I really want to thank Phil (TN) for starting this thread and another old member (hey Good Howie) for the call to let me know it was here. Embarrassed that I'd have completely missed it otherwise.
In person I don't know Brad and Val much at all. Though we've met a few times and ridden together a little. Talked on the phone more times than that; about bikes and repairs and stuff. PM'd about the same stuff even more. When he was having bike issues of his own in Colorado or other times at home and trying to sort stuff out. I also could not count on both hands, both feet, and then including any other appendages in the count the number of people on the site whom I know that Brad has worked on their bikes for them.
I get bikes from the guys within range come here to tinker. Many times guys on road trips have had issues and found me for some repair or another on the trip. It's always cool. Brad has been the same thing in his neck of the woods. On top of all that he and Val are just good people.
I'm also embarrassed to say I didn't know Brad had been hurt as badly as he had and didn't know at all how difficult it had all become for the family. Only thing I knew was some vague knowledge of a concussion after last years GTG. No idea at all it was so much more significant and how damning, damaging, and difficult it had all been both for Brad personally and physically and for the family.
Best wishes and continued recovery for Brad and all the comfort, peace, and rest that can be mustered and shared to both Brad and Val. From the bottom of my old crusty heart.
A little contribution to help the family out is a great idea. No one is going to be asked to give until it hurts. But if several (or many) shared just a little that could go a long way. Since many of us (
) could, kind of, possibly, perhaps; afford to skip a meal for the sake of our girlish figures that $20 from a meal or two spread out over a bunch of site members could add up in a hurry.
I understand that folks like Phil (TN) or me or many other old farts around here can be something of an unknown entity to a lot of the site membership. Sending money to a stranger might seem unsettling. TN is a guy whose driven a long way, the wrong way, with his pickup to get a site member with a busted bike. He's not a guy to worry about. If he says it's going to Brad it'll get to Brad and Val. When I get done here I'm sending 50 bucks to TN and have zero worries it'll end up where it's supposed to.
Hopefully many will see this thread. Whether it might then come from some general compassion and gratitude for the opportunity to help another rider or whether it might come from that "there but for the grace of God go I" feeling that every one of us must accept every time we throw a leg over and ride away; hopefully a few (quite a few) will then send a little help.
Be well everyone. Ride safe. Then remember as you roll away and enjoy the beautiful ride; there but for the grace.... Then enjoy the ride.
Don (Twolane)
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Topic: hdbrad03 (Read 27322 times)