The Common Thread of G.M.B.III

[b-bike393]

A.T.M.er's

I waited to post anything about the G.M.B.III untill I was able to collect my thoughts and put it down on paper. The whole event has left me drained.

This is what I sent to Mike Berg's e-mail address yesterday:


The Common Thread Between Us
My time at the Garrett Berg Memorial III

Forget the miles traveled. Forget the hours spent behind the wheel. The days pre-planning for the trip to Friendswood, Texas mean nothing. However, these are the moments in time that will forever be locked in my mind.

*** Friday, day #1 of the G.M.B.III

I’m finally walking up the driveway of Mike & Suzzett Berg. Oh sure, it’s only 90 or so feet in length, but the few seconds it takes to make my way to the back where everyone is at feels more like an eternity. This has been over two years in the making and now it’s going to happen. I will meet the man, face-to-face, whom God has kept in my prayers since September 22, 2002.

For reasons beyond my control, I was not allowed to find my way here until now. But now that I’m here, I’m feeling more like a fish out of water - out of my element, almost like I’m naked.

Another few steps and another rush of emotion comes over me as I see, in the garage, Garrett’s bike. There it sits up on the stand that Tyler sent to Mike, so that it can take a well-deserved rest after each moto. The “393” is looking down the driveway to greet everyone as they come in. “Ya, I see you, too” is what runs through my thoughts as I let the numbers on the front plate draw my complete and undivided attention. “I’ll spent some time with you later” my mind says as I make a few more feet up the driveway. Little did I know then about the river of emotion would flow between that bike and myself, but as for now I need to find Mike.

A couple seconds later and I’m in the middle of what must be 35 or more people, all milling around the opening of the Berg’s garage. My eyes are darting back and forth now, making contact with all faces that turn to see who I am. “It’s not that I don’t want to talk to you, it’s just that I’m so close to accomplishing my mission that I’m functioning with tunnel vision at this point” is what I hope people see as I look back at them with a smile.

Then it happened… The two seconds it took for Mike to turn around when Rick told him that I was there clicked by like hours.

“Hey Mike,” Rick says, “Boyd’s here.”

From that instant, a bond began forming between two former strangers. Oh sure, Mike and I have had exchanges over the Internet and on the phone, however, that pales in comparison to the compassion we were allowed to share with each other in those minutes and days after we first met. I told Mike that if all I did after driving for three days was to meet and talk with him there that night, I could turn around and go home and it would all be worth it. But I’m glad I stayed. Yes, meeting Mike was My Cake. The rest of the weekend meant that I Got to Eat It, Too.

That night I also got to meet the Prestons. I sat with Jerry & David for a while and offered a few words of support, prayer, and thankfulness for their coming. I thank God for their courage to partake in this event.

The rest of Friday night was filled with greetings and I won’t even try to mention who all those people were. Primarily, I’m horrible with names and secondly, as Nikki and I began to decompress from being cooped up in the car for over 37 hours, the rest of the night was a blur.

However, there are four people who will always be remembered for our time spent with them that night, as well as the rest of the weekend. Suzzett, Shannon, Machoman, and Chris Bazzy, each one of you has a spot in my heart that will forever be treasured.


*** Saturday, day #2 of the G.M.B.III

After we do the morning get-up routine at the Berg’s - which by the way, came all to early for Nikki and myself, still stuck in Pacific time, we find ourselves at the track in Splendora.

Three things that were on my agenda;

#1: Spend time at Garrett’s memorial with Mike.

I came prepared with a tribute from my home to share with Mike & Garrett at the memorial. I brought a container that was filled with some dirt from under our living room window at our house back in Oregon. When I told Mike what it was, I asked if he would empty the contents there where Garrett had been. This he did as both he and I let the tears stream down our faces.

After the container was emptied, I refilled it with some of the dirt there at the memorial. I told Mike that I planned to take it back to Oregon and put half the contents in the flowerbed outside our living room window. That way, we will always have a reminder of Garrett back home. The remaining dirt will be poured out over the landing area of the premiere jump (The Buddy Jump) at the local MX track in Albany, Oregon. This track is one of the venues for the 4-Stroke Nationals series, and I think a part of Garrett needs to be there, too.

#2. Fire up the bikes and ride.

Wow, what a track. It’s no wonder Garrett loved this place. After putting in a few laps to get a feel of the layout, I started to let my 426 run. Never in the last 19 years have I ridden as fast or flown so high and so far as I did at Splendora. The first twenty minute practice session went by all to quick and I couldn’t wait to get back out there again.

In an effort to get Nikki ready for her practice time on the main track, we went to the west end of the complex to put in some laps on the small track. While the smaller track is nothing like the main one, it did give Nikki the confidence and hunger to get out there on the big track.

