Tributes to LooseBruce and DSS3

[madandy]

I haven't been here for months. been without a bike for 18 months...I remember these guys and their posts on these forums and watching them ride on a Coro loop mission and all I can say is...
Heart felt condolences to freinds & family from a guy about to get back in the saddle.

[BNZ]

RIP boys. I havnt met too many people on KB, but Bruce was one of the few. Friendly guy who didnt hesitate to help a stranger.

[R6_kid]

To two fine men. dont rest in peace, get up there and scare the hell out of everyone with your 180km wheelies past moses, on his chariot, he might need some tips on suspension setup. Plus he only has 1 horsepower.

Amen bro, couldnt have said it better myself!

[Stroker Girl]

Oh god, what terrible terrible news. My heart goes out to Bruce and Daryl's loved ones and family and to those on the fateful ride. Will be thinking of you all and sharing in your grief.

I never got the opportunity to meet Bruce but enjoyed reading his posts about racing and the shenanigans he got up to. I met Daryl on the ride down to Taupo for the first KB track day. He was good enough to go out of his way to give some tips and advice to a very nervous and underconfident track newbie. I'll always remember his kindness that day. Rest in Peace KB Brothers.

[Cleve]

keep up the good work too Cleve, see ya round!

A few days ago Bruce wrote this to me. I never will see him round now.
As with many others I am in deep shock. I knew Bruce and Darryl through racing and track days. Both were great blokes and fantastic riders. I was sad when they both decided to reduce their racing as that meant I wouldn't see them so often. No I am deeply saddened by the fact that I will NEVER see them at the race track again.
To lose both of them after they crash into each other is beyond ironic tragedy.

It has been a rough week, with Paul crashing badly at Puke and suffering permanent damage and now Bruce and Darryl. Plus I see also another KB brother further south also died over the weekend.
May all 3 of these KB riders rest in peace.

[Motoracer]

i'm still going to be, in bruces memory i am now getting back into bucket racing then eventually someday i will hopefully follow in bruce footsteps to new zealnd superbikes.

If you are serious, I can train you up. Bruce would have liked to see that.. Talk to me when you are ready for it..

[judecatmad]

I didn't know either of the guys but my thoughts go out to those who love them. I wish you all God speed through your pain.

This simply has to be the weekend from hell and one which we should both remember for a long time in memory of these (3) amazing guys and forget because it was so awful.

The ride to work this morning was somehow just not enjoyable.

Ride safe everyone.

[vifferman]

I was talking with Bruce in the morning at the Autobahn and checked out his gloves. He always had so much time for everyone.
That's true.
Some time back I was talking to Bruce at Motohaus - it was the maintenance evening Frosty organised. It struck me how friendly he was, and what a happy, carefree guy he seemed to be. We had a few laughs together over how ratty his TL was. This was not long after he'd cobbled it back together after trashing both his hands wheelieing it over a crest on a KB ride, mere days after getting his licence back!
Yup, he seemed to definitely be one for riding hard, and for grabbing life by the throat and making the most of things.

And like others here, even though I didn't know Bruce very well, it makes me sad to know that he and Darryl won't be around to make the world a better place.

Rest in Peace, brothers.

[Insanity_rules]

Rest in Peace fallen brothers.

[buellbabe]

I heard the news yesterday and was shocked.
Now, having read this thread, it is impossible not to be deeply affected by this...
My heart and thoughts are with their loved ones...

[Pwalo]

Godspeed lads.

[skidz]

Rest in peace boys and give it heaps up there. Condolences to family and mates.

[skidMark]

If you are serious, I can train you up. Bruce would have liked to see that.. Talk to me when you are ready for it..


i will be in touch bro, hopefully getting a bucket bike today it will be the start of my goal of being up there with the caliber of rider bruce was

[Bloody Mad Woman (BMW)]

Truly tragic, RIP Bruce and Darryl. Sincere condolences to their families.

[SpeedyGirl]

RIP, my thoughts are with all the family and friends of both guys

[ManDownUnder]

I can't make the funeral, but my sincere condolences to Bruce's friends and family. I only really met him a couple of times and I'm gutted. Such a nice guy, so much promise and so full of life.

A big big loss.... to us all

[Toast]

Like most here, this news left me in absolute shock. In the grand scheme of things, an incident like this, taking the lives of two guys like these, is just plain wrong.

Daryl and some of his mates from Hamilton were the first bunch of guys that I ever went for a ride with (was always a loner rider before that). He was instant welcoming to me, the odd one out in the group; full of good stories at the stops…and man those wheelies on every straight were glorious to watch.

I only met him very briefly a couple of times after that, never got to really know him, but he always had a smile to share.

His exploits on a basically stock R1 proved that a guy can get stuck in and do damn well without all of the trick shit, and that was an inspiration to myself and many others.

I never really met Bruce, but from the stories of others, the one word that best describes my image of him is integrity. He was always willing to help a stranger too, and spent much of his own very valuable time imparting to me via PM some of his vast wisdom on all things bike related.

A real tragedy this is…rest in peace you two, and thanks for giving almost everyone here, whether they knew you personally or through stories, a couple of fine examples of what a human being can be.

[bungbung]

RIP Bruce and Darryl. I met both at a kb rally and spoke to Bruce at Manfeild when he showed up with both wrists in plaster. They were top blokes who'll be missed by many.

[madmatt]

R I P ....................

[poorbastard]

RIP guys

Thoughts go out to the familys and friends.

[Cibby]

I was shocked to hear the news of two such awesome guys. I’ve been a sobbing mess all day reading everyones posts and trying to work out what to say… :crybaby:

One thing that really highlighted how awesome Bruce was is that he remembered my name, I know that is fairly insignificant, but I hadn’t met the guy before.. Always happy to help out and his pizza stunt nights were wicked.. His positive attitude partially inspired my decision to get a race bike, and not to mention the few times that my stomach nearly dropped at the sight of him doing stand up wheelies for the first time and only just landing it. Totally Fearless.!!! He will be totally missed and my heart goes out to Nicksta, as I cant even imagine how you must be feeling.

Daryl was a totally wicked caring genuinely awesome guy, always made the effort to call and email me on my birthday,
I remember one trip to Taupo to visit our mum’s, leaving Hamilton in the cloudy weather with a “it will be fine to ride down” from Daryl, only to end up an hour later in the middle of the pitch black back roads to Taupo in the pouring rain. We made it though... just…..
He wouldn’t even sell me his race bike regardless of how much I asked because he didn’t want me to end up with someone I couldn’t fix and always send jokes and emails on the constant occasions that I was bored… Although i nearly had a mental while he did some of his famous wheelies with me on the back!!

Such a terrible tragedy, but I have nothing but good memories of them both!!!!!!

[emaN]

Incredible.
Was just PM'ing Bruce last week about the HRC day; it was on his b'day, and he was looking forward to kickin' some Honda arse!
Previously, he'd also offered to help out at the track, and gave encouraging feedback from my riding...
(and like Cibby, he knew my 'username' when we first met and from then on remembered my name & bike)

Only had brief chats with Daryll, but the fact that he was quick to chat speaks volumes...
His 'retirement from racing' thread was a shame - but man, was he wikkid on that R1!!!
I found out Sat night and, (like many I'm sure), had a shite sleep; my first thought/memory when i woke was of him cranked over scraping everything thru' the 3rd corner of the old Taupo track...

They've inspired me to; help noobies, have a cheerful/positive outlook even when the going's tough and to "give it a shot"! I know they weren't saints, I'm not making them out to be...but they were both top top dudes.

Gonna miss you Bruce & Daryll.

[RobDog]

A few pics of Loosebruce doing what he loved best - showing off :)

[Hooks]

Jesus .... I haven't been on much lately and have been thinking about finishing the beast off so that at least the next time I saw Bruce he wouldn't ask me if it actually goes !!

He was a great guy with a zest for life that was an inspiration to those around him.

My heart goes out to those who miss him most and as this thread shows ... there are plenty.

It isn't right that they should be the ones to go ... I see idiots every day on the roads ... why not them instead ??

We are richer for having known them, no matter how short a time we had with them and that is the measure of the men ...

Time for a beer or 6 now ....

RIP guys
Ian & Greg (and the girls !!)

[Sue VFR]

Very Very sorry to hear of Saturdays tragic events. We enjoyed meeting Bruce at track days and mourn for him and Darryl, and think of their families at this dreadful time.
Sue Ure...on behalf of the MotoTT team

[hXc]

Here in spirit, not in physicality;
Uncle B, Loosebruce and Dss3.
A ride shall be had, just for these three.

A sobering weekend it was for me;
Knowing not any of these three.
An odd feeling of melancholy.

Us humans, not filled with invincibility;
Just that thing: Mortality.
A ride shall be had, just for these three.

Kiwibiker is not prancing happily;
Lets go for a ride, shall we?
Forget our worries, and just be free.

Uncle B, Loosebruce and Dss3;
Us they shall accompany.
A ride shall be had, just with these three.

[Prof - R]

My condolances to family and friends of Both of these young LADS

[SixPackBack]

The very first KB ride I attended Bruce did as well. I was not much more than a wobbly squid having never ridden a real sportsbike before [always nakeds], shit scared of me custard gixxer [and carrying an injury that had paralysed my right arm two weeks before] I had picked the one ride that had not only Bruce but Twosmoker, Firefight and Bugjuice going down the notorius 22.
Somewhere around the half way point of the ride we stopped for a breather, I could tell the other riders where less than impressed with my lack of speed and raw squidliness so I kept quiet. Suddenly in the distance the roar of a motorcycle being driven hard could be heard, "that'll be Bruce" someone said. And so he arrived, heat emanating from every surface of the bike, coming to a halt with a stoppie, tyres melted. We talked later that day and it seemed to matter not that I was a pretender in the group, he was freindly, freindly and full of helpfull tips on how to improve, how to stoppie, and most of all how to relax and enjoy. Thanks Bruce.
Never met DSS3 [I think?], but talked a few times on line, seemed a lot like Bruce, young, talented and full of life.
What a total waste of two qaulity human beings who many of us would have given it all to share but a few of their collective and outstanding riding abilities.
RIP Guys. To family and friends I offer my heart felt sympathy.

[Youngjim]

Whar more can one say that already hasn't been said.

RIP guys and for the rest of us, please be careful out there, we don't want any more threads like this for a long long time.

[lukelin250]

rest in peice, thoughts and prayers go out to you and your families

[kiwifruit]

the one thing that is sticking with me is the first time i met Bruce....
it was on a coro loop last summer.... i didn't really know him at the time....

he gave me the biggest learn thru the twisties then pulled a huge rolling stoppie at the next stop.... I said to him "geez man! so you can ride then?", he said "haha, i dunno man, i guess im pretty handy".

those words have been running thru my head all day today

"haha, i dunno man, i guess im pretty handy"

bloody handy alright.
i'll miss you sir.

[Rossi Gal]

Tears still fill my eyes as i read this..

So many storys of these two amazing guys. I first met Daryl as I drove through Hamilton on a lovely sunny day. An R1 passed me and i later saw him pull a phat stoppie in the middle of the road pulling into a gas station. i was amazed with it so turned around and went back to intorduce myself. from then on a great friendship grew.

I met Bruce not long after at the KB stunt day. What a man. was a great day. Darlys first time out on a drag strip and got a best time of 10.xx sec's!! awesome.


Not only did Daryl like showing off on his bike but off as well.. as you can see from the pic!

I will miss our chats and laughs that we had. And you were right when you said next weekend was too far away..and i cant be more sorry.

All my love goes to their families. And please take peace in the fact that you both had amazing boys who turned into even more amazing men!

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

I know you two can see this.. so please live long and strong where ever you are!

[Phenoix]

It is a sad sad loss.
I'd met Bruce on a few KB rides and seem like a good broke.
But when I had my accident he was the first to offer help in fixing my bike.
I can still see him pushing it down the road with no fairings as if it was a pushie, all the while I was on cruthches. (No smart ass 250 comments please)
As for payment I had to force BK done his troat for helping me cos he wouldn't take any.
But he was so dedicated to riding, with his storie of bracking both of his wrists.
He wasn't complaining about the break one bit, just how hard to was to hold the flippin spanner as he was trying to fix his bike again ready for the next race.

Rip Bruce and Darryl the gap you've leaft will be felt for ages. We'll still be telling ya crazy sorry bout your stoppies and getting bustted by the cops so many times for years to come.

[DEATH_INC.]

You know, funny thing.....on saturday at around lunchtime a mate offered me a blat on a new R1, normally I don't take folks up on these things, but for some reason this was different and I accepted it, took off only to pull a wheelie past a car right at an oncoming police car......sheeeet, got away with that one so shot back to work and pulled the best damn stoppie I've ever done up the driveway, only to have the message to call jen at the wangamata police station thrust into my hand as I stopped, I instantly had that feeling you know something real bad had happened, you know the story from there.......but I really can't help thinking I had some help on that little ride......

[skidMark]

here's another classic bruce moment

i come to see him at hell probably about a month back this happened

and there we are standing outside chatting and i said hey bruce where your mirrors bro ...as i look at his gixxer parked by the front door of hells...

with barely a pause he says...

