Two Decades of VRCC History
Beer van Huet:
SuperValk
F6Gal
The original term was coined to refer to a quick release system for the Interstate trunk, making it "convertible." The solo seat seems to be the natural progression.
Valkyrie Songs
Peter Vollath – Valkyrie Riding
http://www.vrcc.nl/vrcc2023/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/01-valkfinal210204.mp3
Danny June Smith – Valkyrie Rider
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=51YViPrUUH0 and https://youtu.be/pxKLrIiy3Q4
and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8cFmGLGndgg (starts after 1:15 minute)
Jobo (Germany Rider)- Valkyrie song
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-RGXzLwRZ4
Studio take Song 2017 by VRCC Germany Riders
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eJx2cZ2R_e8&feature=youtu.be
BonaventureHope
Jeremy Soane asked me to do a music video for his song 'Ain't gonna ride with me no more'. An accomplished songwriter, he is in the process of making a CD of motorcycling songs. This video includes many shots of the amazing Honda Valkyrie. Sit back and enjoy!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UhhiLA_3pcU
Wojciech Gaworski - "PILOT" - Gaz do Oporu
Song http://valkyriepoland.pl/valkyrie/images/stories/do-pobrania/Gaz%20do%20oporu%20-%20dzwonek%20na%20kom%C3%B3rk%C4%99.mp3
Text http://valkyriepoland.pl/valkyrie/gaz-do-oporu
Members Age
In 2016, a VRCC poll between 195 Riders revealed the following average age:
20-25 1 (0.5%)
25-30 1 (0.5%)
30-35 3 (1.5%)
35-40 3 (1.5%)
40-45 13 (6.7%)
45-50 10 (5.1%)
50-55 32 (16.4%)
55-60 41 (21%)
60-65 44 (22.6%)
65-70 24 (12.3%)
70-75 17 (8.7%)
75-80 4 (2.1%)
80-85 0 (0%)
If you are here talk to us 2 (1%)
Another, similar poll was held in 2018 amongst 187 Riders and the same percentages more or less moved down one block with the CG now between 55-70.
Editor’s Note
As of 2016, the median age of the American motorcyclist is 47, up from 40 in 2009 and 32 in 1990.
A brand-new Valkyrie was an expensive bike. Even more so in Europe, where the USD price was almost doubled due to taxes and duties. It exceeded the price of an average family car. This meant that the buyer had to have financial resources. The price was simply not affordable for the average high school graduate. The main target group in terms of income and expenses was more like 30+ years old.
Most young people prefer sport bikes. They are more interested in novelties, speed and maneuverability and not so much in comfort, mechanical issues and reliability. Many want to ride to the limits and sadly, too often just beyond and end up as a bunch of flowers laying in a twist of the road or next to a tree somewhere.
The Valkyrie Rider's loyalty is outstanding. The first Valkyries are over 20 years now and its Riders enjoy them so much, that they kept on riding the bike ever since.
These arguments are all irrelevant if the Valkyrie had become a cult bike. However, due to the relatively small numbers, limited production time and promotion, lack of innovation and follow up, the Valkyrie never became a mainstream cult bike.
Or perhaps, the reverse is true as well. Because the Valkyrie did not become an instant cult bike and bestseller, the production ceased.
It stands to reason that young folks nowadays are reluctant to buy a 20-year-old bike, no matter what.
In Europe people are guided more by prize/quality relationship than emotion. For a new 2014/2015 model GW Valkyrie you would have to spend $ 30.000,- The prize of a GL1500C Valkyrie has stabilized at around $ 7500,- .
We see many Riders from different bikes switching to the Valkyrie, now that they become affordable. They all praise the bike for its quality, spirit and comfort.
Willow in 2011
The Honda Valkyrie has been well established as a "cult-bike" over the past ten or twelve years. We're actually slipping away from that a bit as the age of the Valkyrie is causing it to be the target of some buyers just looking for an inexpensive entry into the big cruiser world. There are still a large number of us, though who are devoted "cultists."
Momz
The Valkyrie was not a sales success.
It intimidated a lot of potential buyers, dealers did very little to promote the bike as did Honda.
It seems that it did not fit the "cruiser" model (no V-twin, USD forks, no floor boards, etc.).
But the smart buyers saw a real motor cycle that really could not be pigeonholed.
I worked a dealership when the bike came out and that summer I only saw one sell. And that was a Red/White standard to a gentleman with a long white beard, he went by the handle of "Santa Clause".
True story....and he was not our VRCC Santa.
