"Remembering Those Who Rode" - GMB 7 [Post Event]

[Motodad393]

Hello Folks,

This weekend was awesome for me. Seeing friends that I have meet from the fabulous off-road riders is really beyond description. The folks of ATM and Thumpertalk are simply incredible. While these Memorial Race weekends involve a variety of emotions for me and my family - it ends up like a huge "FAMILY REUNION" - that comes together driven by a "passion" that thrives from the giving hearts many! It seems like the weekends goes go quick, and I hate saying "good bye" even for a year. I guess why that is why so many of us often talk throughout the year.

Please use this "forum" [thread] to make comments, post pics and if so inspired please tell us:

- What did you like the most about an event, our your weekend?
- What was the most special moment for you personally?
- Tell others "Why do you keep coming to this event?"

I too will post later, but I would really appreciate hearing from YOU - THE MOST INCREDIBLE PEOPLE I HAVE EVER MET!

The Garrett Berg "Remembering Those Who Rode Memorial Race/Ride" is only made possible by YOU, those who have so openly and graciously supported this event. Thank you so much for caring so deeply about "Remembering Those Who Rode."

Don't tell anyone, but I cannot wait until next year!

[Miles711]

- What did you like the most about the event, or your weekend?

Spending time BS'ing in the pits with family and friends. Also, riding the TT/ATM moto which always feels like a moto party on bikes. It’s a blast to just cruise around the track with such a big group of friends, and it’s great to see everyone on the track at once just having fun in memory of those who rode.

- What was the most special moment for you personally?

I think the most special moment for me was when Matt Sandt lit up the rear tire of the 393 bike during the 2nd TT/ATM moto and completely hosed me down with Splendora dirt. I was following him on the outside of the turn before whoops section, and right as I heard Garrett's YZF scream both bike and rider disappeared in a cloud of red mist combined with a hail storm of every small object the rear tire could find. I couldn't help but smile the rest of the day when that familiar crunch of sand in the teeth reminded me of that moment.

- Tell others "Why do you keep coming to this event?"

It's a great opportunity to see so many great friends at once. During the year you get to ride with a couple at a time, but this event brings everyone together. You also get to see all of those crazy Non-Texan ATMers that you have been talking smack with for the past year or so. The atmosphere of this event can't be equaled by any other race. It truly is a group of friends gathering to celebrate the lives of those who rode by doing what they loved to do.


I had a blast this year, and can’t wait to do it again! Hopefully I will be able to sort through the pictures we took and post them up sometime soon.

[Motodad393]

Miles,

Thanks for your comments! You have a way with words young man. I had the pleasure of speaking with your parents yesterday in some detail. They have a right to be proud. Your dad is a bit modest which I fully understand - but the pride in their eyes simply warmed my heart. You are a fortunate young man to have such fine parents. They are blessed to have a son who is making the right choices.

Thanks for your continued support in this event and for being part of ATM. Tell Sam - I am proud of him too and tug his ear gently for me!

[pragmatic393]

Wow! Words can’t describe the feelings I have for this wonderful weekend (at least mine can’t ).

I am just simply amazed with the passion associated with the GMB. The Riders Meeting is amazing and I still get chills at how Mr. Berg’s words move me and as Lawdog put it; make my battles seem trivial. A big highlight for me this year was how it affected our friends and neighbors (Scott, Delane & Andy). Andy (YZ85#3) is Scott’s son and Corbin’s best friend. Scott also has an older son, same age as Garrett; we recently found out he and Garrett were Chem-Lab Partners in high school. Inviting them was not easy for me. I have mixed emotions with bringing folks into our group until the time is right. You have to admit, from an “outsiders” stand-point, a race to honor those who have died riding takes understanding and serious love for our sport. Most people will not understand. It is difficult to stress enough how our focus is not in winning but in family, living right, riding smart and having fun. Well, Mr. Berg’s words worked again and I think they “Get It”! Scott loved the whole event and will be back next year!

Although the event was smaller this year than most, the spirit was larger than life. I’m lucky to live so close to the Bergs and the GMB event. You folks that have to travel so far to attend this event are #1 in my book. YZErnie, Ima, DrG, Motoman, Kimster, Jedi, Keeto, LawDog, Flash and Ricky, Jason and many more from years past. A big Thank You for making this event what it is!

Donna & Howard, Brisket was awesome and I had a great time cooking side by side with Donna on Saturday night. My sauce recipe keeps evolving and with Donna's help I think we have a new blend that's a keeper! Did I mention I love cooking?

I’ve always liked the phrase regarding our sport~“It’s Risk Reward” ! Well, sharing the ups and downs with you all make it an easier decision to keep “Rolling”.

Did I mention the riding was good too

God Speed to Garrett Michael Berg and All that have passed~ Remember Those Who Rode!!!!

[mxmama393]

It really hard to put into words right now, but I share the same heartfelt joy at this event that everyone expresses. I am very proud to take part and I hope to more involved in the years to come.

