A picture is worth a thousand words. G.M.B.IV

[b-bike393]

The G.M.B. IV

So… After making my second G.M.B. it’s time to sit at the computer and let the feelings flow out through the finger tips and into the World Wide Web. As most of you know it’s rather difficult to put into just a few words all the emotions that surround this event.
I’ve spent the last few days sorting out in my mind the impact or affect this year’s event made to the Koehler family. I find myself going over every conversation with every person on every day. I remember looking into the faces of all the participants, both riders and spectators, young and old, new to our sport and seasoned riders alike, husbands and wives, mothers and fathers, sons and daughters, and I still see a common theme that has drawn them to this spot (Splendora) on this date (Oct 2nd 2005)

GARRETT MICHAEL BERG

If the saying is true that “A picture is worth a thousand words” then this Wright-up is going to be a novel.

This is still the main reason I come to the G.M.B.

As Mike will till you, I spent quite a bit of time wrapping my arms around him. After meeting Mike last year we have developed a friendship that will last our life time. We only get to see each other once a year so we make the most of our time. Mike is a man that functions on many levels and with each visit I’m blessed to have with him he and I open up on those levels and share from our hearts.
Mike, I look forward to our next meeting where we can peal back more of those layers and get an even deeper look into each others lives.
Karen also was truly blessed to spend the weekend with Suzzett and her mom. Karen has talked quite often on how much she looks towards coming next year. With as much fun the girls had this year I don’t see how I can afford not to come back in 06.

This is another important reason for making the trip.

It is always good to see Jerry and David Preston. I can’t recall a time this weekend where I didn’t see a grin on David’s face. Also, I for one noticed that David is putting in much faster lap times. That kid can rip .

After three long years of phone calls, pm’s, e-mails, I finally get to meet the “World Famous” John Lorenz.

John has already posted the pictures of our very first meeting at the truck stop in Santa Nella. Now think about this for a minute…
#1. John had never seen me before that meeting.
#2. He helped me load “his” bike up in the back of my truck and watched as I drove off with it.
#3. According to John, his bike has never been out of the state of California before (with or without him)
#4. It is going to be at least three days before he sees (if he’s lucky ) his bike again.
Is that trust or is it blind stupidity? I personally think it’s because Karen was with me. She has kind of a soothing affect on people. It works on me all the time. :
Anyway, I digress. It has been my pleasure to call John a friend and a brother even before we met face to face that first time. Now I can see why I gravitated towards his personality on TT and ATM. In my life time I’ve had the good fortune to come across people of John’s caliber and I’m here to till you that I’ve done it again.
Yes, John got his bike back.


The driving force behind why I had a true understanding of what the G.M.B. is all about when I came last year. My Arkansas Brother.

Our plan for this year was to add a third rider to the formation we had last year. It was going to be Mark, John and I going lap after lap, side by side. We talked about this almost every time we were on the phone with each other. Well… Saturday’s practice session had other things in mind. After Mark and Brent’s “Wrestling Match” *** it made it clear that the three of us will have to come back down to Splendora on a later date and make that happen. Oh well, Guess that means another Texas Run. ***
John… Mark… you guys are still my wingmen. ***

What good is a trip to Texas without good company?

For what seemed like forever, Dane and I were planning on doing some kind of caravan from southern California to Texas. Well… first it was on, and then it was off. Later it was on again, only to be put off, again. It felt to me that the harder Dane and I planned this thing the less likely it was going to happen. However, when it came down to it, we made the trip work. Mr. Evans is just the person you would want to caravan with. Always positive, quick with a zinger to make you laugh and he’s sneaky too (he called Karen and I to see how far down the road we were all the while he was right behind us).
You get the point here. Dane and Deb are the best. And Karen thought she was going to be bored with all that traveling.
Also, Thanks Deb. You and Karen hit it off and were going at it like a couple ole school chums. Karen is looking forward to getting back together with you soon.

After a number of p.m.’s back and forth I was really looking forward to meeting this fella.

