Hi Everyone,
Even though I didn't have any interaction with Adidasguy - Patrick Lajko, I was VERY moved reading all of the kind words that members have been posting about him. This past Friday night around midnight, (I sat down with a glass of wine, clicked on his username and began reading all of his posts (and responses to other posts) over the years he was a member here. I spent about 2.5 hours "getting to know him"). I have many more hours to go...
If it's not "out of order", I wanted to post something here that other members may possibly want to do as well.
He was a guy I would have loved to have met / known / and wrenched with. This is a guy who was "with everyone" at one point or another it seems. To that end, I felt that I wanted to do a little something as a "tribute". (as odd as that may sound coming from a stranger and new member here). After thinking for a few days, this is what I came up with.
Someone mentioned that they looked at Patrick's business website and saw the photo of him and his GS500. I googled it as well. My 94 looks very similar to his.
I ordered a small Adidas decal from Ebay to put on my bike.
I thought to myself, what better way to do a small tribute to someone, than to have something on the bike that would make me remember all of the great stuff he did for everyone. Anyone that asks "what's the Adidas sticker for?" , would hear that it's a small tribute to a great guy who did so many great things for owners of GS500's all across the world.
Boy... If everyone who owned a GS500 put a small Adidas decal on their bike somewhere, Patrick sure would be logging a lot of miles - all across the world that's for sure!
I looked over my bike and decided exactly where I wanted it. Right on top of the front fender area where there is a great view of all of the scenic views in my area. I wanted to place it somewhere where it was a bit protected from the elements, but still able to be seen AND (most importantly) in an area that a "future owner" would be willing to not remove it. It would have a great chance to stay on the bike for quite a number of years (or maybe even forever).
Hopefully the pics will show up below. I'll post the links just in case. I just wanted to post this in case others were interested in doing something like this / similar. It didn't arrive yet, so this is just a rough photoshop.
http://i498.photobucket.com/albums/rr349/3kgtrt/Adidas_small.jpg
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That's awesome! I had bounced back and forth finding a grumpy cat sticker for my bike to do the same thing, or photoshopping something up to order somewhere... but this is so very simple, that this may be just the thing and anyone could do it. I really dig the placement. Thanks for the post!
- Bboy
I didn't know Patrick out wide of this website but it weighs heavy on my heart about his death. Most of the members here really do care, he was elite, and will be missed.
I think that's a great idea, wish there was some thing we could do for the family.
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Or a round addy or grumpcat to cover the rashed ( often) Suzuki decal on the engine cover
Thanks everyone.
I had considered a few different ideas that I had, and I just figured that something like this would be just "some little way" I could pay tribute.
I considered putting a decal on the tank or the plastics somewhere, but the more I thought about it, I thought "If I ever sell the bike, it's probably the first thing someone would take off. I figured if I could find a spot somewhere that was visible but unobtrusive that it would be perfect. I considered various other points along the frame, but all of them would seem to get "rubbed by feet", touched / scraped during maintenance etc.
I even considered using a silver sticker so it would blend in with my frame. I considered seeing if someone local could at add "guy" to the Adidas and make a logo for me but I'm sure that would be some sort of copyright issue.
In the end, I figured a small but effective Adidas sticker and symbol would be best. (Adidas seems to use a few different symbols but this one is the "old school" / original logo it seems).
yamahonkawazuki,
I did find a round Adidas decal on Ebay and a few spots online and the engine decal area is exactly where I wanted to put it. However, it was only 2.5" in diameter and wasn't outdoor rated. I also figured that eventually, (sooner most likely rather than later), it would also get torn off just like the stock engine decals do, so I started looking at other options.
I can just imagine people around the world asking "why the heck is this Adidas symbol popping up on all of these GS500's"??
He certainly would be a legend worldwide - like he was (still is) here.
Brian
I'm doing it.
Ive got an engraver. Which I used on jewelry, zippo lighters and the like. 7f I can round up anfew fork braces, ill engrave them with the adidas symhol and a couple wi4h the cat. Someone here wants, ill send. No charge. Just trade theone you have. I engrave that, and keep it going. Now, to locate 4 or more to get started
Quote from: yamahonkawazuki on May 05, 2014, 12:24:23 AM
Ive got an engraver. Which I used on jewelry, zippo lighters and the like. 7f I can round up anfew fork braces, ill engrave them with the adidas symhol and a couple wi4h the cat....
That's a great idea too. Can't get more permanent that that.
Idk the costs of it. Should be fairly cheap. If I have to, ive got some scrap steel maybe can make them? Will see. Will update this. ♡
heck I can start this with one. Bunch o r wrecked jap bikes at local yard. Will see if I caj snag a brace. Also posting a wtb
Wtb posted. If I do this soon enough, I'll make one up for you if you want. Addy symbol and dates on one side, flip it over, grumpy cat and dates on that side. My friend, im greatful for you posting this
Found one on ebay 15 shipped. This will almost wipe me out. But im pulling the trigger. Will let you know when its ready
Offer submitted. Will let you know
:woohoo: offer of 12 shipped accepted. Will post when it arrives and engraving complete. I hope patrick approves
AWESOME!
