Difficult post to follow behind but I think its time I stepped up and threw down some of my thoughts of the weekends events: As I lay there on the roadway, feeling the asphault through the palm of my hand, knowing my arm was badly broken, I couldn't help but be distressed at the timeing. Less then a month away there would be this group of riders coming from out of state to partake of an adventure. An adventure I was to be part of in some capacity as a guide, or sweep rider or even just a mid packer to help keep the group on course. My job not real clear as the route was going to be unfamiliar territory for me. Even the thoughts of not being able to work were secondary to not being able to attend this ride. As the month wore on and the suggestions of me being the chase driver came up, hope was sparked. I had a goal to get myself to a condition that I could safely drive chase. Then 2 weeks ago, my medication changed. It was a step backwards and it looked like the only way to keep going forward, was to open up the money I had pulled aside for the ride, and toss it down for the meds I needed. My hope, darkened, as now I no longer had the funds for the trip. Art and Don stepped up and a plan once again was hatched. A plea was made forth and all stepped up to the plate and made it possible for me to attend. I got myself off the meds I didn't need, cutting things down to the two I had to have in order to keep the progress going forward. One was for the torn up nerve trunk, so that I could continue to use my right hand and fingers, the other to keep the pain of everything at a level of ease. But everyone stepped up to the plate, and hope was once again restored. My spirits rose to the occasion and I couldn't help but be looking forward to being able to do my part to make this ride a success. Loading up the truck after meeting everyone Thursday night it just set in more and more. I have spent many years as a lone wolf rider. I had never found that group of companions that just appealed to my sense of riding. I found amongst these people that until then had only been electron images upon my screen, true comrades, with a soul that called out to mine... Friday morning dawned, the pent up energy like a kid at Xmas awaiting the chance to dive into his presents I set out. First to Art's to pick up the rations for the weekend. Then to Arrowhead to once again meet up with my new found friends. Each had a smile and a word of thanks for me, understanding that to drive the chase truck was to be a tease for I would see everyone riding and having it rubbed in that I couldn't. Each of them had that understand and were thankful to me for giving them that reassurance that they would be taken care of by the chase truck if something were to go amiss. The speech was made and then the question asked..."What time is it Bart?" of which the resounding answer of "Time to RIDE!" was issued. I followed, not trying to compete with the two wheelers, just driving my pace and keeping my eyes peeled for riders with issues. Followed Glenn back to lend a hand for a wallet that had not been as secured as thought, only to find out it was right were it had fallen with naught lost but time. Some friendly guidence and once again we were part of the group sitting at lunch. Laughter being the cry of the masses. Then once again it was that time...the cry issued forth once more "Time to RIDE!" Those that were to continue with us gave parting words to those that had other destinations to attend to, and ways were parted with smiles. | ||
| Wyckedflesh |
Friday night fell upon us slowly as we wound our way to Show Low. After a mix up on a stop, I caught up with the group and got to witness my first sight of pure poetry, a two wheeled dance of smooth grace...a bridge work valley crossing that was a snakes track through the air and all I could see was a train of bikes each moving in a seperate direction, then changeing that direction to cross the paths of each other back and forth. And once again I followed...The evening was subdued, it had been a long day and many a thought for what was yet ahead seemed to be on the groups mind. Laughter was still the cry of the group, though a little more subdued. We knew that part of our rag tag fleet of adventures was going to have to break away from us, for they had a long journey back whence they came. I know it was in my thoughts that I wished it possible for them to stay and enjoy the rest of the festivities, but alas, the reality was I was being selfish in wanting to spend more time with these new found parts of my riding soul. Saturday dawned, and my 6am medication time came with a smile. A quick reorganization of the truck and all was ready. Once again that cry of the event..."Time to RIDE!" was issued and off we started. Though soon enough I spied a small group off to the side. The decision was made to see if it could correct itself, thinking it was just a fouled plug, we set back