Environmentalism...

[DDT (12)]

Environmentalism…

I’ve been around the VRCC since the beginning… I was originally, nominally, a member of the GWRRA, and later its ‘Interest’ Board once ALI and I coupled-up, then the VOA when it kicked off. I lurked for awhile when the VRCC cranked-up, but I hesitated to join. I suppose I had some misplaced feelings of loyalty towards the VOA, and, frankly, I wasn’t sure at all how this new group would evolve, or if I’d even want to be part of it. I’m not ordinarily drawn to ‘groups’ anyway, but there was something very special about Valks and those who ride them, so… I continued to hang around just beyond view.

I did join in time, and I’ve never regretted it! I diligently steered clear of politics, both generally on the message board, but also regarding the ‘inner workings’ of the VRCC itself. I had no need at all for any of whatever it is that drives folks to engage in those sorts of things. I was simply on a very different personal mission.

People being people, naturally, there were some tidbits or vague hints now and then of gossip, speculation, accusations based upon ‘sketchy facts’ cherry-picked out of context that provided only modest fodder for criticism, but no real indication of anything being intrinsically wrong. Overall things appeared to catch-on, progress, grow, and prosper. Because it was structured quite differently than traditional organizations of this sort, it did intrigue this curious but very naïve observer… I’ve wrestled with issues surrounding institutions/organizations, leadership, and matters of ‘right’ for a long time… I continued to hang around…

I immediately noticed that many of the folks I’d recently met through the VOA had quickly and enthusiastically joined this group, and that they seemed to really enjoy what they were finding! I looked deeper, as I continued to remain ‘outside’ and undecided about my possible future role in this or any organization. At first, I avoided attending any major gatherings… For personal reasons and not the result of any real or obvious concerns… I simply was in a state of ‘transition’ myself, and I needed space and time to sort things out.

The first ‘international’ gathering in Zanesville, OH, was reported to have been a huge event and an unqualified success! I had chosen not to attend, myself… however… I did go to Zanesville, and I stayed at ‘ground zero’ the week following InZane I. I suppose I just wanted to ‘nibble around the edge’ and gain a bit more insight… I did!!!

Among the many things I learned from that curious non-attendance was just how well-received that event had been by the locals! I’d sat alone on a bar stool in the lounge at the Holiday Inn, and I’d eavesdropped on conversations going on around me (lots of folks there that particular evening). Without exception, they’d been most impressed with those ‘older’ bikers, their conduct, economic impact, and the complete absence of anything negative happening.

Several admitted to having had serious doubts and reservations initially about what a large ‘biker event’ might bring, but it had turned out pleasantly, and, quite surprisingly, quite well with a lot of fun being had yet producing no problems! In other words, the locals had been very pleased and impressed… and they said so many, many times that quite instructive evening. I was more than a little impressed, too… and increasingly tempted…

I did join in time, and I did begin to attend some of the small to medium-sized gatherings. I did not attend an actual InZane until the first one in Paducah, KY. I wasn’t even going to make that one, but I let myself be talked into it… and I’m mighty glad I did! Afterward, I did continue to steer-clear of major events, though, for several years to come. I simply wasn’t sure just how far I wanted to go with any involvement… Plus, I was still a ‘work-in-progress’, and my need for solitude, space, and freedom to roam, wander, and wonder far exceeded any social needs I might have felt at the time.

I eventually bought a house in Alabama, and I did make a committed attempt to return to living a more ‘normal’ life. Although I did give that a serious shot, it didn’t take in the long run, so an adjustment became necessary. Before I crossed that adjustment threshold, however, an event occurred in Canada on one of my many road trips, and that seeming disaster changed everything!

ALI broke down. With deep regret and a moribund sense of ‘life as I’ve known it’ ending in an ignominious tragedy… I sold ALI to a local in Calgary, AB, on a ‘hand-shake’ deal. I bought another bike and returned to dear ol’ Bama… T-man403, being the amazing person he is, decided to undertake a completely unanticipated miracle to repair ALI and return her to this seriously emotionally wounded rider and to create an epic saga for the ages in the process… Well, if you were around back then, you already know that story… and its outcome… Heck, if you were around back then, you probably participated in it!!! So many did, and that’s when ALI went from merely being ‘my girl’ to joyously and proudly becoming ‘our girl’…

Such a huge spectacle grew out of that whole thing, that the ‘hand-off’ of our girl back to her original partner seemed to be worthy of an equally grand venue. IZ in Asheville, NC, was to be the next one, so it was decided to have the transference at that event… We did, and that pushed me over the edge… I haven’t missed an IZ since, and I’ve ‘upped’ my attendance at other gatherings, as well… And, I’ve received far more ‘rewards’ than I ever could have imagined from all of this amazing sequence of events that have punctuated, altered, and enhanced the entire course of my existence!

