Last Ride with Bruce

[James Deuce]

After an already emotionally trying day, the text I received from Dave was a surprise. No details, just a post about another accident, not loosebruce and dss3.

I returned to the in-laws, filled with dread. The post referred to in the text was closed and edited by the time I got to a computer. Then I saw the loosebruce - dss3 thread. I'd only met loosebruce briefly, but was impressed by his outgoing nature and sheer physical presence. I shared a few laughs with him through PMs and he provided some kind words when needed, just as I shared some sympathy when he buggered both hands at the same time. Well, not normal sympathy, more like, "How the hell are you going to wipe your arse man?" type sympathy. He wore the "Bruce" appellation the way it should be, with gusto, enthusiasm, and was a good bloke, as all Bruce's should be.

I didn't know dss3 the person, only the poster. Obviously a good bugger too.

RIP both of you.

By the time I'd digested that, as much as I didn't want to, the "Masterton Accident" thread was back up.

I quietly packed my bags, loaded them in the car, got my bike gear on and headed to the shed.

There I folded the pillion pegs down, dusted them off (they're only there for brothers and sisters in need), and invited Uncle Bruce on board.

As many Damsels in Distress and Dickheads in Dire Need can attest, Uncle Bruce has been a stalwart of the Kiwibiker Wellington scene since its inception. He enthusiastically embraced the Mentoring scheme and extended it to riders in need of some wisdom and personal help, not just newbies. A couple of PMs in August and September of last year (2005) got me out on a couple of very memorable rides with Bruce.

I channeled his smooth and economical style this afternoon, flowing like water between obstacles small and large, chasing the path of least resistance but greatest gain. Through roads and past landmarks familiar to many of us, remembering the gangly rider on the blinged out SV1000, The Black GSXR1000, his sparse but pointed wit, and his kind words for the unlucky and the just plain stupid.

Bruce's pace was deceptive, a gentleman in all senses, but one of those quietly competent people who drag you up to their level. Swaying, diving, and flowing through beautiful NZ greenery on back roads best mastered by people with their heads in gear, I could feel my friend urging me to control the bike smoothly, but not to fear the ride, the road, or the bike.

Bruce brought out the best in those around him. He gave freely of his time and himself. I never heard him say a bad word about anyone, rather pointing out that your own perspective may be in need of adjustment. He always thought before posting or speaking, and when he did either it was worth listening to or reading.

I stopped part way down the Southern side of the Rimutakas, on a corner known to the locals as "Jim's Corner". I never do that, but I think Bruce wanted to watch some traffic go by.

[Blondini]

What an awesome way to remember him.I am sure he was with you.The ones we love never ever leave us even in their death,Their spirit lives forever.My partner died nearly 5 years ago (bikes)And he still lets me know he is about in a way only he could.:love: Remember the good times......

[nudemetalz]

Nice post, Jim.

[NodMan]

Brilliant post Jim...I had not met this Bruce but obviously a true gentleman and good bloke
(thats the way to do it getting back out there and taking ya mate Bruce along)
He Will be riding shotgun with you and keep you going, I can attest to that!

[judecatmad]

Lovely post Jim. Your words speak your pain, as do the posts of so many others this weekend.

I wish all those feeling pain a smooth and speedy journey through to the other side.

[NZHog]

Great post Jim.

[madmal64]

Superb Post Jim2. Thanks for the effort in writing it. Brilliant

[sugilite]

Thank you for that Jim, beautiful words for a beautiful soul.

[SPman]

Well put Jim


I'm shell shocked........l.

[Krayy]

Nice stuff.....I sincerely hope no-one requires the use of your rear pegs for a long time to come :mellow:

[MSTRS]

Anyone that didn't know Bruce...they would after reading that. A fitting eulogy.

[slowpoke]

He wore the "Bruce" appellation the way it should be, with gusto, enthusiasm, and was a good bloke, as all Bruce's should be.



Jeezuz Jim2, you've always had a way with words but this post was....well yeah, I had to go for a walk anyways to clear my head...and my eyes.

I'm a fellow Bruce and I've always hated the moniker (fuggin parents and hence the nickname) but after this last weekend and hearing about these great guys I'll be standing just a bit taller when I reply to "What's your name?"

Well said bro.

