As i mentioned before, i just met Rich in person for the first time at the NE meet. It was weird feeling the way i did when i heard the news. I was really upset. luckly i was in upstate NY away from my bike all weekend, so i couldnt ride.  But,... when i got back, I slapped on my GSTwins sticker that Rich himself gave me at the meet, and went out for a ride.  I took another long ride thru the mountains and amish area with my fiance last night. Alot of times the same things ran thry my head. Escape routes, horror stories, etc.  But i took the ride real slow and started to enjoy it.  Over this past week, ive been more cautious and weery.  But slowing things down abit is nice too. 

And i like to tell myself that by putting the sticker on my bike rich gave me, he went along for the ride too!

I was afraid to ride after I got the news on Saturday, but since I rode to work I really didnt have a choice but to ride home.  I talked to Pandy about it and she basically just said to take it slow at first and have confidence.  It started slow at first and then I let her rip a little and all of the fear was gone.  Rich would never have wanted anyone to quit riding because of something that happened to him, he loved it way too much.  My and Pandy's advice to all start slow, have confidence and then let it rip.

Quote from: ajgs500 on July 06, 2006, 11:28:49 AM
My and Pandy's advice to all start slow, have confidence and then let it rip.

Hey now..let it rip slowly and carefully!

I agree that Rich wouldn't want anyone to give up riding due to his tragedy. Just be careful out there. Ride again when you're ready to, not before. Listen to the little voices in your head; they tend to keep us safer.

Well I ride like a grandma so let it rip has a different meaning entirely.

I was out of town on a camping trip over the last weekend.  Ironically, I was having a great time, celebrating my birthday on July 1, which I almost feel guilty about now knowing this happened that day, the day that so many people were at the start of their difficult time.

I'm very sad to have heard this news.  I never knew Rich directly, but in my time here doing countless searches on different topics, I've run into dialogue from Rich here and there.  I agree with everyone's sentiments about the kind of person Rich must have been.  Seemed like a kind soul and a great addition to anyone's circles.  My deepest sympathy to his fiancé, family and friends.  I wish you guys all the best through this.  Remember to celebrate his life and learn from our experiences with him.  It's one of the greatest homage’s one can do for another, I feel.

For Kim and Sarah (and anyone else who might not be familiar) – here is a link to Rich’s posts from newest to oldest, going back to Aug 04

http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?action=profile;u=2232;sa=showPosts

It’s a nice way to get some insight into Rich’s perspective on a bunch of different things.

Take care.

On a lighter note: Welcome Kim and Sarah.

I still get a lump in my throat when I read this thread.  Squirted between two cars this morning, it was fun, got my rush for the commute, going faster than I usually go...not wontonly, just happened.

Quote from: scratch on July 06, 2006, 03:59:54 PMnot wontonly

I haven't been riding much either...  I was pretty damn screwed up yesterday (when I found out).  I really thought about not riding any more, but it passed.  I started thinking about DolePineapple too...   

NO CRASHING!    I couldn't take it... 

Hi Everybody, I am Kim's Aunt Anne.  I was sent this site and read everyone of your messages. I want to thank you all for your sincere words and look forward to meeting some of you tomorrow.  I know you have helped Kim in more ways then you know. She is so heart broken along with the rest of his family and has found an outpouring of love from you, his friends. He will live on in all of your hearts.   Some people live long  lives and don't have the love and friendship Rich found with all of you.  It is a truly fine tribute to him and you!!!  Be safe!   Thank you again.

Aunt Anne:

You have no idea how much you, Kim, and Sarah's coming to the site and talking to us means to *us*. It helps us to hear from Rich's nearest and dearest. Thank you for taking the time to sign up and leave us a message. We continue to think about Rich and his loved ones, family, friends..... all who love him, and there are many!

Much love to  you and your family, and warm wishes for peace and healing...

Yep, wellwishes!  And, welcome!

He who comes here will find a freind, maybe a family, to go riding with, to share a passion.
The freind, and maybe the 'new' family, will get to know him, get to go riding with him, share his passion, for life, for enjoying life.
We ride, we all ride, we all share a passion...
That that passion may not die, but fulfill us as human beings, joined by a mutual feeling,
A mere feeling, a great feeling, that a few words can only describe facets of:
Rebellion, power, independance, thrill and excitement, but most of all freedom.

Quote from: pandy on July 06, 2006, 06:59:39 PM
Aunt Anne:

You have no idea how much you, Kim, and Sarah's coming to the site and talking to us means to *us*. It helps us to hear from Rich's nearest and dearest. Thank you for taking the time to sign up and leave us a message. We continue to think about Rich and his loved ones, family, friends..... all who love him, and there are many!

Much love to  you and your family, and warm wishes for peace and healing...

+1 for sure.  I'm glad that you can get a feel for how much Rich impacted this site and the people.  We're sending off a card to Kim & Virginia tomorrow with all our names.  Maybe she'll get a small feel for just how many people thought he was a good kid and will miss him.

I hope the family realizes just how many people were touched by Rich.  More than they probably imagined.

Quote from: scratch on July 06, 2006, 03:59:54 PM
On a lighter note: Welcome Kim and Sarah.

I still get a lump in my throat when I read this thread.  Squirted between two cars this morning, it was fun, got my rush for the commute, going faster than I usually go...not wontonly, just happened.

I dunno whether to laugh, or feel ashamed...

Quote from: NiceGuysFinishLast on July 06, 2006, 08:53:07 PM
I dunno whether to laugh, or feel ashamed...

Laugh at a joyful memory. Don't you think that's what Rich would prefer? 

Quote from: pandy on July 06, 2006, 08:58:54 PM

Quote from: NiceGuysFinishLast on July 06, 2006, 08:53:07 PM
I dunno whether to laugh, or feel ashamed...

Laugh at a joyful memory. Don't you think that's what Rich would prefer? 

Dunno how joyful that memory is... But damn.. I hate this thread.. makes me cry every time I open it... BOYS DON'T CRY.. or something like that..

Quote from: NiceGuysFinishLast on July 06, 2006, 09:00:32 PM
Dunno how joyful that memory is... But damn.. I hate this thread.. makes me cry every time I open it... BOYS DON'T CRY.. or something like that..

Rich had a wonderful sense of humour, and he would have laughed at your joke. Who says boys don't cry? We all cry... it's good for us, and it's cathartic... and eventually we'll be able to smile without the tears in our eyes.

Don't feel ashamed, I got squeezed.  Left hand car tried to take the same two-lane onramp as me from the third lane over.

I just talked to one of Rich's brothers, and he asked me give everyone a message:

"do me a favor please let all your buddies on here know we the family thank them all"

This would be TazZ, who signed on and posted tonight...and for that, WE are grateful....

Night All maybe we will see some of you on friday

see you guys there!

im so sorry I can't be there but im sure it will be a wonderful svc with a HUGE turn-out b/c Rich was so well-liked, admired and respected.  My heart along w/ my prayers goes with all of you.