sad, sad, sad news - Page 3

EZ-RIDER · 04-14-2013, 07:44 AM

Gods Speed Jeff

RIP

bingo · 04-14-2013, 07:55 AM

I sit here with a heavy heart. Jeff B. called me while I was at work last night around eight. I drove around in a fog all night with tears in my eyes not knowing what to do.

Jeff came into my life when I needed him the most, just by chance. I was graciously invited to ride with him and his friends after a lengthy interview by Jeff. I thought I had skills. I was then quickly given a lesson in riding by what Jeff called 'old guys on Beemers' by Jeff, Brad, Scott and John. It was one of the best days of my life. And it turned into many more, what would ultimately become the Triple Crown.

Unfortunately physical limitations took me away from my love of riding and my friends. I drifted away. It hurt me mentally not to be able to participate, so I disappeared. But Jeff never truely let me go. He called me now and then. Wanted to check on me. Wanted to know I was okay. Told me he missed me. Always said at the end, "I miss you my friend."
I will miss that very much . . .

I met some of the best people in my life because Jeff. Real people. Brad, Scott, John, Steve, Sergio, Ralf, Tony, Cindy, Shelly, Jeff, Holden, Tuna, Scott M., and many more. I miss you all.

And the rides and the aftermath. If someone didn't fall into the pool with their PDA and then just take off their clothes because, you know, we're all friends here right?, then they would make Bananas Foster and burn the ceiling. Or the infamous 'key toss'. Which I missed and is one of my biggest regrets where the Triple Crown is concerned. A classic.

Jeff was many things to all of us. Most importantly to me, he was my friend. I will miss him very much.

And I know what to do now. I will ride today to honor my friend . . .

NakedRider · 04-14-2013, 08:11 AM

OMG. I only met Jeff once - on one leg of a Triple Crown starting in Tahoe but he was on my mind often.

My condolences to all.

tm1100s · 04-14-2013, 08:39 AM

The shock is not wearing off!

"Tony, Jeff

Whatdya doing this weekend? Let's go North and ride with Acid on
Saturday. He says they have the best roads right out his back yard.
OK, meet you at the Bean Friday morning at about 9, ride back
on Sunday.

See ya. Bye."

Steve Carlton · 04-14-2013, 08:49 AM

MilleChick · 09:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bingo

Always said at the end, "I miss you my friend."

Ahhh, yep....always upon seeing him "Hiya Sweetie" (always Hi-ya...not just Hi) and a juicy, wet kiss upon the cheek. Upon leaving his company "Love ya Sweetie."

This is a man who let me borrow his prized RED 911 for a 5 day, 2000 mile driving trip I took my daughter on. Wow! I couldn't believe it and expressed concern that I didn't know how to drive a car like that one. He just laughed and said, "Hey sweetie, I've seen you ride. Just drive like you ride and you'll do great!" And Heidi...who I think at that point had maybe met me once, was all on board with it. Great peeps!

I forgot about the key-toss....that was awesome!

My calendar is clear next weekend (Sat and Sun at least) for anyone who wants to talk about a ride....long or short....barring any services. I'm in SLO county and those of you who are who you are know who you are and are welcome to crash here.

What does everyone think about all riding to the service and parking en masse? I will have to discuss it with Heidi. I'm not sure if she'll want to see bikes there or not. I'll advise further soon. Just be thinking about it.

RBMann · 04-14-2013, 09:35 AM

So much sadness, I hate losing people and being reminded that we are all mortal.

I met Jeff when he invited me into his home on Mother's Day as I rode my wife's new F650 home from San Diego. Heidi and Jeff made me feel very welcome even though it was her special day. He will be greatly missed.

kiwi az · 04-14-2013, 10:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MilleChick

He sometimes drove us nuts, but we loved him and he took our ribbings with his normal good-natured attitude. He knew we loved him and he loved us all.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bingo

I met some of the best people in my life because Jeff. Real people. Brad, Scott, John, Steve, Sergio, Ralf, Tony, Cindy, Shelly, Jeff, Holden, Tuna, Scott M., and many more. I miss you all.

And the rides and the aftermath. If someone didn't fall into the pool with their PDA and then just take off their clothes because, you know, we're all friends here right?, then they would make Bananas Foster and burn the ceiling.

The mother hen, the leprechaun, the impish grin and the blue twinkle, the big brother and the annoying little brother, Jeff was the hub in the Triple Crown wheel. He was the catalyst that brought us all together - from walks and niches that would never otherwise have overlapped. And while the rides were stellar, it's the relationships with the people that endure. Absolutely the best and most lasting memories of 40 years of riding motorcycles, bonds forged in the crucible of passionate living.

