My Tribute to Uncle B - Please add your own!

[Str8 Jacket]

Uncle B meant more to me than just about ayone else that has ever crossed my path in my life. The only photos I have in my lounge are 2 of Uncle B and one of my pussy cat. Not a day goes by when I dont think of Uncle B and what he meant for me. I grew up in Foster homes and never really had a family, alot of people have crossed my path in life and they all made a difference. Uncle B made a difference without ever knowing where I had been in life. He took me at face value and he respected me. I remember writing of my first bike and Uncle B being at the crash, taking me home and making sure I had food and someone to look after me. When i got my second bike he used to come and take me out riding, teaching me confidence at least times a month. Uncle B was my mentor, a good mate and most of all someone always looked up to. I Look at his photo everyday and nearly everytime I get teary eyed. Uncle B is and will always be legend. He was a mate who took everyone how they came. He disliked no one and loved everyone. He will always mean so much to me and I miss him.

I cant believe that tomorrow will mark exactly one year since he passed away. I still cry when I look at his photo or think about him. I mis you so much mate. You will ALWAYS be in my thoughts and I always remember what you taught me. Because of you I ride and on day I will meet you again and I know that you will still have that great big smile!

I thought I would start this thread as I know we all loved and miss Bruce. I was too scared to ride this weekend and I know that Bruce would have been dissapointed! I am hoping that we can all say our bit as a tribute to a great man. I know its gonna be hard to go to work tomoro but if anyone can say something great about an awesome man it will be so much easier!

RIP mate, I love you and I miss you!

[James Deuce]

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?p=846075#post846075

[Str8 Jacket]

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?p=846075#post846075

I still remeber the day that you rung and told me.... That was one of the worst days of my life. Something in me died that day. I still dont believe it.

[Deano]

I got the call while lounging at a mates place from The Yoshie.

It had already been an unbelieveable weekend, having already heard about the loss of Bruce (Loosebruce) and Daryl (DSS3).

Initially I thought that Yoshie had got confused with Loosebruce - I pleaded with him that I already knew about LB, and that he must be mistaken.

But no.

To be honest, I never got to know UncleB as well as I have some other KBers. He was not on my "call list" when I wanted to see who was keen for a ride.

We did share a few good rides, and if I could use one word to describe him it would be 'humble'.

With UncleB there was no BS - UncleB was a great sportbike rider, and many will attest to his smoothness and grace on a bike. He was really at one with his machine.

I never appreciated how much respect Bruce had about some of us until he was gone, and despite his ability, I never heard him talk himself up.

I wish you could be here to kick my arse up the hillclimb Bruce, cause I know you probably would, and still pat me on the shoulder and encourage me afterwards, while all the time, remaining the humble and decent bloke that you were.

See you on the other side bro.

[inlinefour]

Twas a bad year, I was in my own world in ICU at this stage and completely unaware of what was happening in the real world. The dust has settled for me and it would appear that my head is screwed on the right way these days. Its allways a sad day when a bike dies and this weekend has been no different from what I've heard via the media.
Hopefully road users will finally get the message and start looking out for bikers (too much to ask for?). SJ, sorry it has affected to so much and I can relate to that. I'm not sure I'll ever fully accept that I'm disabled, but every time I wake up, I am (although I'm still walking/riding when I'm asleep :woohoo:).

[Hitcher]

One day I'll turn up at the TCWNR and not expect to see Bruce. One day I'll be sitting in the sun at The Fush and not expect Bruce to pull in for a coffee, smoke and chat. One day I'll be riding the backroads of the Wairarapa and not expect to see an immaculately turned out GSXR1000 and Alpinestars-clad rider scorch past while offering a nonchalant wave.

After a year, none of the above has stopped happening. Part of me hopes it never will.

RIP, Bruce.

[Paul in NZ]

Hmmm.. What to say?

How can you not respect someone who selflessly abandons their own ride to race home for their trailer / car to rescue unfortunate bikers on several occasions? That was more than enough for me - sadly missed - never forgotten.