Pretty Cool yamahonkawazuki.
Reminds me kind of like one of those Engraved Pewter holiday ornaments that the wife always picks up when we go to various places / travel etc.
To be honest, I almost deleted this thread a few minutes after I originally posted it. After I read it, I wasn't sure how other members would "take it". (Me being new to the forum and not really knowing him and all).
But after reading numerous posts by Patrick over the years, he sounded like someone that would have your back. The way I look at it, it can't hurt to take a little piece of that with you on every ride. I'm not "overly" religious but I'd like to think people like him (as well as others that I know who have passed) kind of watch over us while we are away from them.
When I get on my bike to head out on a ride I always take a minute to ask my uncle to keep an eye on me / keep me safe and "lend me his skills" (He rode for about 60+ years without a major incident almost up to the day he passed. He started riding in the late 1940's).
Glad this post seems to be ok with the majority so far.
And ya' know what? I'm sure by the stories I've read about Adidasguy, he'd probably say:
"Approve?? Heck no, don't go through any trouble just for me." ! :tongue2:
GS4me. LMAO you got him right lol. he would not accept payment or things like this willingly. unless you refused to say no. If I am able to but patricks camera from the estate, there will be another adidasguy tribute video. but this is a long time off. there will be more tribute vids from me anyways. maybe vlog style. idk yet. it had to take a friend I loved being killed to put me on that path in YT. anyhoo keep the thread up. addy would have liked ya at one post ;). he was just that kindf of guy. Damn there I go bawling again.
Quote from: yamahonkawazuki on May 05, 2014, 03:11:31 PM
..... anyhoo keep the thread up. addy would have liked ya at one post ;). he was just that kindf of guy. Damn there I go bawling again.
I hear ya'. He actually replied to my very first post when I first joined (about a fuel petcock question). I think he was the 2nd person to reply.
The bike stumbled going up the steep hill on the street where I live. I reached down "on the fly" and turned the knob to reserve or prime - anywhere other than where it was! I made it to the top of the hill, around the bend and into my driveway.
I opened up the gas cap and SWORE I had more than a 1/2 tank. I would have bet on it.
His exact reply was:
Quote from: adidasguy on April 11, 2014, 04:57:57 PM
"You look in the tank and see it is 1/2 full? Well, you are out of gas.
You need to switch to reserve.
Look at the tank from the side. You'll see most of the space for gas is in the front, well forward of the deep depression under the filler hole.
Looking in the tank is very very deceptive on how much gas you have left.
I have had many many phone calls from friends who say their bike stumbled and stopped but had 1/2 a tank of gas (by the looks). Told them to switch to reserve and all was OK. They then went to a gas station and put in about 3 gallons (4 gal tank where 1 gal is reserve).
Well guess what??? - It took about a little over 3.25 gallons!
That was my 1st and only reply from him and it was 100% right on the money!
My old Kawi, ran until it was pretty much dry. I was just unfamiliar with the Suzuki tank.
Yeah ive always said check the tank, theyre gravity fed. this design even though it looks like you've got enough. you don't. with my gs' I had always ran on reserve. and remembered to reset trip odometer. I forgot once.l it backfired and died. in front of the gas station lol. Patrick was always on the ball with gs questions.
Very good idea, and I find it amazing that someone which only had Patrick reply to one post is still moved by him, and its damn inspiring that you read 2.5 hours of his prior posts. I really miss him, and I would be willing to buy a GS again just to put an Adidas logo on it.
Quote from: jacob92icu on May 05, 2014, 06:57:51 PM
Very good idea, and I find it amazing that someone which only had Patrick reply to one post is still moved by him, and its damn inspiring that you read 2.5 hours of his prior posts. I really miss him, and I would be willing to buy a GS again just to put an Adidas logo on it.
Thanks for the kind words. yamahonkawazuki, mentioned that he was grateful for me posting the idea and since he has the skills, he's actually engraving the logo (and Grumpy Cat) onto the fork braces.
I was a little apprehensive about posting what I was going to do (since I didn't really know adidasguy) but I'm glad I did. It seems like it will be a nice tribute to him.
My sticker should be here anytime now. I'll post a pic as soon as it arrives.
I'm doing this sticker thing (or swapping fork braces if you get one soon enough yama)
I actually bought a new pair of adidas running shoes the other day and would be lying if I said I didn't think bout Patrick a few times while I was trying em on. Can't say it enough: RIP Adidasguy.