Willow
I believe Honda is the traditional loved bike the world over as evidenced by their domination in worldwide sales. It's popular with us and attractive to many if not almost all the people we encounter. However, as evidenced by sales history, the Valkyrie simply was not a business gold mine for Honda. One can argue many reasons why including Honda's failure to effectively market the Valkyrie, its appearance of massive size, or that it just doesn't fit either the V-twin image or the Goldwing style.
There certainly are a lot of Harley Davidsons sold in the USA, primarily due to their excellent marketing.
We like the Valkyrie. It is a classic. It stands out as different among cruisers. We're glad the world isn't scarfing up their diminishing numbers as it gives us chances to accumulate a few more.
oZ
I would so own a Wing, great bike. I had a PC 800 that was covered in Tupperware and I liked it until I knew about the Valkyrie.
But it is my goal to take the Valkyrie brand somewhere else. I draw all the graphics for the F6Rider store... I NEVER PUT HONDA ON THE SHIRT DESIGNS! Honda does not deserve the credit for making the Valkyrie. A bunch of suits decided to drop the Valkyrie (after we lost Joe Boyd). In my humble opinion when sales of the Valkyrie dropped the suits wet themselves.
With a little courage, and smart marketing Honda could have started a new following! Like us... the VRCC got it and we bought a crap load of Valkyries. They just needed some time for the rest of the world to catch up with what we knew, that being it is not about a fashion statement, (think Gucci, Couch Purses, Cartier, Harley). C'mon, who'd buy a Harley for performance, quality or best bike in a category.
Don't mean to slam Harley owners, there are some reasons for owning one like heritage, etc.
But for the motorcyclist, not the "bikers" (think guys with money trying to be a bad asses for the weekend), but true riders, who actually ride (not trailer to events) these true motorcyclists need a serious machine.
The Valkyrie motorcycle is just such a machine. Performance, ride ability, long distance capable, and speed!
Oh the hell with it, if I need to explain it, some folks will never get it... Get on your scooter and ride!!!!!
Beer van Huet:
May they Rest in Peace
With a club of this magnitude it is inevitable that people pass away. Some of old age, others in the prime of their lives due to an accident or illness.
Riding a motorcycle is all about emotion. You feel free and have a powerful and great looking machine between your legs. You can ride aggressively, concentrating on the track or road and on operating the bike on its limits or just cruise along and enjoy the surrounding scenery. If you are a lone Rider, that’s just fine.
If you prefer company, this feeling creates a special bond. This is especially true with the Valkyrie. The bike is quite unique and its Riders few. Riding a Valkyrie makes you special. You neither belong to the masses of Harley and Goldwing Riders or wannabees and look-a-likes and yet still make an overwhelming statement with the bike. The Valkyrie community is relatively small and personal. Everywhere you go and meet other Valkyrie Riders, you are not lost in the crowd but have a lot of opportunities to talk about your bike and much more. This is why the VRCC has become a big family. I would like to add that having the partners of every Rider recognized as equal members, the involvement only increases.
So, if somebody falls away from this community, it always causes deep sorrow and grief. Today, you have fun together, make friends together and enjoy yourselves together and tomorrow you may witness the funeral of that very same person.
Even if you don’t know him/her personally, it feels like a distant family member had died. We keep their thoughts, feelings and emotions alive by keeping on riding the Valkyrie in their memory.
Our condolences go out to the people they left behind. Wives or husbands, children, family, relatives and friends. They have to bear this burden most of all.
The moment we die, we are all equal and should be treated equally. This makes it very hard to name someone in particular. Running the risk of not showing proper respect and piety to others, I have nevertheless meant to name a few Riders who have shown extraordinary involvement in the VRCC.
Their names will appear when appropriate in this history.
In memory of Riders who have passed away, the VRCC EU website has their names listed on this page
http://valkyrieriders.eu/rip.htm
Beer van Huet:
Classic Message Board Posts – Message by Staff when reaching 5000 members
There are literally thousands upon thousands of posts on our message boards.
Some of them are just too good to let scroll away... below page is dedicated to them.
You're sure to get a kick out of these "VRCC Classic Messages."
So, click away and enjoy the wit and style of your fellow members.
http://www.valkyrieriders.com/classic.htm
State & Area Chapters
The State- and Area Chapters are the ‘backbone’ so to say, of the VRCC.
It is impossible to even summarize the complete history and all the activities of each individual VRCC Chapter. Besides, if I try and do that, my Valkyrie would sit in my garage all the time.
