DDT (12)
Member
Posts: 4120
Sometimes ya just gotta go...
Winter Springs, FL - Occasionally...
|
 |
« on: February 09, 2019, 04:33:21 AM » |
|
Sad day for me... and the VRCC. A late comer to the Valk ownership community, but no stranger to many of us, my good friend, Joe Peterson, has fallen on tough times. He just underwent by-pass surgery to unclog four blockages. But there is a bit more...
He's had a fibrolater (sp), or some such, implanted in his chest for several years, but he hasn't let that slow him down much. He has a heart muscle that has incurred damage, significant according to his wife Jenny, and he still has a machine hooked to his heart for now helping it work sufficiently well. He is in the hospital, and he is expected to recover, but... Life from here on out may be diminished a bit for him.
Joe is known to many as 'Harley Joe', because he's ridden 'American Iron' most of his life. Last year, with the purchase of Strider's old Interstate, Traveler, I asked him if we should now call him 'Honda Joe'... He said he was going by 'HJ' now, since he still owns two HDs in addition to the Valk.
He lives in Clinton, TN, near SmokinJoe, Lucky 13, and Wimp, among others. He is one heck of a rider, and he is a veteran of many, many cross-country treks, and he really knows his way around the US. I've ridden with him extensively, and he has impressed me greatly with his ability, stamina, road-savvy, good nature as a traveling companion, and quality as a good person.
I hate this for him... However, he is no spring chicken, and this sort of thing does come to us all. He has 'grabbed the gusto' much of his very full life, and he is still hanging and doing... I do hope he can return to riding... soon! I miss him, as we haven't had an opportunity to do much since my own health stuff arose. He is the one who cheerfully hauled ALI from Nashville, TN, to Clinton, TN, and then from Clinton to Mandeville, LA, a couple of months back! That was the last opportunity I had to spend time with him...
Your good thoughts... and prayers, if you are so inclined... would be greatly appreciated.
DDT
|
|
|
|
« Last Edit: February 10, 2019, 02:26:37 PM by DDT »
|
Logged
|
Don't just dream it... LIVE IT!
See ya down the road...
|
|
|
|
Chrisj CMA
|
|
« Reply #1 on: February 09, 2019, 04:42:04 AM » |
|
Hey Bruce. I don't believe I have met HJ but sounds like a great friend. My dad battled similar heart issues and it was tough on him and the rest of us. I pray the treatment and the technology do what they are supposed to and he's back to a reasonable life soon.
Chrisj
|
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
|
DIGGER
|
|
« Reply #2 on: February 09, 2019, 04:45:49 AM » |
|
Sorry to hear this. I hate seeing a long time rider get to the age he can't function on his motorcycle any more. I have an uncle by name of Hi Bice. Hi rode BMW motorcycles all his life. He also knows all the back roads across this USA. He is well known in the BMW MOA and is an Ambassador in the National Organization. Hi rode motorcycles till his early 80s, having rode to the 4 corners of the US in one trio in his mid 70s. Hi had to give up his riding career due to his diminished balance in his early 80s. He is now 89 and has a head full of memories and stories of back road motorcycle trips. He misses riding dearly. I call him most times after I take a ride and he is very anxious to hear where I went. Bless your friend , my heart goes out to him.
|
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
hubcapsc
Member
Posts: 16799
upstate
South Carolina
|
|
« Reply #3 on: February 09, 2019, 05:00:56 AM » |
|
He's a cool dude, I'm lucky to have gone along on some of the
"Smokin' Joe ride groups" that HJ was in...
-Mike
|
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
|
The emperor has no clothes
|
|
« Reply #4 on: February 09, 2019, 05:03:07 AM » |
|
I’ve heard “of” him thru your stories and Joe’s stories. I’m sad to hear this turn of events. My prayers for his wife, friends, and himself. It’s tough losing buddies who can no longer ride with us. Take care my friend  |
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
bill-jr
Member
Posts: 1047
VRCC # 35094
murfreesboro
|
|
« Reply #5 on: February 09, 2019, 05:25:07 AM » |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
Ever danced with the devil In the pale moon light ?
99' Black tourer
|
|
|
robin
Member
Posts: 2337
Get on it and RIDE!!
Hardwick NJ
|
|
« Reply #6 on: February 09, 2019, 05:57:18 AM » |
|
Praying for a speedy recovery great guy to hang with at the rides |
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
|
..
|
|
« Reply #7 on: February 09, 2019, 07:00:25 AM » |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
|
trout dude
|
|
« Reply #8 on: February 09, 2019, 07:08:14 AM » |
|
Prayers coming your way Joe Get well soon my Friend  |
|
|
|
« Last Edit: February 09, 2019, 07:49:43 AM by trout dude »
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
|
Bighead
|
|
« Reply #9 on: February 09, 2019, 07:08:42 AM » |
|
I have met HJ several times seems to be a genuinely good guy. Hate to hear of his issues.
|
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
1997 Bumble Bee
1999 Interstate (sold)
2016 Wing
|
|
|
Valkorado
Member
Posts: 10514
VRCC DS 0242
Gunnison, Colorado (7,703') Here there be twisties.
|
|
« Reply #10 on: February 09, 2019, 07:30:16 AM » |
|
Prayers out to your friend Joe from the permafrost of Western Colorado.
|
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
Have you ever noticed when you're feeling really good, there's always a pigeon that'll come sh!t on your hood? - John Prine 97 Tourer "Silver Bullet" 01 Interstate "Ruby"  |
|
|
3fan4life
Member
Posts: 6997
Any day that you ride is a good day!