" i dunno wheres my number plate and road legal rear tyre" **with a big grin on his face**

so i go look at the back of his bike


not even so much as a plate bracket

and a race slick rear tyre, a complete slick

always something to put a grin on your face with bruce around

and he was awesome on his pushbike too

i swear he could wheelie anything

[Kornholio]

Damn... after meeting Bruce for the first time properly on Saturday and seen his skills first hand heading over the Kopu-Hikuai road I was pretty shocked to hear later back at Kopu that it was him and Darryl

My condolences to friends and family of these guys...I can see they be greatly missed

RIP dudes :rockon:

[DEATH_INC.]

the kaiawa ride.....what can I say.... scooting along with about 180k on the speedo with Bruce in tow.....came over a nasty little crest, remmbering not to hoist the front....I remember thinking 'I hope he doesn't' then looked in the mirror only to see the TL sliding down the road in a cloud of sparks and flying plastic with Bruces foot sticking up from behind it! Damn, stopped and spun around in time to see the loose one dragging his ass outta the ditch......after making sure he's still alive I remember that stupid grin " I wondered why you didn't pull one over there"
It was the next few weeks I got to know Bruce really well as we Peiced the poor TL back together, then again as it dropped a valve as I test rode it ....DOH!
He was so proud of the plate we kept it there....

[Riff Raff]

This morning I had the task of going through White Trash's video collection to find some old footage of Bruce. I found it and watched it with tears and laughter. The footage was of Jimmy, his younger brother Luke, Johan Bruns and a couple of other guys playing silly buggers on an A100 and TG in a park. PArtway through the footage you hear Jimmy's voice going "Bruce is here - hey everyone Bruce is here". There's some great footage of Bruce and his big cheeky grin as he races, does burnouts on the grass, wheelies etc. Then he hops on his roadbike and does some unrefined wheelies and stoppies on the road. He's about 18 in the video, but he hasn't changed in the years since (except for pulling better wheelies and stoppies!)

I need to get this transferred on to DVD for his family.

[DEATH_INC.]

I also remember well the first of many trackdays we did together, a brm day. The fastest guy there was on that same treasure of a TL, in even more styly form with the infamous r1 tail cabletied in place....he'd come over the night before so we could get away early, 'do ya think they'll let you out with no plastic on it and all that sharp stuff stickin out?' 'yeh, sure they will......well maybe' 'um shit what'll we do?' 'I wonder if this'll fit?' 'dunno let's try it...it sorta fits' 'sweet,done!'
An amazing peice of machinery, had a constant stream of guys looking at it and shaking their heads all day, bruce was so proud.
Notice the position of his throttle hand in this pic......

[Meekey_Mouse]

Oh this sucks!! I haven't been on for a few days... does some one have a link to what happened?

My thoughts and prayers go out to every one involved.

[shafty]

Rest in Peace Boys, hugs to your FAmiles, and those on the ride

(Helmet off as sign of respect)

[DEATH_INC.]

The bugger made me so jealous too when he pulled off one of the things I always wanted to do.......pulled a wheelie past a copper who was stopped ticketing some other poor bastard!

[dangerous]

Coppied from another NZ forum

I was really saddened to read the threads on kb. And cos I'm in Melbourne at the mo and this stupid computer wont let me log in there i can only but read about it all.

So I pass on my condolences to them thru you guys

Rashika

[kels]

My tears just wont stop, I am so grateful that I got to meet a truly amazing guy. Bruce helped me quite a few times with my bike inbetween working long hours at his Hell Resturant. Thank you Bruce for all the help and all of the laughter....you will never be forgotten.

[Riff Raff]

Not only did Daryl like showing off on his bike but off as well.. as you can see from the pic!
Just about every track day we went to Jimmy would go up to Darryl and say 'Oi, put some clothes on. You're making me missus all bubbly in the gusset."

I don't know who was more embarressed - Darryl or me.

[Waylander]

Just the other day I was talking to one of the local crew about needing to make a trip up to Bruce's Pizza parlor. Hearing others talk about meeting him, kinda made me feel like he was a guy I needed to meet at some point.


Guess I could make the trip kindof a tribute now.


And Daryl was the fourth KBer I had ever met. I remember watching him at the drags. Most perfect and beautifull wheelies I'de ever seen someone pull.

[bane]

Although I only met him a few times, my memories of Bruce will be always be the state of his tyres... never ceased to amaze me how quickly he destroyed them. Ocassionally I would get to see why, as he let some of the nana's see his awesome skills.

One time he turned up for a coro ride with a very second hand rear tyre - remembering a recent past coro ride where he turned up with the same issue, I asked "werent you going to replace that", he smiled at me and said, "I have, twice"

I had the privilege of briefly following him through a few corners on Saturday as he swept past me, the image now forever inprinted on my mind.

[Biff]

Don't know them, never met them, but feel saddened none the less upon hearing the news, courtesy of Dangerous, as I'm overseas.

Brother bikers and fellow KBers - RIP, and my thoughts are with your friends and family.

Biff.
(goose pimples abound)

[Draco]

The first time I met Bruce was on the ride where he crashed and broke both hands, as per usual as the honorary medic on the ride I patched him up and as he left said "Nice to meet ya m8". That was the first of many, many times I patched him up. Funny thing is that he always came to me when the injuries were fresh and hurtin, "Jen, wadya reckon I should do with this?" he'd say. 2-3 days later, once the hurts had subsided he'd be saying, "She'll be right, don't need anythin on this, gotta let it scab so it'll scar". It was all about the "STREET CRED MAN!" :Punk:

[elle-f]

i never knew these lads but the memories they have left behind are just great. Rest in Peace

and to the families and friends left behind - my positive thoughts are headed your way.

[Two Smoker]

Ive been on a few road rides with both bruce and daryl...

Bruce: Like mentioned a few times before, i was right behind bruce on my 150 with it tapped out at 180ks... Bruce had been getting into wheelies off crests, i saw him pull it up, them i came over the crest to see lots of sparks and dust as he arsed off.... His attitude after the crash was awesome!!!

One day Bruce said i should do the Coro loop on KB ride with him... His TL was broken and i had written off the gixxer... I took my RG150 and he took his mates (with out that mate knowing) ZXR250 with no fairings... One of the best rides i have ever had (equalling my ride with Motoracer down SH22 in the wet when he was on his TZR250)... It was classic, peg scrapping, odd tankslappering, slideing fun!!! Bruce even pulled a couple of mean stoppies and an attempt at a wheelie... Ofcourse there was the general ribbing and shit giving for things that happened on that ride...

Daryl: First met daryl when he was riding his TL... Absolutely smoked him on the RG... This is one determined guy, told him how to hang off and get your knee down to know where the bike is... Little did i know then that he would improve so much that he got the respect from Haden Fitzgerald and Sam Smith for riding a stock R1 so hard!!! Some of the highest wheelies i have ever seen have been from daryl with his bike almost vertical...

Both generous guys... Bruce gave me his TL when my RG stopped... I had that TL for 3 months!!! Daryl gave me entry to a race and constant help in the pits...

[Ozzie]

I feel kind of like a sheep, I didn't know these guys, apart from threads, and don't want to offend anyone by posting in this thread....BUT....I have heard a lot of these men, from people I respect. With that and what I have read, so seriously sad.

My thoughts go to the guys, their families, their friends, and Drako....so sorry chick, I hope you guys are holdin up alright.

RIP, such a huge pitty.

Corey

[sAsLEX]

One day Bruce said i should do the Coro loop on KB ride with him... His TL was broken and i had written off the gixxer... I took my RG150 and he took his mates (with out that mate knowing) ZXR250 with no fairings... One of the best rides i have ever had (equalling my ride with Motoracer down SH22 in the wet when he was on his TZR250)... It was classic, peg scrapping, odd tankslappering, slideing fun!!! Bruce even pulled a couple of mean stoppies and an attempt at a wheelie... Ofcourse there was the general ribbing and shit giving for things that happened on that ride...


I remember that day well, you two having the time of your lives at a slower pace than normal, but not by much.

You two came past scraping and hanging on the twisties just clockwise from Coro, and then Bruce after stopping pulled a rolling stoppie all the way down the hill in to Whagamata....

He loved that penisula

[Scorpygirl]

Went to our Auckland branch Ulysses meeting tonight and mention was made of the three bikers killed this weekend. Rest assured Ulysses members are thinking about the friends and family at this time. RIP to all.

[_intense_]

most sincere and heartfelt condolences to family and friends.

[NinjaBoy]

I've been reading this thread for the last couple of days trying to find the right words to describe what a friendly and approachable guy Bruce was. I've only been on a few rides with him and a couple of extended chats. However, it was his memory for faces and names that impressed me most. Despite a couple of months and different bikes between meetings, he'd always greet me by name. This is no small feat for those who know me!

It just goes to show how much focus and attention he gave and genuine interest to what you were saying. I was awed by his skill and crazy antics and will miss that cheeky smile. You've been taken too early but you will always be remembered.

Darryl I've only met briefly at a KB trackday. But by all accounts a good allround guy who will also be sorely missed.

[adiddy]

this fucking sucks....
bruce as you can see from his picutre= an approachable guy , who is larger than life... he will leave a massive unfillable hole on kb

[R6_kid]

that TL.... I remember late in 2004 when i purchased my ZXR250, i needed a chain, and was short on cash. Bruce hooked me up with a chain, it was a bit short but thats not what this story is about. I pulled up at Shell Westgate and waited for him, heard this mentally loud roar coming from about 1km away... was him on the TL. Real westy kind of guy. Had a look around his bike, was looking good at this time, i noticed a crack in his fairing to which he replied with his classic quote "im not gonna bother fixing it, its street cred bro"

The next time i saw him was a two or three months later at Pukekohe, still on the TL, but this time it looked a little different... the stories above explain why. He still rode it hard, barely recovered from his broken wrists.

If my memory serves me correct, this was the day that White Trash poured powerade underneath the front of Bruces bike... when he saw it he thought his radiator was screwed and had a little tanty... might have the names back to front but still a fond memory.

I remember standing by the hairpin, in complete awe of how fast that bunch came down the back straight, then after being hard on the brakes and hanging off to get the bike through the hairpin at pace, they proceeded to lift the front wheels of their bikes into the air and carry them til the last second before putting it back down and hooking into the left hander to shoot up over the hill... that day got me hooked on motorcycling for good.

[Dafe]

Personally, I haven't had the pleasure of meeting the Northern KB crowd.

However, I was very close to Uncle B and shared many a yarns with him.

It wasn't too long ago that Uncle B rode North and joined the Northern KB'ers for a good outing.

I remember when Uncle B returned home and I asked him how good the KB'ers up there were......

I vividly remember Uncle B describing how he was blown away at how awesome a rider Loosebruce was.
Now coming from Uncle B - That means alot!!!

I think the other one that shocked him was Quikchick! Apparently, she is Quick!

Just thought I'd share that from my goodmate Uncle B.

[scumdog]

Unf******beleivable!!!

My condolences to the families and friends of both.

[Waylander]

I've been around this world
Yet I see no end
All shall fade to black again and again
This storm that's broken me
My only friend

In this river all shall fade to black
In ths river ain't no coming back
In this river all shall fade to black
Ain't no coming back

Withdrawn I step away
Just to find myself
The door is closed again
The only one left
This storm that's broken me
My only friend

[avgas]

Oh man, i dont feel so good anymore.
I cant write anything more here becuase i feel so sad.
RIP fellas, and my thoughts also for all those in one form of recovery or another.
Stew

[TLDV8]

I pulled up at Shell Westgate and waited for him, heard this mentally loud roar coming from about 1km away... was him on the TL. Real westy kind of guy. Had a look around his bike, was looking good at this time, i noticed a crack in his fairing to which he replied with his classic quote "im not gonna bother fixing it, its street cred bro"

The next time i saw him was a two or three months later at Pukekohe, still on the TL, but this time it looked a little different... the stories above explain why. He still rode it hard, barely recovered from his broken wrists.


The last time i spoke to Bruce was when i went over to his work to get the TL Hoe,we had a great old chat.

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=33428

The first time i met him.
He was a regular poster over on TLPlanet.com.
I was out for a ride down 22 and stopped at Ngaruawahia for a fuel top up.There was already a bunch of bikes parked up and by the time i had the gas cap off a guy with a big cheery grin was walking over,introducing himself as LooseBruce..A very likeable person.It was the same big happy grin the last time i saw him.

I never met Daryl but perhaps they were pea's from a similar pod.

Condolences to the families of all effected by these events.
The ripples spread a long way.
Gods speed men.

[Kwaka-Kid]

To Both Darryl and Bruce.

Like everyone else, near lost for words. I wont forget kicking around at your place Bruce watching the MotoGP some time ago now, what a wicked host... not to mention awesome rider with only more then enough time to ever offer me times, sadly didnt catch up with a good dude like yaself enough in more recent times.

and Darryl! Cant believe it mate, the times of the VFR400 are when i got to know you well, helping where i could with parts, and you always being so damn humble!

Will miss you both, take care up there!

