Story time- What is your favorite VRCC memory? [Archive]

LaMonster

12-07-2004, 06:45 AM

I have so many of them and seeing Sonny pop up on the board just reminded me.:D I'll add a few as we go.

I guess one of first and greatest memory was when I rode my Valk from HDL in Shady side Ohio to HDL in Sunrise FL and along the way I met Mosa in Kentucky and we rode to Dragbars place in TN.
Mosa was like a long loss friend and I had never met him before. He loved to ride and he kinda knew where he was going and that was a good thing for those of you that know me. :D We got along great and we both liked to ride at a good clip. We got to TN and met Dragbars for the first time and the same thing happened, it was like we were old buddies again. :D I really can't remember all the other folks I met during that time but this is back when a hardcore bunch of riders and friends were being formed. I do remember meeting the famous TNT on that trip. I still consider these folks some of my best friends. I've told Dragbars that if I never made another friend for the rest of my life I have already made more friends than any one man deserves. :D

That trip is one of the main reasons I live in East TN now, I fell in love with this place then and told my wife that someday this is where I want to live. I guess dreams can come true. :D

I have a bunch more great moments in VRCC history but I would like to here some of yours. How about it? This could be a very long thread. ;)

Here's a link to some of the pics from that trip.
http://www.valkyrieriders.com/JustPics/hoot2k/hoot.htm

http://www.valkyrieriders.com/JustPics/hoot2k/Deals_Gap_Gullywasher_-_Lamonster_and_Mosas_bikes_1.JPG

holmes

12-07-2004, 07:24 AM

Many years ago I finally quit lurking the New England message board and made my way out for a ride with the group. Some locals were heading up to Vermont for an Octoberfest ride and we absolutely, totally and completely "clicked." We rode like heathens and some of these guys have turned out to be the best friends I've ever had.

I'm convinces that things happen for a reason.

http://www.corporaterenewalservices.com/images/great_day.jpg

Jack G

12-07-2004, 07:37 AM

My wife and I had never been to the Smokie Mountains and wanted to go there to see and ride along the mtn roads on our way to InZane. I e-mailed Vickie to find a good place to stay in the area since I knew she had recently moved there. Vickie and J-Dubya offered us a room and their hospitality. My wife was apprehensive since she had not met Vickie and I really didn't know her except over the web at VRCC and Big Bike Riders. Vickie was persistant and we stayed with her and J-Dubya for the few days we were there. We even took our dogs, Sasha and Oakley. While there, we met TJ and the Boyz. Vickie showed us the area as well as Southern Hospitality I think most of us think is dead.

Another time was HotGlue's BBQ in Friendswood(aptly named). Mark and Flamingo Babe throw an awesome party. Best food and hospitality in Texas. While there, Texas riders showed us the area. We met DC, Speedy, and many more of the folks we had "met" thru the VRCC and BBR. All treated us like family(heck, better).

Since then I have been to Vickie's for her BBQ, been back to HotGlue's again, and had Mark meet me in New Orleans for a few beers. Sarge has come to visit New Orleans. Yogi and Rocket and Big Ern has come to visit.

Wow, too much and too many good folk to mention. I guess bottom line is I have Lamont to thank for giving me the opportunity to be a part of this. I wouldn't want to embarass him so I will thank you all. :D

http://valkyrieriders.com/la/InZane%20010.jpg
http://valkyrieriders.com/la/hot%20glue%20at%20grill.jpg

LaMonster

12-07-2004, 08:16 AM

That looks like Hotglues little BBQ. ;)

Hawk

12-07-2004, 08:25 AM

My Greatest memory would have to be InZane II that was where I met the most of ya'll. :biker: First I met Ragnar at the restaurant there on the corner of the intersection. I finally met Lamont and saw the Lamonster for the first time. Right then and there I had hoped to own a bike like that some day :D (I also remember saying if I had a bike like that I wouldn't touch it, :roll: HAHA, guess it is just in my blood) There was Mosa, Dragbars, RayO, RJ, TJ, TNT, I think I met Sarge there also, and the list goes on, every person I met that weekend was like running into long lost friends, :clap2: it sold me on this group!!!! I also remember getting talked into the Burnout Contest, :a13: WOW that was a mistake HAHA. Talk about an addiction, that was GREAT!!!!! :a13: :a13:
The second greatest memory which I will never forget was the summer I got to work for Directline on the rally circuit. I remember talking to Lamont on the phone telling him I was being "restructured" out of a job I had done for 18 yrs. He told me call Hal and shortly there after Hal offered me the summer job driving for Directline. Granted me and that Ford truck and 40' trailer didn't always get along :? as a matter of fact I never in all my life had so much trouble with a vehicle and trailer. Talk about a string of bad luck and misfortune :mad1: But getting to meet more of the group and seeing old friends at all of the rallies was GREAT, I never had enough time to visit with ya'll but it was still good to see everyone. I will also never forget the trip home from Wing Ding on the 4th of July. :amflag: I will also never forget Ragnar bringing over the 1300 VTX for me to ride while we were at the Homecoming, talk about a real friend!!!!!!! I agree with Lamont if I never make another friend, I already have more GREAT friends than a man deserves!!!!!! :D

Warren in Atlanta

12-07-2004, 08:40 AM

Gosh there are so many but for me the coolest thing was the fact that the Valk group changed my life. I have a bunch of great high speed riding memories that I'll never forget but it's been the people that are my favorite story. I have never been a people person. I have had a few close friends in my life but not just a whole bunch of friends. I had wrenched on a few bikes before the Valk thing but never met so many folks that loved to tear their bikes apart and make them "better." I rode out to Montrose for the VOA rally all by myself. That was right after I got my first new Valk and wanted to see what this whole thing was about. The rest is history. On the way home I was deep in thought about how a lot of my life had been wasted by not reaching out more to people and making new friends. Long story short...since that time I have made a bigger effort to meet new people and make new friends. Who ever woulda thunk that having a love for bikes would lead to having such a big love for other people that also love bikes (there's a lot of LOVE in that sentence :wink: ) I still have a long way to go in the area of people skills but this fine group of Valkyrie folks and BBR folks has made me a better person.

