zx23rr
Expert Class
Mahogany Bomber Pilot
Posts: 242
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posted February 24, 2006 09:34 PM
In honor of Arthur.........................................
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"Quickly, we tuck in behind the Shell station, both jump off our bikes - rip off our helmets just to reveal ear to ear grins at the same time a worried anticipation of that cruiser we just had a closing rate of over ?50 kph two minutes prior. We are 10 minutes from the ferry and it leaves in 30 at 6:00 am. We wait an extra 5 or so minutes to make sure the coast is clear. Not to be - or so we thought - the cruiser pulls in just as we don our helmets, we both nod out of respect, and continue on our way catching a guarded smile from the officer. Dodged a bullet, not necessarily a good way to start what would be riding nirvana!
Crossing the straight towards Swartz Bay aboard one of BC's finest ferries, we have a king's breakfast discussing how we can further improve the bikes (like NOS). I get further enlightened on how great the ride up to Port Renfrew is going to be. Basically, Squamish Hwy with more twist in the "twisties", off camber & blind corners, hills, bumps, some gravel, very little if any traffic, and best of all - after Sooke - we will know if there will be any supervision on the route.
First off the ferry, we take our time working our way through traffic towards Sooke. Slowly, we pick up the pace with every passing mile, & a bigger smile. The weather is just perfect, not too cool, but enough heat in the pavement to make the tires work. The rides are both new 2000 Zx-12r, his is green & mine's the faster Silver one (many will argue over this point). But since this is his back yard, I chose to be the chase plane. Upon confirming that the road ahead is clear of any revenue collectors, or in our case it could/would/should be a trip to club fed, the road begins to be consumed. To my amazement, there is no traffic of any sort. Sunday long weekend and no one is going no where!
Lean angles are starting to increase and soon the rear tire is starting to complain about the lack of traction. Throttle knows only two positions, full on or off, point and shoot riding. First gear corners to 3rd gear rev limiting straights and then some. Front tire is squirming on the ground or clawing at the sky. Rear tire is moving left and right of center under full on arrestor hook deceleration or tearing at the pavement as it accelerates 747 lbs of fool and machine for the next corner. We are approaching the sticky flap part of the envelope & every sense is turned up on full.
As we approach Jordon River we enter the township with respect and enjoy the gorgeous scenery of the other side of Vancouver Island. As we exit the township, the road turns inland, up a windy hill and he/we pulls the trigger. We can only see about 300 or so feet ahead due to the lay of the land, but all visual queues say the road goes straight as we start to hit the crest at speed.
Opps!, this paved road turns left on a 30 kms posted sign!! Full on braking and running out of pavement, our saving grace was a gravel road that continued straight ahead. I chose to relax and not toss it into the corner and go off - roading. "I thought you lived and rode over here for 7 or more years!?" Response was classic, he shrugs his shoulders - "I keep forgetting about this corner" - both of us laughing out loud the whole while.
Next stop, Port Renfrew! We start off and within minutes we're back at full tilt. Back ends are starting to step out first a couple inches now we are backing it in a foot getting all crossed up. This is just not right!! The road surface is starting to deteriorate and body parts are starting to touch down. Mile after mile, the rear tire is moving left and right of center under full on arrestor hook deceleration or tearing at the pavement and the front tire is squirming on the ground or clawing at the sky until we finally arrived at road's end.
The wharf overlooks the vast beautiful BC and for about a half hour we revel in our conquest. We talk about how the ride back would be totally different and fresh, but also having to relent to the fact that we would once return to the norm the closer we get to civilization. That said, lets rock & roll!!!
The way back to Sooke was as eventful as the ride up, except for "that corner". From there it was a dash to make the 5:00 pm ferry back to the mainland. Less than 5 minutes to spare, but we made it!
This day started out 12 hours earlier and neither of us knew what we would be in for. Would we make it back to the mainland, and if so how? (we joked) Looking back, it is the benchmark of my riding career, as I am sure it was for my friend. But alas, we would not ride like that again.
His life path was to have a family and that riding would no longer fit and therefore hung up his helmet. I sure missed riding with him and was hoping that in the future we would get the opportunity to "ride again" (of course not at that level). Ironically, my friend passed away suddenly 4-1/2 years later from natural causes. Sadly he leaves behind three young children and his partner, family and lots of friends.
God's speed my friend....................................................................../
zx23rr
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everytime man makes something idiot proof, God makes a better idiot............
  
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frEEk
Administrator
ummm... yeah
Posts: 9660
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posted February 24, 2006 11:22 PM
glad u had that memorable ride together to remember. it was definitely too early for Art. on the up side, bet he gets let off of ALL his extended-wheelie-infront-of-a-cop tickets where he is now 
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MadMike
Moderator
FEAR THE BLACK FLAG!!!!!!!!
Posts: 6579
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posted February 25, 2006 05:27 AM
God speed to your friend, and my prayers go out to his family and friends...
this is the reason you do what you love to do... you never know when gods hands will take you away, that is why I have a tattoo that says Life Life, and I try to life that every day...
and just remember that you and your friend will ride again one day....  
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200-MPH CLUB MEMBER!
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fish_antlers
Administrator
The Truth is Out There
Posts: 21894
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posted February 25, 2006 07:18 AM
Thank you for writing that.
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What business is it of yours where I'm from, Friendo?
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Just Joy
Needs a job
Posts: 3976
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posted February 25, 2006 07:31 AM
wow....very good writing, we were all there with the both of you on the trip, then ripped back to reality with his passing. As mentioned, we must all live life today for we never know whats around that next corner. Your friend will be remembered in the hearts of his family and friends like you. Thank you for sharing.
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Life is what we make it, always has been, always will be.....
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princesskiwi
Administrator
MISTRESS of SMACK
Posts: 7688
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posted February 25, 2006 09:42 AM
what a great way to be remembered - you really love your friend.
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blitzkrieg
Needs a job
Road kill = Free lunch.
Posts: 2044
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posted February 25, 2006 08:22 PM
Nice post brother.
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"BTW....You need to get a girlfriend who's last name isn't .jpg"
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