[The Stranger]

Bruce was one of the first Kber’s I ever met. He was on the first ride I ever went on with my little Virago and I will never forget
how he always waited for us slow ones to come in last but still
managed to finish first at the other end. I have always been amazed at the amount of time he spent on one wheel and although he was always talked about and no doubt envied and admired for the way he could ride, he never felt the need to push his way into the spot light. I still remember on that first ride when we got the gas station I tried to take a photo of him on the bike but he went all shy and tried to hide behind his visor. Still managed to snap that cheeky smile though! (See Picture 1)

He was always hard working and Hells Pizza definitely wont be the same without him. I remember one night at around 1am, a friend and I decided to go and get pizza. After having maybe a few too many we didnt actually stop to think that it would not be open at this time of the morning but guess who was still there. After finally getting him to hear us over the top of the music, he comes to the door and goes "you guys wana pizza?".
We felt so bad considering it wasnt actually open that we tried to turn it down but he insisted and made it anyway. Shit, thats service!
Ill always remember Bruce as the awesome guy that he was. Caring, funny and fast as fuck!! I will continue to be amazed at his ability to race around the track at warp speed and will continue to be amazed at how big his heart was. Thank you for letting me ride your bike at the drags and although it scared the shit out me, I have to say I did enjoy it. Thank you for everything Bruce.
RIP mate, you'll never be forgotten!!!

Darryl, well...first time I met Darryl he was unloading his sexy R1 off the truck at the Taupo track. Found out later that day he was riding with broken bones from earlier that week. After chatting to him a bit that day I remember at the end of the day I see him walk off in pain, me being me, followed behind to see if he was ok.
There he was hanging his head over the sink in the toilets..."are you alright?"....me being a little bit nervous considering I only met him that morning...."nah it hurts but Im right"...was something like the response I got. Couldn’t help but get a tear in the eye and feel for the guy. Man, he was tough and that’s definitely one of the things Ill never forget about him.

I remember one day after going for a ride, we came back to meet Quasi,
Paula and Darryl at Ngaruawahia. I was roped into waterskiing. Well,
trying to anyway but I got it in the end with a heap of thanks to Darryl. All i got all day was support and help and besides the pain of falling flat on my face into what felt like concrete water, I had an absolute ball that day! That will certainly be a treasured memory.
Ill always remember Darryl as quiet but fun and another great rider. He was awesome on the track and I have no doubts he could have gone so much further. I will never forget the day at the drags when he so stylishly wheelied the whole quarter mile. Its a story I always tell my “non biking buddies” when they get totally gob smacked when the front wheel pops up for 2 seconds.
Thank you for all the good times, Darryl.
And we cant forget that he loved his Double Brown!

Well guys, you surely did make an impression on me. Always admired the
way both of you rode and will never forget you or the things I got the
pleasure of doing with you. You were both awesome guys with wicked
personalities and the looks to match and you will always be remembered.
I will be thinking of you and you will be missed!!

I also wish to send my thoughts and deepest condolences to their family and friends. Take Care.


I have also included some of the photos that I have of them so that other people may have them too. Just some of the good memories that we have.

Christine

oxo

[Coldkiwi]

Haven't been on a KB ride for so long but the enduring memories are always of guys like Bruce and Darryl who I had the chance to ride with a few times. Fond memories of that 'cars suck' sticker on the back of Darryl's rowdy old TL and of a beautifully long wheelstand Bruce entertained some jokers in a van with going down to the Coldkiwi Rally in 2003.
Aff-man just passed me on the tragic news and its been a sobering experience reading about the hole that these guys have left in so many peoples lives now that they're not here.

I'm guessing that if they had the chance to respond to these tributes, Bruce and Darryl would want to remind us about how many people we all touch and how much they'll miss you when if you don't come back one day.

I know I will miss seeing them.

[The Stranger]

Some more memories.

[Quartermile]

I never met the guys personally but Remember seeing espically Bruce around the track ( a freakin legend ) during the KB November track days.

R.I.P

[Nicksta]

I would just like to say a big thank you to all that were involved on saturday, with regret I did not come on the ride with Bruce. I cannot list the names of those that have helped me over the last few days as it is too momentus, but to Jen, Aaron, Sue, Jimmy, Jill, Ray, Andy, Shane (and Megan) and Sudeep, thank you.

Thank you all who have posted and for all the well wishes i have received via email, txt and phone, I will be organising with Bruce's family a gathering in Auckland for those who wish to celebrate his life in the next few weeks.

the support from the SB and KB community has blown me away, all I can say is thank you very much. Both Bruce and Daryl are a terrible loss to us all but they leave us with incredible memories and stories as they have touched so many people.


Bruce was and will forever be in my heart, my pegs are down for ya hun.
You made my life complete. Love you always.:love:
on your favorite bit of road, I know you were happy.
Love you,
Nicki xx

[Devil]

_b

(ten chars)

[750Y]

to Bruce,
thanks for the laughs, the knowing glance, that cheeky twinkle, that goofy smile, that infectious crazy streak, never forget You bro.
..Ride On..
to Bruces family & friends: thinking of ya
..Dave

[hyper]

hi there i am Roseanna Hunter Bruces cousin i would like to thank all of you kind people for you regards for bruce i am gong to show his mum peggy this forum when i get to my dads and i know she will be highly appricative of this

thank you from the bottom of my heart he was a good guy and will be sorly missed

Rest in peace both Bruce and Darryl

[STH SYD RIDER]

Hi there my name is Mereana i have just registered my man as a member as we were both fortunate enough to meet loosebruce i remember the day my boyfriend came home and said guess what babe i meet the most craziest white boy who took me for my first blat on a bike and from that day onwards he has been so inspired by bruce and hounds me for a bike, could you please pm me details of any services in Auckland as my boyfriend still cant believe the tragic news, i am crying at this moment as the one and only time i managed to meet loosebruce was at his job as he worked with my partner and they both tried to fit some wheels onto bruces little white honda he had such a cheesy smile as my partner introduced us and no name could have suited him better than loosebruce as i used to see him and sudeep blatting on the motorway home from work im sad we never got to mix more as my partner left that job but never left the fact that he will get a bike and ride like loosebruce so ive decided to save up and try to get him a bike as he wants so badly to ride in memory of Bruce. R.I.P LOOSEBRUCE OUR CONDOLENCES GO OUT TO HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS.
Bruce touched our hearts tremendously in the little time we knew him.as far as my mans concerned loosebruce is his number 1 RIDER....

We never got to meet darryl but bruce mentioned him in a good way so R.I.P darryl and condolences go out to his family and friends.

[Fishy]

Here is a cool pic of the two lads doin what they loved most!...

[Squeak the Rat]

Even though I only knew Bruce and Darryl on-line, it's amazing how you just know who are the good buggas.

I raised my glass and had a drink in respect when I heard the fire alarm in Whangamata, to whoever it was. Unfortunately it was you.

Ride In Peace guys.

[bugjuice]

The shot that Logan (enigma51) got of Darryl at the Meremere Scared Sheep Squadron Dragwars Day organised earlier this year, and won the subscription prize. Was also published in Kiwi Rider in September.. This pic I use as a desktop, along with a couple more of Bruce and Darryl. Have to dig them out later..

[ManDownUnder]

Bruce gave me nothing but smiles.

My favourite example... I was in need of a new (2nd hand) front tire. Bruce sold me one of his for a perfectly reasonable sum and it's PERFECT for commuting. Worn on the sides, tons of tread down the middle.

The tire only had one chicken strip, down the middle. I asked him about it at the time and he laughed and said that when he's going straight there's no need for the front to be on the ground.

Straigh faced delivery - he half meant it, and an absolute crack up.

Nice guy. Last time I saw him was in front of Avondale College main gate - for some reason it's chisled in my mind.

A top top man, and a big loss.

A big loss.
Nigel

[The_Dover]

That's a great shot Josh and certainly how I'll remember the guys.

[bugjuice]

just a couple of quick desktop pics from the photo Fishy posted..

[The Stranger]

Both of these guys were my heros.
Right from the first KB ride where I heard a roar at 120kph and turned around to see a front wheel zipping past my head. I had a grin from ear to ear, I was impressed. We got to the next staging point and in my gruffest voice I demanded to know who pulled the wheelie past my head. There was that sheepish, goofy grin and LB points to someone else. I couldn't keep a straight face and cracked up. I knew right then that I liked this guy.

We did several mid week rides with LB. I was always amazed how much time he spent on one wheel - front or back - it didn't matter.

When I collected the GSXR off of him he was so excited, telling me about the new bike. Then he told me, honestly with a tear in his eye how he had lost 2 mates on the road. He told me he was going to take the new bike off of the road after a couple of weeks and use it for track only because he knew he would die on the road if he didn't.
Fuck that hurts now.



As Christine said, first time we met Darryl, we gave him a hand to get his race bike off of the ute. Damn he looked like shit. But he went out and rode anyway. Some may say he was crazy, my impression was he was very strong, mentally and physically.

Used to love seeing him on the track. I remember watching him at Taupo. He's out in the fast group, and carving the field up like a hot knife through butter, the rest of the fast group (well most of em) may as well been on GN250's. When he was on fire it was awesome to watch.

He binned second corner at Manfield and couldn't get the R1 back on the track. I made him take the GSXR out. I didn't hesitate because I had and still do have immense respect for the guy.

Thank you guys very much for the inspiration you provided and for the enjoyment you gave me. I really do miss you both.

RIP ya muppets.

[Rossi Gal]

Just about every track day we went to Jimmy would go up to Darryl and say 'Oi, put some clothes on. You're making me missus all bubbly in the gusset."

I don't know who was more embarressed - Darryl or me.

I think Jimmy was lying to you....i think he just wanted a closer look!! haha
And i think Daryl knew exactly what he was doing....haha ;)

[HDTboy]

I heard the bad news while I was walking home from my second job at hell on Saturday night- A job I'd never have thought to take if I hadn't met Bruce- At first I didn't believe it, then it slowly hit me and I had to get home so I could sit down.
Ever since I found out about Bruce and Darryl passing, I've had random funny memories popping up. I can still see Bruce's smile, and see the two of them giving each other shit just like brothers do.
I never got the chance to ride on the road with Darryl, but have spent a bit of time in the pits with him, while he may have been the Strong Silent Type as described by Texmo, when he did say something it was gold.
The first time I met Bruce was at Hell after a ten pin bowling outing. I rocked on up with a group of KBers who I'd just met, and expected to pay full price for my meal. Not bloody likely, the guy running the place wasn't going to have any of that. He came outside later and started talking shit with us, I don't remember much of the conversation, but knew this was a good guy who knows how to ride a bike.
The first road ride I went on with Bruce was up 16 with Bugjuice and Swanman. The three of us were around a similar pace, but Bruce was on a completely different level, he waited for us on the approach to Wellsford, and pulled the biggest stoppie I had ever seen before turning into the servo. We had a bite to eat, and talk shit before Bruce jumped on Bugjuice's bike for the ride back. I thought that was great, with him on a 636 I might have a chance of staying with this guru. the only thing that changed was the colour of the bike.
Going racing was always fun when you're pitted next to team muppet.

You silly buggers, so many people love you for so many reasons.
Guess we'll see you when the time is right.

[Scorpygirl]

The only memory I have of Bruce was at Bruce Bennett funerals and the Burns Run.

[sparklyslippers]

Hi all, we are Daryl’s (DSS3) flatmates, we just want to say how amazing it is to see all of your messages of love and support, it is really appreciated. He will be sadly missed by us all and his loss will leave a big hole in our lives. From Amy, Megan and Emma

[driftn]

I dont know what to say. got a million stories of Bruce & I terrorising lower hutt in any way we could be it push bike, motor bike, car or even on foot. Bruce you are a ledgend and will be greatly missed by me and all the other people whos lives you have touched. R I P dude.

[m99dws]

Never met either but RIP fallen riders, thoughts now for the families and close ones.

["D" FZ1]

Hi Sparkly slippers. Daryl was a top guy and he will be sadly missed. We will be there tomorrow to give him a good send off.

[Big Dog]

I don't wish to detract from what is being said here so I have started my own thread with a slightly different twisty, http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?p=849635#post849635

[p0zzum]

Hi there, I'm Pam - Bruce's cousin. Thanks to everyone for all their thoughts, my heart goes out to you all, from what I have read on here tonight Bruce touched so many people. He was such a super kid, I have so many great memories of him, and am still finding it so hard to believe this has happened. My daughter was devasted to learn of this news, she looked forward to the times Bruce would call in and the last time she got to sit on his bike out at the track. Hey Nicki you are in my thoughts as well, will see you on friday, but remember where we are and please call in next time you are down this way.

RIP my mate
Pam, Roger, Hannah, Joshua and Liam

[Phenoix]

Your right.
Bruce would lend a hand to any biker that needed it and would never take something back in return.
He encouraged the younger riders, and help the more experianced one to try and keep up with him.

[Leong]

Just got back from Brisbane today though I'd heard of this tragic news on Saturday. Although I didn't know Bruce and Darryl very well at all, I was deeply saddened to hear of the loss of these two well respected young men. Had I not been away, I would have been there on Saturday's ride with my mates too. My first encounter with Bruce was this reply to a thread I started about sunstrike a year ago...

Sun strike, what to do, well me i'd pull a mingin wheelie and use my front wheel to block out the sun, thus carrying on like normal, well normal for me anyways.
As a newbie here at the time I didn't know what to make of it, but now can imagine his smile when he typed it. Having done a few trackdays this year I'd met and watched Bruce in action and admired his skills. From what I've read here he was one of the good guys in other aspects of life too.

I never met Darryl but at a Pukekohe Open Day earlier this year, I saw a bike going much quicker than everyone else - it was awesome to watch. When my mate saw me so obviously impressed - "That's Darryl - dss3 on the site" he said. That was the day I decided that it was time to sell the SV650, get an inline four and have a go on the track.