http://bigbikeriders.com/photopost/data/500/2723Old_pictures_044-med.jpg

Jimmie

12-07-2004, 08:51 AM

I would have to agree that it is the friends I made as a VRCC member that I cherish the most. I had just traded my 2000 Ultra Classic for an 01 Yellow wing and Was missing the HOG thing. Lee took me on a ride with the Florida VRCC where I met TJ, Bear, DDT Florida MIke and the rest of the Florida crew. It was from this first meeting that I was able to meet Hal and Lamont. The rest is history. Four years and 70lbs later I still consider these folks my friends. Thank you guys for accepting that first outcast wing into the group.

Popsmcwhly

12-07-2004, 09:36 AM

Well my story is just one of many in my short 1.5years of owning the Valk. On the way to InZane IV this last year when I found myself in Sleepy town AR. On a Saturday Evening I was lucky enough to make it to the Hotel. I made it to the hotel with Steel wear bands popping out of my rear tire.So here we are, Saturday Night in Mountain View AR. (Small Town) With a tire that is about to pop. On our way to Inzane. What to do? Well called a few towing companies, $300-500+ to get me and the bike to the next Large city. Motorcycle shops wernt going to be open till Tuesday. I was a sitting duck. I called my friend in KY who I had met through the VRCC board, and he said lets post a help message. I thought, What the heck it couldn't hurt. I was about to have the bike towed to Memphis TN to wait till Tuesday for the Honda shop to open. Well sure enough I got a phone call Saturday night from a fella in FL but no help there. So we went out for supper and I tried to find a local who wanted to make a couple Hundred to trailor me and the Valk to either Memphis or Little Rock. No Luck. Sunday Morning comes and the phone rings again. It is a VRCC member named John. He says he is about 1.5 hours north of us. He then says I have a old spare Avon, A lift and all the tools to change the tire. And that he could be there in the next 2 hours. WOW now here it is Sunday morning and this fella who I have never talked to or met before is willing to but his Sunday plans on hold and come out of his way to help a complete stranger. I am blown away by this, and accept his offer. So me and my 2 ridding buddies waited for him to show up. We started taking apart what we could to get to the rear tire before he showed up. Sure enough John, my new best friend in AR pulls up in his truck. Oh by the way thank God John also new how to change the tire. I have changed dirt bike tires on the trail but nothing like this. So here we are in the parking lot of the Best Western tearing it down. Well it took all 4 of us to monky that tire off the rim but lo and be hold 2 hours later the tire was replaced and the bike was put back together. Now this fella John has just saved my bacon. And I donated a nice cash reward to him for his troubles and the old Avon. So we were back on the road again only 4 hours behind schedual. Now I had never really been much of a group person before. But let me say this really opened my eyes to the power of the group. We met up with John and his lovely wife @ Inzane a few days later. Awesome people associated with this group. I also met a bunch of other really nice people at the ralley. This by far is one story I will never forget. Out in the middle of no-where and SOL when the calvery comes a callin. Amazing :D I owe a favor back to someone in need at some point so if you ever find yourself SOL in Colorado, Pops will come a callin.

May the Power of the Group Ride On......

Pops

V-MAN

12-07-2004, 09:42 AM

WOW ... It looks like many of the stories are the same revolving around the people we have met and the lasting friendships we have made.

My first group VRCC ride I did was "Covered Bridge" hosted by JJ and Snowdog (Jack and Andrea). This ride was a New Hampshire ride but living in a border State we joined in. I met some very good people that remain friends today.

New England was full of riders at that time ... I've riden 250+ miles just to get to the departure point many times! Many of us agreed that we needed to have a BIG get together that was somewhat of a "central location" and easy to get to. After talking to all the State Reps at the time (DC, Smitty, JJ, Olaf) it was decided Southern Maine would be a good spot. I live about as Southern Maine as possible so I offered my house/yard. Thanks to "O", Kim and my girls we put out a good spread of food, music and plenty of laughs. This became known as the "Annual BBQ" but I think it only went a total of three years (times change not always for the better). After the BBQ I lead a seacoast NH/ME ride and we stopped for some photo ops. I wish I had a better camera at the time and I also wish I had more experience editing pics ... they could have been better!

I've met a lot of really great people that I consider "family" through the VRCC for that I am thankful. Many of us don't own a Valk anymore and some did not own a Valkyrie when I met them (but do now)!

Here are some pics I dug up! Captions under the photo:

http://www.v-man.org/photogallery/Picture%20Pages/Picture%20Page%202/Almost%207520cc%20Listen%20up%20Honda.jpg
Not bad design considering the frosting is whipped cream!

http://www.v-man.org/photogallery/Picture%20Pages/Picture%20Page%202/Starting%20to%20eat.jpg
One of the tents almost full.

http://www.v-man.org/photogallery/Picture%20Pages/Picture%20Page%202/Tom,Steve,DC%20and%20Donna%20MA%20riders.jpg
DC RIP My Brother

http://www.v-man.org/photogallery/Picture%20Pages/Picture%20Page%202/Most%20of%20our%20Group%20Photo%20at%20Nubble%20Li ghthouse.jpg
Group picture - some had left already because long ride home was still ahead.

http://www.v-man.org/photogallery/Picture%20Pages/Picture%20Page%202/Get%20those%20burgers%20going.jpg
Olaf and my "girls" getting some food on the grill.

