Our First GMB (V Awsome)

["2"Throttled]

Were do I start I guess a BIG THANK U To everyone who got together and made this trip possible for Cody and us. From the start of the day on Friday Cody was grinning from ear to ear with anticipation going to Texas to ride and meet new folks as for me and Shell we were not sure what to expect.
We got of the plane,grabed the rental and on the way to the hotel to check in (man it was humid). We met Cheri as we pulled up and followed her and her family to the Berg residents. Cheri is like an angel sent to us, in some way or another she has been with us though the year. Thank You! Upon arrival we knew we were in the right place with trucks lined with bikes just waiting to be roosting. We walked up the driveway being intoduced to all new fellow moto'rs. Big maico, Mr.& Mrs. Berg and others from all over. It was kind of over welming but fabulous at the same time. Big Maico was giving me crap for not bringing my gear and was starting to line up gear from other riders. Man he wanted me to ride. We than had some fine mexican food for dinner and sat and talked to most of u. Me and Cody played a little catch with the football Mrs. Berg gave us. We haven't done that for awhile. Mr. Berg than asked if Cody would like to see Garrett's room and we both accepted the incredible Honor. We chatted a little from one man to another and I walked away a changed man as to feel anothers strengh,determination and most of all love for family. We gave our goodnights and see you in the morning and went back to the hotel. Saturday we woke up to Cody saying hurry lets go ride. So we went and ate breakfast to kill time before the bike shop opened to get gear for myself. Thanks for all the loan gestures but I knew how much I sweat so I had to pass. K's Motosports Gave me some awsome deals on gear and was very awsome to be a customer in that shop. Head to the track we were not sure if we were going in the right direction but just followed a few trucks till we hit the spot. We parked next to Dane what a wired californian. Obviously went right to the track to look, it was set up sweet. Went down and talked to Big Maico or he talked us right into gear and onto to a bike. Cody was geared up before I even made it to the car. He had a loaner bike (RM 65)from a very generous family close by for Cody to ride and walked me over to Satch and asked if I could ride his YZ250 (long live the 2 stroke). With out hessitation he said yeah. He told me it was tall he wasn't kidding. I'm only 5'8" so I only had a tippy toe on one side. So Cody and I rode the track for a couple of laps and then I rode for a couple of more though out the day getting used to a differnt bike and being back on a motocross track in 6 yrs. Big Maico also let me ride his 525 Ktm what a haus. we left the track early enough to relax and go get a few pictures developed of the 393 bike. Than off to Big Maico's house for dinner which we arrived alittle late but still had a great time. With everyone's kindness and open hearts to us, we just felt right at home, both at the Berg's and at Big Maicos. Sunday arrived and off to the track. We arrived and Satch had the #9 bike all pretty and ready, even adjusted the suspension a little lighter for me after he had did some damage to his knee on Sat. I didn't have a lot of chances to talk with Satch but he was amazing to loan and even adjust his own bike for a total stanger. Awsome thats all I can say! Cody and I signed up for our classes and was unexpectedly given a free ride day as GMB guests. We listen to the opening ceremonies where Mr. Berg touched each and everyone of us in some special way or another. He had also presented Cody some new gear from Tucker Rocky which gave us all a touch of that Cody smile. Cody's moto was first in the ATM class were he was followed by another rider #73 (Vintage Dave) which for the life of us we can't remember your name (so sorry), but your kindness will stay with us forever. At the last lap every rider had pulled over and let Cody take the final lap what an awsome site that was. Mom (Shell) cried to see Cody take the checked, what a joy it was for her to see him take first. My moto was finally up and I got to the gate as nevous as a preist with an altor boy. I ended up 4th and dog tired. The next set of moto's came and Cody rode again being followed, again everyone pulled over and let him lead but this time Robbie Reynard stayed next to him to the checkers. Cody enjoyed that so much that if he speaks of it he says he beat Robbie. Cody was presented his first first place trophy that he will never ever forget or stop smiling when he looks at it. Thank you to all who gave Cody an ever lasting memory! I rode my second moto good for the first two laps and then it kicked in that I was tired and out of shape but still ended up third. My wife brought me the trophy and I asked if everyone else fell down she laughed but I was serious. Now I also need to clear up some misconception as Cody's Dad I am actually Cody's stepdad Josh Nilles but to as no dishonor ever to be Cody's dad as to anyone can be a father but it takes someone special to be a Dad. It is truely my honor to be his Dad. Our family will always be touched by each and everyone of you at our first GMB and will not miss it next year. Thank you to all that had a hand in our weekend. We are sorry it has taken a while for us to get this posted. We are so greatful to have met everyone, to call you all friends, we look forward to staying in touch and riding again with everyone next year.