It's tragic to lose these guys so young. My condolenses to family, friends, loved ones and those at the scene. Rest in peace Bruce and Darryl.

[R6_kid]

my effort...

[MD]

I've just returned from 5 days riding around the Sth Island to this!
One of our group got a phone call and he told us about the terrible accident involving someone HE knew.
Now I discover it's two hilarious blokes I knew. Bruce & I have swapped giddays with each other for years. My first thoughts of Bruce are that he was ALWAYS quick to smile and say hello as soon as he saw you at a trackday.
I'm proud to have known you Bruce. Only spoke a few times with Daryl who seemed the shy one.
RIP and strength to your families and friends in this time of sadness.
You both died doing what you loved, but sadly you have proven again how mortal we all are.
Mark

[Mental Trousers]

Team Muppet fits those 2 perfectly. Seriously entertaining, immensely talented and performing outside the square, that was Darryl and Bruce. They didn't try to impress, they just did what they did. Both humble and both incredibly helpful when asked. Determined and focused, they both set their sights and went 110% to achieve it. Out of everybody I've met those 2 are the only ones that I've considered helping out with sponsorship. I was scheming and plotting to get Bruce 20 sets of tyres for next years Nationals.

My most enduring memories of Darryl are seeing him launch at the drags and popping the front up off the throttle. No idea how the hell he's winding the throttle off and making the front come up but he was. It'd go up to 10 o'clock and stay there for 1/4 of a mile. He also managed the fastest 1/2 mile time that day. Watching him at race meets was an education in self belief and determination. I've never seen someone so hard on themselves for crashing and come back so strong after it. I'm told he impressed some big name riders with how hard he pushed a standard R1, a bike most of us couldn't even get close to finding the limits on.

Bruce is one of the most determined characters I've seen on the track. Pulling a 2nd place ahead of some very talented guys on serious machinery was very, very impressive. He was such a nice guy and so helpful when anyone asked. Having Bruce tell me I've got a good exit out of corners was more encouraging than anything else anyone has said about my riding and yet him saying 'you fucked it up through the esses' wasn't a criticism. It was a simple statement that was followed by how to fix it. For me the one thing about Bruce that set him apart from everyone else is the fact that he impressed a young lady I have a lot of respect for.

The world is a poorer place without these two characters, and our lives are dimished by their loss. Hoping to have half the impact those 2 did on people is something the majority of us will never achieve, let alone the sort of friendship they had.

[sexy beast]

Really shocking news. i heard about this today. just cant believe this has happened.
May both of you rest in piece brothers.
My deepest condolences to their family and friends.

[kickingzebra]

I got the GSXR and started visiting the track, every moment I could. Darryl and Bruce were always having some drama in the pits, gennys seizing, excessive clutch wear, broken bits, rape tape...
As I got into racing, both of them have been a huge encouragement. There are too many moments to write, but the one that stands out...

Clubmans A, Manfield, my second race ever, I had picked up 9 seconds, and they were stoked for me, so much so, that even though you can be bloody busy in the pits, and their F1 race wasn't far off, they were both out watching the mangy clubmans races. I crashed and Mikey crashed, and those two were sitting in the pitlane, when I came in on the trailer, clapping and cheering.
I felt like an honourary team muppet member.

Later they both said how great it was to see, and that they looked forward to me getting fast, but not too fast!

Darryl went out of his way to hook me up with my race fairings, tank etc.

Bruce was always in with some encouragement and advice or other.

They were both so friendly and approachable. Darryl stopped on a race day, to teach me how to use tyre warmers.

My only regret is not spending more time with the boys.

It is with great fondness and regret that I think of them, and a part of them will always travel with me.

Much love and respect.

Jonno

[Xtat1k]

My thoughts go out to the families and friends of these guys. Sorry to hear about this only now, My condolences to you all.

[EZAS]

Bruce was the only person I have meet on this forum and I have been singing his praise ever since I meet him.

My bike got dropped last year and I did a quick post up about, I then get this Private message from Bruce (who I've never meet before) saying this:

Hey mate shitty luck with ya bike n all aye.

On a side note if you can get your rearset (footpeg) bracket too me i can get it welded back up for ya (free) and if your rear brake pedal is broke chances are i jimmy that up to work again too, new lever and that will get ya riding again for next to nothing.

Catch ya

Bruce
In the PM he gave me his cellphone number. I was like WTF .. is this guy serious? Surely not.

SO I gave him a call, we txt back and forth, he tells me to bring the bracket to him, however, I've never used a spanner, so I take the whole bike out west to him.
"look for big arse Hell Pizza hearse" .. once we're out there, he pops open the garage and HOLY SHIT ... this guy has a supra in the garage, along with a TL and the remains of what appears to be a 250 frame, with a Hearse out the front. We then found out he ran a Hells Pizza as well, This guy is my idol!!
Next thing I know he's telling us about his crash out Kaiawa and shows us the remains of his old plate - "I was whipping there ass' too". Tells me about when he patched up the TL with multi coloured fairings and had everyone laugh at him at Pukekohe. I had to ask it - "whats your fastest time round Puke" ... his time still shocks me (very fast time to say the least).

He also told us about how he came flying in to over take some english guy who came over on ducati. He was so keen to over take this guy he pushed it abit to hard into the corner and ended up broadsiding around the outside of him, only to have him look at him in a "WTF do you think your doing?" kind of look.

I asked him what the GSXR fairing's were for. "I think I'm the only person who has ever blown a GSXR1000 engine", OK he's definitely "loose".

I was abit embarrased due to my lack of mechanical skill, not that Bruce made any point of it. He took the bracket off for me and then shot off to Manakau to get it welded up. He advised me that he refused to take any $$ for it.
We got back and he had fixed the bracket back up for me, I advised that I couldn't find an alcohol store as some form of payment, "I don't drink anyways" he replied, I actually had to force him to take $20. I've never had such a hard job trying to pay someone before.

Bruce advised me it was just a temp fix and to get a replacement ASAP, I got a replacement but one year on the weld is still holding strong.

Since the day I meet Bruce I have spread the word of this crazy Westie that crashed popping a wheelie at 180k, that welded up my bike for free, that blew a gixxer engine, that had a hearse out the front. I only wish I had been able to ride with Bruce, due to me not being able to hold a liscence longer than 6 months I never had the chance too.

LooseBruce, my Hero and a legend. RIP

[Two Smoker]

Another daryl story... Daryl took his bike down to rowing, had put his race bike back on the road by simply putting on a side stand.... His rowing mates didnt know much about bikes, they were like "DO A BURNOUT" Daryl replies with "tyres are too expensive, How about i pull a wheelie???" So thinking its easy to pop a wheelie up hill, he does one up a one way street the wrong way... Ofcourse being murphys law, a car started coming down the other way... What does daryl do??? Move to the side of the road on one wheel leaving enough room for himself and the car to pass while he was on the back wheel hehehe classic...

[R6_kid]

Another daryl story... Daryl took his bike down to rowing, had put his race bike back on the road by simply putting on a side stand.... His rowing mates didnt know much about bikes, they were like "DO A BURNOUT" Daryl replies with "tyres are too expensive, How about i pull a wheelie???" So thinking its easy to pop a wheelie up hill, he does one up a one way street the wrong way... Ofcourse being murphys law, a car started coming down the other way... What does daryl do??? Move to the side of the road on one wheel leaving enough room for himself and the car to pass while he was on the back wheel hehehe classic...

fark yeh bro!

[adiddy]

I would just like to say a big thank you to all that were involved on saturday, with regret I did not come on the ride with Bruce. I cannot list the names of those that have helped me over the last few days as it is too momentus, but to Jen, Aaron, Sue, Jimmy, Jill, Ray, Andy, Shane (and Megan) and Sudeep, thank you.

Thank you all who have posted and for all the well wishes i have received via email, txt and phone, I will be organising with Bruce's family a gathering in Auckland for those who wish to celebrate his life in the next few weeks.

the support from the SB and KB community has blown me away, all I can say is thank you very much. Both Bruce and Daryl are a terrible loss to us all but they leave us with incredible memories and stories as they have touched so many people.


Bruce was and will forever be in my heart, my pegs are down for ya hun.
You made my life complete. Love you always.:love:
on your favorite bit of road, I know you were happy.
Love you,
Nicki xx

it would be awesome if u kuld organise a gathering ...

Aaron

[DemonWolf]

RIP Loosebruse and DSS3

I never had the opportunity to meet either, but they both have offered so much advice on the TL that I have so much respect for both. They will be missed dearly.

Thoughts go out to friends and family.

[Hoon]

Arrived back in NZ yesterday to find this out.... so tragic. Both Bruce and Daryl were great guys and racers with so much potential. Now they've gone I wish I'd spent more time with them. I envied them both for giving it 100%, jumping straight into F1 and giving the big boys the hurry up, succeeding where many fail and just at the start of successful racing careers. They were also great characters and provided a lot of conversation and amusement. Race meets won't be the same without them.

[Lazy7]

I never got the chance to meet Bruce. But out of nowhere I received this from him via PM one day. I had been bitching about not being able to get a handle on my bike. His offer of help came came unrequested.

I really regret not taking up the offer. He sounds like the kind of guy I would have respected and really enjoyed the company of.



Hey Mate

Kinda reading through your thread etc about learning to ride etc, if you're thinking of doing a track day try and hook up with someone who knows there shit, i don't know if you're going this Saturday to puke, i'm not i have to work now, damn, but next Saturday i'm planning on going (15th i think) if you want to come along i'll be happy to help you out, i need at least 2 sessions to start dialing my new bike in before racing, but am happy to spend a couple with you to offer advice, lines, body positioning etc etc..
I can ride the first with you and then answer any queries and give you some tips for the next two sessions, then in the 4th ride with you again and show you things you've improved and can improve any problems you're still having etc.
The good thing about the track is you can take alot of the confidence away and applie it to road use as well.

Next Saturday might be a better go as well as there'd most likely be less bikes out with all the KBers' doing this weekend, which is good in my books dodgeing ZZR250's plodding along at 160kph down the back straight whuile you're over 300km on a GSXR1000 gets fun, scary fun lol.

Let me know mate, if not no biggie, but if you get out on the track try and buddy up with someone to help out.

Later

Bruce

[Loosebrucesfamily]

bruces little sister jenie here
on behalf of our parents peggy and steve id like to thank everyone for their messages of support it is so nice to be reading all these stories about bruce and how much he was loved and respected within the motorbiking family, we are so sorry for everyones loss. i could not have asked for a better brother, growing up with him was awesome he never once told me get lost (as many other big bros did to their little sisters) he was more than happy for me to tag along on his escapades and get us into mischief, of course always involving something with wheels and him trying to make whatever we were playing with go faster!
(including supermarket trollies being tied to the backs of cars lol!!!) fantastic fun times i will never ever forget! thanks bro!
our parents are devastated as i am to and we have been experiencing many tears and laughter reading your stories
we will be organising a few memorials over the next year to be held in auckland and hopefully taupo for both bruce and daryl i will make sure when i know the details that they will be posted on this website
i just want to thank all of bruces friends that have spent time with our family over the last few days you are all awesome guys
bruce we love you so much and you will be missed dearly thank you for all the good times i hope you and daryl are having a choice time and going as fast as ever and pulling the most spetacular wheelies where ever you are!

RIP loosebruce and dss3 xoxoxo

[Ultrapix]

I only met Bruce a few times, but like most of you have said, was well impressed with the guy. It's always interesting to find out about how people get into racing. There's usually some big long story about starting out in 125's, then 250's for a season, punting a dog 600 around for a few more years and then possibly, finally, making it into Superbikes. So a bit of a surprise when Bruce said he'd been riding on the road for a while, and just plain decided to go racing Superbikes. That's really cool, and I really admired that concentrated determination and self belief. Also the skill he possessed to jump in perform at that level with relatively little race experience.

And then he let slip about how he was working two fulltime jobs, (and studying as well?) all to make these racing goals come true.

It's bound to be of little comfort to those close to him, but at least Bruce was really living his life. Working hard and making his goals happen; I don't think anyone can ask for much more than that out of a guy. We need more like him around, but sadly we have one less. But it sounds like his spirit has touched and hopefully inspired everyone who knew him, and in that way we can hopefully catch glimpses of him in others around us.

[slowpoke]

I hardly knew these two great guys, just enough to say "G'day" really.
I hadn't been back in the country that long when I signed up for a KB Track day and with out a word of a lie after reading their posts and never meeting/seeing them before I instantly knew who they were when I saw them in action. If you've met them you'll know what I mean.
One of my memories from that day was Darryl dropping his bike, and coming back into the pits he did a nice high stoppie, bringing it crashing down to clear the dirt and grass caught in his bike. He pulled into the Team Muppet bay where someone points back down to where he did the stoppie and Darryl just shrugs his shoulders as though to say "How else would you clean up your bike?"
I'm hopeless when it comes to meeting people I admire...I tend to retreat into my shell like a wussy kid even though I'm frikkin' 40 years old. I'm kicking myself that I didn't just walk up and say g'day a lot earlier.

[adiddy]

Last Saturday I rode to kawakawa, where Darryl was born (according to his mother) and i felt a real sickening feeling even though i had not known the news, I wanted to leave and go home... This may be a coincidence however I think tht someone was trying to tell me something even though i had never met Darryl in the flesh....