LaMonster

12-07-2004, 09:54 AM

This is great, keep them coming. :D

REDVALK

12-07-2004, 10:09 AM

to be honest....between the BBR, the VRCC, the Southern Cruisers, the Rune group.....and yes, even to a certain extent, even my early days with the VOA....i have so many fond memories i wouldn't know where to start. I've been to every InZane...worked on the Staff lately (and enjoyed the heck out of that)...been to many Hoots and Daytonas over the years where i have met up with so many of you i can't mention all of ya'. Now i can be hanging out at just about any major rally...just hanging out on Main St....and folks i know will come by and say hi. that's GREAT!!!!

But i actually think i have even more fun at the smaller rallies (by both the VRCC and the other groups). The Helens, the Panama City Beach rally, the CHeaha rally i put on, the first BBR rally in Ashville. i really like going to those smaller regional rallies....cause it seems like you get to do much more face time with more people. i like that. At bigger rallies, it seems like folks kind of pair off into groups of folks they know and hang out. When the rally is say more like 100 folks or so....seems like everybody just kind of acts like one big happy family!

i just know over the years....thru ALL these organizations...i've met some mighty fine folks...and have been fortunate enough to gain a lot of life long friends.

Alright...i've blabbered on long enough now :D

REDVALK

12-07-2004, 10:29 AM

here goes.....starting with Ashville BBR rally

http://bigbikeriders.com/photopost/data/507/743MVC-015S-med.JPG
http://bigbikeriders.com/photopost/data/507/743MVC-017S-med.JPG

and here's one of Robert Grow**** and his beautiful Valk up on the Blue Ridge Parkway while riding at the BBR Ashville Rally (along with my old faithrul red and white 97 Valk)
http://bigbikeriders.com/photopost/data/507/743MVC-022S-med.JPG

i'm looking for some InZane ones next.....

REDVALK

12-07-2004, 10:36 AM

Warren goes up on the Dyno at InZane in Zanesville....to challenge another Boss.
http://bigbikeriders.com/photopost/data/507/743MVC-043S-med.JPG
http://bigbikeriders.com/photopost/data/507/743MVC-047S-med.JPG
http://bigbikeriders.com/photopost/data/507/743MVC-048S-med.JPG

and then this one of Vicki's bike...
http://bigbikeriders.com/photopost/data/507/743MVC-045S-med.JPG

REDVALK

12-07-2004, 10:41 AM

....maybe one of the more memorable moments at a VRCC event for me...

http://bigbikeriders.com/photopost/data/500/7431000valk-med.JPG

REDVALK

12-07-2004, 10:46 AM

...at the Honda plant Valk bike show...

http://bigbikeriders.com/photopost/data/500/743MVC-003S-med.JPG

http://bigbikeriders.com/photopost/data/500/743MVC-004S-med.JPG

REDVALK

12-07-2004, 10:50 AM

yours truly in the slow race with the Rune in 2004 (at InZane in Paducah). Sure wish Lamont would have been there...so he could have shown me how it's done!!!! (remember Lamont....you 'dusted' me in the slow race a few years back in Zanesville)

http://bigbikeriders.com/photopost/data/500/743IMG_0473_1_-med.jpg

ok....NO MORE PHOTOS...i promise. But all those other good photos made me feel the least i could do is post a few of the THOUSANDS i have.....

Highlander

12-07-2004, 01:27 PM

I do not mean to embarrass Lamonster, but this is true. My greatest VRCC moment was going to the Honda Hoot in 2000. I had been lurking on the VRCC board for about a year and decided to try the Valkyrie. It was a Tuesday. I test rode the Valkyrie, for about two hours, and bought it the moment I got back to the dealers. I joined the VRCC that night. The next morning I took the Valkyrie in for the 600 mile check before leaving for the Honda Hoot. I had found a someone looking for a roomie at the hoot on the VRCC site, Ray Pilot. Did not know him, never met him, just said heck yes, he rides a Valkyrie. I was going because I had heard some guy named Lamonster would be there. I also met Dragbars, Mosa, Hoosier Daddy, Chris and Hal, and put many faces to the names on the board. I also got a Lamonster T-Shirt, still have it, always will. As the result of this meeting, I decided to become the Southern Illinois Rep. I had always ridden alone before Lamont came along, because Lamont was the VRCC to me. I learned so much from everyone, and as a result, formed a close group of riders in our area. We ride at least once every weekend, every month of the year. None of this would have happened if I had not gone to meet the humble man we all call our friend Lamonster.
By-the-way, recently, I received a package in the mail. Since Lamonster is now the proud owner and rider of a Boss Hoss and does not own a valkyrie anymore, he decided to send me something. I was more than surprised to find his vest, his VRCC vest, in the package. He knows that I love the Valkyrie, and do not plan to change bikes, so he sent it to me. Words cannot express the way I felt. I rode all over Southern Illinos to see my friends in the “new” vest. I must admit that even as I write this I get a lump in my throat, and a tear in my eye. Lamont is perhaps the most generous person I have ever met. He is always there for advice, technical details, a call to someone in the hospital to lift their spirits, and just the best friend anyone could ever have. Those who ride with him, and join this forum know this as well as anyone. We are all of the same spirit. If you do not believe it, let any one of us need a friend, and everyone is there for us. I owe him more than he will ever know. :1st: You will always be #1 in my book my friend.

R J

12-07-2004, 04:33 PM

Let's see here. I bought the Valk in late 1996, rode it 7,000 miles in 2 1/2 months and put it away for the Winter.

Got it out in March and went to Daytona. Met up with Dragbars, Smilin Jack, Lamont, Earthdog, Warren in Atlanta, and a whole bunch of others.......

Went back home, rode a bunch of miles that summer, like 48 to 50,000, which included Sturgis. Now this is where it is sticky. I don't remember if it was this year or the next one I met up with LaMont again in South Dakota, he was a doing Trigger Wheels in Custer. I tried to assist him on one but I was more in the way than helpful. He had it down to a short procedure.