This picture is the most memorable moment for me






Here are a few more pictures from the weekend.


Prag





Sam



The kids


And some more who Im not sure of

[mxmama393]

[Miles711]

Mr. Berg: Thanks, I am very fortunate to have my family and the opportunities they have given me. I poke at Sam's goofy had and ear rings all the time, so I will gave to give you credit for the next one

Here are a couple of the pictures I took at the race (what I have sorted through so far):

The track at 6AM







Helmet Hair

[yzernie]

Just got home a little bit ago so please forgive my unorganized thoughts as I am just going to put them down as the pop into my head.


- What did you like the most about the event, or your weekend?

Getting to see everyone again after a year is just fantastic. The rekindling of the current friendships and the making of new ones are what creates the special memories from a weekend like this...all in the honor of a special young man.


- What was the most special moment for you personally?

Quite a few really. Not sure I can remember them all right now but I have to say the top one is having a heck of a time laughing it up with some friends. I'm sire I'll remember more later!!


- "Why do you keep coming to this event?"

To do my part to help with the continued legacy of Garrett M. Berg.

[Grieby54]

Originally Posted by mxmama393

Sam

Looks like I'm about to eat doo doo right there.

[mxmama393]

Originally Posted by Grieby54

Looks like I'm about to eat doo doo right there.

Yep....but you didnt!

[mxmama393]

ok I think I may have gathered my thoughts well enough for words...

- What did you like the most about an event, or your weekend?

Friday night, because I get a better look everyone personality. Also this year it was the most I have been able to spend time getting to know the crazies. But most of all, its a true joy seeing how the Bergs open their hearts and home to everyone.


- What was the most special moment for you personally?

Its REALLY hard to pick just one, but if I had to choose I would say the kids. Seeing how well all the kids played and worked together over the entire weekend was wonderful.


- Tell others "Why do you keep coming to this event?"

There are so many reasons but to sum it up....I'm addicted to it and dont want to recover.

[Miles711]

My brother had the camera, so he mostly took pictures of Sam and I. Here are a few more that he got.

[MotoMan]

What did you like the most about an event, our your weekend?
Just spending time with some of the best people on the planet and getting the pleasure to share the best sport in the world with all of them. All of you guys are just wonderful people.

What was the most special moment for you personally?
I can't really pick just one....the whole weekend just runs together for me. It's all good.

Tell others "Why do you keep coming to this event?"
Thats hard to put into words, but once you come and experience GMB...you can't help but come back. Just a great group of people, and the enlightenment you gain on life is incredible.

[char393]

What did you like the most about the event, or your weekend?
Spending time with family and friends, doing something that I enjoy more than I can express. In my opinion, it's time like this weekend that make memories that will last a lifetime.

What was the most special moment for you personally?
The realization that my daughter is growing up. She volunteered for something, gave up her time playing in the pits with everyone else, she did her job and she did it well all without complaining. It's probably just a mom thing, but I was one pretty freakin' proud mom.

Tell others "Why do you keep coming to this event?"
I can't quite find the words. I originally came to meet what I thought were the greatest people around. Thankfully, I was right, they are the greatest. I came to meet the man who had shared his heart, his grief and his pain so openly with others. I keep coming back for those same reasons.

It's the looking into someone's eyes and knowing that no words are needed and the trading of hearts. How could you not want to revisit that every year?

[pragmatic393]

A few more:












….and a link to the rest ~ [Only registered and activated users can see links. ] pass is allthingsmoto

[mxmama393]

Those are very nice! Love the one of your little hot shot!!!

[crfjedi393]

What did you like the most about an event, or your weekend?
GMB was a little short for me this year as I only made Sunday's race. But what I liked most is very simple. Shaking hands with Garrett's dad. (You picked the perfect shirt to wear.)
What was the most special moment for you personally?
Looking into Matt Sandt's eyes during our short discussion. The friendship he lost wasn't even mentioned but his eyes told the story.
Tell others "Why do you keep coming to this event?"
This event has depth. I love to race but it's not about racing. It's about honoring those who have been taken before we were ready for them to be taken. And on the selfish side, I come to see good friends.

Originally Posted by mxmama393

able to spend time getting to know the crazies.

I don't think we have any of those around here.

[DRGSin393]

What did you like the most about an event, or your weekend?

Getting to know old friends and meeting the new people.


What was the most special moment for you personally?

Downing St.


Tell others "Why do you keep coming to this event?"

Where else can an online aqcuaintance become a true life-long friend?

[DRGSin393]

A journey up the long driveway...
First off, Id like to extend many thanks and my appreciation to the Berg family for accepting me into their home with open arms. Also, many thanks to Howard and Donna for opening up their home to us all with that incredible feast. When everyone says that the GMB is not about the riding, its about the people, the conversation and the love...well a large percentage of that takes place at these two families' homes.
Although this was my 3rd GMB, it is the first one in which I fully immersed myself into the event without any trepidation. They have all been an incredible experience in their own way, but each one has hit home a bit differently for me. Reflecting upon each one helped me to pass the many miles, as Jimbo, Kim and I made our way home.


