The Common Thread of G.M.B.III

[Dirtbikindad393]

Why I went:

To meet the Berg Family and the man behind some of the pm's I have received. The man who helped the family that won the YZ450F in the drawing last year realize another goal in helping their son. The amazing mother and sister of the man who brought us all together. Garrett may have been only 17 but he was mature beyond his years from the people that I talked to over the GMB III weekend.
To experience the love and togetherness that this celebration would bring. Knowing that I would shed a tear or two over the weekend because I am a sap, an Ironman sap but still a sap.

Beyond all that to meet people like B-Bike and Nikki, kdxchar, The Twisters, The Pragmatic Family, The Psyklone Family, The Satches, Machomen and Skirtwells of the world. The whole gang Dave, Howard, Keith, MxMike, Rick, all of the ATM Family (Don't feel left out if I didn't mention you as we are all family and came together for one reason). I went to spend more time getting know Woody_CRF and his outstanding son (who finally talked to me after 4 days), The Hoots, Mr. Bates. The laughter, the tears and shared memories.

Boyd I hope that covers it. You will always have a rain check on the back of my bike especially for that reason.

For those who don't know when Mr. Berg asked B-Bike to ride 393 in the second ATM/TT moto we told Mr. Berg that the people still wanted Mike to ride across the finish line. I told Boyd to hop on the back of my bike and we would ride across the line together all 4 of us Mike, Boyd, Garrett and myself. As it turned out we didn't get to do that due to KK's attempt at showing the barrel who is the boss.
You and Nikki are a class act Boyd. Sharing time with you two was my pleasure and honor.

[Imahoot393]

I went to honor Garrett's memory with my extended family. I went for the comradery of my fellow ATMers that put their heart and soul into putting this event on. I went to talk to Mr and Mrs Berg again as well as see Shannon.

An extra bonus to the trip was enjoying the trip out with some amazing people that are also our local riding buddies. How well you really get to know your friends while being stuck in the car with them for 60+ hours. I was honored to meet the new people there.

Boyd- Hope you and the family can make it again this next year. You are truly wonderful people that belong to this unique motocross family.

[b-bike393]

Originally posted by LawDog101
Great times Boyd. Hey, just wondering, you failed to mention your starting gate antics before moto #2. Remember, where you fell over in the sand in front of all of us. Funny stuff. That sand was deep.

James

Ya James. every now and then my bike shows me who is boss. It did that exact same thing to me when I fell later on in that same moto.

Dang... I hate that

Boyd

[Woody_393]

Wow, that was quite the post! I enjoyed it thouroughly (sp?).

My answers:
1) I'm not completely sure why I went... I think my attitude was not where it should have been. I will come to the GMB again, so I can make better use of the time I spent there.
2) I saw things I never thought were possible, and had the pleasure of helping to capture it on (digtal) film. I also saw a spoiled rotten, selfish person in myself. This I needed to see, not that I wanted to, but I did, and I'm indepted to Garrett for this.

Thanks again, for your post Boyd. I didn't get to really meet you, as I was so involved with myself. I won't make that mistake next time.

Thanks again everyone, and we'll hopefully see you all again next year.

[Macho393]

Woody I myself did not see that in you. i saw a man who loves others, a man who loves his kids, I saw a guy wondering around looking for others and spreading good will. its amazing how we see ourselfs and how others see us isn't it. Woody I thought you was oneoutstanding guy. Im proud your my friend.

[Imahoot393]

Yeah Woody is a great guy...don't let his post fool ya.

Woody- We all have times when we wish that we had behaved differently. I personally don't see you as being a selfish guy. I know you very well from the Mesquite trips and business trips down here and you are a great guy who helps others all the time. Just look at how many lessons you have personally given me on how to jet my bike, change the oil, check tire pressure, ride, and the list goes on. You seem to keep giving me the lessons despite the fact that I am still clueless around a bike. I always see you helping others and wrenching on their bikes. Frankly I wonder when you fit riding in sometimes.

I hope you consider going again next year. Not only would we miss your wonderful singing but we would miss having our riding buddy with us. Go check out Char's video in the graphics section and you shall see that it is a must to go next year and experience it again. Keeps getting better every year.

[Satch0922]

Woody I am surprised by your post.......I had not been at the track more than 5 minutes and you came up and said hi and shook my hand! If it matters at all I think you are being a little hard on yourself. We all take different things away from the GMB weekend. Let's face it, everyone of us looks back and says "man I wish I would have.....". There is just so much to do and so little time.

Woody I want to thank you for being there, for taking pictures of all of us Bubba Stewart wannabes and thank you for being a friend.

