A Little Therapy then off to
Daytona 2001
by Highlander

Imagine if you will, being pampered beyond belief, meals prepared for you, house cleaned, dishes washed, laundry done, etc. This was my life for 12 weeks following the "Blackbird" incident. It seems the CBR 1100xx could do many wonderful things, but she could not determine where that truck would go. I ended up with a shattered and separated right wrist from squeezing the brake at impact, and a shattered left kneecap from the weight at the end of the left handlebar. For twelve weeks, I watched TV, laid in bed, ate wonderful meals, posted like crazy on the message boards, and dreamed of riding my PHAT (Pretty Hot And Tempting) lady again. 

I worked very hard to stand, bend the knee, and use the hand. My therapists were amazed at my progress. What they did not know is I was determined to ride during bike week. I bought a new truck (because I could not get the leg and cast into a car, or more accurately, I could not get out of the car because of it's low seat height). I then traded the new truck for a newer truck because I determined the 4 cylinder truck would work too hard pulling the trailer and "The Quickening" (my Valkyrie) to Daytona. I then bought the new trailer, and had graphics applied.

Finally the allotted day arrived, I was packed, the trailer was packed, and it was on my way to Dragbars Christian's to meet for the ride to Daytona. I had met Dragbars, Lisa, and some other VRCC members at last years Honda Hoot, and was surprised to learn how fast one gained new family. While just recovering from surgery 9 October, I received a call from Christian wanting to know how I was doing (remember I only met the guy at the Hoot). I also received calls from Paul Weber, Ray Powers, and some guy named Lamont. Yes, I call that family, and I only met them once. So most of my anticipation came from meeting "the family" again, but I was also wanting to ride "The Quickening" again.

Upon arrival at VRCC central in St. Augustine, my bike was waiting. I took her for a spin the next morning down highway A1A to Daytona. Yes I could ride, and did not seem to miss a beat. I was bursting with vitality again. I rushed to the chrome store and burdened my aching right arm. My trunk runneth over. Alan Baer from Milwaukee put the chrome transmission cover on for me because they would not fit in the trunk -- again Valkyrie family. The following morning was the show, so "Smilin' Jack" assisted me with my clean-up on the Valk. Since I could not put weight on my kneel to polish the front wheel, he did it for me. That is Valkyrie family. I had never met Jack until Daytona. In all cases, when I thanked them, they seemed embarrassed. They can never know how grateful I am, and how I will never forget these acts of kindness.

At the show, I was pleased to hear people say, :"nice bike" as they passed. Yes, she is a nice bike, she is a Valkyrie after all, "CRUISER OF THE DECADE." I think the only reason she was not "CRUISER OF THE MILLENNIUM" is because she was only three years old at the time. "The Quickening" is a red/black 2000 Interstate with a little chrome and pin stripes by "The Mountain Man." Otherwise she is just out of the box from the factory. There were many beautiful bikes in the show, so it was nice to hear someone compliment your bike. I did not enter to win anything, I entered to donate money for the kids. I also entered to support the VRCC and let Honda see how I feel about the Valkyrie. Everyone who rides a Valkyrie should enter the show at InZane to show support for the VRCC and show Honda the bikes we love. All you have to do is give up some riding time, clean your Valk (should not be that tough to respect the Lady) and pay 5 bucks to enter. You have no idea how impressive a huge lot full of nothing but Valkyries is to everyone, but especially Honda. Even if you have not done anything but polish and ride your lady, I encourage you to enter her in the contest.

The day following the show, the trunk came open, and "Smilin' Jack" installed the risers. Dragbars installed the Kuryakan pegs, took off the timing cover, and so many things. Lamont installed the trigger wheel, you know, MR. VRCC who was so busy and gracious to everyone. Lamont also helped another rider install their transmission covers. He installed another trigger wheel, etc. Valkcabbie and Dragbars installed my new iso grips. 

Click on Photo

Unfortunately, I do not remember everyone who assisted in the make over, but that is the best way to describe the VRCC. It is like "The 9,000 Musketeers," something Dumas never dreamed of. It is amazing. I f you can, go to an event and meet the VRCC in person, do not hesitate. It is one of the best experiences life has to offer. Lamont and Oz, I know the success of the VRCC can be overwhelming, and I do not want to diminish your accomplishment in the least (one cannot thank you enough for what you have achieved), but I think it should be know that the spirit that inspires those who ride Valkyries is given us by the phat Lady herself. One does not choose the Valkyrie, like in those Norse legends of old, she chooses you.