Bill"Ratbike Bill" Wisely- The first time I met Bill, he was trying to kick over his raggedy ol' Shovelhead in about 95 degree weather outside a Handy Mart (gas stop).  The guy was already nursing a broken foot and had to resort to kneeling on the seat of the bike and then "jumping" on the kicker with his good foot. He kicked and kicked until that old Shovel finally gave in. Bill and I came to be close friends and spent many, many miles sharing the same asphalt, telling stories and generally sharing our lives. My wife, Beverly, and I also spent many weekends camping out with both Bill and Bonnie at different rallies throughout the midwest. Bill was a fun, kind-hearted man who while deeply religious never pressed his beliefs onto anybody else. Bill had ridden with the Christian Motorcyclist Association and was a founding member of the Narrow Road Riders in Belleville, IL. Ironically, both organizations turned Judas against him and he went back to "Lone Wolf" status with me.  As with life, Bill and I eventually travelled our separate roads and I lost touch with him for a few years. We emailed and IM'd from time to time and it was a sudden shock to learn that Bill had colon cancer early in 2008. Bill, I could have been a better friend, but I am a better person for knowing you and learning that no matter what, to keep a spring in my step, a smile on my face and smooth road under my wheels. I'll miss you, man.

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Bonnie Flemming- Bonnie was one of the most independent female bikers I have ever ridden with. A long time member of the International Brotherhood of Motorcycle C ampers, Bonnie wouldn't think twice of fueling up her raggedy GL 1100 Wing, hooking up her travel camper and heading down the road toward new adventures. After years of keeping her old Goldwing running, Bonnie finally had the opportunity to retire and spent her money buying a used GL 1500 with a "voyager" portable trike kit attached. Someone suggested Bonnie get a feel for her new bike by removing the additional two wheels, which she did, and during her first outing on the now standard 'Wing something happened and she crashed. The bike landed on top of her and crushed her helmeted head. She spent the next year in a vegetative state with permanent and irreversible brain damage. Bonnie died yesterday from complications related to pneumonia and while saddened by the news, I could not have been happier for her. A woman as strong and independent as Bonnie would never stand for being enslaved by her own body and I am sure she is now free once again to explore those unexplored roads and head her bike toward new adventures.

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Tom Halterman- Mr. Halterman was not a biker, but he had the SOUL of a biker, for sure. We buried Mr. Halterman today... He lived a long and colorful life, having fought the Japanese behind enemy lines in the jungles of Burma as an OSS (now CIA) officer during World War II. He raised several sons and daughters with his wife of 57 years, Ruth, and delighted in spending time with his grand kids and great kids. I had the opportunity to get to know Mr. Halterman through conversations and sharing "war stories" and came to appreciate this humble man and the accomplishments of his life. If a man's worth is based on his impact on our world, then Mr. Halterman's life had MUCH worth, in my opinion.

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John "JD" Davis- Diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor just before Christmas 2003, JD struggled valiantly against the brain cancer which ultimately took his life in March 2004. JD was one of the fastest motorcycle riders I ever knew and I must admit that while I acted tough I "white knuckled" my bike more than once trying to keep up with him. I won't forget you, JD... You are missed by all.

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"Li'l Ricky"- Li'l Ricky, a.k.a. "Hippie" was an interesting fella. = ) The man was short in physical stature but BIG in heart and could out party and out ride most of the folks we hung with. The first time I met Ricky was in 20 degree weather in the middle of winter during a Polar Bear Run. Ricky had a raggedy old red Sportster and he played Hell keeping that thing going! I'll never forget this little dude, all bundled up from head to toe in leathers, running/ push starting his Sporty down the Main Street of Belleville. Ricky's life turned one afternoon when the dumptruck he was driving on the interstate had a blow out. The truck crossed the median, killing a guy in a van and leaving Ricky paralyzed from the waist down. Recovery was long and hard and, in my opinion, Ricky never fully recovered from the mental anguish he experienced. Ricky's drinking and partying kicked up which eventually led to his death when he ran his vehicle into a pole. They say a candle burning on both ends burns brightest, but also burns quickest...