All of that is a very long way to get to the real point of this post… I wanted to give some background in order to hopefully give some perspective and insight into why I feel so strongly about our club, and in particular its members. This very special ‘place’ many of us consider our ‘home’ of sorts, is not something random or accidental that simply popped up and hung on for a couple of decades… No, indeed!

It is the most fortuitous product of some extraordinary and most skillful ‘environmentalists’, who have, with loving care, crafted and evolved an ‘environment’ where good people can continue to come together, mix and mingle, bond, and share the wonderful fruits of deep kinship. Yeah, the Valkyrie itself was the core ingredient that started it all… And, the normal needs of riders to share a common passion all contributed to this unlikely turn of events… The type of people attracted to this bike, too, played an important role… However…

None of this would have been possible without the generous and farsighted vision and ‘stick-ability’ of those who comprise ‘the staff’… and chief among them is our president, f6gal. As I’ve studied this ‘club’ over the years, and as I’ve considered its structure, no-dues-based format, but in particular the construct of its membership, I’ve been, and continue to be, deeply impressed with what I think I’ve found!

The vast majority of us never see, nor do we have any real understanding or appropriate appreciation for all of the contributions, challenging tasks undertaken, frustrating moments endured, and personal sacrifices made by those we refer to as ‘the staff’. We do, however, know of the outcome of their gift to us, and during this time of ‘Thanksgiving’ I wanted to offer my own thanks to them for all they do in our behalf.

Many of our members have moved on to different brands of bikes over the years, as one would expect with the Valk being out of production for more than a decade and a half, and that is as predictable as it has always been inevitable. Curiously, the club has remained strong and vital… and relevant, and the gatherings are still well-attended! It even has become common to see non-Valks outnumbering the ‘original beasts’ at those events. The bottom line, though, is that it is the people, and not the Valk itself after all, that has proven to be the foundational catalyst that has kept us together… an uncommon people with common goodness but little else in common… in a most conducive environment…

This club has had an indelible impact on my life… ‘The staff’ has created an environment where we could all come together… Not just a club, though, an ‘atmosphere’ where people of such diverse backgrounds, professions, cultures, socio-economic status, religions, political persuasions, basic beliefs and views of life, even of such varying styles and goals about riding itself… It is a special place whose ‘tapestry’ is composed of such diverse, ‘multi-colored’ threads as to produce a mosaic unlike anything previously seen… I am a different and better person than I might have otherwise become because of this ‘club’… because of my association with all of y’all… THANK YOU!!!

DDT

[Challenger]

Most excellent read! I too began my Valkyrie family journey on the VOAi. Attended many of the ride-ins and slowly became part of the VRCC. Have only been to two Inzanes. Most people do not know who I am, but I feel like I know everyone here, I heave read with excitement, every Ali thread here and feel like I am almost part of it. Thank you for posting your ride reports and thoughts. Keep on keeping on and I will continue checking in regularly. 

[Oss]

 


And I would like, with your permission, as its your post. to add Scott, Carl & Lori
and Misfit (and the regular volunteers like Don and Barb and Daniel) to that list
 of people who attempt to herd this diverse group of cats
into Inzane's every year.

Well said Bruce, well said

Oss

You can't pick your family at birth but when you belong to the VRCC
your dues entitle you to an international family of great folks.

[John Schmidt]

Well done my friend, well done.  Your thoughts and feelings echo mine not long after I bought my Valk, but glad I made the choice to join. As for the work of the staff, I can't add anymore to what has already been said except to agree 100%.