As for Bruce, on my way home from Kawakawa I was taking off from Warkworth and I dont know how or whatr extraordinary thing I did but it was a decent wheelie!!! I feel these guys were helping me out and have only really just clicked .

RIP MEN, thinking of those at Bruces at the moment... will start my bike up at 2pm in 20 minutes

Adiddy/Aaron

[Maha]

Just been reading a Two page thread started by Darrly, and the 2nd to last post was from UncleB and the last post was from LooseBruce....mmmmmm.

[R1madness]

:sick:
:crybaby:

[adiddy]

yeah sad... but looking at that post we can see how they became friends just over two years ago , when darryl started racing right?

[2much]

Well it's taken me a while to post something on here... been difficult to find the words to say.

One thing I would like to add, This is a huge loss for the family and friends of both Darrell and Bruce, however I think those who suffer the biggest loss in this tragic event, are the people who never got the opportunity to meet these two incredible guys. I feel so priveledged and thankful that I had the chance to know them and consider them friends. That is something I will value for the rest of my life.


A couple of pm's from Bruce that I thought I would share...




Hey bro

Any news on ya K3, cheeky Q, if they write it off can i nick the bolts that hold the mirrors on, ya know the ones you take out to get the mirror off but not the bracket, i've lost my ones and you can only buy the mirror complete as a unit lol, fuck it.

Hows it anyway mate.

Fucken insurance is taking ages... still waiting for the claim forms to arrive.

Had a look at it down the shop yesterday. It's almost guaranteed to be a write-off, I was considering buying it back but it dumped all the oil out when it went down and it looks like the engine may have continued running so I don't think it's worth it with the possible engine damage. So it's more than likely that I won't need those fairings, will confirm asap. Will do my best to get those bolts for you.

Broken ribs suck arse dude, I don't recommend it. Got a job interview tomorrow so I'm gonna have to pop extra painkillers and try to act like everythings sweet lol!

Where these fucken pics of your new ride?

Haha i rember when Daryl had broken ribs an i kept punching him n making him laugh n shit, im a great mate to have a round lol.
I'm crook as fuck at the mo, firts time in ages aye, so may get some pics tomorrow, fuck mate it's the kinda bike you look at and everytime you cant help but get a smile on your face, fuck yea, if not the weekend, i dont have a camera you see.





Ah fuck i thought you knew hahaha, it's the one Clee and Stroud rode to victory in the puke 3hr, K5 Blue n white, 1000km on a near stcok road motor with stage 1 head tune, full yoshi system, full WP fork internals, WP rear race shock, 160rwhp, things pretty mint, all the road gear is new, so yeah, Ray's is gonna sort me out race fairings and a damper, i gotta find out if i can fit K3 rims into the K5, otherwise i have a spare set of rims for sale soon, lol

yea that sounds good on the fairings bro
Well I knew it was an ex-race Gixxer, and it didn't take a brain surgeon to figure out it had to be a K5.

Fuck that sounds mean! I can't wait till you accidently leave the keys in it!

Had assumed that would be your plans with the rims (but expected it to have braided lines)... if they don't work out let me know.
There will be no accidental keys falling into the wrong hands believe me, i use to live with jimmy mate, i'm well trained lol.

Word has it the K3 rear will, but the front possibly will but the disc's are too small, K5 has larger diameter disc's.


taupo was a pain wasting over half the day on the GSXR with it not handling well, maybe if i had it right from the start i could've gone lot faster, who knows, me and Daryl might start up a team togther in F1, see how it goes, shame he rides an R1 lol.

This was typical Bruce, sent at 2329...

Yea bummer just read aye, i might hit whangamata instead, well see, 10am at Kopu, hmm thats means i have to l;eave Aklnd by 9.30.

Haha i'm still at work for another hour, then i've got too go home and put the forks back in the bike and front wheel and get up at 8.30, haha what a knob huh


Runna!!!!!!!
Basiclly got to the m/way bumper to bumper, so figured i 'd go down the buslane, only a HP took exception to it and tried to chase me, being on the TL with no WOF and REG, i gapped it at 220kph down the bus lane, dropped the 1st one, pulled off an ioff ramp and another dropped in behind me, never saw em, saw a GSXR750 at the roundabout, so i pulled a mint stoppie up to the roundabout, he was looking at me like WTF dude, so i carried on only to turn around to see n HP glued to my rear, doh.



Sorry I can't be there for you today mate, my thoughts are with you.
Mark

[Joni]

Thank you 2much - Im sitting here waiting for news... thinking about him and missing him lots!... those brought a smile and a tear!

There was and will only be one Loosebruce ay!

[Crasherfromwayback]

Thank you 2much - Im sitting here waiting for news... thinking about him and missing him lots!... those brought a smile and a tear!

There was and will only be one Loosebruce ay!

Well it was a great send off. Good turnout too considering the weather looked like it was gonna be shithouse! But true Wellington form ( Honest), it came good when it needed to. The sun came out in what was a fitting tribute. I had to get my sorry arse back to work as I'm that busy, so unfortunately had to miss the ride with the Harley Sidecar Hearse....

I hope to catch up with them all later for a drink or ten.....we'll raise our glasses to all that would've but couldn't been there......wanting to be there is just as good, I'm sure Bruce would agree!

Pete :sunny:

[RT527]

Went over the whangamata road yesterday on my way from Whitianga to Tauranga in the Truck, Felt funny going past the accident Spot, didnt feel well at all.

Anyways I put Tape around my drivers mirror today, and at 2 pm I stopped for a mins silence , got a few looks of WTF as I was standing outside Tauranga container park about to go inside and I looked up and blow me down I saw what looked like a bike and rider leaning over as if he was going real fast around a hairpin formed by the clouds, I think it was perhaps what I wanted to see rather than what it looked like but Heck it was kinda kool looking.

Hope you guys are all good down there in wellington and the ones that couldnt be there but wanted too.

Ride safe and have a good ride home.

RT527.

[MD]

A sad way to meet other KBers for the first time.
Maybe one of the young-uns can have a baby and we can all gather to celebrate that.
Watching Bruce's little Boy playing around the coffin was touching and upsetting at the same time.
RIP LooseBruce.

[enigma51]

From the Drag strip Sorry to take so long with this no internet for a week


If any one wants the bigger file flick me a pm and i will send it on I also have a wheelie or two from each as well as one or two stoppies with bruce stick his legs out to the side

[Panther]

A lil while ago i went into hells one sunday night and meet bruce, and me being me often all i talk about to other people when i first meet them is my bike.

i launch into and explanation of how the sir clip on my right front fork had popped out, leaking fork oil everywhere, all over my nice new brake pads too!

(i got informed later that it took LB 10mins to explain what that meant to texmo)

then a 'mate' topped up my fork oil without measuring it, putting way too much in, leaving my forks really hard.

so through circumstance i was left high and dry without the tools to fix my bike.

as i was explaining to bruce that i was cruising round with no front brakes, and hard suspension he goes, "if ya ever need help with your bike just ask".

sure enough the next day i pmd him and he pmd back with his number and said that he only had two 'nights off' a week and that he could come round one night after work.

so on tuesday night this beat up lil white car turns up and out hops LB with the biggest grin ever, i dont know why!

our plan is to drop the forks out, but we don't have the right tool to take off the front axel. after a little bit of improvisation, we switch to plan B, of using a squeezy bottle with a hose from LBs lil cars windscreen squirter stuck into it, to try and suck out some excess oil from the top of the fork.

that was taking forever, so LB says, oh just wrap some rags around the top of the fork, and he holds the bike by the sub frame and leans it on its side, spilling the excess oil out the top of the fork. meanwhile fork oil was everywhere, the front wheel was slipping around the garage floor, i was getting paranoid that my bike was gonna end up on the ground, and LB was saying na she'll be fine.

you can imagine the scence, green zxr basically on her side almost on the ground, LB pretending she weighed nothing, me pumping the forks trying to get more oil to overflow out the top of the forks!!

at the end of the day the improvisation worked, my forks were fixed.

i had previously hunted down a mechanic who had the manual for how much fork oil to put in the zxr-c. LB said that this was just a quick job and i should come round one time and he would take the bike apart and do it properly.

still waiting bruce.

[Nicksta]

thanks again guys and gals for coming to the funeral or posting your well wishes. it was a beautiful and moving day, the tributes were lovely. As i said in my earlier post, i will arrange something for us up here to remember him... in maybe 2 weeks or so...
tomorrow is a GSXR track day at taupo and is my gsxr600's debut at the track, there are a lot of riders, close to Bruce and others who have simply been touched by Bruce who will be there, if you can, please come show your support for those who are riding and watching, as we are all riding for Bruce tomorrow. Taupo was his favourite track and we will all be paying a little tribute to him.
thank you all again.
Nicki

[Milky]

Dude...

I haven't been on here for over a month and I get back to this. Belated but by no means diminished respects and condolences from me to all those affected. Both of them were amazing guys and the motorcycling community is poorer for their loss. Thanks for the good times, the laughs and the memories guys.

RIP

[placidfemme]

Did anyone get any pictures of the procession for Daryls funeral?

[Riff Raff]

Over the last 9 days I’ve experienced some of the lowest points in my life, combined with some incredible highs.

I was very fortunate to have both the lads on the back of my bike for a short time – Daryl on the way down to Hamilton and Bruce on the ride to the crematorium. These were deeply personal experiences for me which I cannot put into words. I’m sure others will have had similar experiences.

I’m humbled by the level of support and comfort from all of our friends and the KB community during this time. We now have friendships with people that have moved on to a much deeper level, people have put aside their differences with one another, and many people have discovered hidden depths in people they thought they knew well. Even in death, Bruce and Daryl are making a difference.

I’ve said my goodbyes to their earthly bodies, but I know they are still here in spirit. Somehow life has to go on now.

[Loosebrucesfamily]

Could anybody help with an address for Darryls parents. PM me or phone Dave at Waikato Yamaha. 07 8505044. Cheers.

Hi this is loosebruces mum, I'm only just getting around to getting through all of this amazing thread and saw your request for Contact details for Daryls Family. I have his mothers details as follows, hope this helps if no one else has replied to you.

I'm not sure but thinks shes in NZ till after Xmas.

Take Care

EDIT: Contact details removed. PM Riff Raff for details

[mstriumph]

thanks for that -------just a thought

we generally DON'T post people's private contact details on here as its very public

could you perhaps edit the actual details out of your post and just ask people to PM [private message] you for them?

you can then send them to those that want them without making them visible on this thread?

marion

and i'm truly sorry for your loss

[magnum]

so sad,condolences to family and freinds,top blokes,rip.my next burnout will be for you

[The Stranger]

Several of the bikes at LB's and Darryl's funerals had stickers on the wind screens as a tribute to the guys. Can anyone tell me please either where I may procure some or whom to contact about obtaing some please.

[crashe]

Several of the bikes at LB's and Darryl's funerals had stickers on the wind screens as a tribute to the guys. Can anyone tell me please either where I may procure some or whom to contact about obtaing some please.

White Trash had them made up to go on his (WT), Death_Inc, Draco and Riff Raff's etc bikes.

They were brilliant WT.

[texmo]

Pm Mstrs......

[Madmax]

Originally Posted by Madmax
when they fixed your hands did
they use pins or what
I have had the whole proximal? row
removed from one hand
(one hand is shorter than the other)
do not ride as hard out now
(was my gas hand)
had a shit lode off time off work
(3 years) wound up looking at
machine code !!!!! still at it
may visit some time soon


They used what they call K-wire, look like pins though. Dont think i was worse than your effort though (give me time and i may match it) my hand is lot better now, only the have just found out the TL dropped it's guts again on the front cylinder, not a happy chappy at the mo, as my NSR is still a month and a half away, so no bike for me for some time.
Once both are fixed chances are i'll sell em work my arse off then buy a GSXR1000 K5 in 4/5 months.

Pretty sure i saw ya cruising past St Lukes the other day, black is the only color to9 get a ZX10R in i reckon, looks fucken hot.

Will have to catch up for sure, next SBK race is quite some time away.

thought some may like this
i am going to be off line due to illness for a bit so red rep me any time you feel like
but miss the wheele comps and wont be doing that for a while
so im told by the docs:love:

[Madmax]

I still have some of these pins just if some one whants one:love:

[Loosebrucesfamily]

We know that some of you are hurting just as much as we loosebruces family are. I would like to share with you a poem we have recently been given. Although we have now read it many times with tears streaming down our faces the more we read it the more comfort we get. Hopefully it can help others as well.


Death is nothing at all. I have
only slipped away into the next
room. I am I, you are you. Whatever
we were to each other, that we still are.
Call me by my old familiar name, speak
to me in the easy way which you always
used. Put no difference in your tone, wear
no forced air of solemnity or sorrow. Laugh as we always laughed at the little jokes we enjoyed together. Pray, smile, think of me, pray for me. Let my name be ever the household word that it always was, let it be spoken without effect, without the trace of shadow on it. Life means all that it ever meant. It is the same as it ever was; there is unbroken
continuity. Why should I be out of
mind because I am out of sight ? I am
waiting for you, for an interval, some-
-where very near, just around the corner.
All is well


Henry Scott Holland
1847 - 1918
Cannon St Paul’s Cathedral

[Joni]

This lovely letter was sent to KB via email from DSS3's Mum and family... :sunny:

1 January 2007

Dear members of KB

Greetings from the Gold Coast........Now I know I am a blonde female, but I just cannot manage to find my way around the web site to write a message to you all.