Thank u and God Bless,
Cody Strout
Mr. & Mrs. Nilles

P.S. Sorry Satch for leaving U a dirty bike,Thank U

[char393]

Josh, Shel and Cody...your family is so awesome.

I'm so glad you guys were able to make the trip...seeing you and Cody riding out of the pits together on Saturday was really something else. Seeing Cody's smiling face around the track on both days was just so cool...and his smile with that trophy. That alone was worth more than a million dollars.

Can't wait to see you guys again next year!

[tatonka]

Josh (& Cody & Shell),

Thank you guys for making this event extra special in many ways! This was my first GMB and definitely won't be my last. Having a chance to visit with you guys throughout the weekend was just awesome. Helping Cody start his bike, racing in the same motos with both you & Cody, talking to you guys after the races - all priceless! I still haven't been able to really find the words to describe my feelings about the whole experience but pretty much what everyone else has said....ditto!

[RRsis393]

Awesome Josh...I am so glad you guys finally signed up here ...It is soo much fun!!
I just love seeing you guys...I wish we could do this once a month to have a catch up weekend. :-) Love you guys and remember to post often!

[Woody_393]

Thank you Josh! It was great to read about your adventure. Having you and your family attend was one of the highlights of this trip for me. s to next year!

[Dirtbikindad393]

Originally Posted by "2"Throttled

We parked next to Dane what a wired californian.

Hmmm I think he means that in a good way.

Josh, Shell & Cody,

One of the highlights for me was getting to spend some time with Cody and having dinner with your family and Ernie on Sunday night. I truely look forward to next year and seeing you guys again.

Josh even though you say your a stepdad (like me), your a good dad and it shows when Cody looks at you and talks to you. Now go answer my e-mail to make sure it got there and I will send you some pics.

Talk to you soon,

Dane

[crfjedi393]

Great write up, Josh. I always enjoy reading everyone's perspective on the GMB's. Your family is an inspiration to all of us. Meeting you, Shelly, and Cody was a great moment in my weekend. Stick around here and be part of the family.

[MrsTwister393]

It was really great meeting y'all. Glad your going to stick around, now I think you need 393 added to your screen name!!

[Macho393]

Josh.....your the type of "Dad" every kid wants. No misconceptions here. Your one of us now! You will get to be a step dad to alot of kids around here.FYI MY BEST DAD GROWING UP.......was a stepdad!

[VET393]

Josh, it was great meeting you and the family at GMB V. If ya'll ever need anything remember,
I am just up the road from you. We also have another member just east of ya in Mt Vernon.
He's a pretty cool guy.

[Racer92]

Cody, it was my honor to get to follow with you in both your ATM motos, so thanks for riding with me, and even for the roost! You were going pretty fast at times and certainly not afraid to twist the throttle!

I still remember that guy who passed you in moto 1 and roosted you HARD. I was 10+ feet behind you and it was hitting me too. I can only imagine what kinda beating you took. You are one tough guy for taking that with no chest protector on! Hope to see you next year!

Josh & Shelly, thanks to you guys also for letting me ride with Cody, I feel I am/was the luckiest guy at GMBV. And Shelly thanks for printing out that photo for me saturday night, I have it on my desk at work and look at it all day.

