Well, I just lost the Blue/Gray Ride......But I still have a job....

[Strider]

Well, looks like I just lost the Blue/Gray ride.... 

But, at least I still have a job (for now).  Just got off the phone with my back to back in Angola and they put us on a 35-35 rotation instead of the 28-28 that we have been working.  That puts me coming in the Monday AFTER the Blue/Gray ride.

They also gave notice to two of my collegues over in Luanda - one was Alan Crooke - whom I am proud to call a friend.  He had ten years and they had already cut his pension in Scotland and now gave him notice.  I willl dearly miss his conversations and fellowship in Angola - it made the time go by quicker. 

Smokin'Joe - I will send you an email - but please let me know when you read this.  I am sorry that I will not be able to share fellowship and a room with you.  I saw this coming and talked to Hard6 last night to see if he would want to share with you and I don't think he will be going either.  I think we may ride up North - but may be a week or two after the ride.

I sure looked forward to this ride - was going to be my big one of the year, but alas, I can't lose my job over it.  My wife even asked last night if I couldn't take vacation because she knew what this ride meant to me, but since I am working international rotation, I don't get vacation.

Things are so bleak right now, when I heard about Alan, I called Luanda and asked my back to back if it was advisable to go to Walmart shopping today. 

So anyway, safe winds to everyone going up to Gettysburg.  I know it is going to be a hoot and there are some great folks that are going to be sharing fellowship.  Sure wish I could have made it, but that's the way life goes, I guess.

Later.  Be sure to post pictures - since I will be in Luanda and London on that weekend.  DAGNABIT! 

[BOOMR]

Sorry to hear you won't be at the the B~G Ride Warren. Was looking forward to seeing you again, its been too long my friend. You stay safe and take care of business. Let me know when your coming up north and I'll try to hook up with you and Hard6 if it's possible.

...Sy

[RedValk]

dang Strider....this year, the ONLY ride you may make is YOUR EVENT!!!!!!!!  no Hotglue....no Cheaha.....no Blue Gray....no InZane...no CBR...

i know that has to be killing you. But like you said, at least you have a JOB!!!! And that is saying something right now, in our current environment! 

[Madmike]

Guys that work in the oil/gas industry here in Canada are falling like flies.  Finning laid off 75 at their facility in Red Deer that does all the major OH's and new builds for the Oilsands.  In addition they laid off a bunch of support people last Christmas and more recently a bunch of Trades guys around the Province.  Weatherford Artificial Lift llaid of 30 a couple of months ago, just went through and laid off a slew more and is supposed to have another 60 coming.

This time last year they were bringing people in from all over as there was no one available.

There are still some jobs out there, but no where what it was a year ago.

[Highbinder]

What a bummer Warren, we missed you at Hotglue's, we had to do all that sampling without you...and now no Blue/Grey....hey, if you ride up north later on let's hook up and you and Hard 6 are always welcome here at the farm...

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

Just letting you know I saw this thread. That SUCKS for lack of a better word  But I know to well what the times are like because it will not be long before my wife is out of work. Good luck with the job Warren    If things change let me know we still plan our November ride ( same dates as the old " Dragons On The Beach " dates this year. It will be one you will enjoy if you can make it. Be safe over there and take care...Joe

[Scott in Ok]

I can relate Warren.  We just had a meeting this morning and my employer is laying off 15% at our location.  One from my very small group of 9 will be affected as well.

Giving up a few rides isn't a real big deal in the whole scheme of things. 

-Scott

[Normandog]

 
When you head north, let me know. Safe winds to ya bro'

[Jack]

Sorry to hear it.  I had talked to JP and knew you were looking forward to it.  I won't be making any out-of-state rides this year until Fall.  If you want to come up to Arkansas, I can show you some good roads here.  Arkansas would be close enough to ride any time.

[Oss]

But like you said you still have a job,  you will get to meet some of the England's VRCC who are just waiting to show you a great time next time you are in London (check the regional board) and we will share some wind sooner or later.

If you are gonna be passin this way in July or whenever give a holler


I'll make sure your friends have at least one toast in your honor. 

[ChromeDome]

BUMMER! But like you said ... you still have a job. If you get up around the Chicago area let me know ... we can hook up and maybe find a resturant, do a little sight seeing, ride the outer drive (aka LSD) and see what else may amuse us!

[LadyDraco]

Dang Warren ... That really stinks big time....
As Don said come to the farm...
We will take ya on some fine roads!!!
I know that isn't the same ..But at least we can see ya !!!

[Big IV]

There is always a bright side work isn't always a bright side but it is at times better than the alternative.
I'm sure you'll find a way to make the most of it.  You always seem to find a way to make the best of most things in the end Strider. Keep on keepin' on.
bright side of life

Monty Python - Always Look on the Bright Side of Life (Piano	powered by Aeva

[6shutr]

Curious what it is you do overseas? Hope you don't mind me asking. It sounds like something very interesting.....If I missed a previous explanation, I apologize.....Sorry you're missing your ride. I know the feeling, I often have work interfering with my riding plans....Thanks

6shutr

[wizard -vrccds#125]

Brother I will miss seeing that mug with a big grin, but when you are up to your a%% in gators