[Kendog]

Even now when I ride my bike I still think "smooth throttle control, smooth lines". His wise words fill my head as I strive to be a better rider.

RIP

[skelstar]

Shit.

Was riding to MartinB to meet with Lissa and her newly formed Rapa Crew. Sitting at the Fush for like 10mins and flame txt'd me and told me the news. We sat in the MartinB park till the sun was going down, escorted M home to Masterton, and I had a spirited ride through the back roads for him and bawled my eyes out at home.

Miss u Bruce, miss your enthusiasm, your riding 'humility', and sage advice.

[James Deuce]

Earlier this year Paul in NZ invited me on a Classic Club run, a tour of the military sites in Wellington, both used and unused, from Naval Reserve bases like HMNZS Olphert to abandoned and remote coastal batteries on Wellington's SW coast.

I haven't spent any time off road since my teens. I know enough to know that 100HP and tyres that may as well have no tread at all on damp grass, clay, and shale was going to require smoothness and control. Getting to Fort Opau wasn't too bad apart from making someone's perfectly shiny Triumph a bit dirty while spinning the rear wheel up a damp and slippery hill. He shouldn't have gotten so close :).

As we left and I started pedaling down that hill I could feel steering authority drift away to nothing as the track went from shale covered clay to damp grass. I started slithering into the ditch to the left of the track, hopelessly out of control.

Someone shouted, not unkindly, "Give it some Gas!", right next to me. I'm convinced it was Bruce.

I nailed it and shot a leg out. The bike snapped upright and back on course.

The bike in front of me had disappeared around a cutting. There was no one behind me.

No one had seen my timid dithering or my aggressive recovery.

Was it a Ghost Whisperer moment, or just Bruce's training? I reckon the latter, but feel free to go for the former if you are of that persuasion.

[RantyDave]

Bruce was the first person I met from the "rest" of the biking world. He organised the first group ride I went on which is to this day both the largest and best. I was shitting myself, but found myself among friends and in an place where anything short of alien abduction could be dealt with.

He spent that summer building an environment for the newbies to grow. Including, with Dafe, creating The Cruisy Wednesday Night Ride when TRTNR had got a bit of a reputation as a race. And there were hoards of us ... all growing smoother, faster, more confident and most importantly of all having a great time.

I would have liked to have known him better. I would have liked to have spent more time around him, something I realised at his funeral I now held in common with everyone there.

And every time I get on my bike now I make a conscious effort to remember that day. Debbie, talking about the loss of the man she loved. His Mum, recycling anecdotes and jokes as if it were his wedding again - almost as if she hadn't quite realised yet that her son wasn't coming back. Because of Bruce, when I go out for a ride I realise that I'm gambling with my families lives as well as mine. I really don't want you guys listening to a tearful six year old girl talking about how much she misses her dad.

I've just re-read this and my wording today is crap. He was someone to aspire to, both in riding and attitude towards life. The space left in the world from his loss becomes only larger and more apparent as time goes on. That he is missed, doesn't really cover it.

Dave

[Trudes]

I didn't know Bruce as well as I would've liked to, but Bruce was someone whom I admired, for his calm mannerism which was also reflected in his riding and in his mentoring, calm and encouraging. I have never been a confident rider, yet when he was mentoring me I had complete faith that he wouldn't put me wrong, I trusted that he wouldn't suggest that I do anything I couldn't handle, and it was the most thrilling thing for me to ride along and see Bruce in my mirrors, silently encouraging me.
One year ago today we were all heading out to Castlepoint for the day. Nigel and I had gotten separated from the main group because we had decided to stick with a new rider. When we got to Castlepoint we weren't sure where we were all meant to be meeting, so we stopped and I rang Bruce to get the info, no answer. We finally found the group at the pub, and I have to admit I was in a snotty mood at being left behind and uninformed, but it was Bruce I immediately went looking for to "vent" to and just because he was always the person I sought out. I was told that there'd been a fatal accident and that it was Bruce. I can't explain my overwhelming grief at that point.
It has been a sobering experience for me. To me, if that could happen to Bruce, it could happen to anyone, and I think of this everytime I get on my bike. I am still a cautious rider, my confidence has grown some and I thank Bruce for that and the lessons he taught that will always stay with me, and I continue to practice his teachings to honor his memory in my own mind.
I would do anything for him tell me how much my riding has improved in the last 18 months, just so I could thank him.
Thank you Bruce.
I miss you.