Moneta, VA
|
|
« Reply #11 on: February 09, 2019, 07:59:21 AM » |
|
Prayers coming your way Joe Get well soon my Friend A great guy indeed! Somebody should probably warn him about the shady characters that he hangs out with though.  |
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
1 Corinthians 1:18  |
|
|
|
Davemn
|
|
« Reply #12 on: February 09, 2019, 08:06:30 AM » |
|
Good luck to HJ.
Whatever became of Strider? He was on here all the time.
|
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
|
threevalks
|
|
« Reply #13 on: February 09, 2019, 08:54:36 AM » |
|
Harley Joe, like many in our Valkyrie family, is a man that can't be beat. Jane and I are sure he will brush this set back aside and be back to normal soon. Hang in there Joe, we're pullin for ya.
|
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
If you're gonna be stupid, ya gota be tough  |
|
|
|
Bigwolf
|
|
« Reply #14 on: February 09, 2019, 10:02:21 AM » |
|
I don’t believe that I have met HJ but from what I have heard/read he is a good person to know. Wishing him the very best, a speedy and strong recovery.
|
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005
Member
Posts: 13846
American by Birth, Southern by the Grace of God.
Beautiful east Tennessee ( GOD'S Country )
|
|
« Reply #15 on: February 09, 2019, 01:23:54 PM » |
|
Got the news last night .. Hoping for the best for Harley Joe.
|
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
 I've seen alot of people that thought they were cool , but then again Lord I've seen alot of fools. |
|
|
|
old2soon
|
|
« Reply #16 on: February 09, 2019, 02:35:22 PM » |
|
PRAYERS up from the Missouri Ozarks fer fast healin and a quicker recovery.  RIDE SAFE. |
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
Today is the tommorow you worried about yesterday. If at first you don't succeed screw it-save it for nite check. 1964 1968 U S Navy. Two cruises off Nam.
VRCCDS0240 2012 GL1800 Gold Wing Motor Trike conversion
|
|
|
|
Bighead
|
|
« Reply #17 on: February 09, 2019, 07:11:34 PM » |
|
Prayers coming your way Joe Get well soon my Friend A great guy indeed! Somebody should probably warn him about the shady characters that he hangs out with though. the three in that photo besides HJ are questionable but might do as friends in a pinch.  |
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
1997 Bumble Bee
1999 Interstate (sold)
2016 Wing
|
|
|
|
Thunderbolt
|
|
« Reply #18 on: February 10, 2019, 02:31:01 AM » |
|
I have not met HJ but I know he must be a fine man by the company he keeps. Hope for the best outcome for him.
|
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
|
MITCHO
|
|
« Reply #19 on: February 10, 2019, 04:49:02 AM » |
|
DDT, while I appreciative of you updating us on this situation, I absolutely hate to hear this news. I've had the opportunity to ride, room, ruminate, and re-hydrate with Joe and in my opinion his is one of the best.
You can be assured that we are sending good thoughts to Joe and his whole family. Bambi sends good thoughts to their little dog, Abby, as well.
To all my VRCC friends, ride safe and stay healthy,
Mitch, Laura & Bambi
|
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
Reb
Member
Posts: 2366
Don't threaten me with a good time
Greeneville, TN
|
|
« Reply #20 on: February 10, 2019, 06:17:16 PM » |
|
Hate to hear this news. I really enjoy chatting with Harley Joe on the occasional Clinton TN gatherings. One heck of a great person. I wish him a hopeful and speedy recovery. Thanks for posting ththe news Bruce, I pray the next update is on Joe's improved conditions
|
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
2022 Honda Goldwing Tour DCT
1999 Honda Valkyrie IS
1997 Honda Valkyrie Standard *Supercharged*
1972 Honda CB350F
1978 Honda CB550K
1968 Honda CL175 Sloper
|
|
|
t-man403
Member
Posts: 1687
Valk-a-maniac
Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
|
|
« Reply #21 on: February 11, 2019, 04:55:17 PM » |
|
Don't know if I've met him Bruce ..... but that's besides the point! Here's to a speedy recovery!!! A guy like you have described, will be back at it shortly...... |
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
"Men are like steel. When they lose their temper, they lose their worth". Chuck Norris
|
|
|
DDT (12)
Member
Posts: 4120
Sometimes ya just gotta go...
