What I learned and my experiences at B2Mom's weekend BBQ

[Barrycuda]

Where to begin? This can also serve as a guide or tip for any other VR riders who never made a BBQ here, but were thinking of attending the next years BBQ. . This is MY perspective, hope this helps...

 

First off, a HUGE thank you to Don and Patti and the family for not only inviting me, but feeding me, making me feel right at home, as if I was a long time member. They have an incredible house and the property was amazing.

When I rode up, from Georgia to the hotel, it rained, BAD at times. With my longer windshield it made it difficult, but baptism by fire, as this was not only my first VR event, it was first time out of state, in the downpours non stop with my RSV. The cast of characters there were by and large, the most amazing people. They did an amazing job of making me feel part of, and helped share some tips, and knowledge. Buckshot, made sure I was gonna fit in And have a good time whether I liked it or not. The group ride to the steak house was nice since the rain finally let up. I promised Patti I would try frogs legs. Living in NYC most of my life, I have not been exposed to things such as this. And yes, I did eat some. I sat in a booth and dined next to the infamous MILES... He came from Washington!!! On the forum I have been a pest to Miles with asking info and tips and he put up with it. He also was a very smart individual who provided me a bit more knowledge how to better my bike as well as getting a chance to share our lives a bit. Miles did a great job of constantly busting my you know what, which is the least he can do for all my badgering on the forum. He also picked up the tab and I have been on the short list of those who " dined with Miles"... Thank you Miles...

Prior to dinner I was able to meet and be privileged to talk with Eck and Konnie. She has the best accent. They are fabulous people and discussed lots of topics , not motorcycle related.

Saturday morning, I was happy to meet and spend time with Buddy and Peg, who was gracious enough to wait for me to get to Patti's. He is a very easy going, easy to like guy. We talked about his GW and allowed me to sit on it after I said I never sat on one. I like him a lot and was very caring about making sure I fit in...

At Patti and Dons, I met the legend, Mike/ eusa1 and his lovely wife. He stands about 6'5 and is an enormous man, but is as gentle as a lamb. He was incredible in not only adding the bling, but adding tips, and like Buddy, Don, Patti and the rest, making sure I was comfortable. Mike does some GREAT work and anyone would be crazy not to ask for his services. His wife was just as easy going and friendly...

Buckshot, Will, and the other musketeer, which the name eludes me were fabulous and we shared stories on HD, short leg riders, and the long term friendship they all share. I was happy for them as well as envious, as I haven't had that close knit group, since I left NYC...

Last but certainly not least are Rex/ spyder and his wife. Great to talk with and bond over the weekend. Real great folks.

Some members added some bling, as well as some functional things that I myself never thought of but was brilliant. One was the black cherry RSV had a black foam from a cousy, cut out and covered the chrome gas cap to eliminate the reflection from the windshield...awesome

Overall, I felt like I was at a family reunion, with the support,friendship, relaxed nature everyone was. No issues, egos, problems. People pitching in, helping others. The food and hospitality were fantastic.

I did not stay as long as others, but stayed long enough to get a nice sun burn and to know I wanna come back !!!!

. It was well worth the ride to and from in the rain storms. I took the scenic route through Kentucky and stopped past Atlanta for the night. Too much rain, storms and the amount of tractors, ruining my windshield took its toll. As long as we all get home safe... I will be home tomorrow by noon as I leave early (4-5 am)

In closing, ( finally right?) I wanna thank the following for making me feel welcome, and at home. None are in any order...

Patti and Don and family for opening their home to me and to all of us

Miles, for his vast knowledge, insight, dinner and the ball busting

Buckshot, will and the " other guy " sorry, for the friendly chats, insight and making me feel like the 4th musketeer.

Buddy and Peg... Amazing people with big hearts

Eck and Konnie. Very genuine, warm and super friendly

Mike/eusa1 and his wife ( sherry?) this guy just rocks in every way . Nuff said...

Bongobobny who never stopped smiling. He reminds me of animal, from the muppets. That's good bobby

The guy from Missouri, the big tall guy, forgot his name

The blonde guy with mike from Wisconsin who rides the same GW as Buddy

And anyone else I may have forgotten. It's been a long weekend.

Edited May 20, 2013 by Barrycuda
Forgot bobby

[Squidley]

Now you have just found out what all us old timers here on this site have known for years. This place is a drug, and once you meet some of the folks, you'll try twice as hard to get to all the events you can. You have met some of the best folks this site has to offer. Glad to hear you had a good time, now all you have to do is make it to TEXAS....we'll show you a good time

[Phoneman1981]

Thanks for the summary. I enjoyed reading it. We really enjoyed the Texas MD in April for the same reasons and hope someday to make this event as well !!!