[Imahoot393]

Satch- you hit it when you said that everyone thinks .....if only I had. There is so little time there and so many great people.

[char393]

Originally posted by Imahoot393
Satch- you hit it when you said that everyone thinks .....if only I had. There is so little time there and so many great people.

Exactly!

I agree with the others Woody...you were so unselfish that weekend. I can't begin to tell you how thankful I am for the opportunity to meet you and get to know you.

[Dirtbikindad393]

Originally posted by Woody_CRF
I also saw a spoiled rotten, selfish person in myself. This I needed to see, not that I wanted to, but I did, and I'm indepted to Garrett for this.

I completely saw that side of you Woody but how was I going to tell you? I didn't want to deflate you infront of your son or the others in the car.

























J/K.... Woody I am very glad I was able to spend more time getting to know you even better than I did from the Mesquite trips. The singing, flat tires, lock picking, worldly discussions with Zoo were so wonderful to be a part of. They are memories that I have and are very fond of. You and Bates together kill me rmember breakfast at Dennys and the FBI shirt Batews was wearing. Funny stuff!
I hope you will go again next year. I too didn't spend as much time doing things I wanted to do. I didn't talk to the Prestons as much as I wanted too. I didn't take any pictures with my still camera and didn't take as much video as I wanted. I didn't get a picture of me with any of my fellow Moto-Gypsies.
I look forward to more riding and fellowship time with you and Zaiah at Mesquite.

D2B2D aka Hootie aka Naviguesser aka Dps system

[zoohoot393]

Boyd...it was so much fun talking with you during the ride out and it was awesome to meet you in person. I can't wait to see you again next year.

Woody...I know I do not spend enough time with each person I want to during the GMB. However...it was AWESOME having you along with for the ride to TX (and Bates, DBD, Isaiah, Miguel and Char ) and I am so glad you made it to Mesquite. I sincerely hope you will be with us again next year

[Dirtbikindad393]

Originally posted by zoohoot393
Char ) and I am so glad you made it to Mesquite.

I thought we went to Texas? On maybe you meant Mesquite, Texas.


LOL We knew what you meant Zoo!

[Motodad393]

Hello All,
I have been traveling this week and am currently in downtown Chicago. Man it is tough to type with tears in the ole eyes.......

When I read Boyd's letter early Sunday morning I was an emotional lush. The last thing he said, "every where I looked I saw Garrett" totally blows me away. I am glad that others see Garrett too. I sure do miss him.....

I meet so many awesome new people this year and saw some ole family members too. I am still humbled by and still do not fully understand how my son could bring so many folks together. I know that Garrett is humbled and amazed that "all this" has happened in the past 111 weeks and 2 days!

The courage that Jerry and David Preston had to come and be amongst our MX family was incredible. The wounds they have are still very 'raw' and the pain cuts to the core. I am thankful that they chose to come and be part of our family. I am sure that they saw the love that we all have for them and they know we are here for them. I look forward to riding with them again. Young David is a darn good rider, heck ole Boyds bike was put through the paces with him on it.

Outside of meeting new people whom became Motoman393 Race Team Members I thoroughly enjoyed many 'special moments' and can only list a few, but there are many.

I remember the smiles on Shannons face when she did not know I was looking...

I remember the "love and comfort" given to the Preston family in some of their darkest days...

I remember jumping a jump on the back straight of way simultaneously with David Preson on B-bikes bike during the parade lap. I remember the "smile on David face" after the lap was over - such an awesome experience. It took alot of courage for the Prestons to ride with Shannon and I at this particular time in their lives...

I remember riding and jumping side by side next to B-bike [for awhile I was actually ahead.]...

I remember our conversations at the "tree"...

The thing I cherish the most is all the face to face talks and having the privilege to look into your eyes. If this touches you, then you remember too! There is something about "the eyes" that lead to and expose the heart and soul of people. I THANK YOU all whom allowed me a "look in side" to see your hearts! These experiences through your "eyes" lead to heart felt exchanges, some brief others more lengthly - all of which I will cherish forever.

May the Almighty Bless You All Richly....

We will "Ride Again!"

[Woody_393]

Oops..

Thanks for the VERY kind words. However, I did not post my thoughts to get everyone to post nice stuff, I just realized from Boyd's experience that he got SOO much more out of it then I did, and realized that in order to get more out of it, I need to have a different attitude, and actually have a reason for being there.

Thanks again for the comments, I'd be lying if I didn't say I loved them. So thank you.

And thank you Motodad393, Big M, and everyone else that helps put this together so we can all meet and celebrate life.