It had to of been the 2nd year as I had 113,000 miles on the Valk and he was amazed. Told him I was retired and on the road about 3 1/2 weeks out of every month. Only came home to get more $$$ and stay for a couple of days before leaving again. That was the year I made 4 round trips from my house to the West Coast and 2 round trips to the East Coast on MGM. One of those trips was my 2nd time around on the 4 corners. Did the 1st 4 corners on a Wing when I retired in June 96. Wore out 2 sets of Bushtec Trailer tires during this summer bunch of runs.

Somewhere in there, Vicki (TNT) met me in Mississippi at the Casino when we stopped there on Hot Rod Power Tour. I had the Trike. She rode down from Memphis to met me and JDubya showed up later. We all had a good feed, conversation and etc. Don't remember if I made any $$$ on the slots or not, I think I did.

I attended one of Vicki and Jim's BBQ's, met TJ, Danny, Little Jon and LeAnn, TN Iceman, Mosa, mamasue, Inky and a bunch more I have forgotten. Old age and the forgetter isn't retaining stuff in memory any more like it used to.

Went to Hotglue's BBQ after I met him and Flamingo Babe up in Wisconsin at the VOAi Rally. I met JeffK, JoK and some others at Hotglue's.

Went to Bakersfield Bash and met Master Blaster, Physco, and renewed my acquittance with f6gal. Met 2ftAGL and Katy when we hauled Physco's bike to Phoenix after he wrecked it. Met Sonny in Lemoore, Rudd, Mark & Lynn, Dennis, Tammy and their girls, also. Saw Sue & George again, Met Sue on Hot Rod Power tour in Bakersfield the year before.

At InZane I met a bunch of hoodlums, LOL, and struck up some good friendships. Sarge out of Indianapolis, I met him after he gave me assistance on locating some trailer tires and a wheel...... Met Doc Moofsa, Hoosier Daddy, Shooter and some others at InZane.

I sure hope I got all the first time meeting places right. Nape came up to me an introduced himself at InZane at Denny's one morning. Met Hal and Chris that same year..... Also met that other Canuck with the Black/Silver flamed Tourer, Steve & Jen. eh.

Well to you I have failed to list, again my forgetter has forgottne more than most people has remembered. So I'll apoligize for it now. I know I have left out a bunch of people.

hotglue

12-07-2004, 06:32 PM

Man... where do I start. Met a LOT of GREAT folks at the 1st VOA ride in and all that followed except this last year.... The same for the VRCC... except for this last year...... there seems to be a pattern here... I think I have been working Too MUCH!!!!!!
Not to mention this years short trip East and the hospitality of Jim and Vicki, and Mosa and Sandi.
LIFE IS GOOD!!!!
The WONDERFUL thing is, we have met so many great folks from all over the country, and have the honor of calling them FRIENDS!!!!!!
Buying a Motorcycle..... $20,000 or so.....
Having a chance to meet All the WONDERFUL People.....PRICELESS!!!

BigJon

12-07-2004, 08:01 PM

Where Do I start?
Who knows!!!
But I do know this, Met Jim and Vicki at Wal-Mart in Memphis.
Vicki invited us on a ride, that was in June or July 2000.
Then met Danny at a Bike Night sometime there soon after.
They both invited a Wing Rider to visit the VRCC.
So I got to visiting the board and lurking.
Then in 2001 LeAnn and I went to Honda Hoot, Inzane I, and who knows what else.
But since buying the bike we have made some really great friends all over the country (not even going to try to start naming you guys and gals.)
Picked up and moved to East Tennessee, Thanks to LeMont moving out here and asking for help in building Mrs. LeMont a sewing room and us coming to help with it, and discovering how gorgeous it was on the "right side of the state". :shock:
I am greatful and proud to call all of you friends.
I would definetly, be happy to introduce you to any of my blood family, as family, you might as well be!!! :)
So who's house is Christmas dinner at this year???LOL :D
Jon

hotdog

12-07-2004, 08:09 PM

I've had a couple of trips that I think I will never forget (for the right reasons). A solo journey that was just me and machine for 1000 miles on day one. Lonely but precisely what I needed at the time. Then there was the trio of valkyries scorchin the asphalt on the way to Daytona. Mosa, George and me, Ethan.

http://f6rider.com/Daytonapics/daytona_ ... member.htm (http://f6rider.com/Daytonapics/daytona_pics_from_vrcc_member.htm)

Lamont, you just had to start this thread the day after I filled up the tanks on both bikes and treated them with Stabil! You cut me deep brother, you cut me deep. :roll:

Hey Mosa, I have five weeks vacation next year...

http://home.stny.rr.com/ethistle/pics/daytona_2002.jpg

TnIceman

12-07-2004, 08:40 PM

I feel like BigJon... Where do you start...?
I miss my valk a huge amount.. I love to ride so much and to be bikeless a terrible disease.. LOL but worse then that.. I miss meeting up with some of the best friends a man could ever ask for and sharing a ride with them. Any ride is a good ride but a ride with your friends is a great ride.

I have made so many great friends over the years and I have an entire album of pictures that I pull out from time to time just to remind myself of all the great times..

One of my very first rides.. Met Dragbars for the first time and we headed for the mountians of East TN.. It was a great ride and I think he was testing me a little.. LOL.. as the speedo kept climbing.. Man, that was a great day and one heck of a cold ride home.. Stopping every 30 miles just to warm up..

A few months later I headed out to meet up with the group riding (or was it flying) to bike week.. Pulled my baby out of the garage and it was flurrying just a little.. Just bundled up and hit the road..
(that was the trip that we almost got thrown under the jail for speeding, image that..)

The trips to Vicki's... the BBQ is Texas.. Ashville.. Niagra Falls.. Toronto..
Lamonts sewing party..THe Hoot... InZane... Way to many stories.. but they all put a smile on my face..

To all those friends I dont get to see as often.. (as life seems to get in the way, LOL) I may not get to ride with you guys right now.. .but I never forget the rides we have shared.

