Good news bad news

[old2soon]

Trust me when I tell ya I did NOT come to this decision lightly and exploring most if not All of my options. old2soon will NOT be attending I-17.  This IS a situation where I'm confronted by my own mortality. Some of you may remember that after I-15 da prez and I stopped in Des Moines and visited with R J. R J looked me square in the eye and said-Don't get tethered-well I'm tethered! I'm on my 3d portable concentrator and we KNOW there is a LOT of open spaces on the way to Billings. Here lately simple things like servicing my Valkyrie are taking 4 times as much time as it should. BUT-always a BUT-don't wanna take a chance on ending my life while doing something I Truly Love and enjoy-in da wind! I can NOT no how no way carry enough O2 cylinders with me in case he cursed concentrator craps out. These are Precisely the identical issues that our dear departed Friend R J faced and I am now facing. That git off last August were a wake up call. I CAN and WILL continue to ride BUT it will have to be in the local area. Than GOD I live in the Ozarks!  Already informed my Brother and Karen of my decision. Lettin the rest of my FRIENDS here know now. AGAIN-wished I had NEVER picked up that first cigarette!  RIDE SAFE.

[msb]

Not having the opportunity of meeting you in person at the last two Inzanes, you are one member that I was looking forward to making the effort of doing so this year in Billings...I am very sorry to hear that won't be a possibility this time. Wish you good health, and safe (local) riding

Mike

[jim@98valkyrie.com]

Very sorry to hear Dennis! I will miss sharing wind at IZ. You and da prez are a unique team.

[Valkorado]

Hate to hear this Dennis, but you're a wise man to know when to say when.  You are also a true character and one of the good guys on the VRCC.  It was a pleasure meeting you and da Prez in Spearfish.  Glad you'll still be riding your fat lady and telling lies on the board.   

[The emperor has no clothes]

I'm very sorry to hear of this development Dennis.  But there might be another possibility. If your concentrator was to crap out, how far can you go on a bottle ? I would guess with some of our great members we could set up a relay of bottles on your way. Kind of like a modern day Pony Express. 

[RainMaker]

Dennis - sorry to hear you are "tethered".  I actually had discussed with RJ the idea of going to InZane 15 and he had looked at setting up a similar safety system for his concentrator and had talked to a firm in Spearfish about the supplies he would need.  I was going to ride my bike behind his truck and trailer with MGM on it.  But it was not meant to be as his doctor said it would probably be unwise.

Still think it's possible but not worth the risk for you.  With the single exception of you riding when soaked to the skin versus putting on rain gear, you're a fun guy to share wind with! 

RainMaker

[Oss]

Dennis, if'n someone would carry a few bottles in a trailer or car and ride with you it could still work for you. Likewise there should be a supply house right near Inzane

and like Meathead said, I am sure many would help if given the opportunity just so they can see your mug again

You know I wont be there this year because of my daughter getting married so I can not be more help this time

We will keep you in our prayers for many more happy motorcycling years

Oss

[wiggydotcom]

Dennis,

This is truly a tough decision that I know you didn't take lightly. I still hope that it can work out if bottles could be trailered but that would be your call. I'm going to assume you won't be making the Illinois Freedom Run either. I know how much that means to you also.

At any rate, I'm glad I had the opportunity to attend last years IFR with you fine Brothers/Veterans!

You're always fun to hang out with and I can safely say we haven't seen the last of each other.

Take care of yourself and I'll see you the next opportunity that allows.

[old2soon]

To those that suggested a cylinder relay I did in fact look into that. Here' the rub on that. My cylinders are out of my suppliers place of business in Poplar Bluff Missouri AND hey are stamped with the suppliers name code number and their serial number. They want THEIR cylinders back. Otherwise I personally incur some rather hefty demurrage charges. I can In fact stop at ANY V A clinic/hospital along my route. And get in touch with the supplier that handles that clinic and those cylinders MUST be returned to THAT supplier. The MOST I feel safe putting on my trailer is 2. As many others here I have NO brakes on my trailer. And the altitude at Billings is I believe around 3000 some odd feet. And when-NOT if-but when the concentrator craps out I'll need at least 2 cylinders a day. While the rewards are nice-I'm not at all happy with the odds! Like I stated in my original post I did NOY under ANY circumstances make the decision at all Lightly. You Know me you KNOW how much I Love riding. They git another one in Eureka Springs I are there!  RIDE SAFE.

[NewValker]

Dennis,  had to be tough decision to make, but if it's the right one for you then so be it.
Damn glad I met you last year in WV, and I wish you miles & miles of riding to come.

This story is a "where there's a will, there's a way" story...
In the late 80s I delivered 02, tanks and concentrators to home customers. Most deliveries were elderly but we also had a few babies and others that needed it.
One of my favorite customers was a 45-ish guy, he had bad scoliosis, 1 lung, coke bottle glasses and I believe MS. (been awhile not sure on that) And he had dwarfism. Don't believe he was 4 foot tall.
He had an old sportster that didn't run more than it ran. He swore he would get it running and rig up a carrier on back so he could ride again. All us drivers called him Quasi-moto and he loved it. I always tried to plan my day so it would be lunch time when I got to his house. I'd hang in the garage with him and his mother would bring us lunch!
Anyhow, one day I was northbound on I-93 heading to NH, in a 26 foot box truck, traffic was bad, bumper to bumper at 70 mph.  In my mirrow I see a bike headlight swerving around cars in all 4 lanes, going well over the speed limit. As he approached me, he lays on the horn, cutting in front of me waving and grinning from ear to ear...yup, Quasi-moto rode again.
He had 2 02 cylinders on each side in make shift wooden "saddlebags" and 2 bungee corded to the back seat.
I'm not gonna say where he got all the regulators and pigtales to hook all the tanks up....