[placidfemme]

Very touching post Jim... Thank you for sharing your view on a rider and friend that most of us only knew through KB and not in person.

[Bloody Mad Woman (BMW)]

From the little I know of Bruce you have captured him beautifully - it always flows when written from the heart. Thank you.

[dawnrazor]

bllody hell that was hard to read...good on ya...nice one

[Ms Piggy]

Thank you Jim - this is what I needed. xo

[ManDownUnder]

Pegs are down for a week, reserved for unseen guests

[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.

[hXc]

Good write up Jim. I can just imagine it, you and Bruce, riding together, with not a care in the world. Flowing through the corners, just as much as your writing.

Thanks mate.

[gijoe1313]

Very nice post - I wasn't going to ride today but on reading this I changed my mind, I went out today as part of my remembrance to these fallen bikers - folded down the pegs (and will remain so for this week) and took a relaxed ride out to Maraetai, just took my time and rode smoothly through the sections and enjoying it as much as I could, with thoughts of those who would ride with us no more (in person).

My classes today wondered why I was so sad, so I explained to them and we had good class discussions about why we do the things we do ... accidents do happen, good people do die, innocents suffer while appalling things go on around us, no rhyme or reason - it's just the way it is.

I was asked if I would stop riding, my reply? "You just keep on doing what you love doing most in life!"

So, I'll keep riding and appreciate how much biking has given to me ... and how the spirit of those who have ridden their last ride, is the same that gets me out there, on those two wheels of freedom :sleep:

[sels1]

I too went for a ride today, from the Kapiti Coast to Stokes Valley and back. Sort of like a pilgramage. The last time I rode with Bruce was over the Haywards Hill a couple of weeks ago, on a TCWNR. When we got to Mana, Bruce went back to check on a newbie, while we carried on. Turns out the newbie had broken down and Bruce went and got his trailer and took him home (as he so often did for people)- he txted me later to say he wont make it to the pub that night. That was the last time I saw him.
My pillion pegs will stay down this week too.

[kiwifruit]

Thank you Jim.

[adiddy]

i will have my pegs down on whatever bike i ride this week in respect for the fallen 3 ,
R.I.P men , hope to ride with you in the future

[limbimtimwim]

Thank you Jim, I enjoyed your post. It summed up the man well. hXc, I also enjoyed your poem very much. I read it just as I was leaving work today and got all teary eyed. You bastard.

More words spent on his fine qualities, seems in some ways to be a waste. The lack of economy, well, it just would not suit him.

None the less, I will share my thoughts and experiences.

My last ride with Uncle Bruce was a little less ethereal than yours, Jim.

My last ride with Uncle Bruce was on Sunday, last week. 26/11/2006. After the Sprint Races (http://www.cliffhanger.org.nz/sprints.htm). At the Sprints Uncle Bruce was being Uncle Bruce.

That was the guy who enjoyed helping others enjoy motorcycling.

Me and Uncle Bruce were at place were all the riders were starting their runs towards the speed trap in the distance. Always considerate; Uncle B suggested I do helmet checks on the riders as they approached him so he could radio ahead their number and let the rider go once the all clear had been given.

He obviously enjoyed this job, a little banter with the next rider, the people all smiles despite the crap weather. Giving me his distinct brand of quiet shit stirring. Uncle B was up at the end of this road a month earlier doing the same thing when I was doing my speed traps as well.

After the sprint races were rained out, Bruce, Dreamer and myself we went to the Flying Fish Cafe in Martinbourgh. They recognised Uncle Bruce and we got free coffee and pizza. It was the last day under that ownership.

Again, I was on the end of his gentle teasing. I got all excited, telling him he really needed to ride down the West Coast of the South Island one day, and ride to Milford Sound. When I get excited, my voice gets all whiney and he started to mock me. The bastard.

After that, it was a very windy trip around Lake Ferry and over the hill. The weather on the hill was truely horrible. The rain was cascading over the road and the wind was blowing hard. The worst weather I've ever had on the hill.

At one particular very wet and windy corner, Dreamer was blown out of control of her bike and she had a crash. We picked up her bike and stood on the side of the road catching out breath for awhile.