Rocket

12-07-2004, 08:58 PM

I have SO many memories in such a short time. One that really sticks with me was two+ years ago when Yogi, Big Ern, and I rode to Texas. I put a note on the board showing our tenative route and was bombarded with invitations to meet up with folks along the way. The first stop was Mosa's. He welcomed us into his home for 2 nights, and would not take no for answer. The next stop was at TNT and Jdubya's. They insisted we spend the night there as well, again feeding us and making us feel like we've known them for years. The next morning we said our good byes and headed to New Orleans, where we were met by Jack NOLA. He showed us around town, found us a great resturant, then took us to the French Quarter. We did try to hook up with a few others along the way but plans kept it from happening. I guess what I'm trying ot say is that no matter where I am, I feel that with the friendships I've made through the VRCC and BBR, I've got "family" where ever I go.

Oh yeah, I almost forgot, my single most fondest memory would be riding LaMonster's Boss Hoss..... I AIN'T SKEERD!!!! I still have the smile on my face. :D

TinMan

12-07-2004, 09:11 PM

If it wasn't for the VRCC I wouldn't know any of you now. The day after I joined, Steve Myers from Greeneville Tn. e-mailed me saying he was another Valkyrie rider and had seen my post on the VRCC. He invited me for a ride with a group that met each weekend. That's where I met my best friend to this day.....RayO. Since that day, my list of friends kept growing because of the Valkyrie and the VRCC.
I first met WIA, Dragbars, and a few others on a very cold wintery ride in Knoxville. Remember the day Socrates went down? That ride has been etched in my brain all these years. How everybody stopped the ride and blasted to UT hospital to check on him. Thats when I knew I was part of a special family. Vicki, TnIceman and Lamont came the next year in Daytona, then again when I hosted a dinner during the Hoot as the East Tn. Rep. A lot has changed since then, but two things remain the same..... our friendship and the love to ride.

ghost

12-08-2004, 05:30 AM

The first time was when I met Ragnar and some others for the first VRCC group ride on Nov 6th 1999 at McDonalds in Dublin OH. I had been riding a bike since August and didn't have a clue on what I was doing. There were six of us that showed up and we went on a ride to Waldo. I remember asking them at what point I needed to shift into 5th gear.
Second time was the first Honda homecoming, I was riding with ragnar and dragbars from Bellefountaine to Marysville on 33 and decided to try an catch dragbars, I glanced down and the speedo and and the needle was bouncing around 117. scared the hell out of me and I slowed down.

Hawk

12-08-2004, 07:48 AM

when are you coming over to the "Hollar" :D I sure could use your HELP, bring Ragnar with ya and we will find something for him to do too :a13:

ghost

12-08-2004, 07:57 AM

Just got released from the neck brace last week, and have to go to the Dr. to start work on the left shoulder.
PS: There's no way I'm riding shotgun in a Miata, that's worse than riding on the back of a scooter.

Hawk

12-08-2004, 08:12 AM

:o4: :clap2: :o4: besides you have to have a cowboy hat to ride in the Miata :D Good to hear you are mending. :yes:

Fuzzy

12-08-2004, 09:01 AM

Like most here I have many great memorys with the VRCC. I think the best ones come from InZane 1 where I met so many new friends. Since then I've met many more and the Michigan VRCC has grown into a great family of some of the best people I could ever hope to meet.
Along the way there have been some people that made me think....What why heck am I a part of the VRCC. The Inmates sure stured the pot. Then there was Varmint and his pals. Varmint the hater has been gone for near a year now and tings couldn't be better.
Today the boards seem very calm and I sure would like to see so many people here posting on the VRCC boards again. We miss you there and in the chat room as well.

Jack G

12-08-2004, 09:25 AM

Cattman

12-08-2004, 09:55 AM

I lurked on the boards for 9 monthes before finding Blue Ice in Jacksonville Fl in Feb,2002 I flew down from Indy and bought the bike and made it to Daytona Sunshine Mall the next day for the first day of bike week. Met Lamont ,Hal, Chris and many others and then had the ride of my life back home to Indiana on the first day of March. 6 hours of thunderstorms in Florida followed by temps down to 30 degrees by the time I got to Birmingham and 8 degrees when I pulled in the garage. Rode to IZ2 with Sarge, RJ, Blackdog and others and then met Mosa, DB,Vicki,and the wild Canadians. Then the past 2 years at the Hoot and Lamont's BBQ I had the chance to introduce my wife to many more new friends,Highlander, Yogi,Rocket and their special Dad Big Ern, V-man,Holmes, Big Jon and Leann, and Lamont's special lady Chris. Lamont is a special person to all of us and we all owe him many thanks for his love of all motorcycles and putting up with all of us. Here's to many more good memories to come. :D

mhowe

12-08-2004, 11:31 AM

I purchased my bike and a week later. I did an Iron Butt run around the lower lakes of Michigan. It was 1515 miles in 28 hours, what a great ride. Also, this was my first solo long distance ride. What a great bonding time I had with my new honey. There is nothing like having something that will run the long ride and keep asking for more. 8)

Wolfman

12-08-2004, 12:15 PM

The first was Inzane2. Where I got to meet alot of the people from the website.
The second and the one that stands out the most. Is a Labor day weekend when a bunch of bikers met in east TN and tried to be carpenters. It showed me the true meaning of brotherhood. Just people coming together to help a friend make his better-half happy.

LaMonster

12-08-2004, 12:49 PM

Dave Ritsema

12-08-2004, 01:28 PM

That was some HARD dirt wasn't it boys? :)

Dave Ritsema

12-08-2004, 01:39 PM

I have lots of em, some better than others.
But certainly my FIRST VRCC memory was pulling up to the Hotel at InZane 1 all by myself after a 9 hour ride. I had never even been on more than a 4 hour trip before and didn't know a soul there except for some names from the message boards.
Sure wish I could remember the name of the first guy I met, really friendly older gentleman with a tie dye shirt and a maroon and cream standard like mine. Shortly thereafter I met Don B, who was the event coordinator and kinda followed him around trying to make myself useful.
As the Valks kept pouring in I kept meeting more and more folks, and I left that place feeling like I made 800 new friends. :) Met Lamont, Hal, Dragbars, Mosa, Vicki, RJ, the list goes on and on. Everyone I met was really nice and made me feel like part of the family.
Promised myself I would come back each year, and have been lucky enough to do it so far.