I am Daryl Smiths mum andI want to say a HUGE thankyou to you all for your kind thoughts and messages that I have only just felt up to reading. I am extremely humbled by your presence at Daryls funeral. He will always be a very special person to one very proud mother.

When Daryl bought his first bike, I don't know who was more excited, him or myself! In my younger days I enjoyed the freedom on my bike, so naturally envied Daryl his new toy. Over the next few years I watched with some trepidation, and listened in awe to his stories. When he first joined up with you all he was so happy to be warmly welcomed into your fold. To keep up with what was happening, I joined KB so that I could chat to Daryl about things that he loved doing.

When I lived for a short time in Taupo, Daryl, Bruce and a few others took advantage of the opportunity to utilise some warm (yep, even for Taupo!) accommodation with a mum who was only too happy to provide a hot roast and a fridge of varying flavours of coldies. Those times are treasured memories for me now.

The first time I went to the Taupo track to watch Daryl strut his stuff (me wagging from work of course) I had the privilege of meeting Frostie. I sauntered over to thank him for my afternoons entertainment and said how much I had enjoyed being part of the track day. As if on cue, along came kid wonder up on one wheel, showing off for mum. Frostie, I will never forget the look on your face when I told you he was my son, not my boyfriend!!!

Over the last couple of years Daryl and I have had more than our fair share of rotten times, but through it all we remained best mates. It is so hard for me to believe that he is no longer with us. We had both turned major corners in our lives and were heading towards being happier.

You are all so right when you said that Daryl would have loved the turnout of all the bikes at his farewell. It was soooo moving. After you had all revved your bikes, I half expected him to come zooming in up on one wheel doing a stoppied we would have all could have only gawped at. But it didn't happen that way.......:-(((.

A quiet, humble person, Daryl has been a good friend to many of you, and I have been privileged to have met some of you when I went to the track. I just wish the circumstances could have been better for meeting.
Words cannot express my grateful thanks to Bret for all the effort he put in to organise you all on the day, and also to the unrelenting support he, Paula, Rob and Margot have given me. It brings tears rolling down my face, thank goodness this isn't a seeing eye message - the look ain't pretty.

On the message page I noted that there are many thanks for allowing you to be at Daryls funeral. Well thats right back at you.........the day was made so memorable by your attendance.

Also, zapf, I note that you have some photos.....I would love to have a copy. My email address is dalepsmith@optusnet.com.au If any others have photos or stories you would like to share with me, please feel free to contact me too. (Just put Daryl in the subject, then I won't be tempted to delete.....)

In closing, just another HUGE THANKYOU for being such wonderful people, Daryl couldn't have chosen a better bunch of buddies.

cheers
dale smith

[chanceyy]

thanks for posting it Joni ...












tears in eyes again ....


stay safe everyone !!!!!!

[Scorpygirl]

I have tears in my eyes too!! Thanks Joni for posting this. Love to Daryl's Mum!!! :love:

[crashe]

Thanks for posting up DSS3 (Daryl) mum's letter to us.

(more tears here as well)




Take care and lets all ride safe out there on the roads.
:scooter: :scooter: :scooter: :scooter: :scooter:

[Big Dog]

make that four, big lump in throat too.

[Meekey_Mouse]

Thanks for posting it Joni... tears here too.

Ride safely every one

[gijoe1313]

Thanks again for allowing us to be there ... and brings a tear and a lump ... I have some photos on my camera and I'll process them now, couldn't bear to do them until some time had passed. I will email you a direct copy and put some of them up here...

[Nicksta]

thanks Joni... was lovely to read.....
Daryl's day was touching and heart warming.....

[Zapf]

thanks for the letter. Photos will be sent as soon as I get back to my work PC.

[Eyetie]

MATHIE

Bruce Thomas. 28 November, 1981 - 2 December 2006. You went the way you lived, doing what you loved doing and at a time in your life when you were so extremely happy. You achieved more and touched so many people in your short lifetime than many would do in 90 years. Our hearts are broken, but we know you didn't suffer and are now in good hands. We will always love you and are very proud to be your parents. 'Ride free our darling' Steve and Peggy, Jenie and Rhys, Hunter, Nicki and our family would like to express our most sincere heartfelt thanks to everyone for the love and support given on the sudden loss of their beloved son, brother, father, partner, grandson, nephew, cousin and friend. The many, many, cards, letters, phone calls, texts, emails, floral tributes and support have been very touching and comforting. Our special thanks go to: Our immediate family and very close friends. Bev and Veen Smith. SDV Logistics Ltd - Ray, Dan and Sudeep. The Kiwi Bikers - far too many to name personally, but particularly those who were on the ride with Bruce and also for the incredible tribute thread on your website. Hell's Pizza. Gee & Hickton, Lower Hutt and Pellows, Hamilton. Twilight Rides. The Police, Fire Brigade and Ambulance services who attended the accident scene. As many addresses are unknown please accept this as our personal acknowledgement

[Joni]

Stunning Eyetie...
Thank you for that, being in Canterbury means I would not have that much visibility of this... so its lovely to read it.

Bruce Mathie - NEVER TO BE FORGOTTEN!!!!

:( :)

[crashe]

Eyetie - Thank you for putting that up.



LooseBruce (Bruce Mathie) you will never ever be forgotten.
2nd December 2006 was a very sad day for a lot of us on KB......

DSS3 (Daryl Smith) You also will never ever be be forgotten.

Two good mates at a young age, taken from your family and very close friends and from your KB family as well.

You both live on in our hearts........ and your spirits are there with us.... as we ride........ looking and watching over us.


UncleB (Bruce) 3rd December 2006.

You 3 boys rest in peace.........


For anyone wanting to see the link, here it is:
http://classifieds.nzherald.co.nz/linead.cfm?pillar=12&subpillar=95&adid=5078129001

[Scorpygirl]

I saw this in the NZ Herald today and it moved me to tears once again. Lovely words from a grieving family!! RIP Bruce.

[Expert]

Man what a shock!
Seems like only yesterday I was getting discount pizzas off bruce in hell pizza ellerslie and blathering on about bikes while we waited.
What a great bloke, my condolences to all for loosing a good mate.
I didn't know darryl but if he was mates with bruce i'm sure he was a top bloke!

[Nicksta]

thank you for posting the Acknowledgement Ray.....
I really appreciate the amazing support KB and everyone has been to everyone involved.... I sat watching the Stuntskills DVD tonight and was so happy to be a part of such an awesome community of people.... the tributes have been so heart warming to read... and the PM's have been wonderful, like you guys know when i'm having a tough day, there's heart warming PM's waiting for me... thank you all...

[Scorpygirl]

thank you for posting the Acknowledgement Ray.....
I really appreciate the amazing support KB and everyone has been to everyone involved.... I sat watching the Stuntskills DVD tonight and was so happy to be a part of such an awesome community of people.... the tributes have been so heart warming to read... and the PM's have been wonderful, like you guys know when i'm having a tough day, there's heart warming PM's waiting for me... thank you all...

Great big hugs to you Nicki!!! Take care! :love: :hug:

[dale smith]

:weep: Hi there - have watched the very same DVD... and you are right. It is refreshing to know that both chaps were part of an organisation full of sensitive, caring people. The loss not only to myself, but also to those extended family and friends, is just huge. I still cannot imagine life without my very precious, special, wonderful son. Thanks for welcoming him into your large 'community'. The times I spent watching you all are even more memorable now...............Dale Smith

[Nicksta]

Thank You Dale,
and welcome to KB... the track will not be the same for me without Daryl (and Bruce) in the camp, making fun of each other and clowning around (and kicking ass in F1!)....
thank you for joining and posting.... my thoughts are with you and Daryl's family too... take care
Nicki

[GIXser]

Thank You Dale,
and welcome to KB... the track will not be the same for me without Daryl (and Bruce) in the camp, making fun of each other and clowning around (and kicking ass in F1!)....
thank you for joining and posting.... my thoughts are with you and Daryl's family too... take care
Nicki


youre right Nik, Bruce in my eyes will never be forgotten, he was the chap that introduced me to trackdays and stunts etc, as of late its hit me a lot more at times when i think about him, i didnt know darryl as much but i hear he was a champ as well..

in my mind they live on

[dale smith]

How refreshing it is to see that someone has actually noticed how to spell Daryls name!!!! He was always so emphatic that it was "Daryl with ONE R"!!!!
He used to get annoyed when it wa spelt differently.....silly when I think about it now... wouldn't care how people spelt it if only he was here. I know what you mean when you say about he and Bruce clowning around - actuallly had the privilege if witnessing it a few times in Taupo, not only at the track but also at my house when they graced me with their presence. Ride hard girl, but ride safe - we definitely don't need any more mishaps. Love to you all at KB......Dale

[LXS]

RIP guys, usted ambos vivió vida = you both lived life

You both will be sorely missed.


Alex.

[Nicksta]

How refreshing it is to see that someone has actually noticed how to spell Daryls name!!!! He was always so emphatic that it was "Daryl with ONE R"!!!!
He used to get annoyed when it wa spelt differently.....silly when I think about it now... wouldn't care how people spelt it if only he was here. I know what you mean when you say about he and Bruce clowning around - actuallly had the privilege if witnessing it a few times in Taupo, not only at the track but also at my house when they graced me with their presence. Ride hard girl, but ride safe - we definitely don't need any more mishaps. Love to you all at KB......Dale
Thanks Dale, even though I miss Bruce dearly... and our track days with Daryl, i'm not intending on joining them any earlier than what fate has decided.... Bruce has tought me a lot about riding and safety....
he often reminisced about coming and staying with you too! I know how you feel about the spelling... i think about silly little things too and what i would give to still have Bruce and Daryl with us... they are with us now in our hearts, memories, stories and on the back when we ride, looking out for us....

[dale smith]

Major faux pas....obviously a little more out of it than I thought...my email address is dalepsmith2@optusnet.com.au [/COLOR]feel free to email me direct at any time.....sorreeee

[dale smith]

Hi there biking people...I notice that there is a track day in Taupo on 5th February.....This is Daryls birthday.....I would love it if you could make if it a brilliant day in his memory....I know he will be there looking out for you all. Smile as you go around one of the corners. It is the one that as you leave the start, it is the second left hand corner... I have scattered part of his ashes on that corner so that he will be there watching you hang out at great speeds. Andrew S told me that this was the corner that he had to watch out for Daryl on, so it seemed appropriate for Daryl to rest there. Plus he gets a good look out over the whole track from there too.
Wish I was there to watch you all..... Daryl will always be at Taupo race days......

[crashe]

Dale - I know what you mean about the spelling of Daryl's name.

It frustrates the hell out of me, when people can not pronounce my daughters name correctly and spell it write. They say her name wrong, and I have to repeat it the correct way back to them...... so many times, and yet the same people have been told over and over. They will read it in their heads and then go and pronounce it wrong..... Like what !

So I understand where both Daryl and yourself are coming from on this issue.

Like how hard is it to say Kristy........ How do they get Kirsty, Christine and other weird names !


Dale, take care.





RIP Bruce, Daryl and Bruce.
Forever with us in our memories.
2nd Dec and also 3rd Dec 2006

[cowpoos]

Hi there biking people...I notice that there is a track day in Taupo on 2nd February.....This is Daryls birthday.....I would love it if you could make if it a brilliant day in his memory....I know he will be there looking out for you all. Smile as you go around one of the corners. It is the one that as you leave the start, it is the second left hand corner... I have scattered part of his ashes on that corner so that he will be there watching you hang out at great speeds. Andrew S told me that this was the corner that he had to watch out for Daryl on, so it seemed appropriate for Daryl to rest there. Plus he gets a good look out over the whole track from there too.
Wish I was there to watch you all..... Daryl will always be at Taupo race days......
Hi dale...how you been lov xxx...I'll be there...and I'll have an arm band on for the boys...and hopefully they'll be there watchin over us making it a good/safe day

[Keystone19]

I'll be there Dale...

[Scorpygirl]

Unfortunately Rhino and I won't be there. However it's Rhino's birthday on the 2nd Feb too. So we will raise a glass for Daryl too. Incidently (freaky or not) I have always spelt his name correctly even though I had never seen it spelt the correct way. MMMMMMMMM!! Then again people often spell my name wrong too.

Take care on the track everyone.

Love and God Bless you Dale.

[Nicksta]

Hi there biking people...I notice that there is a track day in Taupo on 2nd February.....This is Daryls birthday.....I would love it if you could make if it a brilliant day in his memory....I know he will be there looking out for you all. Smile as you go around one of the corners. It is the one that as you leave the start, it is the second left hand corner... I have scattered part of his ashes on that corner so that he will be there watching you hang out at great speeds. Andrew S told me that this was the corner that he had to watch out for Daryl on, so it seemed appropriate for Daryl to rest there. Plus he gets a good look out over the whole track from there too.
Wish I was there to watch you all..... Daryl will always be at Taupo race days......
Hi Dale,
I will be there too.. hopefully i'll talk to the organisers and see if we can do a bit of a lap for Daryl at lunch... i know MotoTT loved both Daryl and Bruce going to all their days... Bruce used to get asked where they were if they didnt attend.... bet they both will be at every one now for us!!