off again. Ski and BuellJ in front, keeping an easy pace, slowly taking it a little higher and higher to no avail, something was definately out of sorts. With some help from some other riding souls, and words of encouragement we loaded the bike, and caught up with the pack. My new driving partner, diving through the manual as my thoughts were saddned by the look of anguish within his eyes as he realised the best was yet to come, but he was bound to the cage. With light hearted banter we drove on, marveling at the wonderous scenery. Slowly we arrived at the Memorial of a fallen rider, a part of our riding soul now chasing the curves of the clouds as he rode through the heavens. The mood was both somber, mournful, repsectful, but thankful, that we hadn't suffered the same fate. The reminder to ride to our pace, and not try to ride to someone elses pace seemed to be the unspoken thought as each mounted back up and headed out. Then we came to it, I was both waiting with anticipation of this fine roadway I had heard so much about, yet dreading it as my reminder of not being able to enjoy it as I wanted voiced its opinion that it was time to take my meds. My companion and I drove this winding twisting road at a loss, both of us rating the corners and marveling at the sheer enjoyment they wound bring had we both been upon our rides of choice. This magnificent stretch of pavement just going on and on and on, and with each turn it brought more beauty and serenety until you were in a rythm and a pace that was smooth and inspiring. My thoughts wandered to dreaming and fantasizing the feel of each corner as the bike leaned with me, the feel of the roadway as the tire gripped, the sensation of that change of direction to only have it abruptly change as you flipped the bike to the other direction for the next corner...We drove. The smiles in our eyes as once again we caught up with the group for the night festivities. With the wonderful addition of some more friends the nights events unfolded. With each sip the tales grew, the laughter became bellowous, the debauchery became grand. Everyone just seeming to know what the other had in mind, some just wanting to participate in the design, and others not wanting to make the call to explain..."Well you see Joanne, its like this..." but all was good, and even in humor no one took offense to anyone else. And once again that part of my riding soul was filled with bits more of those around me. This was a group I had been looking for since I started to ride. This was a group, in which it was the ride that was important. This was a group that didn't have time for attitude or ego, but a group that just wanted to share in the adventure... Sunday morning rolled forth, a little sluggish and some worse for the nights events, but spirits still soared and the cry of the group still luaghter as the tales of the previous night filled the air, and the speculations of just what 2 of our group could possibly have been doing until 6am in Show Low...Reload the truck, and then once again the cry..."Time to RIDE!" was issued. The weather foul in its mood, almost as if it were jealous of the enjoyment we were having this wonderful April weekend. But we weren't skeered, nope, we ARE the BAD WEATHER BIKERS! the group sped forth and onward we went. And went we did until all too soon, we were once again were we started, and those who were left were packing up for their trips home ward. The mood was mellow and somber as each reflected upon the ride. Good byes and until we see agains were given, reminders of the next event were spoken as well as "hope you can make its" given. I don't know how, but in some way I will be there and this grand adventure will once again continue... | ||
| Wyckedflesh |
To Jerry and Denise of all the BadWebbers there it was you most I wished to see come to our little event, in the hopes that we could give to you the smiles you have given to us. I Thank You deeply for coming and spreading your warmth, happiness and most of all your wonderful sense of companionship. Glenn, a new friend I have made, and for that I thank you for being here. Al, again it was a pleasure and thank Joanne for me for allowing you the time to come play in our adventure, maybe next year we can plan the dates in a way that she too can join us. Thom it was a pleasure and a wonderful experience to have met you, I can see why Al and Jerry very much like having as part of their adventures. Brad, Mike and Darrell, I wish truly you could have stayed longer, it was alot of fun and enjoyment having you guys there and I think the adventure suffered a bit when you guys had to head back. I hope we can do it again sometime only be able to enjoy it longer. For you time with us was much too short. Dave, Tito and Gordon, it was a pleasure, I would very much love to ride with you guys as soon as I can. Carey, hope you are back on two with the selling for your S2 now complete, your presence on the rides will be missed. I was hopeing to atleast get a chance to ride with you before it was sold. Kobie, Art, Don, until we can ride again, thanks for making this one a worthy adventure. Billc, you were definately the trooper and again it was a pleasure to joke and tell tales with you. As with the others, I can't wait to be able to ride with you once again. Brian, and MrBill, you will have to make it with us next year for more then just the Prescott spars run. I look forward to riding with both of you, and Brian, remember your just next door, so stop on by and say HI To all: Keep it on Two and RIDE! | ||