Bruce played his Bruce card again, Dreamer needed convincing to get back on and keep going. He told her in no uncertain terms she had to get back on and ride, and that everything would be fine. Despite the only damage being a broken gear lever, I was thinking 'flat deck' but he knew better. He was right too, Dreamer got back on and rode home like nothing had happened. Bruce knew exactly what to say at the right moment.

Last time I saw Bruce, I waved good bye at the Stokes Valley turn off.

This is just how I and others will remember him, helpful, positive and clever.

And now a picture of him at the Sprint races marshalling, thanks jimbo600.

[Hooks]

Jim .... that one got through, been in a daze since all this unfolded on me last night. Having been off for so long ... still don't know why I logged in even !! but someone/something gave me the nudge and if the beast was rideable I would be out there now ... instead I'm off to play 9 holes at work and reflect in the peace & quiet ....

Well said my friend ... you and he had lots in common, enjoy having him on the back whenever you ride ...

[madmal64]

Well I went on my own little UncleB ride last night too. Around the Pauatahnui inlet. Thinking of the smooth clean lines bruce rode, trying to keep it smooth, no heavy handed riding just staying a fluid as possible. It was a bloody good ride, really enjoyed it. Popped a excellent wheelie up my long drive on my return. Sort of a thanks for a great ride mate salute.

[Slingshot]

At the Sprints Uncle Bruce was being Uncle Bruce.


Me "Hey Bruce, can I borrow your leather pants?"
Bruce "Huh?"
Me "They won't let me ride in Cordura"
Bruce "Oh, I haven't had a guy get into my pants before...but sure, why not"

Off we went to swap pants. There was ample room for me in Bruce's leathers...but my cordura was rather snug on the man.
I walked around for the rest of the day trying to keep the leathers up around my waist and Bruce walk around farting in my corduras (or at least threatening to)

At the start line...Bruce spots the bullet cam taped to the triple clamp and this was the result:





RIP Mate

[RT527]

Hey Jim, Just thought I should let ya Know That I love you Bro.
Awesome words from an Awesome Brother.
Hang tough and call me if ya need too.
I didn`t have the pleasure of meeting such a fine gentleman as Bruce Obviously was But still wish to convey my condolances to Family and Friends.
I will be tieing something black to my mirror for Loosebruces funeral on Friday , and stopping for a mins silence at 2 aclock, and wish to do the same for Bruce and dss3 if someone can help with the times of their funerals and days that would be cool.
Love and respects to all.
Stay safe.
RT527

[Terminated]

I would like to share with you all:

I was a few weeks away from going for my Restricted and touched base with Bruce. He lives [I can't do past tense] a couple of streets up from me here in Stokes Valley and we would meet at the Fire Station when going out on a mentor review ride.

We went up Blue Mountains Road [a good little 1km with gradient and tight turns] up across Whitemans Valley through Mangaroa and Te Marua, back through Birchville and out Akatarawa Road to Staglands for coffee.

We arrived at Staglands and there is a gravel parking area. I come to stop and back my bike up and Bruce is slowly turning his bike before backing up. His front wheel slid on the gravel, down went his bike, he hit the deck and rolled away with a few expletives. I thought to myself 'what the...this is Uncle B - my mentor, this doesn't happen....' He read the expression on my face immediately, I said 'I believe you told me you only had one off before and that was on the track - well I now witnessed your first real 'off' .' And with that we High Fived and had a chuckle....I said 'I won't tell if you won't.'

Over coffee Bruce gave me a good briefing and talked about my progress and the things we covered over the months since June. He told me that I got myself to a level now that was good and praised me for things he observed in my riding. 'Take your time now and push the envelope a little more in your personal comfort zone and you will do well.'

We headed on back through Whitemans Valley and back to my place for a coffee and stood out on the deck chatting. He met my wife and our daughter and both Moira and Samantha remarked what a 'wonderful guy'.

Bruce certainly has a wonderful and marvellous aura - he is a rare person that comes into your life and you immediately sense the calmness about him.

My personal tribute to Uncle B:

Close Your Eyes and See The Brightness
Open Your Heart and Feel The Warmth
For It Is All Around You With Love From Us All, My Friend

15 November

Well done Buck Buck.
You'll be able to enjoy summer that bit further (and faster)

17 November

Sure thing BuckBuck.
Name a time/place and we'll go from there.

