Many of the members on the site these days have since traded in the Volusia for a different bike, but stick around because of the friendships they have formed -- whether online or in person. Heck, I would guess 3/4 of the discussions these days aren't even about motorcycles. Ask any question about the motorcycle or riding or a piece of gear or equipment and someone (or dozens) will give you an answer or advice. But most of the talk is about rides & rallies, sons & daughters, family problems, jobs, current news, jokes and funny videos, the weather...basically life in general. Sometimes someone just needs some advice, needs to vent, or needs a little support for the problems life has dished out. And the folks on the VR are always there to listen, give advice or offer support.
For myself I have gained a wealth of knowledge related to riding and my motorcycle; found lots of ways to spend money and fix up my bike; and had the opportunity to meet and ride with several dozen new friends.
I've made some good friends on the site, and one of the first I had the pleasure to meet and ride with was Warren (Edmonton, AB), known as Alberta Rider on the site. He organized the Creston, BC rally in 2007 -- my first rally. Sadly, Warren passed away Jan. 3, 2009 after a tough battle with cancer. I didn't get to spend a lot of time with him, but we did hit it off, and he certainly had an influence on me. I loved his enthusiasm for riding, his sense of humor and his appreciation of nature. He was the first to inspire me to take lots of pictures and write the photo blogs for my rides. Between rides we exchanged the ocassional email, shared some photos and checked out each other's website. He was a son, a father, and friend who was taken too early. I will miss Warren, as will many others.
Thinking of you buddy...rest in peace.
A few photos of our friend Warren. A typical scene with Warren -- always ready to snap a picture.
On the ride, during the Creston Rally...with Jason, Hiway Thunder, Alberta Rider, Wood Welder
Another side of Warren, on his one-horsepower ride in the mountains of Alberta (horse not shown).
With the iron steed.
On his way to scout out the territory for the Creston Rally.
The two of us in August 2008.
Kirby and Nadine organized a weekend get-together in Calgary, to ride with Warren and explore the Kananaskis Mtns. At the time Warren was feeling good enough to start riding and take on a part-time job. At the time we were optimistic the cancer was behind him and he was on the road to recovery.
The lunch stop the first day. We picked up more riders and shed some throughout the weekend.
One of my favorite shots of Warren. Pretty much typified his enthusiasm and infectious attitude while enjoying the ride.
Al presents Warren with a Ronnie Rally t-shirt. Warren was disappointed he couldn't make it to Nevada for the rally, but he was missed and on our minds. We passed an extra t-shirt around a few stops (inc. Seattle & the Yellowstone Rally), friends signed it, and we gave it to him on the Alberta ride.
After Warren passed, many shared memories and photos of Warren on the VR site. One of the members put together some of the photos into a tribute video.