| Jerry_haughton |
Mikel, a thoughtful and moving and well-written post. thank you not only for your words, but for your new friendship, and all you did to help support the ride. i knew how tough it must be to have to drive instead of ride, but your words above make your cheerful presence this weekend all the more special. Denise and i hope that you're back in the wind where you belong very soon, and it'd sure be cool if you could make Oktoberfast so that we can pay you back for the awesome time we had this weekend. FB&D | ||
| Tucsonxb9s |
I've read every Springfast post and soaked in every moment like I was there. Trust me I KNOW what I missed but it will make it worth that much more when I get to go. I'm just glad I got to experience a little bit of the debauchery! The good thing is we know what comes next......... Oktoberfast here I come! | ||
| M1combat |
Here here... Oktoberfast approaches . | ||
| Unibear12r |
It WOULD be great if everyone made it to Oktoberfast. We'd have a blast!  | ||
| Jerry_haughton |
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| Jerry_haughton |
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| Jerry_haughton |
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| Iamike |
Damn Mikel, that was good! At last year's Homecoming Peggy was asking us that go on these small Buell events why we do, instead of the big ones. Mikel's synopsis is exactly why. I can get closer to groups of 10-20 than of these humongous groups. | ||
| Awprior |
Looks like everyone had a great time (and a hell of a party!) Hope to make it next year, I spent a good hour looking at these pics today and reading the stories, this has to become a yearly event!!! | ||
| Bartimus |
We most certainly missed your presence ALEX. Perhaps we should starting working on the dates for next year? | ||
| Awprior |
Bart: Definitely. Sounds like everyone who attended had a good time! Can't say I know what I'll be doing next year, but each day more school bills get paid, which opens up more and more possibilities. I at least got to have a few beers with ya this year! The way I am, and the way you all partied, I might still be the one that was in bed. Mike can attest to that from the first night I was in St. Johns last summer. THAT was one heck of a party. Drew (Mike's son) probably hasn't forgiven me for the night and all of the bars we went to... | ||
| Al_lighton |
Oktoberfast approacheth... Joanne and Zach will be at that one. American Sport Bike is officially closed that Monday, it's already on the web page. Everyone that was on this ride that can possibly swing it should come. There might not be any single road that is the equal of 191, but there are so many varied roads in the lower Sierras that are pretty darned great. See ya'll there! Al | ||
| M1combat |
"he spanked me pretty soundly going up Yarnell Pass the other day. heck, by the time we rolled into Prescott (where he was waiting for us to point us the right direction), " Thanks Jerry , but I really feel I must remind anyone reading this that you WERE riding a touring bike that has probably 15-20 degrees less lean angle capacity... Oh, and you had a passenger along for the ride ... Jacky Ickx once said "The track is my canvas, and the car my brush." I'm quite sure you're an artist Jerry . In any case... DAMN that was fun . | ||
| Reindog |
The funny thing about motorcycle rides is that there tends to be no motorcycle photographs of the actual ride. That TV show must remain in our heads I guess. Anyhow, here are some of the things that I saw.  Racing through Glamis. No dirt biking today. We are Arizona bound!  Desert varmints  Al is Slaying the Dragon  FBAD  The FB in FBAD (Message edited by reindog on April 27, 2005) | ||
| Reindog |
 Reindog.  Daryl's curve.  Yeccch!  Getting ready to blast the 191. Here are some cool pictures from the copper mine. Made me want to go dirt biking on my Honda XR400.     (Message edited by reindog on April 27, 2005) | ||
| Reindog |
 Why is this man smiling? I guess he just blasted up the 191 and now its time to hit the downhill sweepers.  Reindog redux.  Al for Victory.  Just think... the other end of this road is sweltering desert.  The Other Al.  Ski.  Storm coming. I've got a great idea. Let's stop here and go to the bar. Better idea. The beer is just as cold back home in Show Low 70 miles away.  Rain? What rain? We've got Bago shield and heated suits.  Jeremy is gonna ride another day. Sorry, bud. (Message edited by reindog on April 27, 2005) | ||