A further review ride was planned before xmas to focus on the next level now I have the Restricted

Each and any time, any place, my friend and I know that you will always be there in my mirrors forevermore.

God Bless You

My Head is now Up and I Enjoy the moments we shared.

Heads Up and Enjoy

[madmal64]

Nice clip Slingshot!

[The Tazman]

Nice one Jim I wish I could put words down like that.

Unfortunately my last ride with Bruce was his last as I came down the road to see an accident. I couldn't believe it was him as I had ridden with him a few times this year and could only wish to ride as well as him.

I didn't know him as well as some of you on here but was getting to know him as we met on more rides. I had got to the stage of when out ridding I would hope to meet up with Bruce and Andris (Darkman) as I really enjoyed their company and ridding with them.

After reading all the posts in his tribute thread I have come to see there was so much more to Bruce than I knew. What a fanTAZtic man and I'd be very happy to be half the man he was/is (depending on how you like to look at life)

R.I.P. Bruce

Gary

[phoenixgtr]

My last ride with Bruce was that TCWNR a few weeks ago, when he turned back and rescued that poor guy who broke down around the inlet. Before we set off from the elephant pond Bruce noticed I had dyed my hair black. With his typical cheeky smile he just stared at my hair as I walked past.

Bruce: "was that a drunken moment?"
Me: "Huh?"
Bruce: "your hair, did you get drunk last night?"
Me: "yeah something like that"

He always had a manner that made you feel welcome.
It's that cheekyness that I'll remember most. I remember a couple of times cause my bike is so small sometimes I would get right down out of the wind to keep up with the others. Bruce loved this. He ride cruise up next to me and duck right down and look over at me and pretend like he was pushing hard.

You'll be missed dearly mate

[Fatjim]

Those of us who had the honour of sharing his last ride know he spent his last day with a grin from ear to ear. Although he was a fantastic and willing mentor the thing I believe he got the biggest kick out of motorcycling was riding with other fast riders. Riders who where respected within the community for their skill.

Sunday, Bruce spent the day riding with Jimbo600, a guy he truely respected, with Darkman, Tazman, myself and one other (I'm sorry I never learnt who you where, come and say hello please) tagging along where we could. I watched his lines, his composure, his pace, so uniquely Bruce. Gangly, yet so gracefull. He would flow from corner to corner, I remember Jimbo's brakes coming on going into some corners, but not Bruce's, he just flowed through them. When Bruce braked, you got on the anchors, you knew you would have too.

Jimbo, whether you realised it or not, you made Bruce's day by riding with him, I think he especially liked the the Water Tower Rd that day, where you two rode alone, and had time for a 3 course meal while waiting for the rest of us to cath up. Thanks.

My last memory of Bruce was us both chuckling over some some silly thing while we were cleaning our visors in Masterton. He's a guy I felt honoured to share a joke with.

Debbie, I'm so sorry for your loss. He truely was the most liked and respected man amongst his friends.

RIP

[Deano]

Nice words Jim2.


Those of us who had the honour of sharing his last ride know he spent his last day with a grin from ear to ear.


That's the last image of Bruce I have from Sunday - halfway up the Taka's I could hear a bike closing up behind me into each corner. Sure enough, it was Bruce.

When we reached the top I got off the bike and looked around to see Bruce sitting there, grinning from ear to ear at me - I smiled and he gave me the thumbs up.

Bruce had said to me once that he would never overtake another bike on that hill when pushing it along, which characterised his responsible attitude toward riding.

He was smooth and fast.

That video clip is magic Slingshot - it sums up the cheerful and cheeky nature that Bruce had. We have truly lost a gentleman biker.

[skelstar]

Fark it. I thought I was all good until I read this thread. I despise you Jim2.

My last ride with Bruce wasn't one of tales of speed but one of generosity. The only time I've been anywhere near Bruce on the Takas was a moment of celebration for me as I was keeping up with him...barely. Minutes later I found that he'd been riding up using only one hand.

No...UB spent a day two weeks ago to selflessly help me and a friend out in the rapa. For me he was at his most generous right up until 3 days ago.

I swear he would be one of the few people on this site that would have more PM's in his Inbox than his post count (except Spank maybe).

[Lissa]

Awesome posts in this thread... lucky I was to even know the man.