David is a man trying to make a difference in the world he lives in. Not by being noticed, but by doing what is right! Not by being more then what he is, but by being who he is and doing that to the best of his God given ability. David, it was my honor to meet you and your son Clint.


Someone started thread a while back and the theme was something like, “What we are looking forward to for G.M.B.IV”. In that thread I stated that I intended on spending more time with guy.

Here is another example of why I’ll keep finding my way back to Texas for this event. You can not be around Brent without seeing the excitement he has for the sport and family of MX. It also doesn’t take long to see the love he has for his kids. It’s great seeing a man take the time and get in close to his children. Brent, I can’t wait to have more one on one time with you.

You can’t have a G.M.B. without these men.

Yep… a picture may be worth a thousand words but I think this one may be worth a trip to the Optometrist.
Howie, Love ya Dude!!!


Not only is this a great looking bike but Dave can make that thing fly.
If it were not for the tireless efforts of these two gentlemen the G.M.B. wouldn’t happen. I would encourage all of you ATMer’s to find some way to say thanks to Howard & Dave.

And lastly I’d like to say thanks to a very special person.

For someone who doesn’t like to travel more then 100 or so miles I knew that a trip of this magnitude would push the limits of what Karen could handle. Although we did stop and see Nikki both on our way to Texas and on the way back, still she gutted out over 72 hrs, 5000 miles of drive time just to spend a few days with total stranger. Karen, YOU ROCK MY WORLD. ***





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[Macho393]

Awesome is all I can say. Did Karen, John's wife and my wife luck out or what.....................J/K we all know who our better halfs are. Miss you already bro.

[John Lorenz]

Originally Posted by machoman393

Awesome is all I can say. Did Karen, John's wife and my wife luck out or what.....................J/K we all know who our better halfs are. Miss you already bro.

Sniff, Sniff

Boyd, I think I border on Blind Stupidity

Everything Boyd said is what I see in Him, Mark, Mike, Bill and John Barnard, Howard, Dave, and the rest of those at GMB

[MrsTwister393]

I started reading this thread and smiled, you hit it right on the nail and the picture with your words were perfect.
I kept reading and my falling smile picked up again at the Preston's. I just kept smiling through the whole thing. I scroll down and see John Lorez and my smile gets even bigger. Seeing the two of you reminded me of Char and I on our first meeting. Me thinks you two are two peas in a pod as well

[Imahoot393]

Great write up and I love the pics. There are just amazing people in TX for this race and it shows.

[MotoMan]

Awesome post, great write up and pics man.

Man I wish I could have been there.

[b-bike393]

Originally Posted by MrsTwister393

Seeing the two of you reminded me of Char and I on our first meeting. Me thinks you two are two peas in a pod as well

You and Char are "Twisted Sisters" for sure.
I think John, Mark and I are "Braided Brothers"

[Dirtbikindad393]

Boyd,

What Robbie said with the smiles but add tears too! You are exactly what you said about all the other folks in this photo essay and more. You and Karen are two peas in a pod and that is eveident when you meet Nikki! I am glad I have had the honor to meet and travel with your family and look forward to the next time we are together.

I know you will focusing on other things from here on until June. I wish you the best in this venture and I know you will acheive exactly what you set out to acheive.

Love you Bro!

[MrsTwister393]

Originally Posted by b-bike393

I think John, Mark and I are "Braided Brothers"

I like that

[char393]

Braided brothers...

Excellent write-up Big Bro! The pictures certainly tied it all together. I especially like that one of Howard...and Macho says he's the one that's too sexy for his shirt..

[Dirtbikindad393]

Originally Posted by b-bike393

I think John, Mark and I are "Braided Brothers"

Don't you have to have hair for that?

[crfjedi393]

Nice write up Boyd. I agree, the pics add a nice touch. It was an honor to meet you and Karen as well. I really admire all of you guys that come from so far away. See you in about 50 weeks!

[Kenny400]

Originally Posted by Dirtbikindad393

Don't you have to have hair for that?

LMAO!!! Okay..I guess shouldn't laugh too hard. Don't wan't MY hair falling out.

Excellent write up, Boyd!