[dale smith]

Yeah, see, I just knew you were all luverlee folks!!! Nic perhaps we will meet at the placing of the cross for the boys at Easter. I plan to come back for that, it is toooo special to disregard. Thankyou all for remembering my boy.....
Just on a deep and meaningful note, I know we would all like for the boys to be here with us, but then they possibly would like it if we were somewhere with them too. They have the advantage - we will go where they are sooner or later, lets hope they are ready for us..... Cheers, D

[Nicksta]

I bet they are ready for us Dale.....
the track will be smooth, bikes prepped.. Hells Pizza's hot and the DB's cold....
and the weather, perfect.....

[Loosebrucesfamily]

Daryl and Bruce's familes and friends will be placing a doublecross (designed jointly between Steve Mathie and Dale Smith) at the accident site for the two boys over Easter. Anyone wanting more details please feel free to PM us.

[krash69]

i never met the boys ......

but i have bean watching and reading this tread ever since it started....

and the idea of a double cross sounds brillent

[dale smith]

Ooops, nutha blunder......Daryls birthday is 5th February, NOT 2nd like I put previously. One day I'll learn to get things right first time....(but I'm not holding out too much hope at this point) Perhaps it would help if I left the bouron alone heh heh heh

[Riff Raff]

Getting things right first time is seriously overrated!

Just went and checked my bike to make sure I had the right date on the tribute to Daryl - phew!

[kbr]

any biker lost is a tragedy but when it is people you know and have ridden with at the track then the loss hits home so much harder.... like all others who have written here my thoughts are still with the families if these guys.... i hope you can begin to make some sense of your lives without them.... :bye:

[dale smith]

Well I always made sense of my life - nonsense. But I hear you loud and clear. The is a big void in my life that will never be filled by that special person in life but will always be there in memories. For his birthday I let 27 blue/silver helium balloons go (be it right under the flight path of the Coolangatta airport - shuks), had a bourbon or tooooo many, played the chilli peppers and gave him a good talking to. Can't understand why the neighbours thought I was schizo....
See some of you at easter, till then ride safe, be happy, and keep in touch.
Cheers, Dale:

[inlinefour]

After a head on collision on SH25 near Whangamata on Saturday, loosebruce (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/member.php?u=1138) and dss3 (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/member.php?u=574) have lost their lives.


Our thoughts go out to the family and friends of these two well known Kiwi Biker riders.

New Zealand Herald article. (http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/story.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10413562)

<div align="center"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" style="border-collapse: collapse" width="80%" id="table1"><tr><td align="center">47392<br />loosebruce<br />(Bruce Mathie)</td><td align="center">47399<br />dss3<br />(Darryl Smith)</td></tr></table></div><br /><br />

Pity so many had an accident, died, lived with perminent injury. I consider myself lucky. R.I.P lads...:mellow:

[skidMark]

Pity so many had an accident, died, lived with perminent injury. I consider myself lucky. R.I.P lads...:mellow:


good thing is your still alive inline even if not in the way it used to be

stay strong mate

[Matt Bleck]

I just wanted to share a couple of desktops I made from pic's on KB.

[BarBender]

I just wanted to share a couple of desktops I made from pic's on KB.

Nice one mate.

[Joni]

Strange how you miss people so much more some days than others. The ups and downs eh?
:bye:

[MSTRS]

Indeed, Joni. Not forgotten.

[Deano]

I was showing a friend the Scared Sheep Squadron dvd on Saturday and on seeing both guys, explained to my mate that they were sadly no longer with us.

[onearmedbandit]

Although I only knew Bruce from pm's and talking on here, I'm reminded of him when I look at the rear disc on my bike as I bought it off of him about a week before the accident. Still got the box under my desk at work.

[Crasherfromwayback]

Strange how you miss people so much more some days than others. The ups and downs eh?
:bye:


Indeed, Joni. Not forgotten.


I was showing a friend the Scared Sheep Squadron dvd on Saturday and on seeing both guys, explained to my mate that they were sadly no longer with us.

Just an idea Guys and Gals.....a few years ago now, a good friend of mine passed away in nasty circumstances. We (his close friends) contacted our local Council and had them build and install a memorial seat complete with plaque, on the side of Mt Vic here in Wellington.

We go up there from time to time and have a drink to his memory.

It's not expensive, and it's a great way to remember a lost friend.

I can see his seat from the lounge in my apartment, and it gets used all the time. It gives me a great feeling to know that most people that sit there, will read the plaque and wonder who this guy was!

Would anyone be keen to sort out such a seat for the KB'ers missing in action?

I know who to contact now.....so it wouldn't take long to sort?

Pete

[kiwifruit]

i think of Bruce daily, lots of things remind me of him.... not least of which is my track bike, ive left the lowers off, LB style :)

[The Stranger]

i think of Bruce daily, lots of things remind me of him.... not least of which is my track bike, ive left the lowers off, LB style :)

I too think of both guys daily, I bought 66 off of LB.
I consider it an honour to own and take care of that bike.

[saul]

I just wanted to share a couple of desktops I made from pic's on KB.

Nice one Paul.

Very poignant to look into those depths.

Warm regards

[SixPackBack]

I too think of both guys daily, I bought 66 off of LB.
I consider it an honour to own and take care of that bike.

To true. The bike contains something money cannot buy.

[Nicksta]

thanks guys and gal... its really nice to know i'm not the only one still missing the boys.... just as Joni says to me all the time... gone but never forgotten...
thanks again...

[crashe]

thanks guys and gal... its really nice to know i'm not the only one still missing the boys.... just as Joni says to me all the time... gone but never forgotten...
thanks again...

Nicki - The boys will never be forgotten, as long as there are riders out there riding, they (the fallen riders) are riding with us.

Flyin - Sam - 1st May 2005
OldFart - Bruce - 14 Aug 2005
korowetere - Scott - 5th Jan 2006
LooseBruce - Bruce - 2nd Dec 2006
DSS3 - Daryl - 2nd Dec 2006
UncleB - Bruce - 3rd Dec 2006

[dale smith]

I just wanted to share a couple of desktops I made from pic's on KB.

Makes me green with envy the way you folks can get technology to do wonderfule things like these photos. Thankyou so much for sharing your talents with all of us...I know that both of us families will treasure these pics. I close my eyes some days and can see Daryl right there, looking down on us all. I just wish I could reach out and touch him, hug him, tell him how much I miss him.....So in the meantime all I have now are wonderful memories and some superb photos. Thankyou, thankyou, thankyou, sooooo much. One day I'll return the 'favour' by showing you all some photos of DSS3 when he was on a motorbike when he was a little whippersnapper..... C some of you at easter. D

[Matt Bleck]

Makes me green with envy the way you folks can get technology to do wonderfule things like these photos. Thankyou so much for sharing your talents with all of us...I know that both of us families will treasure these pics. I close my eyes some days and can see Daryl right there, looking down on us all. I just wish I could reach out and touch him, hug him, tell him how much I miss him.....So in the meantime all I have now are wonderful memories and some superb photos. Thankyou, thankyou, thankyou, sooooo much. One day I'll return the 'favour' by showing you all some photos of DSS3 when he was on a motorbike when he was a little whippersnapper..... C some of you at easter. D


You are more than welcome.

[Loosebrucesfamily]

Dale you said it all. A huge thank you to all involved in this website, for the amazing photos and tributes. As Dale said it means so much to both our families. I personally have not only printed out every single page of this thread and believe you me thats one hell of a lot of pages but I have also downloaded and printed every photo as well. It means so much to be able to save copies of all this to put away not only for us but for Bruces wee son Hunter. Hes still too little to really understand but we will make sure that he grows up knowing just what awesome guys his daddy and Uncle Daryl were. He loves watching DVD's of Bruce and Daryl racing and at all the amazing photos.

[RT527]

Hi all ....I travel the road a lot in The Truck I drive and Managed to get a shot .....This was Taken From the Vehicle While I was going Slow...I Know bad boy for doing it , but it was quiet and I was going slow....

It was the Sunflowers that Brought a tear to my Eye....And I didnt even Know them...

[dale smith]

Thanks for sharing this peaceful picture with us.......hard to believe that it has such tragic significance for may of us. I believe that it may have been Daryls flatmates and Jeni who were responsible for the sunflowers....a really nice gesture from very sincere people. Hope to see many of you at the same spot at Easter....... ;-)))

[hurricane_r]

i didnt know either riders, my deepest condolences to both family's ,

[Lou Girardin]

6 dead in 18 months!!!!!!!.

Does this give anyone pause for thought?

[Rossi Gal]

I just wanted to share a couple of desktops I made from pic's on KB.

Thank you so much for sharing, it seems as though there can never be enough pic's of the boys.


thanks guys and gal... its really nice to know i'm not the only one still missing the boys.... just as Joni says to me all the time... gone but never forgotten...
thanks again...
i dont think you'll ever be alone in that darl. these are two people who could never be forgotten.

Makes me green with envy the way you folks can get technology to do wonderfule things like these photos. Thankyou so much for sharing your talents with all of us...I know that both of us families will treasure these pics. I close my eyes some days and can see Daryl right there, looking down on us all. I just wish I could reach out and touch him, hug him, tell him how much I miss him.....So in the meantime all I have now are wonderful memories and some superb photos. Thankyou, thankyou, thankyou, sooooo much. One day I'll return the 'favour' by showing you all some photos of DSS3 when he was on a motorbike when he was a little whippersnapper..... C some of you at easter. D
you have already returned the favor ten fold Dale, by just having such a wonderful son to share with the world.

[The Stranger]

6 dead in 18 months!!!!!!!.

Does this give anyone pause for thought?

Yes and No.

I give up my time to train riders in the hope that I can help people enjoy something that has given me so much enjoyment. I also hope that one day maybe something we teach will help save a life, then my time would not be wasted.

Probably not the ideal thread for what I am about to say, but I hope no offence is taken.

That said, as I have said before, I would rather live than be alive. I don't go out to kill myself but if living kills me so beit - we all die.

[RT527]

What I found truly amazing about the picture I took that day was it had rained on top of the hill and all the way up to where I took the picture , But at that location there was no rain , just the sun shining and the two sunflowers....obviously doing their job........

[dale smith]

What you say is something that has been on my mind for the last couple of months. I have been wondering what contribution I could make to the biking fraternity in memory of Daryl. One thing that is dear to my heart is to sponsor a meeting where riders can learn and practise safe riding. Ideally I would like it to be held in Taupo (my home town and also a venue of a lot of joy and happiness to both boys), but I need some guidance here. Can you or anyone help me arrange something? I thought that it could take the format of my paying the fees to hire the track for say a couple of weekends/days or something so that someone could share their knowledge with other riders.... any ideas folks? All suggestions gratefully received....Cheers, Dale

[dale smith]

Nice looking set of wheels you've got there chap. I guess it doesn't matter too much that you didn't know either of the boys....what matters most is that you are aware and care. If we all can learn one thing from both Daryl and Bruce is the value of true friendship and loyalty, plus that you biking people are a very close and supportive network. I don't know all of the people who have shared their feelings, photos and support, but I draw a lot of strength from you all.....and realise that we have all been blessed to have known or known of both of these comical yet serious riders. Ride safe, ride well..... Dale

[Kendog]

What you say is something that has been on my mind for the last couple of months. I have been wondering what contribution I could make to the biking fraternity in memory of Daryl. One thing that is dear to my heart is to sponsor a meeting where riders can learn and practise safe riding. Ideally I would like it to be held in Taupo (my home town and also a venue of a lot of joy and happiness to both boys), but I need some guidance here. Can you or anyone help me arrange something? I thought that it could take the format of my paying the fees to hire the track for say a couple of weekends/days or something so that someone could share their knowledge with other riders.... any ideas folks? All suggestions gratefully received....Cheers, Dale

I never met either of the guys but my deepest condolences go out to family and friends.

Dale, this is a truly wonderful offer and I am sure you will get all the support, advice and assistance needed to make it happen.

[aff-man]

Still think of the boys daily, especially when I hoist the front.

[Nicksta]

we will help you with your idea Dale.. i'll email you tomorrow.....
its a wonderful idea.. and taupo is perfect, the boys loved that track and its great for coaching/learning on.

[scumdog]

Sad deathes - sadder ferk-up.

[HDTboy]

MotoRacer and I are both keen to help out where we can

[Big Dan]

Hi All

This is the first post i have done on this site. I've known Bruce(Loosebruce) for approx 7 Years and had the most honoured privalege(spelt wrong i know) to work with him for 70% of the time. I was at work the day of the Tragic accident when i was expecting i'm to walk thru the door with a big grin on his face and followed by a great storie about his ride that day.Every tale of his antics were told down to the every detial as Bruce always did. But this time was different a follow worker and KBer sori if i got this wrong its either Texmo or Dexmo anyway back to the topic. I get his call about 5:45pm breaking the news i've been dredding to hear for the past few years after seeing him after his prior crashes. Upon hearing this i realised my life had changed for a huge piece had gone.

Bruce more than just a friend to me he became family to the point i felt closer to him than my own brother. In the few months before he left us i got the chance to work with him again after a couple years working somewhere else and in hindsight i wished i had treasured those times more. I could share so many stories of this great man but i'd be here all year there are so many, but there is one i'd like to share.