I am mocking up an Adidas/500 decal as well. Then again I have an engraver also. But, Flick will now be a tribute to my friend that's for sure! Rocking my Adidas today!
mary
(http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr264/Toogoofy317/output_zpszpaegru6.jpg)
Mary my friend, when I get the braces made up will send you one too. I was close to addy as many here were. having hard time dealing with this. tis my way of trying to cope. will send it to you. if you use it, cool if not no worries my friend. I no longer ride. however, will make one for myself too. AND cods, I know yall were cool., but you ride a weestrom?, want one for it? does it use a different fork brace?, im not familiar with it. Anyhoo, once sufficient time has passed. and the estate settling process begins. going to ask brother if Patrick had any of these braces in the parts box. Anyhoo mary you will get one of these I promise. and soon. well as soon as I can make anyways. im doing each one manualkly and mostly freehand.
Quote from: yamahonkawazuki on May 06, 2014, 03:45:28 PMAND cods, I know yall were cool., but you ride a weestrom?, want one for it? does it use a different fork brace?, im not familiar with it. Anyhoo, once sufficient time has passed. and the estate settling process begins.
I still have my GS Yama :) I wont be selling it any time soon either
There are way too many parts on it from Patrick to even consider it.
Quote from: codajastal on May 06, 2014, 04:49:46 PM
Quote from: yamahonkawazuki on May 06, 2014, 03:45:28 PMAND cods, I know yall were cool., but you ride a weestrom?, want one for it? does it use a different fork brace?, im not familiar with it. Anyhoo, once sufficient time has passed. and the estate settling process begins.
I still have my GS Yama :) I wont be selling it any time soon either
There are way too many parts on it from Patrick to even consider it.
Copy. still got that circa 1974 oscilloscope from him lol. and it works. smells like his basem,ent but it works. there are a few things of his I wouldn't mind obtaining. but that's neither here nor there. cant wait to start the braces. sure im apprehensive as hell but I want to do him proud. the apprehension will disappear after the first one. id video it, but meh quality sucks except on the tab2. even then not really HD. will wait til I can get better camera. will prolly send one out for mister as well. gotta cover Australia. beloved Patrick will be ridin ALOT lol
QuoteCopy. still got that circa 1974 oscilloscope from him lol. and it works. smells like his basem,ent but it works.
Funny. I took Radio / Tv repair back in high School / Tech School for 3 years. The first year I was there (1982), I was stuck using this big old H.P. "Green round screen" dinosaur of an oscilloscope from the mid 70's !.
The next year, we upgraded to to more modern, "brand spankin' new" 1983 HP's with the square screen - Man was I impressed. I'm sure that big old dinosaur is still in somebody's basement somewhere too!
And still working more than likely
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Mine was due for recalibration may of 82. Sobfar it passed markedly tight tests with ease. May calibrate it myself or have it done as a tribute. As far as braces, rhought had crossed my mind of making 8. 2 for US 1 or 2 for canada, same for EU and same for australia. Each person would run a week each side, then send to next person. But sooner or later for one eeason oe the other, theyd disappear in transir. Rhis happened wirh some loaner toolkits we had out years back. Sure cirxumstances are different, but if those wish to do it permanently theyre more than welcome. Also considered milling them out 3d style. Economically this was not feasible for me. So I settled on this plan. Guys and gals, im sorry I keep bringing this up but im literally going nuts lol. How can I honour a man who was well, as perfect as a humam could be?
I know when he arrived, heavenly father told st peter to put away the book, took a look at patrick and said, son, youve done well. Welcome.. :-[:-\:'(
Aaron
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I wouldn't let it drive you crazy.
ANYTHING that you decided to do (even if it's just a simple thought every now and again, a memory, a funny story, etc of someone who has passed) is all anyone has to do to keep someone's memory alive. And really, that's the important thing.
People that have passed, "Live on" by the memories that others have of them and from what I see, Patrick has really touched a HUGE number of people just on this forum alone - (And I suspect in quite a number of other aspects of his life as well).
Sorry to revive an older thread, but any updates, guys?
Like GS4me I never had the chance to know adidasguy, but he was such an influence on this forum and the people in it that you don't have to look far to see his work. I signed up here about a month after he was taken from us, but it seems like half of the Google searches on GS issues led me to a thread on this forum where he had an answer. I also got stuck reading the tribute threads and some of his old posts.
Actually, when I was starting on my valve clearance adjustment/carb cleaning I did a search on YouTube for how to remove the fairings (the Haynes manual description is the dictionary definition of "vague"). I start the video and see an oddly familiar-looking GS500F, and then I see Patrick and I know why. His video was great (I loved the intro), and I could almost see him being on some DIY bike repair show on TV.
His is the kind of loss that makes you just hate the world for a little bit. I would be glad to wear an adidas logo on my GS. I'm a bit too newb to know how to remove the brace (do you need a front stand?), but a sticker I can do.
Hey , No problem digging up an old thread.. That's what the forum is for right???
I actually posted a few pics here of my Adidas Decal (and so did some others). I've even has several people "on the road" ask me about it. It gave me a chance to explain the forum, the bike and a bit about Patrick.
http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=67211.msg809179#msg809179