Last Ride with Bruce

[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

[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. 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!