Keep riding & be safe,
Craig

[The emperor has no clothes]

Dennis,  had to be tough decision to make, but if it's the right one for you then so be it.
Damn glad I met you last year in WV, and I wish you miles & miles of riding to come.

This story is a "where there's a will, there's a way" story...
In the late 80s I delivered 02, tanks and concentrators to home customers. Most deliveries were elderly but we also had a few babies and others that needed it.
One of my favorite customers was a 45-ish guy, he had bad scoliosis, 1 lung, coke bottle glasses and I believe MS. (been awhile not sure on that) And he had dwarfism. Don't believe he was 4 foot tall.
He had an old sportster that didn't run more than it ran. He swore he would get it running and rig up a carrier on back so he could ride again. All us drivers called him Quasi-moto and he loved it. I always tried to plan my day so it would be lunch time when I got to his house. I'd hang in the garage with him and his mother would bring us lunch!
Anyhow, one day I was northbound on I-93 heading to NH, in a 26 foot box truck, traffic was bad, bumper to bumper at 70 mph.  In my mirrow I see a bike headlight swerving around cars in all 4 lanes, going well over the speed limit. As he approached me, he lays on the horn, cutting in front of me waving and grinning from ear to ear...yup, Quasi-moto rode again.
He had 2 02 cylinders on each side in make shift wooden "saddlebags" and 2 bungee corded to the back seat.
I'm not gonna say where he got all the regulators and pigtales to hook all the tanks up....

Keep riding & be safe,
Craig

great story ! May there be a little Quasi-moto in all of us. 

[old2soon]

I did in fact have a portable concentrator at Morgantown. BUT things Have turned around since then. I didn't NEED it THAT much last year. But as I stated Things have turned around for me. I also KNEW this wuz headed my way just NOT as soon as it showed up. Long as I remain at 2 liters a minute for my condition I am in fair shape. My doctor told me last week at 4 liters a minute I am on a down hill curve. And it WILL NOT git any better. coulda woulda shoulda!   I've already beaten the odds. Anything else is gravy. And I've also berated myself quite enough thank you very much!   RIDE SAFE.

[The emperor has no clothes]

Something else to think of Dennis. Can you really trust your little brother without you there watching over him ?

[solo1]

Dennis, I'm not gonna forget you and your brother making two visits with me here in New Haven.  I'm sorry to see that your COPD has gotten worse and I pray that you can hold the line. 

Looking back at my age, I have read about quite a few here on the forum who said they will ride until the day that they die; that is quite presumptuous, because none of us can look into the future. I count myself fortunate (so far) that I have physical problems that slow me down but I have adjusted to them the best that i can and still enjoy my life.

I cannot emphasize enough that a thinking rider like you, Dennis, has the inner knowledge to do the right thing FOR YOU.  No one else can walk in your moccasins.

I've always had the feeling that there were a few here who felt that I quit riding too soon but they too, can't walk in my moccasins.  Like you, I based my decisions on what I knew about me.

Dennis, hang in there and do what you feel is best for you.   I still have this pic 

[The emperor has no clothes]

I've always had the feeling that there were a few here who felt that I quit riding too soon but they too, can't walk in my moccasins. 

Maybe, I don't know. But I do know I'll be tickled pink if I can ride as long as you did. 

[Gryphon Rider]

  We (and, I'm sure, especially Emily) were looking forward to seeing you again.  You're a big part of why Emily describes VRCC Rallies in such a positive way.

[fudgie]

I think the odds are that having your concentrator quit is very slim. Maybe you can bring another as a back up? A "D" O2 tank can give u a couple hrs back up if needed. Im sure if something happened Billings can help you out. I have a friend that rides and he uses a concentrator also. Puts it in the tour pak and the line runs up to him. He goes riding and doing errands 7-8 hrs a day. And he has 1 leg. 

[G-Man]

..........With the single exception of you riding when soaked to the skin versus putting on rain gear, you're a fun guy to share wind with! 

RainMaker
[/quote


 YEP, YEp, Yep, yep, yep, yep, yep .......

[old2soon]

Dennis - sorry to hear you are "tethered".  I actually had discussed with RJ the idea of going to InZane 15 and he had looked at setting up a similar safety system for his concentrator and had talked to a firm in Spearfish about the supplies he would need.  I was going to ride my bike behind his truck and trailer with MGM on it.  But it was not meant to be as his doctor said it would probably be unwise.

Still think it's possible but not worth the risk for you.  With the single exception of you riding when soaked to the skin versus putting on rain gear, you're a fun guy to share wind with! 

RainMaker

                I could NOT have possibly gotten Any wetter than I already wuz. Sides the cage I were followin kept movin right along and you will remember I parked my Phatt Ghurl close to the road as to be easily observable even in the rain!  Time y'all showed up I was on my 2nd cup of coffee.  And then at the fuel stop some guy who shall remain nameless checked the radar before we hit 90 said it wuz good and we ran what-4 miles?-and hit a bit more rain! Ah-it wuz ALL GOOD-wet dry-we were in da wind!  RIDE SAFE.