[msb]

As usual, another good read Bruce...and again as usual, a topic that is of relevance to many of us. I share your sentiments. I too just lurked for a long time here... as I never was a bike club kind of guy in the first place, my home base being up here in the land where Valkyries have been a much rarer breed,  and not having the time back then to attend any of the gatherings which were either back East or further down South.
Through connections made by some at VRCC events or on the forum however, a few of us  Canucks here in BC eventually hooked up with each other and then found ourselves being drawn to a couple of separate diehard Valkyrie groups in Eastern and Western  WA. This led to arranging an annual get-together... which soon began attracting a few more Valk enthusiasts from AB, OR, and even one from SK... and more recently this year ID and even IL !  This gathering of course has been our now 11 (or  12?) year old annual Valhalla rally which continues to grow and evolve each year. The biggest evolvement of this event of course, is the outstanding friendships that have developed between what were initailly, total strangers from different Provinces, States, and Countries. Many of these friendships  have grown  well beyond the motorcycle itself and related gatherings. Now we have additional gatherings each year and even plan meetups for day rides or other get togethers... a similar occurrence being experienced by many other regional groups.
My very first Inzane I got to experience was  with this group as we decided to tack on  Spearfish immediately following the Valhalla gathering that year. That of course led to subsequent Inzane attendances for me at Morgantown and Billings which opened up a whole new group of members to connect with... either in person such as with yourself, or even just through the forum. Funny how a simple (although very special and unique) machine can bring folks together... but as you state... it's those folks themselves that make it the enduring connection that it is.

I too am thankful to the "staff" for their efforts in maintaining the site and the "club" as it were. .. but also to the many members who continue to contribute in enough positive ways to keep me hanging around.  

[tonybluegoat]

Cool.  As a new member I feel welcomed, even though I generally don't like groups. I've been on other forums where new people were pretty much not welcomed. One where they were actively hazed in order to "prove they could take it." I got kicked off that forum within 10 days.  Hopefully I'll make it longer here. I'm diggin' the Valk!  Hopefully I'll make it to Inzane. My camping exercise killed my back, so maybe a cot is needed to make the trip on the cheap.

Nice to see the tradition.

[Jess from VA]

What about one of those hanging hammock/tents?

Course, you need trees or telephone poles or something.

https://www.greenbelly.co/pages/backpacking-hammock-tents ?

[tonybluegoat]

What about one of those hanging hammock/tents?

Course, you need trees or telephone poles or something.

https://www.greenbelly.co/pages/backpacking-hammock-tents ?

Good question.  I've tried hammocks.  It's like sleeping with your feet and head on one level and your butt lower.  Not good if you want to sleep in any position other than "on your back you banana."  I like the idea of them but not the reality. And you're right you need trees. I'll probably be using camp grounds.

[The emperor has no clothes]

What about one of those hanging hammock/tents?

Course, you need trees or telephone poles or something.

https://www.greenbelly.co/pages/backpacking-hammock-tents ?

Good question.  I've tried hammocks.  It's like sleeping with your feet and head on one level and your butt lower.  Not good if you want to sleep in any position other than "on your back you banana."  I like the idea of them but not the reality. And you're right you need trees. I'll probably be using camp grounds.

I’ve found you can find decent motels for not much more than it costs for a campground. The there is the time lost for setting up camp, and packing it up.

[hubcapsc]

Hopefully I'll make it to Inzane. My camping exercise killed my back, so maybe a cot is needed to make the trip on the cheap.

There's a lot to be said for staying at the "ground zero motel" for
a lot of these Valkyrie related gatherings...

-Mike

[Beardo]

What about one of those hanging hammock/tents?

Course, you need trees or telephone poles or something.

https://www.greenbelly.co/pages/backpacking-hammock-tents ?

Good question.  I've tried hammocks.  It's like sleeping with your feet and head on one level and your butt lower.  Not good if you want to sleep in any position other than "on your back you banana."  I like the idea of them but not the reality. And you're right you need trees. I'll probably be using camp grounds.

I’ve found you can find decent motels for not much more than it costs for a campground. The there is the time lost for setting up camp, and packing it up.

Not to mention...how much less fun the actual riding is with an extra 25+ lbs of tent, gear, etc all stacked up screwing up your centre of gravity.   Part of the fun of road trips is pulling into a $40 a night motel and opening that door for the first time. Is it going to be a great affordable night or a sleep fully clothed “Guess that smell/sound” kinda night.   

Great post Bruce. 

[DirtyDan]

Most excellent read! I too began my Valkyrie family journey on the VOAi. Attended many of the ride-ins and slowly became part of the VRCC. Have only been to two Inzanes. Most people do not know who I am, but I feel like I know everyone here, I heave read with excitement, every Ali thread here and feel like I am almost part of it. Thank you for posting your ride reports and thoughts. Keep on keeping on and I will continue checking in regularly. 