Thunderbolt

12-08-2004, 07:18 PM

We made 3 trips to the N. Ga. and N.C. mountains, couldn't get enough of those hills. We have made the last two Cheaha rallies and Redvalk puts on a great show. We made the BBR meet in Maggie Valley, great time sitting around in front of the hotel, and that busload of ladies that made Lamont blush!!! We rode with a great crew to the Natchez Trace last year, we finally made Inzane in Paducah this year. Jdubya and Vicki's BBQ last year even though we did it in the truck. We have met and made so many friends over the last 3 years since getting the first Valk, that I won't begin to name them all. I am kinda like Highlander, I may get something else some day, but they are gonna have trouble getting the Valk away from me. Thanks for starting the thread Lamont.

Capt. Morgan

12-08-2004, 08:21 PM

Well let me see. When I bought my 1st Valk in 2000 the 1st thing I did was do a search on the INTERNET to see what info I could find out on the bike I just bought. I found the VRCC site and also the VOAi, joined up on both right away. Through the VRCC I found out a wealth of info right away,and still do. I also got my 1st let down as I learned the Valk was being discontinued.
During the spring of 2001 I was getting ready to attend a Fire Convention in Indy and sent an e-mail to Sarge and had a few phone calls with him in reference to info on the area, found out that we both shared the same ideals on life. When the BBR first started he was the 1 who sent me the invite to join up.
Now shoot ahead a little, I saw a message posted by RJ & Dave Ritesema about a Power Tour that RJ was doing and that he was supposed to be in the South Bend area. I had been wanting to meet some of the VRCC members and got involved in the tread, well Dave invited me to his house, not knowing anything about me, had a small BBQ in his back yard. Unfortunately RJ ran into problems and wasn't able to make it so I didn't get a chance to meet him until last year at INZANE IV.
Now we move to the 1st Asheville meet. My plans were to ride from Illinois to somewhere around Lamont's, sent him an e-mail about somewhere to stay and he told me that I could just stay at his place, again he had no ideal about me but was going to open up his home. Unfortunately my plans got canceled and I wasn't able to go.
I do get down in the dumps with the VRCC at times due to the various attacks that still go on, ( I wish the differences could be put to rest) but for the most part I have made a lot of cyber friends there and here.
Now we shoot to the recent past and INZANE IV this was my 1st motorcycle rally that I have attended, there I was finally able to meet face to face a lot of the people I have talked to, met RJ, Sarge, Rat Dog, Oz and his wife, TNT and husband, f6gal and a lot more so sorry if I didn't mention your name. This also being the 1st for my wife also, she has never really been into motorcycles, and was Leary about going, she had a great time (so much so that we are going down earlier next year)
But above all the best thing about both the VRCC and BBR is when someone has a problem everyone jumps in to do what they can to help, (re: When Badnuff had his accident and the recent passing of Botman Nick)
Sorry if this was long, but I could go on, so I will leave it at this.

Steve Morgan
formally known as Condor

TNT

12-08-2004, 08:38 PM

Wow, this could be a really long list because we've had such a good time with lots of members. I guess one of the most fun times was the trip to Daytona when we stayed with TN Iceman the night before leaving from Nashville in 25-28 degree temperatures. The Helen GA events rank right up there at the top too. Then there was the first time I met LaMont, Mosa & Christian, won't ever forget that....I was so :oops: dumping my bike in front of all them. Hotglue's BBQs, our BBQs, riding the N. GA mountains with Smiling Jack, I could go on and on. I feel very fortunate to have made so many good friends.....so when's the next road trip????? :mrgreen:

Rescueroy

12-09-2004, 08:23 AM

Well we went to INZANE not knowing a soul. We met Patriot and Sweet Pea and they invited us to go to the 1000 Valk March with them and Ray O. Met Mosa and his parents and a few other people. When the Ashville deal came up we couldn't wait to get there. Still feel kind of bad about talking RDKLL and his friend to go for a ride on the Blue Ridge. Gave them maps and a half hour later they crashed. Met a lot of great people there and that was the start of it. Went to INZANE 3 and 4, Maggie Valley, and Michael P's party in Wooster. One of these years Sue and I are going to make Vickeys BBQ. Just met great people on all the trips.

Valkcabbie

12-09-2004, 01:46 PM

Well let's see...mmmmm Uh. What was the question again?
I guess if I want to stay married I'd have to go with the Yosemite Ride In
http://www.valkyrieriders.com/JustPics/ ... 0/day3.htm (http://www.valkyrieriders.com/JustPics/ridein2000/day3.htm) :wink:
Puff nixed several ideas I had about where to tie the knot. When I told her about the oldest courthouse in California near Yosemite Park she loved the idea. What I didn't tell her was I invited the folks at the ride in to our wedding and 100 showed up. Of course Sonny getting us lost in Bakersfield at that ride in, taking us off roading on Valkyries was fun too :roll: ...vc

laborman

12-10-2004, 09:17 PM

I wouldn't have met all of you if it had not been for getting in the VRCC. When I bought the Valk, I didn't know anyone who had one, much less anything about the bike. I searched the net for Valk and stumbled on to the VRCC. I sat back, lurked for awhile, and then joined in. I was treated to many great stories and a lot of advice from the "stars" of the board at that time...Lamonster, Dragbars, Mosa, Smilin Jack, Tennessee Iceman, TNT and JDubya, Speedie, and many many others. I went to Daytona and met up with the group. What a thrill it was to meet all these people...and, what a treat it was to be accepted by other riders who I had never met. There ain't nothing like the brotherhood of the group.