I think we all agree that that would be a major sin and contradictory to the objective of this story: Ride it as if there is no tomorrow!
As an example however, you will find some information or excerpts about local Chapters and events in the following pages which were easily attainable online. The order is random and does not imply significance.
Not having been there myself, it is hard to describe any Chapter’s past origin, spirit and highlights in just a few pages. Many great trip reports had to be omitted as well, since an outside reader has no admittance to Photo Bucket w/o registration.
So, I apologize if a particular or significant area of interest is not mentioned. Additions are always welcome. Let’s make this work info@vrcc.nl
Willow in 2010
Our local chapters vary greatly. Some are very well organized holding regular meetings, rides and wrench parties. Some maintain contact by means of local message boards. Most are rather loosely organized with only an occasional event planned.
Willow in 2014
Regional chapters that have their own message boards (to my knowledge) include Texas, Florida, Ohio, Michigan, Kansas, Southern California, Arizona, New England, Washington, and likely a few others. Many are maintained under the VRCC message board structure, but certainly not all.
Valkyrie Humor
Courtesy VRCC UK
THE VALK O STEP (must see)
A Fun Video for Valkyrie Motorcycle Owners
https://youtu.be/r4AyixzbsS4
The Valco Inflato Seat (Great humor)
https://youtu.be/97VXoXneHoI
The Honda F6C Valkyrie Review - With Richard Hammond
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qd983V9P6Cc&feature=youtu.be
In 2013, Lamonster showed up on the VRCC board again wishing everyone a MERRY x-MAS.
Lamont rode this bike to Montrose CO ´99 first VOA rally from San Diego with his first experimental blower with a car carburetor on it. He was lucky to make it there and back as it was fouling plugs like crazy and getting 20mpg. It was the start of something great though.
Glad to see the VRCC is still alive and well and many of the old members are still here. I've been down many roads since the Valkyrie was a big part of my life but I still love the bike as it was, not too thrilled about the New Valk but it is growing on me. Had a F6B for a little while and loved it, reminded me of the Valk in many ways. Smooth power and handled like a dream. Unfortunately, a deer took it out along with me and the wife. I was waiting to see if Honda was going to add cruise control to the F6B and if they did I was going to get another one but instead they added a new Valkyrie
Anyway hope to see you guys on the road one of these days. Still living in East TN and still playing with Spyders. Take care.
The old Valk was taken apart by the new owner to make a chopper out of it and as far as I know it was never put back in running condition. The guy had more ambition than talent to see the project through. Bothered me a little bit but it was his bike to do whatever he wanted with it
I had the Boss Hoss for five years and it was replaced by the Spyder and that's pretty much what I've been playing with the last 6+ years. I still have a love for two wheels and my next bike will most likely be a V8 Chopper that I want to build from the ground up. Still have my M109R but never ride it and it needs some TLC before I can.
I'm no longer involved with Direct Line and the only site I run now is my Spyder site. I still cruise all the boards from time to time just to see who's still in the wind that I know.
Spending more and more time on Facebook and keep in touch with a lot of old VRCC friends on there. Starting a new shop in MO called Lamonster Garage where we will build custom Spyders and I hope V8 Choppers. Should be a fun project. Good to see the guys here that responded. Wonder if oZ is still around?
oZ
LaMonster, yup, behind the curtain as it should be! I'm no longer actively involved with the management of the VRCC, I still have a 1% share in the group having offered the rest of my ownership on to Misfit, Damon Kinter which to my great relief he was willing to procure. I'm still a member and proud of my #2 membership number! Got me curious so I searched my computer for LaMonster stuff and I've got a ton of photos. Got photos of you mostly tearing your new Valkyrie apart and experimenting with it to make it more awesome.
Anyway many, many great times and memories, Karen, Justin and I were fortunate and thankful to have crossed paths with you. Till this day it blows my mind that a conversation on a front porch in El Cajon California led to the organization of the VRCC!
Lamont
Thanks for the pics and thanks for teaching me how to build a webpage. F6Rider was the first Valkyrie site I had ever seen and to run into you and having you take the time to help me pretty much changed my life forever. I know we didn't always see eye to eye but it was a great life lesson that has shaped me into what I am today. Pretty sure you came up with the "Lamonster" handle and it has stuck. Hope we see each other on the road someday and I can share some stories with you that will be chuckle. Take care Bro
oZ says Goodbye…
On 28 March 2015, oZ wrote an open letter on the VRCC website
I officially left Valkyrie Riders Cruiser Club some years ago when I resigned from the Board and my shares happily went to Misfit. I have had nothing to do with neither the organization of the InZane Events nor the management of the club since November 5, 2013.