[Str8 Jacket]

It has been a sobering experience for me. To me, if that could happen to Bruce, it could happen to anyone, and I think of this everytime I get on my bike. I am still a cautious rider, my confidence has grown some and I thank Bruce for that and the lessons he taught that will always stay with me, and I continue to practice his teachings to honor his memory in my own mind.
I would do anything for him tell me how much my riding has improved in the last 18 months, just so I could thank him.
Thank you Bruce.
I miss you.

I hear ya chick! You just know that he's watching you though! I've had a few whoopsies when I was ridng up North at the beginning of the year and I am so sure (like others) that I have felt him telling me to calm down. Smooth on, smooth of..... When I had the FZR I was too scared to ride without the pillion pegs down. I always felt more comfortable 'taking Bruce riding with me'. Trudes, he would be soooo proud of you. Not just for how you are riding now but for all the work that you have put into the seat and for keepoing his memory alive!

[Joni]

My tribute to Bruce has nothing to do with bikes and everything to do about friendship and commitment and all the good things! :yes:

I had only met Bruce once when our joint friend Dave came off and was seriously injured. Dave was in a very bad way and we did not know if he would make it for quite a while… Bruce was all of our rocks.

Dave parents were on a 24 hour cycle at the hospital, and their home was very neglected… Bruce stepped up, mowed lawns, fed the dogs, organised washing, food etc etc…. while still dealing with his sadness for Dave. He had so much on his plate, yet he still made time for me everyday… I was stuck in Auckland and my frustration was building and he knew it, so he called me everyday telling me what was going on, and always asking what he could do to make things easier for me…

What an amazing man.
Giving all he had to give.
Love and support was always on offer.

I did not know you that well Bruce, but you carried Dave, Andre, Shelia and I through some of the roughest of days, and for that I will always be grateful!

Thank you.
:hug:

[skelstar]

Trudes, he would be soooo proud of you. Not just for how you are riding now but for all the work that you have put into the seat and for keepoing his memory alive!
Agreed +1

+10ch

[Lissa]

I remember the first time I met Uncle B was in Martinborough along with Skelstar.

This big tall man who strode up to me, and talked to me about which bike to purchase. Which incidentally he told me NOT to get a GN250, but later changed his mind. Every time I saw him he would pester and pester me about when I was getting my bike, and when I finally did, he named her Elvira. I just couldn't get over why a complete stranger would go out of his way to give me pointers and tips about riding. Would come to my house and ride with me a little ways. He even rode to Masterton and escorted me to the October Sprints, for payment of chocolate muffins.

I found out he had died at Martinborough with Skelstar, through Flames Txt. We sat in Martinborough for a very long time thinking about him.

The most patient and thoughtful guy I have ever known. He told me about how he was mentoring Hels whom at that time I hadn't meet yet... and he told me to get in touch with Trudes, and how she would look after me on the chicks ride we had planned before he passed.... always, always thinking of others. Just wish I knew him longer.

[MSTRS]

I met Bruce many times on here, but only once in person. It would be difficult to find a finer bloke. A little bit of me died when I heard the news, and it's remains gives me a tweak at odd times. We all miss you, Bruce.

[Colapop]

I met Bruce at the top of the Rimutakas. I knew nobody. I'd had the RF for about a week and was still getting used to riding a 'real' bike again. I pulled into the carpark and sat on my bike feeling like shit. I'd just rode up the 'taka's for the first time and was all over the show (I'm not that much better now!) Bruce came over and said gidday. He was from the flash bike group over there. He asked me about my bike and where I was off to. I told him I was gonna turn around and head home coz I was a bit freaked out. We talked about riding and he offered to follow me down to Featherston and back up to see if there was anything he could help with. It was funny coz his offer was not in an arrogant "I'm a shit hot rider" kind of way, it was like "Hey, maybe I can help." I'm forever greatful for that help.