Winter Springs, FL - Occasionally...
|
|
« Reply #22 on: February 12, 2019, 02:22:34 AM » |
|
Thanks everybody!!! All the positive vibes, good thoughts, and many prayers are working, it appears! Joe's wife, Jenny, texted me back yesterday that he is up and moving about. He is getting better, and hopes, along with expectations, are that he will return to us and make his good presence felt once again. As I've said earlier, he ain't no spring chicken, as so many of us aren't, but he is remarkable in many ways, so... this will be a slow but steady process. Anyway, thanks again for all you've done to boost his chances of making it all the way back!
DDT
P.S. Jenny specifically thanked us for the well wishes! She, and he, are both pleasantly surprised with y'all's responses, and they are both deeply grateful! Me too...
|
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
Don't just dream it... LIVE IT!
See ya down the road...
|
|
|
|
The emperor has no clothes
|
|
« Reply #23 on: February 12, 2019, 03:34:51 AM » |
|
Thanks everybody!!! All the positive vibes, good thoughts, and many prayers are working, it appears! Joe's wife, Jenny, texted me back yesterday that he is up and moving about. He is getting better, and hopes, along with expectations, are that he will return to us and make his good presence felt once again. As I've said earlier, he ain't no spring chicken, as so many of us aren't, but he is remarkable in many ways, so... this will be a slow but steady process. Anyway, thanks again for all you've done to boost his chances of making it all the way back!
DDT
P.S. Jenny specifically thanked us for the well wishes! She, and he, are both pleasantly surprised with y'all's responses, and they are both deeply grateful! Me too...
good to hear things are improving |
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
|
Pappy!
|
|
« Reply #24 on: February 12, 2019, 05:29:11 PM » |
|
Prayers for HJ from Lesa and I.
Please keep all of us in the loop on his progress.
|
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
DDT (12)
Member
Posts: 4120
Sometimes ya just gotta go...
Winter Springs, FL - Occasionally...
|
|
« Reply #25 on: February 14, 2019, 01:08:03 PM » |
|
HJ just returned my latest text, and... (drum roll here)… he has his phone back and is texting for himself... Even more! He's home now, and he is doing well with his recovery from what turns out to have been triple by-pass surgery. He's doing so well, in fact, he told me I should get ready to ride this summer!!! Man, I can't wait for that!!! DDT Yeah, he's showing out now! Gotta admit, though, he is a pretty tough old bird...  |
|
|
|
« Last Edit: February 14, 2019, 01:37:45 PM by DDT »
|
Logged
|
Don't just dream it... LIVE IT!
See ya down the road...
|
|
|
Reb
Member
Posts: 2366
Don't threaten me with a good time
Greeneville, TN
|
|
« Reply #26 on: February 14, 2019, 01:34:19 PM » |
|
HJ just returned my latest text, and... (drum roll here)… he has his phone back and is texting for himself... Even more! He's home now, and he is doing well with his recovery from what turns out to have been triple by-pass surgery. He's doing so well, in fact, he told me I should get ready to ride this summer!!! Man, I can't wait for that!!!
DDT
Bruce, Excellent news!!!! Thanks for sharing! |
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
2022 Honda Goldwing Tour DCT
1999 Honda Valkyrie IS
1997 Honda Valkyrie Standard *Supercharged*
1972 Honda CB350F
1978 Honda CB550K
1968 Honda CL175 Sloper
|
|
|
Valkorado
Member
Posts: 10514
VRCC DS 0242
Gunnison, Colorado (7,703') Here there be twisties.
|
|
« Reply #27 on: February 14, 2019, 02:19:02 PM » |
|
Great news! Plus, chicks dig scars.
|
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
Have you ever noticed when you're feeling really good, there's always a pigeon that'll come sh!t on your hood? - John Prine 97 Tourer "Silver Bullet" 01 Interstate "Ruby" |
|
|
|
|
t-man403
Member
Posts: 1687
Valk-a-maniac
Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
|
|
« Reply #29 on: February 14, 2019, 03:09:11 PM » |
|
WHOA!!!  Good news is always good to hear! |
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
"Men are like steel. When they lose their temper, they lose their worth". Chuck Norris
|
|
|
|
old2soon
|
|
« Reply #30 on: February 14, 2019, 04:54:08 PM » |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
Today is the tommorow you worried about yesterday. If at first you don't succeed screw it-save it for nite check. 1964 1968 U S Navy. Two cruises off Nam.
VRCCDS0240 2012 GL1800 Gold Wing Motor Trike conversion
|
|
|
|
Bigwolf
|
|
« Reply #31 on: February 14, 2019, 05:49:58 PM » |
|
That’s great news!
|
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
Oss
Member
Posts: 12761
The lower Hudson Valley
Ossining NY Chapter Rep VRCCDS0141
|
|
« Reply #32 on: February 14, 2019, 06:49:01 PM » |
|
Thanks for the update
|
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
If you don't know where your going any road will take you there
George Harrison
When you come to the fork in the road, take it
Yogi Berra (Don't send it to me C.O.D.)
|
|
|
|