Never did much riding with bruce.. unfortunatly. But the last ride I did... he took me from Masterton to Carterton for the sprints, for the price of some muffins, which he ate at the sprints for breakfast. He rode ahead of me, slow, watching me in his mirrors... then when we got to dalefield road he speed off, was amazed, then slowed down for me to catch up and weaved along the road.. making me laugh. I commented once about his riding, cant remember what I said, but he replied "you havent seen me ride yet". So true, but reading these posts, I can image. Thanks.

[Kendog]

I only got to ride individually with Bruce once. He had offered to take Mrs KD and I out for a mentoring session a few months back.

Up the Takas we went, stopped at the top for a few pointers then down into the Rapa. We went out to the road that goes to the windmills, never been there before and can't remember the name of it.

It was on this road that Bruce got us to do the one handed riding. Up and down the road we went three times, one handed and no brakes. Doing this will improve your lines and throttle control he said, seemed a bit crazy I was thinking to myself.

After the third trip he asked me how I was doing. I was getting quicker each time and could feel the bike was more balanced around the corners. So with that he got back on his bike and said he would follow me up the hill, this time I could ride with both hands and brake if I wanted.

The next two minutes were bar nothing the best two minutes I have ever had on my bike. I rode up that hill faster than I have ever ridden, swept through each corner effortlessly and never once thought about touching the brake. Pure nirvana.
But now when I think back the best moment was a quick glance in my mirror and seeing Bruce right on my tail cranked over looking like he was going for it (probably still a cruise for him).

It is sad to think I will never see him in my mirror again.

Thanks for the ride Uncle B.

[Trudes]

To add to that, I had ridden with Bruce a few times before that on the newbie rides etc and admired his calm and encouraging manner. I initially asked Uncle B to mentor me jokingly, figuring he'd be too busy, but he was really keen and after about 6 different attempts to try and get out there, we finally managed it.
I was completely out of my comfort zone with the one handed riding, but Bruce assured me I'd be fine, and I felt like I could totally trust him to not lead me astray. I too loved looking in the mirrors and seeing Bruce right up my bum, grinning away as I felt like a road racer for about a minute and the enormous sense of pride when he told me my lines were spot on.
We stopped at Rimutex on the way home for gas and Bruce would not except our offer to fill his tank up, so when he went inside we slipped some cash into his tank bag. He text me later to tell me we were naughty and that he had a great day with us.
Bruce was most concerned to know if we'd had a good day and was he a good teacher. I couldn't explain to him just how much of a fine teacher he was, as I am still learning and practicing from his teachings.
I had been having a laugh with Bruce at Motomart on Sunday morning and discussing the ladies ride. Everyone buggered off and we got to Castlepoint before everyone else and weren't sure where we were to meet everyone. Immediately I jump on the phone to Bruce, but had no service. I mentioned to Lissa that I felt nervous about riding now, and I think it has more to do with knowing that Uncle B will not be there to pick me and my bike up and dust us off or give me direction.
I too will miss not seeing him in my mirrors, but will think of him as sitting on my shoulder instead.
I'll miss you Uncle B.
T

[COP_B8]

I cannot believe it has been a year.

As many of the above, the first person from kiwibiker I met was Bruce down at the duckpond for a wednesday night ride. A welcoming and supportive man always willing to lend a hand and assist newcomers.

Having gone on many rides with him since that first meeting he offered to take me for a one on one ride to help me ride faster, safer and better, unfortunately I never got the chance to take him up on that offer.

I do remember the last ride with him however, over Paekakariki Hill rd at night, one of my headlights blew so Bruce rode with me with his lights on high shining the way, I think that pretty much sums him up!

It is also just over a year after I lost my two of my good friends in a car accident on himitangi straight, I have just got a tattoo on my arm to tribute them, however Bruces tribute lasts every time I go for a ride (albeit on a scooter currently)

RIP

[martybabe]

Anyone that didn't know Bruce...they would after reading that. A fitting eulogy.

I didn't but I wish I had now. With mates like you remembering him in such a heartfelt way, He musta been some man. God speed fella.:apint:

[SPman]

For no particular reason.........


http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa36/JonL_photo/TopoftheTakasUncleB_zps094c6572.jpg

[badlieutenant]

bump :/ seems like yesterday

[sugilite]

I miss you big time Bruce.