Bruce was a shit hot rider and a great guy. Ride well, mate.

[cowpoos]

Bruce was one of the good guys/top blokes you meet in life...met him on many occasions while I was living down the cool end of the country!! admired by sooo many people for the person he was..and by myself for putting such a awesome effort into teaching so many so much..and his humour was a winner!!

I was sitting in a paddock outside my house in the rapa in the sun with drew...having a few beers and yakking about LB and DSS3 when drew got the call..I was confussed to start with..thinking drew had it wrong! was a hard week...hard to believe..

Last road ride I did at that stage was with Uncle B..random meeting at featherston red pub..and off we went..

A sorely missed brother for sure!!

[SPman]

I only met Bruce a few times and rode with him, but once.

Nothing I could say would be as eloquent as Jims initial thread on the day........

[Pex Adams]

Many times have I wanted to give you all an insight into the Bruce that I know, and many times I've just found it to hard to do.

This past year has been a really lonely year, with missing a guy who should have been there at my wedding, at my house warming, and especially moving me out of the old place...

Today is the anniversary of the worst day in my life, and for some of you, you feel the same.

Please ride smooth and safe. Thats all he ever want

[bull]

I was fortunate enough to have met Bruce, about a month before he passed away. He had pm'd me to say hed be happy to mentor me. He came up to my place one night for my first ride and took me to the local car park to teach me emergency braking. I was as green as a noob could be and had lots of questions to ask UncleB and he answered them all without making me feel like an idiot. Spent a good hour down there at the car park an then he escorted me home, came inside and had a drink and we chatted a bit more about riding.

My partner Aroha asked Bruce lots of questions also and she told us both that she was happy that Bruce was going to mentor me. Bruce being the cat lover he was was immediately attracted to our friendly black cats and enjoyed having them purring away as he patted them. As we talked about biking he mentioned that he was also mentoring Lissa and Str8 and how he was really impressed with the progress you had made.. He left later that night and we agreed to meet up again the following week - not the Monday though coz he always had dinner with his mum and dad on Mondays.

We decided we would meet at the local car park again and he would take me up and over the blue mountains road. This was daunting for me as i had only been around the local streets getting use to the bike. As i was waiting at the car park in rolled Bruce on his black Gixxer. He stopped, took off his jacket and rolled the obligatory ciggy and tole me he was waiting for another rider to show up too. On this night i got to meet Pex Adams. So off we headed for blue mountains road and on the way up Bruce pulls over to say he needed petrol, so Pete then took over as escort and took me through the rest of the way to Mangaroa turn off. We stopped and chatted and waited for Bruce to show up and he did within a very short time, oh the speeds he must have been doing.

We then tootle off towards Maymorn and then pulled in at the top of Timberlea to say our farewells. That night was the last ride i had with Bruce, and i loved every minute of it. The day Bruce died im sure i saw him heading towards the takas as i was heading towards the haywards to go upto Waikanae with my family. I gave him a wave from the truck and wished i was out riding too on that beautiful day.

Once i got home i jumped on KB to see where people had been that day and read the posts from Stonechucker and then began to cry. I was gutted and overwhelmed with sadness. Like Str8 said, if this could happen to Bruce then it could happen to anyone, and as a new rider it gave me alot of anxious thoughts.

Whilst i didnt know Bruce half as well as most of you his passing really affected me, Bruce was the first KBer i met, he mentored me and got me on my first KB group ride(albeit his funeral ride). I still carry his Funeral Service book in my Jacket pocket as i cant sem to just throw it away. I really miss UncleB and i talk to him everytime i ride my bike.

[riffer]

Damn. One year later I still can't say it properly. :pinch:

Miss ya UncleB. The chats at the top of the takas, checking out the bling on your bike, or just watching you ride so easily and smoothly while I'm ringing the guts out of the bike and sweating trying to keep up.

*sigh*

[Sparky Bills]

As my sig says...
Always Missed, NEVER FORGOTTEN!

