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"Big Jim at Myrtle Beach"
Painting by Charlotte Hoffman

Author Message   Jb2 Posted on Tuesday, March 27, 2012 - 03:47 pm:        Big Jim’s Ride - A Celebration of Life WHAT: Big Jim’s Ride WHERE: Franklin, North Carolina WHEN: May 26th, 2012 ACCOMMODATIONS: Sapphire Inn (828-524-4406) ENTERTAINMENT: Lou “Mystic” Usher CONTACT: Jim Bantz at 765-499-0806 (bantzfam@pobox.com) Okay kids it’s that time of year again when we gather in Franklin, North Carolina for Big Jim’s Ride – A Celebration of Life. This year is the 10th and possibly the last gathering under the title of Big Jim’s Ride. We may repeat for the 15th and 20th in the coming years but for now we’re calling it the last one. I can’t ever see us not meeting and riding in Franklin over Memorial Day but we have nearly outgrown our hosts so we’re gonna end this year on a bang. For future events we may turn to renting a facility in Franklin or, possibly move it to West Liberty, Kentucky or near Fancy Gap, Virginia. If you plan to attend this year’s event please feel free to comment and/or suggest about future events. For those who haven’t attended in years past… This all started one Saturday morning 10 years ago. Dad and I had met at Deal’s Gap. He had ridden over from Columbus, NC and me from our home in Indiana. After meeting at the overlook we rode down to the Crossroads of Time, ate dinner and chatted while watching all the riders coming and going. We saddled up in the early afternoon and started off for Franklin where we had reserved a room at the Franklin Motel. During our trip a kid turned in front of Dad bringing his 71 year life to an end. It might have been just another motorcycle fatality if not for the kindness of Mike and Sue Breedlove. Mikey had ridden up on the crash and went to the hospital where I was filling out the necessary paperwork. He offered his friendship and helping hand. My friendship with Mike and Sue formed immediately. Those that gather around us have become family. I won’t bend your ears with a bunch words trying to describe what all this means to the Breedlove family and the Bantz family. A wordsmith I am not. For those that have been there you know what I’m talking about. And for those that haven’t, I suggest you find out for yourself instead of reading about it here later. The Ride: Big Jim’s Ride takes place at 5:00pm on Saturday May 26th. We line up in the motel parking lot and take a 10 mile ride out to Lost Bridge where the accident happened. We hang out, shoot the breeze, swap stories and make or renew friendships. The Gathering: After the ride the gathering at Mike and Sue Breedlove’s. We put a spread out fit for riders while Lou Usher keeps us entertained. It runs to approximately midnight. Okay, to those who have never been this may not seem like much of a deal. Hold on there Vern… this is a riders’ gathering and there’s a whole lot more involved. Folks usually start showing up on Thursday afternoon and evening. We encourage everyone to form groups of riders (5-10) and take off on adventures of their own making. That’s how this all got started… way before Buells and BadWeB when it was just Dad and I and few close friends. Franklin is central to miles and miles of great roads. Many of the riders in attendance know the area well so there’s never a shortage of places to go or people to ride with. On Friday evening we ride out to Brian and Sharon Sellers’ place and have an outdoor BBQ for those who have made it in by Friday. Brian started their deal about 5 years ago and now it has become a tradition unto itself. So to make it easy on y‘alls here is the schedule; EVENT SCHEDULE Friday May 25th – Open riding until 5:00 pm. Gather at the motel and ride out to Brian and Sharon Seller’s for BBQ and camaraderie. Saturday May 26th – Open riding until 4:00 pm. Line-up in motel parking lot for Big Jim’s Ride (kickstands up at 5:00 pm promptly). After the ride to the Lost Bridge we return to Mike and Sue Breedlove’s for the gathering. During the early evening Randolph Bulgin (www.randolphsmachineshop.com) will give a few tours of his machine shop. Randolph is an accomplished machinist, member of Mensa and whole lot of fun to listen to. You need to see his six cylinder engine with 5 moving parts. Yeah, it’s pretty simple so it leaves a whole lot of room for you to create your own story after the weekend is done. Nobody’s story is ever the same as folks from years past will tell you. SPECIAL REQUEST: Last year Mike sat up a table for Ma Bueller’s sign. This year we are going to set up the same table but plan to cover it with your photos. We would like anyone who cares to, to bring a photo of a lost loved one. The people need not to have been riders, just someone who was important to you that you have lost. We celebrated the lives of many including Matt Ware and Mel Johnson (Ma Bueller) and several close to the folks in Franklin. The most important thing is that it is someone you lost who knew how to live and live well. 2ND SPECIAL REQUEST: If you’re a guitar picker and want to bring your ax please do. Lou has worked