I remember Arkansas 

Great post Bruce

Dan

[Hook#3287]

Another excellent read Bruce.

The positive changes to my life, because I bought a Valkyrie, are incredible.

The people I met and friends I gained, from this board, is even greater.

I appreciate the work the "Environmentalists" do.

[Bigwolf]

Bruce,
A great read my friend!
It is a great group of very special folks and the VRCC staff do a great job of holding it all together.

[Valkorado]

Another good 'n, Bruce!  It is a great club, a great group of folks and a great bike!  I remember first reading about T-man's rescue of ALI years ago, what a cool gesture and great story!  Its like he returned the love of your life, and the honeymoon continues to this day...

Carry on!

[DDT (12)]

Another good 'n, Bruce!  It is a great club, a great group of folks and a great bike!  I remember first reading about T-man's rescue of ALI years ago, what a cool gesture and great story!  Its like he returned the love of your life, and the honeymoon continues to this day...

Carry on!

Seth,

You are so right! Yes, that honeymoon does indeed continue... Another quarter of a million miles together since that fateful reunion under the tent in Asheville... and no let-up in sight! Many others have played a prominent role in keeping us together and 'mobile', chief among those troutdude...

Man, there would be no ongoing story here, at least anything like what it has become, without that guy and the others who've bailed us out... Lucky13, MitchO, Hard6, Big Wolf, SmokinJoe, Punisher, Misfit (plus Chase & Jaden), NoGray, and others too numerous to mention have all chipped in and kept us together... and going. None more than Dennis, though, and to him I will never approach being able to adequately repay him... or to properly express my deep gratitude and heartfelt appreciation for all he's done. Nor to any of the others, for that matter!

It has been a great story that is a tribute to all that is good about our club. Being part of this story has been truly one of the most amazing events in my now long life. I'm really happy things are not ending anytime soon... for all of the obvious reasons, of course, but I just gotta say, the thought of another 'winter campaign' aboard our girl sounds mighty good this guy who suffers from any episode of PMS more than most...

DDT

[hubcapsc]

I bought the rear-end from a Valkyrie that had been triked at
a shop here in South Carolina. I kept the bag mounts, the bags
went to Gordon and the swingarm & final went to Punisher... that's where
the swingarm on Ali came from  ...

Sometimes I wonder where some of the eBay parts on my Valkyrie
came from...

-Mike

[DDT (12)]

I bought the rear-end from a Valkyrie that had been triked at
a shop here in South Carolina. I kept the bag mounts, the bags
went to Gordon and the swingarm & final went to Punisher... that's where
the swingarm on Ali came from  ...

Sometimes I wonder where some of the eBay parts on my Valkyrie
came from...

-Mike

Mike,

Yep! The story of that swingarm itself was quite an adventure, and another saga worthy of memorializing! So many like that, though, and my ability to pay proper tribute to you and hundreds, perhaps thousands, who've played a direct or indirect role in this continuing 'tale of unlikely astounding events' that together comprise one incredible sequence of good things happening...

I've barely scratched the surface in mentioning all who have actually had some 'hands-on' time with our girl... By the way, she loves attention and having so many different hands on her has been quite a thrill for her! And, I've not even attempted to mention all who have provided parts, tools, 'wash jobs', advice, and moral support!

I do recall being told that the swingarm had come from you... If I've failed to properly thank you for your contribution, I am sincerely sorry. Aside from being an actual participant in our amazing story, you are also one of the 'characters' who keep me drawn to this eclectic assembly and participating at the level I do... Of course, there are a couple hundred others who also belong in that group! Still, I do appreciate ya, dude, and I'm mighty glad you are still around with us...

DDT

[hubcapsc]

the swingarm had come from you...

It really came from Punisher, indirectly through me... I have
another new-looking swingarm from a triked bike. Nobody
wants swing arms except for the one or two guys who have
gone far enough to wear one out  ...

-Mike

[DDT (12)]

the swingarm had come from you...

It really came from Punisher, indirectly through me... I have
another new-looking swingarm from a triked bike. Nobody
wants swing arms except for the one or two guys who have
gone far enough to wear one out  ...

-Mike

Mike,

Yeah, Dennis and I rode up to Allan's (I rode Shelia's Valk), and Allan told us at the time he'd gotten that apparatus from you... before ALI had experienced her latest Boo-Boo. We also picked up the special tool needed to remove and re-install a swingarm while at Allan's... David, Warlock, happened to have one, and he'd ridden up from his place to loan it to us...