RIP Mate
Best wishes to his family also.

[Hawkeye]

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showpost.php?p=846455&postcount=143

Today, on the anniversary of his death, I took a late lunch, put on the leathers, and took the bike for a ride. The rear pegs were up as I rode out of Wellington and the ride along SH2 was not pleasant as there was only one place I was heading.
As I approached Avalon turn-off, the feeling inside became dreadful. Coming down to the duckpond, I was relieved to see no one else there. I parked the bike up, took off the helmet and just sat on the seat in silence for half an hour.

That was at around 1:30pm which will be almost the same time of the fatal accident.

When I left to go back to work, the rear pegs were down and Uncle-B had been invited on board.

I'm glad I had that quiet moment today. Just the two of us.

.

[biggles1]

When I first met Bruce I had no idea that he too lived in Stokes Vegas.The first time I met him I had ridden my Firestorm to Martinborough and got talking to Fatjim about the Oggy Knobs on his Firestorm.He told that he and Bruce were mentoring some newbies on a ride to Masterton.When we got to the Mobil in Masterton Bruce took off his helmet and I had my first introduction to a man that in a very short time I CAME TO REALISE WAS A LEGEND IN MOTORCYCLING. I was a witness to the crash scene that day and I would give anything in this world to have not witnessed what I saw that day. God Speed Bruce I know that we will meet again, you are always in my thoughts every time I get ready to ride.

[Str8 Jacket]

2 years goes sooo fast! ALot has happened in the last 2 years but I always think about Bruce whenever I manage to get out riding. RIP mate, gone but never forgotten!

[Kendog]

Rip Bruce.

I still ride thinking of your wise words.

[Trudes]

Still practicing your lessons Bruce, I like to think you'd be proud of how my riding has improved, still a cautious bunny though! R.I.P Bruce, miss you.

[Lissa]

Never forgotten and alot of people will be thinking about you today. Still have your number on my cellphone, not sure why but I cant get rid of it. R.I.P Bruce.

[chanceyy]

2 yrs has passed quickly, thought of often and never forgotten

[Nasty]

2 years is such a short time ... never met, but never forgotten.

[Str8 Jacket]

Still have your number on my cellphone, not sure why but I cant get rid of it. R.I.P Bruce.

Yeah, same. Weirdos!

[bungbung]

I remember going to Stokes Valley to deliver the A to Stonechucker. As Stoney tested the A up and down his street a few 'ring-ding-dings' later, Bruce appeared, leaning over his gate.

It was readily apparent that Bruce shared in Dave's new bike joy, simply watching him riding around. Of course, even Bruce coudn't turn down an offer to ride the A.

Ringa-dinga-bloody-ding-dinga!

[Hitcher]

Bruce and I once swapped bikes somewhere out the back of Wainuioru, as you do.

I remember seeing my ST1300 disappear over the horizon at something approaching warp speed and I attempted pursuit on an unfamiliar SV1000. Next question: Where was he going with it? I played a hunch and tracked him down on the forecourt of a Masterton servo, where he extolled the virtues of visor-up riding at speeds in excess of double the legal limit.

That SV was cleaner than it was when Mr Suzuki built it.

I miss you Bruce, and still expect to see you saunter into the Fish every time we're there.

[skelstar]

Miss you Bruce. Miss you dropping in for a ride on the off chance.

[cowpoos]

What a Dude he was..Probally still is..!!!!

[Madness]

I rode with bruce a couple of times on TCWNR and a couple of jaunts to The Fush. I can't say I've ever met a more approachable guy in biker circles. The word humble definitely does it if there had to be just one.

The day of the crash I had considered joining the ride to Castlepoint. I have a couple of close friends that race powerboats and at around 1.30 that day I watched one of my best mates destroy himself in his boat on the Ruamahanga River at around 100mph. He got a lift on the Westpac special and is still having operations these days to correct the injuries. I rode home later that day and of course stopped at the summit. I spoke to Mikey and he told me about the double fatality up north. Once I got home I logged onto KB and read about Uncle B. It was a shit day.

RIP Uncle B. You're a good bastard.