tirelessly since he started playing our gatherings in 2004. It would be nice to have someone play his breaks. If someone takes the bait on hosting next year’s ride I’ve been pushing the idea of a "Spokes & Strings Ride" encompassing our passion for music and motorcycles. So, if you’re a musician and a rider… show us your stuff. SPECIAL NOTICE: The Franklin Motel is officially out of business. Yeah, I know the place was a dive but it was close to Mike and Sue’s, cheap and close to all the other businesses we patronized. They also weren’t concerned that we sat outside talking and drinking to the wee hours of the morning. Mike and I are contacting several local motels on the same road trying to put together a package for our group. We will post the info in the next week or two so folks can start making their reservations. I sincerely hope to see all you BadWeBers there. Our past gatherings have been the stuff of legends and this year is shaping up to be no different. There’s quite a few surprises (people) coming this year. If they break their silence and let you in, that’s on them. For now I’m staying mum on the situation. Ride Safe Always, JB2 (Message edited by jb2 on March 28, 2012)   Jb2 Posted on Tuesday, March 27, 2012 - 04:22 pm:          Jb2 Posted on Tuesday, March 27, 2012 - 04:25 pm:        Close to my favorite picture. But it's hard not to like this one too!   Reepicheep Posted on Tuesday, March 27, 2012 - 04:38 pm:        Dang Jim, that sounds almost organized! Bummer about the Franklin hotel. Always a nice bike friendly dive.   Jb2 Posted on Tuesday, March 27, 2012 - 04:46 pm:        Careful there Reep. You know how I hate organized rides! I guess to tempt others into coming we needed to look like we had been doing this for a while. Thanks FB1 for your help in hanging this thread!   Prior Posted on Tuesday, March 27, 2012 - 05:48 pm:        In! This is starting to sound organized, especially if we've got non-dive accommodations! Looking forward to seeing the crew and making more memories (or losing them to moonshine).   Jb2 Posted on Tuesday, March 27, 2012 - 06:37 pm:        Alex... brother... you think Mikey and I ain't lookin' for a dive? You know us better than that.   Reepicheep Posted on Tuesday, March 27, 2012 - 08:47 pm:        In! Who's turn is it to put a Uly in a ditch along some dirt road this year? I always wanted to do Parsons Branch, if people can tolerate the Gap to get off it.   Jb2 Posted on Tuesday, March 27, 2012 - 09:05 pm:        Reep, there's a very cool FS road over by Brevard off 276 called Yellow Gap Road with excellent off road riding. Then there's one off of Wayah Bald Road called Winding Staircase Road. I've never been on it but the name kinda says it all. It's a one-lane gravel lane with a turn around at the top. With all the FS roads around there the possibilities are endless. There's a cool little side road off of 129 called Happy Valley Road that's pretty awesome for pavement. Then again maybe we can get you in ditch conditions if we find that Trans America Trail on the way there... just saying,.   Prior Posted on Tuesday, March 27, 2012 - 09:19 pm:        Who's turn is it to put a Uly in a ditch along some dirt road this year? I won the honor last year... (Message edited by awprior on March 27, 2012)   Court Posted on Tuesday, March 27, 2012 - 11:22 pm:        The Mike and Sue Breedlove story needs to be told. It's really the stuff dreams and America are made of. Mike and Sue aren't normal, they are not like most people and if you haven't met them and can . . through any means possible. . . get to Franklin and meet them. . I can make you a guarantee. You will be changed. Your life will be changed. It's a promise I'm confident and comfortable making. It takes but seconds to feel like you've known the Breedlove's since you were in grade school. They define selfless and giving. I'm going to be off seeing a Grandkid but I've come to view this annual celebration of the life and spirit of "Big Jim" Bantz as a time to take a couple moments, be grateful for the friends and wonders I've seen in this life, to be recharges and reminded of how and why we love and what true friendship means. If you are unfamiliar with the "Legend of Big Jim" you need to follow this thread closely. I have some cherished possessions, a hat and some engineering books that belonged to Big Jim. I never met him but every time I look at those reminders on my desk I thank him for teaching me a couple important lessons in life. Meeting the Breedlove's meant a lot to me. Court (Message edited by court on March 27, 2012)   Jb2 Posted on Wednesday, March 28, 2012 - 11:27 am:        Court, Well you've met Mike and Sue so in many ways you've met a lot of the great things about Big Jim. If he were still here I can only imagine we'd have to pry him and Mikey apart to get a piece of their time. JB2   Jb2 Posted on Wednesday, March 28, 2012 - 01:48 pm:        KIDS! Great news! We have found another motel just up the street from the Franklin Motel called the Sapphire Inn (828-524-4406). It is owned and operated by genuine Americans and promises to be every bit