My 1st GMB, especially upon arriving, felt awkward. I felt as if I were crashing someone's party. I felt a great unease as I made my way up the long drive way, a drive way that seemed to go on forever. I had only met and spoken to Jimbo a couple of times before departing with him on this cross country adventure. Watching everyone laughing and having a good time teasing each other, I have to admit, I felt out of place early on. I tried to not be so obvious as I searched the name tags that everyone was wearing, trying to match the actual face to the way I had pictured them. The only one I got right by the way was YZErnie...He was as fugly as I had pictured. That uneasy feeling didnt last long as everyone made me feel at home. I left that GMB in awe. In awe of the wonderful people I had met, in awe of the wonderful dreams that everyone had made come true(Cody) and in awe of the family that had taken the opportunity to make the unthinkable, the loss of their child, a means by which to help others.

I left the GMB realizing I would like to come to know these people better.


My second GMB was different. As I made my way up the long driveway with my then 13 yr old son, I couldnt help but think that it didnt feel quite as long as it had the previous year. It also felt as if I had an actual invitation to this party! Bonds were created with the people I had met the previous year and new friendships were made. A couple of geezers that shall remain nameless were even kind enough to wear the Colts' colors in order to make me feel more comfortable.
That year was particularly special to me because Loukas, my oldest son, got a chance to experience what my late night computer sessions were all about. Shut up Ernie, I know what youre thinking of saying right about now! Mike's and Boyd's interaction with Loukas throughout the weekend left a huge impression on my son. We sure did miss you this year Boyd. In the year that had lapsed between the 2 GMBs, Mr. Berg's letter to his son helped my family in a way that Im certain even he couldnt have imagined. His caring, nurturing and prophetic nature has helped many families deal with the pain of losing a loved one. In my case it was to prevent such a tragedy. To make a long, painful story short, Loukas traveled a difficult path in his maturation from a boy into a young man. He placed alot of pressure on himself to succeed and make everyone happy and I compounded that pressure by not always saying the things I needed to say. Mr. Berg's letter was able to say those things I found difficulty in saying, before it became too late. Mike, Boyd, Loukas and I visited Garrett's gravesite that year and I left the GMB a better father. Dont get me wrong, I still have a long way to go, but with Mike's mentoring and pursuasion to step out of my comfort zone, I hope to get there one day. My family owes yours so much.

That year I left the GMB feeling like I had left alot of good friends behind.


This year, it wasnt until my ride home that I even noticed my walk up the Bergs' drive. It felt like I was coming home to a family reunion. I was anxious to get to know, even better, those from the past and make new friends for the future. By spending time with Mike, Ernie, Dave(Pragmatic) and Howard looking at each other through the bottoms of glasses half filled with the quality of libations shop owners keep as their private reserve, I was able to get to know some incredible human beings that would do just about anything for a friend. The success of these men goes way beyond the standard measure of a man. I not only feel fortunate to be allowed within their "circle", but feel blessed and honored to be considered their friend. As each one of these men allowed me a glimpse into their personal life, I found myself raising the bar on my own aspirations and goals and in some cases, changing them altogether!

This year, I left the GMB feeling as if I had left my family behind.

[Imahoot393]

What did you like the most about the event, or your weekend?

The special thing about this event and weekend is getting together with the great friends that I have met throughout the years at the GMB races, Mesquite trips, and meeting the new people for the first time. What can be better than that?


What was the most special moment for you personally?

There were many special moments during this trip and it is so hard to nail it down to just one. Honestly, it boiled down the people and the message that they had whether they knew they were passing that along to others or not. I have not been to a GMB event yet where I have not cried when Mr. Berg is up at the tower discussing things or by seeing Shannon and her dad up there sharing a moment together. This year when Mr. Berg read the letter to his son in front of a crowd of friends and family it touched my heart in so many ways. The amazing ability of all three of the Berg’s to cope and offer support for the community of people who have lost someone or are dealing with pain in their lives just blows me away. Mr. and Mrs. Berg have inspired me once again to take a look at my relationships with my kids and make them even more enriched then they are at the moment. There was a great moment of discussion with Mrs. Berg that had a huge impact as well. I will always be grateful for her words Sunday.

The full impact of that moment did not hit until this morning when I was taking my son to school. As he left the car I had tears dripping down my face. "Darn rain" as Mr. Berg would say. I will never take a moment for granted again. There are so many days that I am rushing around crazy to get my kids where they need to go and to get everything organized and it dawned on me that I have been missing moments of his life as well as my little ones. I have no idea what God has in store for him or for myself but I am going to definitely be enjoying these last few years before he goes off to college and becomes a man. Time goes by so fast and it is the moments that we have with our children and spouses that matters the most. Thank you Mr. Berg for nailing that point home for me.


"Why do you keep coming to this event?"
To remember those that rode!!!