Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaand I'm Back.

Valk_Ridin_Soldier · Mon 06, Jun 2016, 17:06:47

Good day, Dragon Riders.

Years ago, I bought a 2001 Valk Interstate, Fast Black. Three or four years later, I added a Rune to the stable, which I sold when the unemployment wave of 2010 caught up with me. I was Valk_ridin_ soldier on the boards back then. Then...I dunno. I'm not much of a forum guy, so While I never quit riding, I did quit posting. I am in another Motorcycle club, so that's pretty much my social outlet.

Rode the "Hondapottamus" for all these many years. Usually surrounded by Harleys and sometimes some Victories, I rode on, happily aware of the Flat 6 superiority of the Valk, even after the rise of the 110 and 125 CI. mottors became more popular. She spoke to me. Kinda had a Tina Turner like voice.

She had 170K miles on her when a drugged driver crossed the center line, hit my wife on her bike, then me on mine. She lost her left leg and shattered both arms in the crash. After hitting her, destroying her bike and nearly killing her in the process, he straightened up a bit, then ran into me with what was left of the front of his minivan (unregistered and uninsured, of course) and putting me down as well. The insurance company totaled both bikes. My Valk's last act was to protect me enough so that I could make it to my wife and hold her femoral artery closed long enough for the ambulance to get there.

As she recovered, she instructed me not to "let that bastard take anything more from us" and told me to go get a bike. I'd been eying an F6B, so, having located one with just 211 miles on the odometer but $4K off the MSRP, I bought one. It's a good bike. It meets my expectations. it just....lacks the soul of a Valkyrie.

After 6 months, my wife decided to maybe try riding two-up, like the old days before she had her bike. She said she never felt safer than when she was on the back of the interstate, and that I should get one to growl at the F6B much like the Hondapottamus used to growl at the Rune. So...in 8 excruciatingly long days, if all goes well, I will be taking delivery of a piece of Valkyrie history- a 1999 Green and Silver Super Valk built by the late Ernie Schuster, who, among other things created the Dragon Exhaust.

So, I'm back...anxiously awaiting delivery, and longingly browsing through the oodles of pics on this board. Looking forward to interacting with you all.

-Bo

The emperor has no clothes · Mon 06, Jun 2016, 17:13:17

Wow ! That's an inspiring story. Glad you are back. I love my Green & Silver.

Hooter · Mon 06, Jun 2016, 17:40:41

She was right. Don't let that idiot take any more from you! Congrats and welcome to you both. That's a helluva story and survival. Hang in th :cooldude:ere and let the healing continue. Oh, these guys are kinda goofy.

The emperor has no clothes · Mon 06, Jun 2016, 17:43:07

Quote from: Hooter on Mon 06, Jun 2016, 17:40:41
She was right. Don't let that idiot take any more from you! Congrats and welcome to you both. That's a helluva story and survival. Hang in th :cooldude:ere and let the healing continue. Oh, these guys are kinda goofy.

What you talkin bout Willis ?

Aries · Mon 06, Jun 2016, 17:49:13

That's IS a pretty heavy story Bo. You'll have to post some picks when you get the bike. What part of VA do you live in? A few of us here are right around the beltway.

Daycruiser · Mon 06, Jun 2016, 17:55:34

Wow, Kudos to both of you for the courage and strength to get back on and ride. Good Luck with the new Super Valk.

Valk_Ridin_Soldier · Mon 06, Jun 2016, 17:58:32

Quote from: Aries on Mon 06, Jun 2016, 17:49:13
That's IS a pretty heavy story Bo. You'll have to post some picks when you get the bike. What part of VA do you live in? A few of us here are right around the beltway.

Yorktown, actually. And yes, I will post some pics when it gets here.

Valk_Ridin_Soldier · Mon 06, Jun 2016, 18:01:08

Quote from: Hooter on Mon 06, Jun 2016, 17:40:41
She was right. Don't let that idiot take any more from you! Congrats and welcome to you both. That's a helluva story and survival. Hang in th :cooldude:ere and let the healing continue. Oh, these guys are kinda goofy.

I remember some goofiness when I was on here before...Might have even been part of it occasionally.

bill-jr · Mon 06, Jun 2016, 18:55:33

The green and silver blower bike ???