Jeff carved a winding road through a lot of straight lives and we rode along.

Thanks, Jeff. Journey on.

JonyRR · 04-14-2013, 10:06 AM

oh gawd.
I just read this, puked my fresh cup of coffee and started crying.
I met Jeff once, on the one tahoe TC ride I got to do before I got very ill.
As others said, larger-than-life and he was friendly to me and very nice.
What a guy!

I'm crying over a guy I met once because he was that kind of a person.

X-Triple · X-Triple's Garage

Sad news, R.I.P.

John Lyon · 04-14-2013, 10:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bingo

It was one of the best days of my life.

For me too, along with several others that you put together.

Quote:

Originally Posted by bingo

Unfortunately physical limitations took me away from my love of riding and my friends.

I'm sorry to hear that things have not gotten better in that regard. However, I think some of us will likely be up your way soon, so maybe we can reconnect?

Bob Hancock · 04-14-2013, 10:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steve Carlton

Can someone list left to right who these folks are....the Pelicans I mean. Well, except the whale on his belly in front.

John Lyon · 04-14-2013, 10:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MilleChick

I'm not sure if she'll want to see bikes there or not. I'll advise further soon. Just be thinking about it.

That was my thought too. I'll probably drive the car (and can bring anyone from the South that wants to come along).

John Lyon · 04-14-2013, 10:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bob Hancock

Can someone list left to right who these folks are....the Pelicans I mean. Well, except the whale on his belly in front.

Just a thought: Several may wish to remain anonymous...maybe use Pelican names? (A few rules got bent here and there.)

Bob Hancock · 04-14-2013, 10:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John Lyon

Just a thought: Several may wish to remain anonymous...maybe use Pelican names? (A few rules got bent here and there.)

OK. Just Pelican names would be good. Just curious....like to put faces with posters, but if there's any problem, then never mind.

bingo · 04-14-2013, 10:49 AM

What a great day. Ralf thinks he's flying because we are at Mile High Lookout on Minnaretts Road (County Road 225) in Madera County. It's the road to Mammoth Pool. The backdrop is a portion of Yosemite National. Most everyone has such a big smile because we are about to go through (after the break) a sweeping right curve that never ends which they were warned about! You drop to the right, expect to upright, but it doesn't stop. It just keeps on going . . . it's about a 270 degree loop with perfect roadway surface.

Sergio is holding Shannon's signed rear seat cover, on its journey.

Then, we all reach Grizzly Peak Road, to drop back down toward Bass Lake. It's a goat trail. One lane, paved fire trail to the wilderness. Lots of airborne issues. Someone, maybe the same person who fell in the pool with their PDA, lost their GPS from their bars on a touchdown.

A very special day . . .

signit98 · 04-14-2013, 10:55 AM

I try... top row, left to right (the ones I don't remember or I think will want to stay anonymous, I'll mark as ...) not all of them pelicans.
KJazz, ... Jose, Wheelie Boy, ... MilleChick, Ray, KiwiAZ, John Lyon, ArbiK and TM1100S
Bottom row:
IvanTT, Cindy, JEFF WILLIAMS, Scott, Sergio, ... Yinzer, Tuna
Well, you seem to know who the "Whale on the belly is"

Steve Carlton was taking the Pic I think...

signit98 · 04-14-2013, 10:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bingo

Lots of airborne issues. Someone, maybe the same person who fell in the pool with their PDA, lost their GPS from their bars on a touchdown.

A very special day . . .

I hate the fact that you have such a good memory...

Bob Hancock · 04-14-2013, 11:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by signit98

I try... top row, left to right (the ones I don't remember or I think will want to stay anonymous, I'll mark as ...) not all of them pelicans.
KJazz, ... Jose, Wheelie Boy, ... MilleChick, Ray, KiwiAZ, John Lyon, ArbiK and TM1100S
Bottom row:
IvanTT, Cindy, JEFF WILLIAMS, Scott, Sergio, ... Yinzer, Tuna
Well, you seem to know who the "Whale on the belly is"

Steve Carlton was taking the Pic I think...

Thanks ralf.

bingo · 04-14-2013, 11:53 AM

John, we will very soon. I would love to join everyone at the Ahwahnee and go for a ride.

I'm between Wheelie Boy and MilleChick. Bingo (Brent). Got my right hand on Jeff's shoulder. He was probably trying to get back up to ride off, too impatient for the picture, and I was holding him down.

Apologize Ralf. It's a curse . . .