Later I went to Hotglue's 5B's BBQ and met more of the group. La. chapter was started, I met Jack in New Orleans and Anita and others. I have been treated to the wit of Sarge, the craziness of Craze, the hospitality of Hotglue, Lamonster, DB, TenIceman, Big Jon and the Razorback wife, Mosa and his parents (at Inzane), Smilin Jack, Hurricane, RescueRoy and his wife, Gary Williams and Connie, and many others I can't think of......that's the problem with getting old....speaking of old, can't forget RJ...HA! :lol:

I met lifelong - best friends - Michael P, Beverly, RPBrown and Cheryl, and Trap in Helen. I've riden to New Mexico with Michael P, and then to Sturgis in 2004 with the entire group. I have been blessed to meet and keep such great friends that are friends for life. Like Lamont, DB, Mosa, TnIceman, BigJon, and others who formed lifelong friendship, I too have formed lifelong friendships with all of you. I have been treated to "open house" from TNT and JDubya, riden with Speedie and others from Tn.

For me, its not just the memories of where we all came from, but it is where we landed today. Anytime, anyplace, any thing you need, I know I can count on all of my friends and riders. My memories are of the rides, the gatherings, and the longing to get some planned for 2005. I miss all of you and look forward to the rides next year.

So, what are we waiting on????????Lets get some trips planned for 2005. Just think, in a couple of years the question will be "What are your best memories of the BBR?"

shftr

12-11-2004, 04:33 AM

really friendly older gentleman with a tie dye shirt and a maroon and cream standard like mine = JR, from Arkansas

:D

'

shftr

12-11-2004, 04:44 AM

http://www.valkyrieriders.com/JustPics/Ephrata6a.jpg

http://www.valkyrieriders.com/JustPics/Ephrata5a.jpg

http://www.valkyrieriders.com/JustPics/Ephrata1a.jpg

ps: the DDT valk had around 60k miles. the rest of us had around 6k

:D

'

Dave Ritsema

12-11-2004, 06:26 AM

really friendly older gentleman with a tie dye shirt and a maroon and cream standard like mine = JR, from Arkansas

:D

'
Yep! that's him. Wonder if he still has his Valk. Thanks for reminding me what his name was. :)

Mosa

12-14-2004, 06:03 AM

I remember ALL the ones mentioned above.. I met many GREAT people along the route, and interestingly felt like each one of you guys was family from the moment we met ( either on internet or first time meeting in person)...

The VOA ride-in to Montrose in 98 was the first time I met a lot of you guys - LeMont, Gale, Paint it Black in Toronto ( yes...thats PIBIT to you newbies), Tim/Redvalk, Hotglue... a lot of great memories... rode from Virginia out there, flew in my ( then girlfriend, now wife) Sandy, we toured around, then she went back and I decided it was only another 900 miles to LA to see my folks so I scooted out to LA for a 2 day visit, then raced back to Virginia solo... That BTW was the beginning of the VRCC and by the time I got back to VA, the membership #s had grown so I only got #279....

The trip meeting up with LeMont that he mentions was almost surrreal in how we clicked with all we met.... Hey Lemont, remember how those guys liked MY bike better'n yers at that Kentucky Hotel? lol... ya ya, blower bike, wow LOOK at that BLACK one... hahahaahah... Hookin up with Dragbars and then TNT on that trip ( remember us picking up yer Valk for ya Vicki??? )...I gots pics of that trip somewhares...

The Yosemite cross country last minute trip... Rode from VA to Nashville to pick up Dragbars, that nite got a call from PIBIT, ,met him in StLouis next day... then the 3 of us ROCKETING cross country into Denver where I got that bald rear tire changed... left at 6pm next nite and rode... and rode and rode... 28 hours strait if I remember right.. from Denver to Yosemite NONSTOP ( well PIBIT got some sleep waiting for us to catch up, and woke up in the sprinklers at that gas stationi...lol)... riding thru the fires outside of yosemite in that escort, no sleep, was real real strange... fire burning at side of road as we went by... arrived in Yosemite at 10pm or sumething liike that and I got VALKCABBIE's old room as he got MARRIED that day and got the honeymoon suite...lol... REMEMBER THE 4-WAY burnout contest there in the parking lot? 4 blower bikes all nose to nose....
Aaron did the wheelie in the parkinglot and almost went into the lobby... hahahaha...

I remember the Daytona trip with Ethan and George... MAN we TORE that stretch of I95 UP!... from DC to Daytona in about 11 or so hours!... I rember Ethan got the nickname BARBIE since at each stop he either put clothes on or took em off...lol.. and George.. always takin up the rear,,,, he got the nickname " Whar's George" ... we seemed to find just the right openings between the pylons ( i mean cars) and could get 2 bikes thru but not the 3rd... always George left behind...lol...

VRCC in Rolling Thunder ... Had several gatherings over the years at my townhouse south of DC ... Saw Crazy Rick and WIA ontheir Hoss's .... had a rained out picnic in MD, but didnt phase most of us, went anyway... the Northeast riders were there ( a little late but still there...lol)... the Mid Atlantic guys were there... with that newly done up TRAILER QUEEN bike that yellow Dragon ( what an AWESUM bike!)...

Rocket, Yogi and Big Earn visiting... again seein them at TNT and JDubya's BBQ and helping pick up that downed Interstate.... racing back home on the tennessee and virginia interstates.... what a trip!...

First INZANE! what a trip!
Second INZANE! just as fun!

EACH one of em a unique and full memory... I THANK YOU LEMONT for making me remember those trips and more....

All I can say is that on my motorcycle, and because of my motorcycle, I have met and feel I have my BEST friends anyone could have... I know I have been scarce round these boards recently, but in my mind, and my soul, I am still here!...