When I rode my bike back to the track for my second practice session, Mike walked up to me and said, “Put your bike away. You need to ride Garrett’s.”

“WHAT…” I said.

He repeated with “I’m not taking no for an answer. Get on Garrett’s bike!”

My mind went numb and my eyes welled up with tears. “Are you sure?” were the words that came quivering out of my mouth.

“YES. Now put your bike away and get on the “393.”

After starting Garrett’s bike, the first place I rode was to his memorial. There I spent several minutes reflecting on what had just happened. I’d been given the unfathomable privilege (if you ask Mike, it was more like a command) to ride the “393”.

I’m glad it took a while to get to the track because it gave me some time to clear the fog that had formed inside of my goggles.

Once I got on the track, the bike and I performed as one. With total confidence, Garrett’s 450 and I soaked up lap after lap. With the time running down on this practice session, I said to Garrett, “Lets have fun with this last lap”.

Rhythm Section*** Cleared like a pro.
Whoops*** Like Buttah.
First Jump After the Whoops*** Cleared.
Next Double*** I came up a little short.
Next Six Jumps*** Cleared them all.
Triple Sep-Up*** Doubled.
Finish Line Jump*** And Garrett & I were done.

As I was putting the bike back on it’s stand, Mike met me with a glow on his face that could have lit up the entire city of Houston. There in his eyes I could see raw emotion and I couldn’t hold back the tears any longer. As we embraced each other, I was overcome with emotional overload. I was hardly able catch my breath, let alone stand on my own. I believe, had Mike not been holding me so tight, I would have folded to the ground in a heap.

One might think, how could a motorcycle have this kind of effect on a 49-year-old man? To steal a quote from Mike Berg… How can it not?

Nikki’s time on the track.

Her first lap on the main track, I had her follow me so I could show her where she might want to go. After that, she took the lead and I got to watch her from behind. From a father’s point of view, it was great to see her making decisions on which line to take, what to do, and how much gas to give it. This may have only looked like a young woman riding with her Dad, but from my perspective, it was my baby girl growing in ways I couldn’t have imagined. *YOU GO GIRL*


#3. Meeting ATM & TTer’s

Sorry but I won’t be able to remember all of you.

Machoman393: I firmly believe that there is no possible way to cram a bigger heart into one person - not at all what his screen name would indicate. From the first sentence I heard come out of this man’s mouth, it was totally apparent to me that he’s always thinking about the welfare of others. His riding skills may be at their best in the woods, but he is no slouch on the track.

Satch: Although our time together was far too brief, I was finally able to meet and greet the man who was so instrumental in giving me the confidence and information it took to do the 450 exhaust cam modification to my 426. Satch, as I told you in one of my p.m.’s, I think of you every time I start my “new” bike. Thanks.

Dirtbikendad: Now here is a man with a golden heart. Your enjoyment for the sport is apparent and your love for your fellow riders is second to none. Even though I didn’t get that ride on the back of your bike, I’ll take a rain check for now and get it the next time we see each other.

The “Hoots”, Zoo & Ima: The phone calls back & forth on our trip to Texas, the note left on Nikki’s car, and our time at the Berg’s and track were just an appetizer for Nikki and me. We feel a great desire to ride with you again. Tina, thanks for being so gracious to Nikki. You’re the best.

Char: You’re a classy individual. Nikki and I so enjoyed our time together with you. From what Nikki has been saying about you, you’ve left a lasting impression on her. You’re one heck of a motocrosser, too.

Keetoman: I’ve now seen it with my own eyes. The “Bunny”. I’m not sure I understand why, but maybe someday I might. The ears and puffy tail took guts. Is it okay to say that Keith looks good in “Ears & A Tail”? Anyway, hopefully you’ll be riding next year.

Bigmaico: It was very humbling to meet one of the main driving forces behind all of the Garrett Berg Memorials. As expected, when I thanked you personally for your unsung and tireless efforts to pull together a group of people to this common goal, your response was that of “It’s no big deal.” Howard, I will always be indebted to you for your steadfast and focused direction to pull off yet another chance for people like Nikki and myself to come to Texas and celebrate the life of Garrett.

Tyler: An unassuming man who makes a positive impact on everyone he meets. Thanks so much for the ATM stickers. Nikki and I will have them on the bikes soon.

Jerry & David Preston: I can’t even imagine the intestinal fortitude it would take to wade through these past months, plus having the strength to come to the G.B.M. I will continue to be offering up prayers for you and your family.

David, thanks so much for taking me up on the offer to ride my bike. I’ve never been able to see it in action like that before, and it sure looked like the two of you were getting along quite well. Based on the smile you had your face when came got back to the pits, you agree.