HayHauler · Mon 06, Jun 2016, 19:18:07

Quote from: meathead on Mon 06, Jun 2016, 17:43:07
Quote from: Hooter on Mon 06, Jun 2016, 17:40:41
She was right. Don't let that idiot take any more from you! Congrats and welcome to you both. That's a helluva story and survival. Hang in th :cooldude:ere and let the healing continue. Oh, these guys are kinda goofy.
What you talkin bout Willis ?

It's really only the "head"s that cause the issues. J/K!
Welcome home brother. Back to the asylum. You're gonna like it here....... no really. You'll fit right in.
My bike started out as a green and silver babe, now living life as "Ole Blue"
HayHauler out.

Hay

Jimmyt

HayHauler · Mon 06, Jun 2016, 19:24:49

P.S. A big group of us are meeting in Morgantown WV starting this Sunday. Whether on a bike or in a cage, you and the little missus are welcome to come out and kick tires and tell lies, well, some tell lies. I think the truth is more exciting! Haha
I'm sure you remember Inzane, well that's what we call it from way back when. The shindig goes through Thursday night.
Hope y'all can make it. The Texans will be there in force!

Hay

Jimmyt

Valk_Ridin_Soldier · Mon 06, Jun 2016, 19:35:40

Quote from: bill-jr on Mon 06, Jun 2016, 18:55:33
The green and silver blower bike ???

Yes. The Green and silver blower bike. BigMike ~~let me steal it~~ sold it to me for a very righteous price.

.. · Mon 06, Jun 2016, 19:53:50

Shame the cause of your pain didn't die in the accident he caused.

Oss · Mon 06, Jun 2016, 19:54:37

welcome home indeed

Hope to meet you both at IZ

Danny McMillin · Mon 06, Jun 2016, 20:21:06

Great story, Bo.....and great attitude developing here!!! Here's to both ya'll on your future endevors!!

Valk_Ridin_Soldier · Mon 06, Jun 2016, 20:31:53

Quote from: Britman on Mon 06, Jun 2016, 19:53:50
Shame the cause of your pain didn't die in the accident he caused.

He's in jail, has been since the accident 3 Jan 2016. He is a drug addict...had a head on collision on the same road in June 2015 while driving impaired- and injured the other driver. He was actually still out on bail at the time of our accident. His grandfather is a bail bondsman. No bail offered in this case, however.

The cops added a maiming charge to the first accident, so he faces two felony maiming charges- with a total max sentence of 5 years each (10 years if run consecutively). I doubt he does more than four or five, total.

I used to think about the things I would do to him if I ever got ahold of him...grisly, brutal, Steven King level stuff. Now, I actually could care less. He's a miserable piece of crap from a miserable slab of crap family. His worst punishment is just being himself.

My wife and I have more important things to attend to. It's a daily grind to reclaim what was once our life. The insurance company snafu of the per-authorization of the prosthetic leg is but the latest in a long list of battles we have faced together...some small, some large. She was in the hospital for ten weeks, then another four in a step-down/rehab. I stayed with her in the room 24/7. 18 surgeries, so far (another two or three to go for her arms, nearly $30K out of pocket for ramps, stair climbers, a wheelchair lift for the car, a bed, a med recliner, wheelchair, electric scooter, etc. There will be more. But, she's alive and kicking with the one leg she has left. She's my everything, and we'll get through this and more together. I did twenty two years in the Army- I know courage when I see it. I'd take her to battle against any obstacle, damn the artillery. We'll be OK, eventually. Hopefully, soon, I'll be able to carry her into the wind again, on the back of a Dragon.

(Damn. Went a bit Daniel Meyer there for a minute.)

bill-jr · Mon 06, Jun 2016, 20:37:56

Damn nats ....
I lost a very good friend to a drunk and drugged driver and the man was out of jail and back on the streets in 4 yeRs got 7 out in 4 no licence no insurance .... Shame i say but thats our justice system

.. · Mon 06, Jun 2016, 20:42:19

Quote from: GhostFromVA on Mon 06, Jun 2016, 20:31:53
Quote from: Britman on Mon 06, Jun 2016, 19:53:50
Shame the cause of your pain didn't die in the accident he caused.