as laid back as the Franklin. Their rates are $67.99 per night but if we can fill 20+ rooms they will drop our to $55.00 per night. They have a total of 29 rooms and Terry the manager said he'd be tickled if we filled them all. Make your reservations now if you want to stay with the group! Terry and Tammy manage the place and used to manage the Franklin so they know our group well. Rooms will begin selling quickly now that the Franklin Motel is closed! MAKE SURE YOU TELL THEM YOU ARE WITH "BIG JIM'S RIDE" WHEN MAKING YOUR RESERVATION!!! (Message edited by jb2 on March 28, 2012)   Jb2 Posted on Wednesday, March 28, 2012 - 01:52 pm:        Court, Just got a call from Breedlove. He said that was the kindest thing anyone had ever said about him and to thank you. I told him that you probably would not be there because of other obligations so he then said you could kiss his arse! He ended the call by saying that he really would like to see you again and that you were welcome anytime. JB2   Fb1 Posted on Wednesday, March 28, 2012 - 02:21 pm:        Would you ride hundreds of miles to party with these fellers? Yeah, me too.   Fb1 Posted on Wednesday, March 28, 2012 - 02:23 pm:        PS to JB2: Me 'n D just reserved the room next to you at the Sapphire. Be afraid. Be very afraid.   Prior Posted on Wednesday, March 28, 2012 - 03:00 pm:        Me 'n D just reserved the room next to you at the Sapphire. Be afraid. Be very afraid. And we're right next to YOU! I'll work on travel plans and keep you all in touch. Need to get ready for another wraslin match with Mikey!   Fb1 Posted on Wednesday, March 28, 2012 - 03:05 pm:        And we're right next to YOU! Sigh, there goes the neighborhood...   Jb2 Posted on Wednesday, March 28, 2012 - 03:36 pm:        >>> Sigh, there goes the neighborhood... Pretty much!   Pdxs3t Posted on Wednesday, March 28, 2012 - 04:15 pm:        Me thinks this is going to be a fun time by all this year! Looking forward to this! Jim   Jb2 Posted on Wednesday, March 28, 2012 - 04:31 pm:        Jim, Looking forward to meeting you and Wade both! This should fairly rock! Okay 1 surprise out of the bag!   Fb2 Posted on Wednesday, March 28, 2012 - 05:27 pm:        Not sure who I just reserved a room next to...I guess that'll be another surprise Looking forward to the whole weekend - Corso and I should be arriving sometime early Friday afternoon, so my apologies in advance to everyone who has to put up with us two nights in a row FB2   Twig Posted on Wednesday, March 28, 2012 - 07:17 pm:        Just reserved a room for two nights. Going to be great to see you guys again. Pammy wanted me to pass along this info..."If 20 rooms get filled, the $55 price only applies if you pay with cash, use your debit card and the price will be $65" Food for thought. Later!!   Jb2 Posted on Wednesday, March 28, 2012 - 07:51 pm:        Thanks for the info Mike. We rarely use a debit card but I believe we still gotta secure the reservation with a credit card. We need to remember to tell each other to check out with cash though. A lot of us over fifty now. FB2, Looking forward. Anyone know where Charlieboy is hanging out? Mikey put a request in for his presence.   Prior Posted on Wednesday, March 28, 2012 - 08:10 pm:        Charlieboy should back in CONUS real soon from a deployment in the sandbox. I sent him a message and let him know Breedlove has requested his presence... Man that was a fun year going to Franklin. As usual, we finished off ALL the beer in the house the night before (did the same with CarLost) and took the really long way around to get there. Makes me smile. I finally get to meet Wade and Corso? Too cool! Twig- man, we gotta meet up. Crazy year once again, but you're just around the corner!!!   Fb1 Posted on Wednesday, March 28, 2012 - 09:24 pm:        Would you ride hundreds of miles to party with these fellers? Yeah, me too.   Reepicheep Posted on Wednesday, March 28, 2012 - 10:01 pm:        I reserved a room earlier... Friday and Saturday night, right? Get Charlie to show the other side of that Uly, and show off his unobtanium Micron headers...   Pdxs3t Posted on Wednesday, March 28, 2012 - 11:09 pm:        JB2, Also looking forward to the meeting and being able to share in something so special to you. See ya soon!   Pdxs3t Posted on Wednesday, March 28, 2012 - 11:13 pm:        And yep Alex, you do! Just gotta remember to take it easy on this west coaster...stuck in first gear for the most part anymore.   Prior Posted on Thursday, March 29, 2012 - 12:02 am:        When we moved to NC, Heather made me a really cool photo collage... family, the farm in Iowa and friends... This is the stuff we celebrate! top picture is of my twin sis and I in AZ, celebrating Grandma Prior's life Second pic, my first time to Franklin with my brothers, you all know this crew... , I rode a borrowed Victory all over WNC and had a blast Third pic, Jason, my lifelong farmer friend and brother whom introduced me to Heather Matt Ware, cinco de mayo, Flint, MI. Love life, party hard, and Matt's favorite phrase, " I don't give a shit!!!" (Message edited by awprior on March 29, 2012)