Lawdawg: Now here is a guy who loves to ride his CRF-450. When you ask James where he would like to vacation or spend time on a day off, the answer is simple. “Anywhere I can find a track and people to race against.” From what I saw at Splendora, he hasn’t been very far away from his bike in quite some time. This guy can fly.

Chris Bazzy: If you look in the dictionary for the meaning behind the words True-Texas-Gentleman, you will get a sense of the real Chris Bazzy. This is a man that, we as men, can learn a lesson from. He shares from his heart, listens to what you have to say, will take steps of action to make you feel right at home, and pulls it off with amazing ease. Chris, your “Texas Style Hospitality” towards me and Nikki was astounding, and the liquid refreshment was great too.

Last, but certainly not least, Lil’-b-bike:

Even though Nikki is my daughter, I must mention of our time together at the G.B.M. This was a perfect opportunity for us to get away from the rest of the family and spend some quality time together. She is the only one of my three daughters who gets out there with me on the trails. Coming to this event, both her and I knew that this type of riding was a bit of a stretch for her skills but, now that she’s done it, she started talking about going to the tracks here in Oregon for some more MX action. I know that what I have in her is something to be very proud of.


*** Sunday, day #3 of the G.M.B.III

Race Day

Machoman and I decided to ride in two different events. The A.T.M./TT and 250 beginner. The plan was to do the first lap of the 250 class, handle bar to handle bar, in a show of solidarity for our missing friend, John Lorenz. Unfortunately, I missed the gate of that first moto because I was taking pictures of Nikki and the rest of the women’s open class. Oh well, I still had the second moto to look forward to.

I had butterflies in my stomach before the start of the first moto of the A.T.M./TT class. I was thinking how I was about to ride in the event I’d heard so much about over the last two years. However, when the gate dropped, the butterflies disappeared and were instead replaced by full-on utopia. It was awesome to be sharing this track, Garrett’s track, with all these people that came here in honor of their fallen friend. It’s best described as pure enjoyment for a full twenty minutes. I wanted to ride next to as many people as possible. So, when I found myself next to someone riding about my same speed, I would catch a couple jumps and do a few corners with them before finding someone else to ride with. Later in that moto, I caught up to Mike at the “Roost Corner”. I stayed with him until we flew across the tunnel jump together. What a blast! Our twenty minutes were over way too soon. But now the pit racing will start until we hit the track for moto #2.

Just prior to the second A.T.M./TT moto, Mike told me that his feet were hurting and he wouldn’t be riding again that day. He then pointed to Garrett’s bike and said, “You’re going to be riding with Garrett in the second moto.” After my eyes started to refocus, Mike handed me the goggles that Garrett used saying, “Here, you need to wear these too.”

How can someone in Mike’s position offer such things to another? What is the driving force behind allowing me privilege to ride the “393”? These questions I ask myself still. I believe that in time, I will understand the outpouring of blessings that Mike bestowed upon me, but at that point I was completely blown away and the tears between us flowed again.

A few minutes before the second moto started, I took Garrett’s bike back over to the memorial. There I tried to find a little quiet time in order to soak it all in, but even now, words don’t come close to the waves of emotion that were passing over me. I find it difficult to describe the overwhelming flood of feelings that swirled around in my head. I guess the best way to say it is, I was overcome.

When I headed to the gate, I pulled up just outside the entrance to the starting line and waited as the rest of the class showed up.

Like moths drawn to a flame, rider after rider rolled up next to Garrett’s bike. Before I knew it there was a circle of bikes surrounding the “393”. The expression of support that these people have towards the Berg family was never so apparent to me as it was then. It was an honor of the highest degree to be put in a place to witness first hand the impact Garrett had on so many people.

For years to come I will continue to be reminded of the reaction people have when they see Garrett’s bike. Even after we were on the track for the last moto, this show of support would continue. With each rider that passed, there would be a moment of connection they would make between them and myself. And too, the spectators along the track would give a thumbs-up with each lap. I am now, and forever will be, completely humbled to see from Mike’s perspective, through Garrett’s goggles, the overwhelming love that still remains, stronger then ever, for his son Garrett.


Moto # 2 for the 250 beginner class.

Machoman and I changed our minds on doing the first lap of this race side by side. Instead, we were going to do the entire moto bar to bar. What a way to finish off a weekend of riding! Putting in lap after lap with your new best friend from start to finish. Once on the track, the jumps were complemented jointly with shouts of “WHOOO HAAAA” between the both of us. Corner after corner, jump after jump and lap after lap until my 426 bucked me off at the exit of the roost corner. Like a true friend, Mark was waiting for me not more then 30 feet up the track. When I remounted my iron horse, we reconnected and headed towards the final flag. Mark, I wait with eager anticipation for the next time we get to burn some fossil together.