| Reindog |
 Ball bearings on the road greeted us Sunday morning.  Group in Salt Creek Canyon.  Mother Glen rode over 750 miles this day!  Bad Boy Billy Bartimus.  Ah, that's why there are rays on the Arizona state flag.  Dude, we are so California bound after a most triumphant expedition.  Arizona skies never cease to amaze me. (Message edited by reindog on April 27, 2005) | ||
| Unibear12r |
After Octoberfast last year Al & I were talking of how bummed out we were that the Arizona crowd had to drop out. Both because we missed them but also that they missed out on something special. For two days we almost constantly rode roads that were like the Spars & 191 nearly end to end. But just as important something special happened between the riders in that moderate sized group. Al had thought that the AZ crowd could pull off the same feat and also that everyone could have a great ride to start the season and one to end it. The first spark of Springfast started in Al's mind and it had always been intended as much for the AZ guys who missed Ofast besides getting another big ride started. You guys did a fantastic job of putting together some great roads and capturing that same special spirit. Thank You. These two rides have to continue. | ||
| Court |
Awesome! | ||
| Jerry_haughton |
great pix Reindog/Forger Tom. a reminder for anyone making plans: Oktoberfast 2005 is Fri 9/30, Sat-Sun-Mon 10/1-3. we're game for invaders here at the ThunderDome anytime after 3 p.m. on Friday. as best you can bring sleeping bags/bedrolls or the like for Friday night here at the 'Dome -- i've a feeling it's gonna be a full house. y'all come. FB&D | ||
| Azbueller |
Well I’ve been hesitant to post till now to have time to reflect on the whole weekend and knowing it was going to be the last ride that I would take on my S2 for tomorrow she goes to the new owner. I’ve owned her for the past 8 years and she’s got me through good times and bad times as well and only once had she left me well kind of stranded when the belt broke two weeks ago but I had a fellow Bueller there to give me a ride back to my house to get my truck. I would like to thank everyone who participated in our little ride and I definitely made some new friends, and I have to say it was one of the best rides I've ever been on, there’s just something different about Buell owners past and present that set them above any other motorcycle owners even the Harley owners. It’s going to be tough for me not having a Buell in the garage and the though of owning another brand of motorcycle is easy it’s what my heart keeps telling me is a whole different story. Buells are in my heart, body and soul and I will have another motorcycle and the more I compare other bikes to the Buells, my heart and mind always brings me back to all the great memories I have had with my S2 and all the other Buell owners I have met along the way, damn I’m going to miss her. I just hope I can have a bike for the Oktoberfast to ride with my new friends!!! I don’t want to keep telling myself “there’s always next year” life is to short to think like that!!!!! (Message edited by azbueller on April 27, 2005) (Message edited by azbueller on April 27, 2005) | ||
| M1combat |
Here, here... Oktoberfast approaches . | ||
| Jerry_haughton |
y'all haven't met my buddy Dino yet. he's the wisearse that made the wisearse comment here in this thread on Monday noting that my new silver and gray Aerostich conveniently matches the color of my old silver and gray (and dangerously thin) hair. bitch!!! anyway, the annual CAMS -- CAlifornia Meeting of Sportsters (& Buells) -- ride makes a stop here at the fabulous ThunderDome Friday morning, on their way to Yosemite Nat'l Park for the weekend, and this morning, via a group e-mail, i asked several of the principals if they'd mind Glenn/Unibear's company for the ride. in the e-mail i mentioned, among other things, that Unibear was a fun guy (no, not the stuff that grows between your toes), and a safe, mature rider. "Heck yeah!" came the cheerful reply from Jim in Santa Barbara, along with this tongue-in-cheek comment: "Nice to know we'll have at least one mature rider in the group. <g>" i got a chuckle out of that. Jim's got a good sense of humor, and is a nice guy himself. not long afterwards we all get a group e-mail from Dino, whom i'd included in the original e-mail to the boys since he is particpating in the CAMS ride, too, and knows Glenn. here's Dino e-mail to our group, in it's entirety, including the attached photo which he'd lifted from a little earlier in this thread. enjoy. "Are we talking about THIS Glenn?"  | ||
| Jerry_haughton |
no Dino, pretty sure i meant THIS Glenn:  | ||
| Unibear12r |
Geez whatsa guy gotta do to get respect around here?   |