He's in jail, has been since the accident 3 Jan 2016. He is a drug addict...had a head on collision on the same road in June 2015 while driving impaired- and injured the other driver. He was actually still out on bail at the time of our accident. His grandfather is a bail bondsman. No bail offered in this case, however.

The cops added a maiming charge to the first accident, so he faces two felony maiming charges- with a total max sentence of 5 years each (10 years if run consecutively). I doubt he does more than four or five, total.

I used to think about the things I would do to him if I ever got ahold of him...grisly, brutal, Steven King level stuff. Now, I actually could care less. He's a miserable piece of crap from a miserable slab of crap family. His worst punishment is just being himself.

My wife and I have more important things to attend to. It's a daily grind to reclaim what was once our life. The insurance company snafu of the per-authorization of the prosthetic leg is but the latest in a long list of battles we have faced together...some small, some large. She was in the hospital for ten weeks, then another four in a step-down/rehab. I stayed with her in the room 24/7. 18 surgeries, so far (another two or three to go for her arms, nearly $30K out of pocket for ramps, stair climbers, a wheelchair lift for the car, a bed, a med recliner, wheelchair, electric scooter, etc. There will be more. But, she's alive and kicking with the one leg she has left. She's my everything, and we'll get through this and more together. I did twenty two years in the Army- I know courage when I see it. I'd take her to battle against any obstacle, damn the artillery. We'll be OK, eventually. Hopefully, soon, I'll be able to carry her into the wind again, on the back of a Dragon.

(Damn. Went a bit Daniel Meyer there for a minute.)

Thanks.

Raider · Mon 06, Jun 2016, 20:55:32

What an amazing story! I'm so glad you got that Valk. I showed pictures to my bride, but she insisted that I had a green and silver one already- she just couldn't understand why I'd need a supercharged bike! $:-\$

I'm glad it ended up where it did.

Incidentally, we're headed to Williamsburg, VA for vacation in a couple weeks. I'd love to buy a fellow Valk guy lunch, coffee, cigar, whatever if you're up for it while we're there. If there's anything we could bring from NC to help during all this, let me know.

Misfit · Mon 06, Jun 2016, 21:27:59

Welcome back! What a story. I wish you both only the best from here on.

Lil D · Mon 06, Jun 2016, 21:30:26

God bless you both......enjoy the wind!

Misfit · Mon 06, Jun 2016, 21:39:02

If you can make it to Inzane I would be more than happy to cover your registration costs. Just look me up, and I will hook you up. It would be an honor to have you two at our banquet dinner on Thursday evening.

Valk_Ridin_Soldier · Mon 06, Jun 2016, 22:02:53

Quote from: Raider on Mon 06, Jun 2016, 20:55:32
What an amazing story! I'm so glad you got that Valk. I showed pictures to my bride, but she insisted that I had a green and silver one already- she just couldn't understand why I'd need a supercharged bike! $:-\$ I'm glad it ended up where it did.

Incidentally, we're headed to Williamsburg, VA for vacation in a couple weeks. I'd love to buy a fellow Valk guy lunch, coffee, cigar, whatever if you're up for it while we're there. If there's anything we could bring from NC to help during all this, let me know.

You're on! Cigars and bourbon it is! In Moderation, of course.

Valk_Ridin_Soldier · Mon 06, Jun 2016, 22:11:50

Quote from: Misfit on Mon 06, Jun 2016, 21:39:02
If you can make it to Inzane I would be more than happy to cover your registration costs. Just look me up, and I will hook you up. It would be an honor to have you two at our banquet dinner on Thursday evening.

Much as I would love to, we have a pretty challenging schedule for the next several days, with me getting back to work and her hoping to return to her job (Nursing instructor at a 4 year university) by August. If the logjam with the insurance company finally breaks, we'll be getting her a prosthesis as well. Not sure a 6 hour ride will be feasible that soon.

It is only 6 hrs away, though. Maybe a solo trip would be possible. I won't rule it out 100%

jim@98valkyrie.com · Mon 06, Jun 2016, 22:12:16

Quote from: Misfit on Mon 06, Jun 2016, 21:39:02
If you can make it to Inzane I would be more than happy to cover your registration costs. Just look me up, and I will hook you up. It would be an honor to have you two at our banquet dinner on Thursday evening.