We gotta do this more often! create some NEW memories!

I am plannin a trip up into Canada late spring/early summer next year.. will DEFINITELY look you northerners up on the way... no destination yet, just pointing north and goin....

see ya on the road!, Mosa!

holmes

12-14-2004, 07:19 AM

(re: When Badnuff had his accident and the recent passing of Botman Nick)
Sorry if this was long, but I could go on, so I will leave it at this.

Steve Morgan
formally known as Condor

It's been a tough 12 months for us here in New England with Nick (Botman) and now David D'Angelo's death. :-(

Nick's Funeral
http://www.corporaterenewalservices.com ... riends.jpg (http://www.corporaterenewalservices.com/images/Nicks_friends.jpg)

http://bbs.valkyrieriders.com/forum/vrc ... ead=606357 (http://bbs.valkyrieriders.com/forum/vrcc_newengland.cgi?read=606357)

David's Funeral
http://www.corporaterenewalservices.com ... ve_019.jpg (http://www.corporaterenewalservices.com/images/Dave_019.jpg)

Patches finished this week for David. All the cash collected goes to his wife for Christmas money.
http://vrcc.photostash.com/vrcc_18291/David+Patch.jpg

http://bbs.valkyrieriders.com/forum/vrcc_newengland.cgi?read=606357

LaMonster

12-14-2004, 09:26 AM

Wow, you guys are really coming up with some good memories, keep them coming. :D

And sad ones :cry:

Smilin Jack

12-14-2004, 03:43 PM

After many exceptional rides with Earthdog he mentioned that he road to Dayonta with some crazy folks. He told me they actually left him in the dust.... Jeff had his Valkyire at that time and thanks to Gary Williams showing off on Hwy 60 near Suschess I decided it was time to plunge and get a Valkyrie.

Nov 16, 2000. I purchased my Valkyrie in Southern Ill, Drove all night to get it and returned to GA the following day. Joined the VRCC and soon was involved in many of the activities such as the fund to help fellow members who were hurt. It was Lamont and Sonny in California who really got me involved with the VRCC. Although I had not ever met either of them.

Then.....I had a ride to Daytona with a lot of folks TNT. JW, Christian Earthdog and a host of others.. What a blast....I knew I found a great bunch of folks and met Lamont in Daytona also with Highlander whom I had posted with many times on the board. The rest is history.... Some of my dearest friends are right here. My daughter also joined us in Daytona and made a special friend with Christian....after a comment she'll never forget at dinner.

There are so many folks that ride Valkyries in GA because of Jeff and I letting them on our bikes. we have a great group here in GA and really feel great to belong to this group on the BBR. I have had the opportunity to see a lot of folks on the road while traveling such as RJ and others in Airzona. Folks like Ray Hall, Ray Oubre, Big Don and a host of others have made a life time of memories.

I'll post pictures after I find them.. Sorry I have been a little absent.....

to you all....

Merry Christmas.

Smilin' Jack

Yogi

12-14-2004, 07:00 PM

Well, guess it's my turn. Like many others. I wanted the Valk from the time Honda had the commercial of the guy riding acroos the salt flsts in a power slide. I wheeled and dealed for 6 months before I got the Black Tourer. I had been a member of the V65 Owners group so I figured there had to be a Valk group. Happened upon the VRCC and joined immediately. Everyone then was great and it just seemed like a big extended family.

My first real rally was IZ2 where I met pretty much everybody. Since then I have solidified some real true friendships. There aren't many people I'll ride 600 miles for just to eat a hamburger with, but Lamont you have created a wonderful thing. The best part is that many have moved on to other bikes but we all still have the same bond. Like Warren, I had few close friends. but now because of the VRCC and the BBR, My circle has gotten MUCH larger.

My favorite get together has got to be Maggie Valley last year. The closeness and the conversation were great, Wheels through time and the ride through Deals Gap following Lamont dragging everything through the corners on the Boss and breaking the tire loose on every straight. I was laughing so hard for 11 miles my face hurt.

:D :D :D :D :D

Big G

12-16-2004, 02:29 PM

Hey Ethan, long time no see. I was wonderin' if you or Mosa would mention that Daytona trip. That also has to be one of my favorite trips. Another memory is at the Honda Homecoming when Lamont had the remote starter on his bike at Hal's tent. Seems there was a little guy checking the bike out and when Lamont hit that starter from about twenty feet away I thought the kid would jump over the bike.

shftr

12-17-2004, 07:03 AM

http://bigbikeriders.com/photopost/data/500/45shftr_vicki-med.jpg

Jack G

12-17-2004, 07:05 AM

Shftr, that looks like the Big and Small of it. :D

shftr

12-20-2004, 10:03 AM

trying to choose a favorite grand-child. NOT POSSIBLE !!!!! CANT BE DONE !!! thay are ALL to precious !!

http://bigbikeriders.com/photopost/data/500/45101-0115_IMG_9.jpg

http://bigbikeriders.com/photopost/data/500/45f_h_12.jpg

:D

'

RayO

12-20-2004, 12:31 PM

It's really hard to come up with ONE favorite time, especially if you narrow it down to the VRCC stuff. I have met a lot of great people through the internet, related to bike events. I've made some great friends, some of the best friends I have ever had.
One great trip I will always remember was the trip to Daytona when a few of us stopped over at Smiling Jack's and he fed us an excellent steak dinner and put us all up like we were family. This happened AFTER spending a night at TNT & JW's, where we were so welcome also. The ride was great, but the friendships were what made the trip stand out so much. Once in Daytona, it was "another Bike Week" but it was the reason for the ride, just like the bikes are the reason for this board, but it sure has created a lot more. I've always enjoyed riding bikes, for the last 35 years, but it's funny how for the last few years since Lamont started the VRCC, I will get on line just to check and see what the latest words are here from all of you. Thanks to all of you for the comraderie and have a very Merry Christmas!!