And that, my friend, is but part of the rest of the story... If you have a year or so to spare, I might bore you with all the rest... BTW, Allan had two of those at the time... I imagine he still has the one we didn't take from him, and now I learn you have another, too! Good to know those are still around... you know, just in case!!!   

DDT

[Oss]

You Probably wont need another swingarm Bruce, but just so you know,
if you are passin thru and have the need,
I do have a spare from when I bought the rear end of a Valk being triked

Oss

No idea how to change it but I do have one  

[DDT (12)]

You Probably wont need another swingarm Bruce, but just so you know,
if you are passin thru and have the need,
I do have a spare from when I bought the rear end of a Valk being triked

Oss

No idea how to change it but I do have one  

Oss,

More comforting news! I couldn't change one out either, but at least having the part is a very good start!!! Having fun with your 'shovel' these days? Like Serk, we've had nearly a foot of sunshine here, too!!! Appreciate ya, dude... thanks for letting me know about the part...

DDT

DDT

[Oss]

 

When I saw you signed off as

DDT

DDT

I remembered the thread about you no longer being single  !

Being a Gemini myself.............

[DarkSideR]

As usual, epic write up Bruce. Not only did I enjoy the read, I also learned something new. You sold ALI!!!! As our "greatest" environmentalist today stated, "How dare you!".

I was not around then, and would like to read up on that saga. Would anyone have a link to that write up, or does one exist?

100% agreed! Hats off to our staff and the awesome environment they unselfishly help provide. Thank you!

[DDT (12)]

Josh,

Thanks for the thoughts! I also should mention that you are yet another member of that pantheon of folks who've had their hands on our girl! That headlight you installed at IZ last summer is even more impressive today than it was at first, as I've ridden more miles, and more of which were in times of low visibility… Thanks for all you do, not just for ALI and her partner, but for the entire VRCC... We appreciate ya, dude!

DDT

[old2soon]

         I've attended numerous M/C events over the years here and there and such like. I wuz standing under that tent in Asheville in 14 when You and Ali were reunited. Prior to arriving in Asheville I had been following the saga on this very board. And too say I was a bit moved and had gnats efin with me might could be construed as an under statement. The Friendships created here are some of the best I've ever known. When at an Inzane the young uns are allowed to walk around by themselves says a lot. Trying to recollect where but we were at an early bird and stuffin our faces with Hot Glue prepared chow and a young gal across from Ross and I when Ross looked at her and stated-you have NO Idea how many new grand parents you got today.  The outpouring here when folks we do Not even know are in need never ceases to amaze me. The very FACT that our staff is Still here speaks well of their fortitude. Bruce-cursed proud to count you amongst my Friends!  RIDE SAFE.

[t-man403]

I was not around then, and would like to read up on that saga. Would anyone have a link to that write up, or does one exist!

Better grab a beer.......

The links to the "VR" within some of these threads are worth the read.
I hope they are in proper order.


http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,58762.0.html

http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,58818.0.html

http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,58944.0.html

http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,58995.0.html

http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,59696.0.html

http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,69138.0.html

http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,68757.0.html


Bruce, I read all your posts and enjoy them but like your post before this one.......sometimes they make my "thinker muscle" work too hard! 

[DarkSideR]

Josh,

Thanks for the thoughts! I also should mention that you are yet another member of that pantheon of folks who've had their hands on our girl! That headlight you installed at IZ last summer is even more impressive today than it was at first, as I've ridden more miles, and more of which were in times of low visibility… Thanks for all you do, not just for ALI and her partner, but for the entire VRCC... We appreciate ya, dude!

DDT

It's a pleasure.

[DarkSideR]

I was not around then, and would like to read up on that saga. Would anyone have a link to that write up, or does one exist!

Better grab a beer.......

The links to the "VR" within some of these threads are worth the read.
I hope they are in proper order.

http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,58762.0.html

http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,58818.0.html

http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,58944.0.html

http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,58995.0.html

http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,59696.0.html

http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,69138.0.html

http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,68757.0.html

Just what I was looking for. Err maybe 5 or 6 beers...

[gordonv]

Bump.

I've been off trying to do other things, and life getting in the way, and went all the way back to Oct to read posts I've missed in all this time, and read this one.

Also a Big Thank you for all of the 'staff' for giving us all a place to play, and to those who play nicely here, making it a pleasure to come back too.