I was flatting with him and we were all bored and wanted to do something but didnt know what, till bruce said lets see how many golf balls we can get from the driving range. Those who know bruce know there has to be a dodgey part to a night to gain access to the range you have to run accross a raceway and climb a 8 foot corrogated iron fence which the whole group jump over the fence and i was still at the top and jumped off the top and catching the fence under my nose and at first i thought it was just a blood nose and called out to bruce "bro i got a blood nose" bruce replied "shake it off you'll be right" so i pinched my nose to stop it bleeding then said " its more than a blood nose " and he said "yeah your nose is f#*@ed bro better go to the hospital"
that was the end of my night. Once i was admitted to hospital to have plastic surgery they continued on in tribute(irony i know) and managed to grabbed a few thousand balls for his efforts.

Anyway this wasn't meant to be this long but i could be writing for days about him

I want to extend a HUGE thanks to all the kind words i've just sat down and read for the last 3 hours Bruce will always be in my heart and NEVER be forgotten Take care buddy and Till we meet again Miss you and Love you bro

Burp Burp

Dan

[bugjuice]

Still think of the boys daily, especially when I hoist the front.
ditto


MotoRacer and I are both keen to help out where we can
n ditto

[cowpoos]

I want to extend a HUGE thanks to all the kind words i've just sat down and read for the last 3 hours Bruce will always be in my heart and NEVER be forgotten Take care buddy and Till we meet again Miss you and Love you bro

Burp Burp

Dan

Cool storie dude!!...and welcome to the site!!

[Scorpygirl]

Awesome write up Big Dan. A real tribute to LB!!!

[kiwi2000]

I have never heard of Bruce and Darryl but rest in piece u guys and my deepest sympathy goes out to your families and friends.

[Big Dan]

Cool storie dude!!...and welcome to the site!!

Thanks and i have so many and i'm thinking of wirting a book of his life and get stories from all that knew him and publish it

I don't have a bike myself but felt compelled to join the site to meet ppl that he had touched i didn't know Daryl but heard of him due to the fact Bruce wouldn't shut up about him but who would ever stop bruce from saying anything

[Nicksta]

lol... welcome Dan.... yeah, i got that story about your nose about twice or three times from Bruce... he really cared about you dude...
the boys live on in our memories and stories.... take care dude.

[Big Dan]

yeah they sure do how would ya feel about catching up sometime its been awhile

[Loosebrucesfamily]

" its more than a blood nose " and he said "yeah your nose is f#*@ed bro better go to the hospital"
that was the end of my night. Once i was admitted to hospital to have plastic surgery they continued on in tribute(irony i know) and managed to grabbed a few thousand balls for his efforts.

Ha ha Big Dan, I well remember the way Bru's eyes twinkled when he regaled this story to me. (Glad that the nose recovered). Although he was flatting with you guys for some reason Steve kept finding bags and buckets of golf balls stashed all over the place and never could figure out where they all came from especially when none of us are golfers.

Steve says he now has to figure out what to do with all the Road signs he also had stashed here!!! Any Ideas????

Thanks for all the ongoing love and support you have given our family over these last few months. You are like family to us to.
Luv ya mate - Peggy & Steve

[crashe]

Steve says he now has to figure out what to do with all the Road signs he also had stashed here!!! Any Ideas????

Peggy, maybe get Steve to do a rekkie late at night and leave all those 'signs' outside the council building..... that way they will find their way home to the street that they belonged in..... :rofl:

Or leave them all, beside the road works nearest to where you live... again another late night rekkie.

Bruce would be smiling at Steve doing that.




As to the golfballs....... get a youngster in the family to stand there and sell the balls back to the golfers...... for a $1 a ball.
Spend that profit on something for Hunter.....

[Big Dan]

As to the golfballs....... get a youngster in the family to stand there and sell the balls back to the golfers...... for a $1 a ball.
Spend that profit on something for Hunter.....[/QUOTE]

could work but if they are the balls we grabbed then its a bad thing cause they all say range on them and you could get a few strange glares of where and how they were got

[p0zzum]

Hi there everyone

I am Pam, Bruces cousin. I check in on this thread almost daily as I still think about him all the time. He has left a huge gap in my heart. It really blows me away as to how many people he touched. Gees I could tell you a few stories... but I wouldn't know which one to start with. I guess I will see a few of you at Easter, I'm sure it will be a very special but emotional day.

Thanks for keeping this thread going so that families and friends can remember these 2 great guys.

Pam

[APPLE]

my condolences to there families,didnt know them but i hope that they have peace now......R.I.P

[sisterecho]

This is also my first post on KB.

I am a friend of Daryl's and I miss him terribly.

I never met Bruce but like everyone says, they spoke of each other often so I felt like I knew him well.

Daryl was the most loyal, caring, thoughtful, funny, generous person I've ever met...
and he was pretty easy on the eye too! :yes:

He touched my heart and changed my life. I will always treasure the short time we had.

[750Y]

I too think of both guys daily, I bought 66 off of LB.
I consider it an honour to own and take care of that bike.

i also had some enjoyment on that bike. i remember one kb ride round the loop, Bruce & I swapped bikes & i was left with his 250 to ride from whitianga to kopu. that thing was hobbled & cobbled together, had half the fairings missing & needed to be crash-started to get going. it was pretty amusing & i enjoyed riding it. anyway when i met him up at kopu to swap back, the huge grin on his face said it all. he was bubbling over with excitement about the ride he'd had on it, how much fun it had been. he excitedly gave me a rundown of the highlights. he was really happy. always a man of respect(a credit to his parents..probably) he had filled it up with gas. later that avo he arrived at my place with his muffler in his lap, he was laughing about how he went past the cops making a huge racket. i gave him the thou again & let him get going into town cos he was running late to get ready for work.
i remember he said to me later his mate said jokingly to him "Bro!(bruce also used that word a LOT) who gave YOU that thou??" as if they(me) must be nuts to trust him with it. It never entered my mind, Bruce was someone that earnt respect & trust easily because he showed it to others.
don't know why i came back on here to talk about that but anyway..
peace

[spudchucka]

Daryl was the most loyal, caring, thoughtful, funny, generous person I've ever met...
and he was pretty easy on the eye too! :yes:

He touched my heart and changed my life. I will always treasure the short time we had.

My wife couldn't believe that he was still single! I guess she thought that he was pretty easy on the eye too?

He made an impression on our family too, even my four year old daughter misses them both and asks us why we don't see them any more.

[Big Dan]

Hello All

Refering to the post i did the other day about writing a book about bruce i've decided to go ahead with this and have LooseBruce's parents blessing and this weekend i'm going to start work on this there are 3 main reasons for writing this book

1. For Hunter(his son) to have and read and see what a great man his daddy was/is
2. For all that would like to relive the great times and see behind the man
3. As my tribute to LB

I can just hear LB as i write this up saying (yeah i'm cool, they writing a book about me)

Anyone that has stories photos about him pm me and i'll msg back e-mail address

Take care all and safe riding and look forward to hearing from you

My Aim is to have the book completed by dec 2

[HDTboy]

I stopped at the crash site today. It's the first time I've been able to since Bruce and Daryl died. Such an awesome piece of road, such awesome mates. From the point I turned onto that road, I fell into the groove, new bike and broken collarbone be damned. Thanks guys

[kiwifruit]

Visited the crash site today on my way back from Ferry Landing.
Was the first time ive been up that way since it happened. Very emotional.

We stopped for a few quiet minutes.
I hope its ok i took a few photos which i've attached
R.I.P boys

[Big Dan]

the photos are all good Jenie(Bruce's sister) and i went there a month or two ago and put the flowers there it was my first time and found it peaceful and comforting to understand more how it happened

[dale smith]

I couldn't agree with you more about it being a peaceful spot. Of all the areas along that piece of road it is a beautiful area.....funny you should post this when you did, I was talking to Bruces folks yesterday about the memorial day and we were all saying the same. Looks like the memorial day will be veyr memorable, ?c u there? Come and introduce yourselves guys...I'll be in a much better place emotionally this time! And the flower is still bright! Jenie, I didn't realise you put an everlasting bloom there...very appropriate - the boys will be everlasting in our minds too.. Love you all, Dale

[HDTboy]

I'm glad to hear that you'll be in a better emotional place when we see you next Dale. Watching you speak at Daryl's funeral was the hardest thing I've ever seen.

See you in a couple of weeks,
Gavin

[skidMark]

i don't think i will be able to make it down easter weekend as i do not have a bike at the moment, but i'm going to try get a lift down, and when i get my next bike my first big ride will be down to there,

bruce was infact the person who really got me into riding when he met me in came a young lad into hell pizza on a little 50cc chinese monkeybike, which at the time i looked at my friend tristans zxr250 and dreamed of owning one one day but thoughti never really could, bruce somehow talked me into it and said cmon get yourself a 250 you will never look back it will give you great thrills,

so out i went and bought myself a zxr250a which was a model of bike he owned once upon a time.

and i was free, out on the open road , freedom for the first time in my life, i don't think i ever could have had that without bruce, and alot of the riding tips he gave me here and there have saved my life when i have come into a corner going way too quick,

he was a truely great man and there is not a single day that goes by that i do not miss him ,

he is in my thoughts often, i ride in his memory, R.I.P buddy, my wheelies are dedicated to you , may heaven be an endless windy road.

regards: Mark

[skidMark]

i went down to the site in september before i had to goto court...only just got the pics off my camera now...ive attached these...it's such a peaceful spot...i sat there blubbering for about an hour.....

oh and to whoever put the red things on the cross i like the custom green electrical tape holding it on... nice touch.

if anybody wants fullsize of any pictures let me know send me a PM with your email address :)

[The Stranger]

It was a very sad day in 2006. It still is my friends.
Love you long time guys.

[boomer]

It puts things into perspective doesn't it.


Thinking of ya Bruce


RIP both

[Swoop]

Said "Hi" to you both on Saturday.

Not forgotten.

[slimjim]

yes the lounge has never felt so empty..........i thank you for meeting you's both...

[Nicksta]

thank you guys... its nice to know they are remembered and i'm not the only one a little sad today, big hugs xx

[Titanium]

Yup thought about that day this morning when I woke up ... . . .

[ManDownUnder]

... +1

2 years already. Wow.

[Matt Bleck]

hard to believe it's 2 years already.....

[chanceyy]

... +1

2 years already. Wow.

+ 2 time flys but never forgotten

[saul]

Think of the lads often.

[Choco]

Sadly never knew the guys but always stop by when I'm going around the Corro.
Rest well guys.
Choco

[beyond]

Was a day that resulted in things we would rather forget but ended with the loss of two people we will never forget :(

[driftn]

Think of Bruce all the time and the mischiff we got up to. Man I could yarn away for hours on end but I wont. I will leave it at that.

R.I.P guys my thoughts are with you both.

[Kornholio]

Rode past there on Thursday night and said G'day

Never forgotten

[vtec]

Yeah, was a great loss. Bruce and Darryll were both an inspiration to me when I started racing. Also think about them regularly. The racing scene became a lot more hollow without them.

[wybmadiity]

LIKE AN EAGLE

Give me distant horizons
That know no bounds,
Cool wind on my face
In wilder surrounds.
A Bike, from which
Rhythmic thunder resounds,
Off cliffs that cascade
From the sky to the ground.

Give me freedom
That endless highways provide
With the power to lead
To where lone eagles glide
While on legendary wings
The Bike will fly
Me, to biker nirvana
Where the road meets the sky.

Roger Vagnarelli

Gone though never far away.
xo xo

[Trumpess]

Oh my gosh .... how awful!
Condolences to all concerned.

[SPman]

2 years!

Ye gods...........

[cowpoos]

Having beer for the boys right now!! well not that I'ld drink Dss3's double brown!! and errr...bruce would have a coke!!

but meh!! chin chin!!

[doc]

Had just got back from 1st Burt rally and intended to do the ride, but had, had enough by then. Remember the first report of "Biker down " on KB Coro ride. Detested those threads ever since, ended up visiting Finn than day dropping off "stolen" avocadoes. (His luverly lady liked them) He checked KB and thread was closed. One of those moments in life, you remember forever, sort of like "Where were you when Lady Dianna died" type occassions. Went to the unveiling feeling empty all day. Probably my saddest time on KB. This reminder makes me feel really sad for those that were on the ride.

[Kwaka-Kid]

....... :(

[Goblin]

Having beer for the boys right now!! well not that I'ld drink Dss3's double brown!! and errr...bruce would have a coke!!

but meh!! chin chin!!Yes...chin chin!

Gone but never forgotten.

:grouphug:

[Mrs Busa Pete]

Yes...chin chin!

Gone but never forgotten.

:grouphug:



Just what i was going to say.

good thing there is no internet access up there or you 2 would be giving us all shit.

[driftn]

Having beer for the boys right now!! well not that I'ld drink Dss3's double brown!! and errr...bruce would have a coke!!

but meh!! chin chin!!



AAHHH MEN TO THAT. I am about to crack another cold one and watch a few vids that we took with Bruces handy cam back in the day.

[Crasherfromwayback]

AAHHH MEN TO THAT. I am about to crack another cold one and watch a few vids that we took with Bruces handy cam back in the day.

When I've finally pulled finger and got Bruces seat sorted...I plan to drag a BBQ to the area so we can have a wee munch with a couple of cold ones!

[TOTO]

never had the chance to meet tho fellas, but me and Choco stop at the crosses when we doing the coro, to think about the Bruce and Daryl.

From all the stuff I have read about them the were great friends and sadly missed. wish I could have known them.

Rest in peace boyos.