Hear, hear!!!! +1
Great story and very glad you both are healing

f6gal · Mon 06, Jun 2016, 22:17:24

Hey Bo, welcome back!! I do remember you from the Valk_ridin_ soldier days.

I hope you can stop by InZane, we're pretty close to your neighborhood.

Keep fighting the good fight!!

Valk_Ridin_Soldier · Mon 06, Jun 2016, 22:37:42

HEY! I 'member you too! Dintcha hit a deer, lo those many years ago?

f6gal · Mon 06, Jun 2016, 22:48:45

Quote from: GhostFromVA on Mon 06, Jun 2016, 22:37:42
HEY! I 'member you too! Dintcha hit a deer, lo those many years ago?

Yep, that was me... 11/02/02... totaled the pretty girl.

Valk_Ridin_Soldier · Mon 06, Jun 2016, 22:52:37

I remember! Totaled the deer, too, if I recall.

f6gal · Mon 06, Jun 2016, 23:09:25

Quote from: GhostFromVA on Mon 06, Jun 2016, 22:52:37
I remember! Totaled the deer, too, if I recall.

Yep, deer got the worst of it. The bike has been resurrected; Misfit's son, Chase, rides her now... but she doesn't look at all the same.

Pappy! · Mon 06, Jun 2016, 23:21:40

Ghost, that was one Hell of a story. And.....you are one hell of a good writer! You have a talent. Looking forward to hearing more tales.
Good luck to you and best wishes to your better half!

Draeger · Tue 07, Jun 2016, 02:03:23

Wwow. What a story. You are an amazing man and your girl... what a strong woman. Hats off and salutes to you both.

Alpha Dog · Tue 07, Jun 2016, 08:31:23

Read this this morning. Just totally blown away. There is much to learn by the attitude you and your wife share. Godspeed in your recoveries.

jimmytee · Tue 07, Jun 2016, 08:53:45

Wow what a story. Glad you are not letting it steal your joy.
What's the other club you're a member of?

henry 008 · Tue 07, Jun 2016, 09:06:14

what an amazing story, with an inspiring attitude to go with it! you sir, I would love to meet some day. I too am 6hrs away from inzane. I'm in N C Ohio, where are you? I was a friend of Ernie's, and have followed him on that green n silver blower bike all over. it was set up for solo riding most of the time. I was with him when he had the back fender "tattooed" with "If its not blown, it must suck" lol

Rams · Tue 07, Jun 2016, 10:07:58

Quote from: Valk_Ridin_Soldier on Mon 06, Jun 2016, 22:11:50
It is only 6 hrs away, though. Maybe a solo trip would be possible. I won't rule it out 100%

After the year you've had, I personally think you owe yourself a break, a nice ride and a good time.

Doesn't matter whether you ride or drive, bring it. If the wife can make, we'd love to meet her also.

RainMaker · Wed 08, Jun 2016, 10:48:26

Great story. Sounds like you have your soulmate as your wife. You complete each other.

Only 6 hours to an Inzane is about as close as it gets. You can even cage down and visit all the other Valkyrie riders - they'll be happy to meet you.

RainMaker

Valk_Ridin_Soldier · Wed 08, Jun 2016, 14:12:42

Quote from: jimmytee on Tue 07, Jun 2016, 08:53:45
Wow what a story. Glad you are not letting it steal your joy.
What's the other club you're a member of?

US Military Vets MC

Valk_Ridin_Soldier · Wed 08, Jun 2016, 14:18:20

Quote from: henry 008 on Tue 07, Jun 2016, 09:06:14
what an amazing story, with an inspiring attitude to go with it! you sir, I would love to meet some day. I too am 6hrs away from inzane. I'm in N C Ohio, where are you? I was a friend of Ernie's, and have followed him on that green n silver blower bike all over. it was set up for solo riding most of the time. I was with him when he had the back fender "tattooed" with "If its not blown, it must suck" lol

Not sure if that tattoo is still on the back, but if not, I will be sure to get it put on!

FryeVRCCDS0067 · Thu 09, Jun 2016, 22:57:20

Wow. Your wife and yourself are inspirational.

Many thanks to you for your service to our country and may you and your soulmate have many, many good miles, good roads and sweet winds ahead of you.

Welcome back!

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Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaand I'm Back.