[Barrycuda]

Now you have just found out what all us old timers here on this site have known for years. This place is a drug, and once you meet some of the folks, you'll try twice as hard to get to all the events you can. You have met some of the best folks this site has to offer. Glad to hear you had a good time, now all you have to do is make it to TEXAS....we'll show you a good time

 

I will admit Squidley it can be addicting, no doubt. At some point I will shuffle over to the lone star state. I am a family guy with smaller kids. I have to pick and choose my events. But yeah, it was super to be there, as well as to learn about how my bike handles long distance and in the severe weather..

[b2dad]

And thanks for all the kind words...

 

HOWEVER...please don't build up Mike / EUSA1 anymore than you already have. You will give him a big head and as you now know if it got any bigger...he would never be able to find a helmet to fit that head. LOLOL!! But he is a great guy and his wife is as sweet as they come.

 

Eck, Konnie, buddy, peg, will, Gil, bob, bill, bongo bob, Gail, Jo, margaret, Larry, Joyce, davecb, yammer Dan, miles, Meach, Walter, dooder, Monty, Angie, Rex, Mary...are you still with me Barry? There are just too many here to mention. They are ALL great people as you know.

 

You are welcome anytime. Bring your family sometime too. We love kids.

 

This is a great site with the best people you will ever meet.

 

See you all next year...mark your calendar now for the 3rd weekend in may.

[Miles]

Baritone, I am landing for the night in Laramie, Wyoming. In the past 24 hours, since I left Martin, TN. I have dodged tornados, high wind gusts, and horizontal rains. I had to stop for a 6 hour off-the-bike rest in York, Nebraska, as I was falling asleep. So, taking that 6 hour off-the-bike rest out of the equation, I traveled 1300 miles in the past 18 hours, from martin, TN to Laramie, WY. Cold, some places wet...and beginning to feel hypothermia, I decided to stop for the night. In the morning I will put on all my Gerbing Heated Clothing, and leave here. It is 8,000 foot elevation here, and the rain may turn to snow. Only morning will tell.

 

Barry, I was a blast to meet you.

 

Patti & Don, love you two, and thank YOU so much for the excellent grub. Cooked perfectly.

 

Eck, I am safe, not-sane, and will get warm, and start again tomorrow.

 

It was MY pleasure to meet all the folks that attended B2Dad & B2Mom's gathering.

 

More, once I make it home...another 1200 miles.

 

[bongobobny]

Yah Barry, it was a good time indeed!!! Don't know if you caught it, but for a short time at the hotel your bike had a couple of gifts on it meant for EUSA1 before I realized I had the wrong raspberry and cream RSV. Take that as a compliment if you saw Mike's ride!!

 

You will eventually discover, as many of us have, that this is more than a website, it is family!!! I look forward to every event I can make, and now being retired there are more I can attend!

 

Becky and I will be in Deland FL for a wedding Aug 6th. We will be caging it then, but plan on stopping at Vogel for an afternoon on the way home. You should try to make Vogel if you can!!

 

It was a pleaasure meeting you, you seem to be a "Happy Jack" yourself!!!

[Barrycuda]

Baritone, I am landing for the night in Laramie, Wyoming. In the past 24 hours, since I left Martin, TN. I have dodged tornados, high wind gusts, and horizontal rains. I had to stop for a 6 hour off-the-bike rest in York, Nebraska, as I was falling asleep.

 

Barry, I was a blast to meet you.

 

 

Miles, I was absolutely concerned about your well being and safety since you were riding into the teeth of it all. You did the right thing and shut it down to sleep. No one can touch your mileage record so slow down and get shut eye...

 

Please let me know when you arrived in Starbucks HQ....

[Jayceesfolly]

Barry....I want to know how much money all those people paid you to say all those nice things about them??????

 

:whistling: :rotf:

 

 

Well, SOMEBODY had to ask!!!

 

 

But, I agree with you....the people on this site are the best ever. I have received advice and help from a lot of people on this Forum and I think of this group as a family. Bongobob got it right.......quote "You will eventually discover, as many of us have, that this is more than a website, it is family!!!" unquote

 

Jim

[Monty]

Barry,

 

I met you briefly, and shook your hand, but didn't get a chance to talk to you much. I had the other '03, sitting down a ways. That's the thing about these meets...they are all too short!! You meet up with old friends, and like to shoot the BS, and you don't get time to move around and talk to everyone as much. I would have liked to have had more time to spend with each person there, but it's hard to do. We'll meet again.

[Miles]

Barry, read my post titled...Nightmare in Laramie.

 

[DragonRider]

Mark your calendar for Aug 14-18 for Vogel, you will meet many more members there and see some of the same faces you saw at B2's. Its a great time and not such a long ride for you to get there.