-Bobby

[OlSchoolFool393]

Thanks for comin to hang out in Texas for the weekend!
don't know what I can say that hasn't already been said
Enjoyed getting to meet Ya and Please come back to hang out with
US again ........Tell Cody to tell everyone He Beat 35 of the best
folks from all over the country includeing Robbie
Really Enjoyed
OSF393

[ekholms-mx-farm]

It sure sounds like you all had a GOOD time. That is so awsome for Cody to get to ride with Robbie I can't imagine how Jacked I would have been to do that at my age!!

Way to go Robbie!!

I will have to admit your write up was very good,and made me choked-up with happiness for all of you!

[Motodad393]

Josh, Shell & Cody,

I have been reflecting much on this past race – the weekend in general was simply damn near indescribable. I have been following Cody and his situation since we were given the privilege to help send you all to the St. Louis MX. Cherie was phenomenal in posting the events – made me feel like I was there too! This was simply so cool for me and my family. I suspect that Garrett was watching from the heavens with tears in his eyes and joy in his heart. He always liked little children and took the time to interact with them, especially those who ride.

Meeting Cody and watching his “strength” and experiencing his determination are beyond description. Cody has an inner strength that I have seen in few grown people. He is a “pillar” of determination, strength and confidence that all people can draw from. He is simply quite a young man. Cody has a smile, a smile that warmed my heart and a light in his eyes that encourages me. This may sound weird but I felt like I gained strength from Cody. He has beaten that which conquers the strongest of adults. I have often said that adults can draw “strength” from children – this is the first time that I saw it and experienced it first hand! I will never forget his smile and the look in his eyes when he won the 1st place trophy in the ATM/TT Moto. They still warm my heart today!

Josh and Shell, simply remarkable parents with the right attitude. They too have strength and determination and a focus on today and tomorrow, not yesterday. I have no doubt that Cody and his demeanor give them strength. Determination, positive attitude and the smile of a son are no doubt a food for the soul and the source for the warmth of their hearts. For me, being with them for the weekend was a source of strength and courage.

Thanks for being open from the heart and beating that which defeats many. You already know this, but Cody is one remarkable young man and a source of strength for many. Cody may have received much during this weekend, BUT he gave more, much more than he may realize. I am a better person for knowing him. I look very forward to seeing you all next year and watching, perhaps riding with Cody.

[TRXman86]

I been away for a little while... now I know how I missed this I just read darn near every post on this thread, all I can say is WOW! I wish I could have been there to see the joyous smiles from Cody, the Bergs, and everyone else. I am normally a pretty strong guy, but this just brings me down. I wish I could have done more to contribute to the trip for Cody and Family, but some of you know I am doing just enough to scrape by after getting out of the ARMY early. Anyhow, hopefully next year me and a few friends can make the trip to join in the fun. I hate to read all the GMB write up and seeing what I miss This year would have been hard though since the 6 Hour race was the same weekend. Darn commitments LOL Concluding:
Mr. Berg, you definatly have a way with words! That's about all I can say there... one has a way of giving another drive, and you can do that! Cherie, well, you should know how great you are. You and your family! It must have been a real treat for Robbie to ride with Cody. As the same for Cody. Mr. and Mrs Nilles, what can I say, you have a son with a heart like a ten pound hammer, always hammering away at the bad times, and making the best. He is a hero of many and will continue to be. He is deffinatly a joy to read about and see in his photo journal on his web site. I read often, but sometimes don't make it past the first few lines. My wife laughs at me cause I have watery eyes and am laughing. She can't figure it out till I show her the pics of him. Then she remembers the flyers I posted up for the bennifit and trying to get tickets to the St. Louis SX to meet him. All this makes me proud to be a member here, and knowing how close this forum has become in a very, very short time. All statred for me with Billy (Ekholms) and his rebuild project. Never have I seen so many pull together to help someone. It just keeps growing and growing.
Ryan M.