It was decided not to make an official announcement of my leaving back then, so I thought this is a good time to do so since I have: Sadly, I left the F6Rider Store some months ago as I’m just getting to old for all this crap. I have sold the F6Rider Store (for like $1) with all its holdings, its website, equipment, business contracts/relationship plus commitments and non-compete assurances from past vendors who made some shirts, hats and patches for us. This is the “the girls” entire thing now. So F6Rider or the VRCC is not under my management in any shape, form or matter. I say this as I still get a lot of emails from members about the store and the club, please address all email queries about the store to f6riderstore@gmail.com, or use the Contact Form on the site. I am not sure where to send your questions about the VRCC.
I am dissolving the Stanard Group Inc which owned the F6Rider Store; the Corporation had a good 20-year run. I plan to create some content for the new owners when I have an idea or they ask – I do not plan to charge a single penny for any art I create for the new owners of the F6Rider Store as it is a passion of mine to do t-shirt art. They will be commissioning other artists to carry on as I go into semi-retirement from creating Valkyrie graphics.
For the record Workerbee1, my wife and I wrote off $6,000 dollars losses from the F6Rider Store last year and a grand total of over $70,000 since we opened it in 1996, plus $20,000 dollars to buy out a VRCC partner back in the beginning. Don’t feel bad that’s an average of about $4,736 dollars a year.
I am the only partner to lose money on the VRCC, mostly because I never saw it as a for profit business. But with the VRCC paying for my travel and lodging for the InZane events I think of those trips to the rallies costing me only about $4000 a shot, not bad to pay for a vacation. The Fat Lady banner was one of my ideas and something I wanted to do for a long time so I’m glad that I got that done. I understand there may be some issues with the banners but I've been assured that it was not my doing so that’s good.
It is the girls goal to make F6Rider profitable AND if they don't carry the torch there will be no official Valkyrie only store so the only place to get Valkyrie shirts will be off those crappy print a shirt dumps that charge an arm and a leg with art done by some dork who is not a graphic artist and never put his ass on a Valkyrie. So, support the girls if you can and keep the last bastion of Valkyrie apparel alive. (Side not, Sarah has 1000s of miles on a Valkyrie... as a passenger (O:
Again my friends, so long, farewell, auf wiedersehen, good night, adios and adieu.
PS I will still be lurking on the board and we’ll see if I can keep my damn fingers off the keyboard to make some weird posts.
Beer van Huet:
VRCC US CHAPTERS
Ohio Dragon Riders
http://www.valkyrieriders.com/oh/
Mojo
Ohio chapter was started by Ragnar from Columbus. He handed over his duties after Inzane 3 and KansasCityKid then became Ohio Rep. We had a nice group with get together rides and tech sessions.
Although it is less active now, the Chapter still has a very lively BBS
http://www.valkyrieforum.com/forum/vrcc_oh.cgi?review=1554920
Webmaster
Ohio is a great place to be a biker. Valkyrie Motorcycles were built right here in Marysville, Ohio. Just about every biker here has been to and seen the Honda Motorcycle Plant, AMA Motorcycle Museum, and Mid-Ohio Race Track. Most every Ohio biker has also experienced what it's like to take an extended ride in the late afternoon sun through rolling hills, to flat farmlands with billowing crop. Sometimes even getting caught in a fresh summer rain is pleasurable, as lush greenery from grass and trees greet and excite your senses. Every turn begs to be ridden as you seek new rural roads awaiting your discovery. Come on Brothers and Sisters join up and ride with us and experience the joy of sharing the road.
We are group that rides, whatever... we enjoy riding, so it doesn't matter what brand name bike your riding, you'll be comfortable riding with us, you'll be accepted as one of us, and you'll be family like one of us.
Ride Ohio in 2006 with the Best Motorcycle Chapter in the Nation, become an Ohio Dragon Rider. It's fun, it’s entertaining, it's family, and most of all It's FREE to all!
Editor’s Note
When asked for some Chapter anecdotes and/or highlights, I received the following answers
Doc Moose - Greatest Ohio VRCC contribution
Was the invention, modification thereof, and implementation of the world famous "Pool Party" at the Inzanes. If memory serves me right, I believe that it was our own "mojo" that originated the idea and it became a monster event at Inzanes.
Ratdog
I recall a great pork chop dinner...