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Gary Turner- Tragically killed while on his scooter by a drunk driver. My first experience as a member of an organized motorcycling group (ABATE of Illinois), I sat in awe as those around me who knew Gary much better than I related his life and events to me. Leaving a town homecoming, lights off and drunk on a dark and winding road from Milstadt, Illinois, the "cager" never saw Gary turn on his blinker and slow to make a left hand turn. The cager hit Gary and his riding partner and traveled hundreds of yards before finally stopping. Gary was killed instantly and his passenger severely injured. The cager was charged with DUI. We held vigil outside of the county courthouse as the scumbag that ran him over went through court... Gary's life was "worth" three year's probation and a loss of license. "Justice", huh?

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Simmie "Big K" Kinsey- "Big K" was nothing more than a good ol' country boy wrapped up in a bear's body. Big K was REALLY Big K! =) A big man with a big heart, he was the first 1%er I ever met in person. He rode a big Hog back in the day and I remember watching him chug down the street on that scooter... I didn't really get to know Big K until coming back from Korea... By then he was sickly and alone and asked if I would show him some work out stuff with weights (I lifted a lot) =) One thing led to another and I guess I became Big K's pseudo trainer over time. More than that, though, I became his friend. Similar to Tom Halterman, Big K was a hero who nobody knew of, back in a day where the word "hero" wasn't thrown around like it is today... Big K served three complete tours of duty in Vietnam and retired as a First Seargent with a a whole BOWL of fruit salad (awards) for bravery. I miss ya', "K"..........

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Tanya Tomlin- A shooter's bullet took this young lady's life too soon. I always remember her with a great smile and carefree attitude. Tanya, you were way too young, kiddo... New to the "biking scene", Tanya welcomed me one rainy evening at the bar she tended with a hearty "Watcha' have, honey?" =) I still remember your great smile...

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Fred "Fritz" Hoffarth- Dry wit and a love for the ride sustained Fritz as he fought against the "Big C". A quiet, unassuming man during the day, Fritz would transform into the center of attention at night with his never-ending funny stories and GREAT wit. Fritz was a friend to MANY, and I will never forget the sight of (literally) two miles of bikes rumbling down the interstate for his funeral...

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Donnie Bauman- Taken suddenly from his family. Donnie was a small guy with a BIG heart and smile. He was a good, hard working dad who did not deserve to die so young.  His death from heart disease has, in turn, saved many as the 100 MPH Club (local M/C) holds a Donnie Bauman benefit run each year for the American Heart Association.

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Leroy Bauer- A Vietnam veteran, Leroy died the way he lived: On his bike and in the wind. Always thinking of others, Leroy pushed his wife, Barb, off of his scooter as he realized he was going to crash into a utility pole... His thoughtfulness saved her life at the expense of his own... Leroy, I'll never forget you yelling "Don't do it!" at our wedding as the rest of the biker crowd cheered on. =) You are missed, my friend.

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Mike Zimensky- Literally saved my wife and me one wintery night when our furnace backed up and shot carbon monoxide into our house. Mike worked for Illinois Power and came out to "sniff" the place. He was so apologetic as he had to shut down the furnace because it couldn't be fixed. What he didn't realize was that without his concern for our safety, we could have died from CM poisoning. Thanks, Mike. You are missed.

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Wayne Groth- Tragically killed by a 16 year old, a big car, and an illegal U-turn... "I didn't see him" was the driver's excuse after pulling in front of Wayne as he was scooterin' to the local ATM in town. Like gary's death, nothing ever happened to the driver of the car.

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Steve Barbe- Diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor, Steve fought a valiant, albeit too brief, fight against his illness. The brothers and sisters of the 100 MPH Club threw one helluva' BBQ Benefit for Steve just days before he passed.

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Bob "Fatbob" Watkins- Tattooed from head to toe, Bob looked mean as hell, but with a teddy bear's heart. One of the first real "bikers" I met when I started riding... Bob, I'll never forget you sittin' on the ground in the middle of the desert and tightening that damn chain on your raggedy ol' Suzuki! My first time to Sturgis... What a ride! Take care, bro. You make me smile even now.

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