*** Monday, day #4 of the G.M.B.III

This morning Nikki and I got to spend some quiet time with Mike, Suzzett, and Shannon before we started our drive back to Oregon. We ate quiche, (yes, real men do eat quiche, you know) drank coffee, looked at pictures, talked and laughed. Our conversations covered many topics ranging from work, family, hobbies, to God Almighty. We were truly blessed to have shared these last four days with this family. That morning also afforded me the opportunity to let Shannon know that God has kept her in my prayers that she would continue to have the strength to carry through with what God has in store for her. What an outstanding young lady Mike & Suzzett have in her.

To end the G.M.B.III at the Berg’s, where it all began, will be remembered forever.

Through it all, there is this inner woven thread connecting us all, in ways I never thought possible, with people I never knew before coming to Friendswood, Texas. That thread is Garrett Michael Berg.

So after saying all this, there are a couple questions I would like all of you to answer.

#1. Why did “You” come to the G.M.B.III.?
#2. Who did “You” see when you got there?

My answers:
#1. I drove 5000 miles to “See” Mike Berg.
#2. Every where I looked I “Saw” Garrett.


Boyd Koehler

[char393]

Boyd...hopefully the following will answer both of your questions.

I am still completely humbled and awed by the fact that a group of people were drawn together by the legacy of one young man. I didn't know Garrett except for what I've read of him. After talking with people on this site for a year, I felt so drawn to the GMB event. The plans all seemed to fall into place, which just furthers my belief that everything happens for a reason. After being there....I believe I have a better sense of who Garrett was and is. His spirit lives on and that is evidenced by the way we are all drawn together. Our lives are somehow intertwined in a way I never thought possible. Friendships born online are now cemented.

[Keetoman393]

Boyd, it was a pleasure to meet you and Nikki. I'm am glad you made it this year and got to ride with Garrett.

Thanks for this write up. It just goes to show you what great people Garrett has brought together.

[Keetoman393]

To answer the questions you purposed:

1. I did the same as you last year. This year I came to honor the life of Garrett and to reunite with old and new friends

2. I saw Love and people with big hearts.

[b-bike393]

Originally posted by kdxchar393
Boyd...hopefully the following will answer both of your questions.

Char:
For me there is no right or wrong answer to the two questions. I just wanted to get to the heart of everyone who will post a reply on this thread.

From what you said in you p.m. today, it's plan to see your heart felt responce to the G.M.B.III.

Boyd

[Macho393]

B-bike.....dang man, you made me somewhat tear up. But Im the Machoman, so I didn't really . I go everyyear because some how I've fell in love with the Bergs. Didin't want too or mean to! But as long as I can I shall go to Texas to be with my other family. Now you know. What its about.............

[b-bike393]

Macho:

I will remember our ride together forever. That, my friend, was just our first of many rides side-by-side.

There has not been a day go by from the time Nikki and I left the Berg's home that I haven't thought about you. Your a HUGE part of what made this event the best!

Boyd

[Macho393]

oops I meant to tell you....I also shoot a hoyt bow, uni cam. Seems we are long lost bros!

[Satch0922]

b-bike,

I was so into this post that I had to read it twice!!!
Boyd, you and Nikki are two very special people. It was an honor meeting the two of you. I am so glad that you were able to come down for the GMB....you guys made it that much better.

I hope that over the coming months that things work out to bring you guys back down to Texas so we can celebrate Garrett's life together again.

[b-bike393]

Satch:

Nothing would please me more then to make it down there next year. Besides, you and I need to spend some time together. Also, I pormise to have a different number on my bike. Maybe 99 would work?

Nikki and I have already beed talking to my wife (Karen) about what it would take to get her to come with us. So far it looks like a plane ticket for Nikki and Karen, and another road trip for good-ol-dad.

Boyd

[char393]

Originally posted by machoman393
Seems we are long lost bros!

Seems Garrett tends to do that....bring us together with our long lost siblings we didn't know we had. Right SS?

[Satch0922]

Originally posted by b-bike
Satch:

Nothing would please me more then to make it down there next year. Besides, you and I need to spend some time together. Also, I pormise to have a different number on my bike. Maybe 99 would work?


Boyd

Guys I have to tell you something that just blew me away at the GMB races. They called us up to the tower because of duplicate numbers...Satch #9 and b-bike #9. I was standing talking to the girls about changing numbers and Boyd walks up and says "No, no , no....I am changing my number....Satch your #9". I was standing there with this blank look on my face because I did not know what to say!!!

This will give you a lot of insight into what kind of person Boyd is.... all I can say is ........UNBELIEVABLE

[Keetoman393]

Indeed he is.