Some stinky catsmish breakfast being eaten... a groped waitress... flying quarters... some great pool parties... some good times wrenching on bikes... a few good lies being flung about...
2005
rmwiles pics
Top of deals Gap Eastern PA Rt n6 SE Ohio Ride
2006
All Ohio VRCC State Rides
http://www.valkyrieriders.com/oh/events1.htm
2007
Visiting Americade by rmwiles
Ghost
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 and 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.
2010
rmwiles pics
2013
11th Annual SE Ohio Motorcycle Ride
http://www.valueaccessories.net/Southern%20Ohio%20Ride.htm
2005 2006 2007
2009
2014
ptgb - Bikes, Brisket & Busted Knuckles II
YouTube videos of Sunday's ride from JoJo's new GoPro ...
by valkyrieguyptgb
Part 1
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V5cfAxfI-Fc
Part 2
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JHpgs3ATQiA
It was mostly due to absolutely PERFECT weather the entire weekend, but BB&BKII had an incredible showing and was a rousing success!!
On Saturday, we opened the garage doors at 10 am and by noon there were about 20-25 bikes in the driveway with about 40 people attending!
Some pics....
Fudgie came from Fort Wayne, Indiana and was able to quickly take care of a small turn signal problem. Fudgie and Yeah, Just Dale
Then..... the food was served!!!! JoAnn busted her butt for three days preparing the food. The brisket alone was a 22-hour smoke! We had smoked... brisket, pulled pork, ribs, chicken thighs (wrapped in bacon), mac and cheese (that was smoked too), and all the fix'ins to go with it. Everyone got a shirt to commemorate the occasion
Up on Sunday morning... met with 18 bikes and about 25 people for a 150-mile ride through western Pennsylvania. Great lunch at Primanti Bros (Google it, really great sandwiches).
2018
rmwiles - 16th SE Ohio Ride
Editor’s Note
Rumour has it that one time in the past the entire VRCC Staff was falling in the Ohio River.
Maybe it’s time by now for someone to clear this up….
F6gal
It was at InZane 5. However, it was only oZ that took a drunken tumble down the embankment to the river. Whether or not he actually landed in the river, is a matter of urban legend. Due to his inebriated state, oZ is not a reliable historian. :P
Beer van Huet:
Virginia Chapter
http://www.valkyrieriders.com/va/
Mission Statement
Our goal is to bring Valkyrie riders and others who love to ride together by listing Events geared toward local and major rides. We have Pictures posted of our Virginia members and a list of popular Links that you may enjoy surfing through. If your planning a trip you may want to check out our Weather page while you are here and if you like what you see and would like to become a member of the VRCC please Sign up today. Our Classified section is open to anyone who would like to use it along with our Forum which can be used to communicate or just list an event for others to see. Also feel free to enjoy a game of Poker while your here!
Editor's Note
The VA Chapter was founded in 2001.
On their website at that time, it states Ray Powers as State Contact, soon followed by Mike 'Spanky' Bermingham.
After 27 October 2004, the website does not reappear on the Wayback Machine.
Jess from VA
There has been no active VA VRCC chapter since 2005 that I ever heard of.
The current Chapter Rep is Don aka 'Highbinder'. A very active and hospitable Rider.
VA has more notorious Riders, both in the saddle and on the BB, who exploit many activities in local groups or with adjacent Chapters. People asking for inquires are directed towards nearby Riders.
Shenandoah Valhalla’s Voyage handover from NC
Hawk
My Greatest memory would have to be InZane II that was where I met the most of ya'll. 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 (I also remember saying if I had a bike like that I wouldn't touch it, 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, it sold me on this group!!!! I also remember getting talked into the Burnout Contest, WOW that was a mistake HAHA. Talk about an addiction, that was GREAT!!!!!
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 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. 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!!!!!!
2009
Highbinder - What I learned on the Shiloh Ride....
http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,10241.0.html
2011 - Hillbilly Run going partly through VA by waterboy79
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y3RXcAyX7Rk
A great report by Lady Draco http://forums.okvalks.com/index.php?topic=1547.0
2014 Mike – Mason Dixon Line Ride (very nice trip report)
https://sites.google.com/site/masondixonride/
2016
HubCap - Tracy and Don were here with the Hot Dog stand... this is Highway 16 in Virginia, lots of bikes, several groups two or three times bigger than our group .
2016
3fan4life - Meet in the Middle MITM
MITM will be on Labor Day weekend and involves riding along the Blue Ridge Parkway.
We will have a group riding from the northern end of the BRP and another group riding from the southern end of the BRP.
Smokin' Joe is handling the arrangements for the southern end and will post those details here once he has them worked out. He is also working out the details for Saturday night.
I am handling the northern end.
2016 – Ice
My friends, the end of an era has come, the legendary Smokin’ Joe has resigned as our leader of most group rides. Can I blame him? NO!! Joe has probably organized more rides than anyone else (hell, probably than everyone else combined), however this last one gave him the rest.
It seems that the last couple of years something has changed, the group rides have had major issues, I am not sure what it exactly is, however last year’s MITM was already an omen for Joe that he may not want to do this anymore, and this year’s 11-13 hour ride or nightmare (from the reports I heard) was the straw that finally broke his back.
That all said, it makes me sad to see the last great group organizer retired, (I won’t say quit, he retired) and it makes me wonder, now what? How many more group rides will there be? Or will there be any group rides? Yes, there are other rides and organizers and no, I am not trying to knock them, but Joe's rides are rides of legend, just alone the "lighting fires and kicking tires" after the ride are something you do NOT write home about.
Joe my friend I understand your decision and I support it, the last few years have been different than before and I am not sure what that is, different people? Or different mentality? Not sure what, but there has been a change.
Thank you for all the rides you have organized and all the great times that were had. I feel it a privilege that I got to ride side by side with you on a few occasions.
Can’t wait to share the wind (not just the parking lot) with you soon, ride hard, ride safe.
Oss
Joe has been there for us (along with Highbinder) but so has Doc Moose with the early Indiana rides, and Rainman (Steve) who has taken over the mantle, Taz does his Praire du Chen ride and Chrome and Rick do the Powwow's every memorial day or thereabouts RedValk did Cheaha and DOTS (my personal favorite of them all)
And don’t forget our own administrators who put on Inzane every year.
I hosted one powwow and I have been pretty darn frustrated just trying to get my own Columbus weekend series of rides what with the hotel prices and these liberals scaring away potential riders (just kidding baldo and meathead) I have 4 bikes possibly committed to coming if the weather holds from out of state.
We may not all agree politically (there is an understatement) but we all have this love for the Valkyrie and get along once we are together.
I am just really pretty damn proud to consider Joe a friend and if he wants to retire from doing the job of trying to herd cats on these long rides well I am ok with it.
The joke in my house is I can keep up with Joe just fine, until he leaves the parking lot, but seriously he does his best to keep the group together what with the different abilities of the riders.
My suggestion is that in future group rides, people be HONEST and state are they a rose sniffer rider or peg dragger and that the group hand out a piece of paper like at a poker run with turns and stops shown so all can enjoy the ride at their own pace and so the leader does not lose the joy of riding his or her ride.
Ice it was a pleasure seeing you again and hope to see you at future events. We have not seen the last of Joe be sure of that, once he retires he will be riding like DDT.
DDT
Folks who bother to put these rides on fascinate me! The amount of effort is much more than any of us can know, and the 'rewards' never approach the amount of grief they receive. Negative feedback always outweighs any positive comments, and most of us can't appreciate the fretting, worrying, and apprehension these good people bear just to pull off a decent event.
It pleases me to know and witness these events do take place, and that there are selfless folks willing to make them happen. I applaud them as do others, but I can certainly understand how burnout occurs and 'retirement' follows...
As mentioned, Smokin’Joe is a legend in this regard. His unique personality alone is a huge draw, his riding skill is amazing, and his willingness to bite the bullet and allow the rest of us to tag along is nothing short of magnanimous... I hate that this day has come; but, frankly, I've been expecting it for a long time. If there is any surprise at all, it is that things have lasted as long as they have.
Thanks, Joe, your contributions have been enormous... While I treasure your friendship more than anything else, I do sincerely appreciate and respect all you have done for our organization and for us personally. You truly are 'an impact player'...
2017 - No organized group ride to the MITM
Smokin’Joe
It was an outstanding get together. And I agree folks that let a little rain stop them from coming missed the best one yet IMO.
Ice
Joe I agree it was our best MITM we've ever had.
This being Petra's first solo ride to one of these, she had a blast. Not sure if I will ever get her on the back of the Valk again . Even the rain did not bother her, in her own words "I even had a blast riding through the rain" and that is saying something. And of course, the ride home could not have been better weather if you would have planned it.
2016
DDT - Tour de Dixie - Great thoughts and feelings of a man with 10W40 running through his veins.
http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,87775.0.html
http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,84524.0.html
Great Valkyrie pic in Pt. Pleasant, VA
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