A year later, I still miss my friend Good2Go

[SkooterG]

Sorry, I meant to post this past Saturday on the one year anniversary of Greg Guillermo, or Good2Go's death, but it was too difficult for me.

Who was Greg Guillermo?

I miss my friend. Often I still think of him, and can't believe he is gone. For those of you who never met him, I'm sorry for that. He was a hell of a guy.

Some around here know of the annual Congnescente gathering of LD/IBA types called Gerlachfest. Well, what many may not know is that besides being full of debauchery, mayhem, and just downright fun, it is significant in that every year at the Saturday night bonfire, we honor those LD/IBA types that have left us in the past year. The last couple of years have not been good, with many well-known, and VERY well-liked folks leaving us too soon.

So this year was an especially poignant year for me as I spoke on Greg's behalf. Unfortunately, my words didn't do him proper justice. But I was still proud to attempt to represent him.

Also significant to me, I was able to pay my respects to Greg at the IBA memorial. This is a very cool and special place. And while not easy for me, as the feeling of loss overcame me, I was glad to be able to see Greg's 'Rock' amongst those who have gone before, and after him.

Here are some photos of this very special piece of real estate.

Damn I miss that boy. But as difficult as the feelings of loss are, I consider myself a very fortunate man to have known Greg, and thankful for the time we did spend together.

I think this particular rock at the memorial site says it well.

Carpe Diem my friends. Live every day like it's your last, for it could be. Make sure those around you that you care about know it.

Thanks for tuning in and letting me pontificate on my soapbox a bit.

 

[Redfish Hunter]

He must have been a great guy. Be at peace SkooterG, you are representing the memory of your friend as eloquently as I've ever seen it done. Great Job.

 

[philellis123]

Sorry for your loss. Friends cannot be replaced, but their memories live on and give us reason to smile occasionally. Where is this IBA Memorial located? I am an IBA member, and this is the first I have heard of it.

 

[HotRodZilla]

I only met Greg a couple times, but he was a really cool guy and a great rider. It sucks that he was taken so young.

I actually think of him every time I get in my bike. I bought my FZ1 mirrors from him about two weeks before he passed. That was our last conversation.

 

[wheatonFJR]

Good reverent thread Greg. You did good.

I was looking forward to meeting him some day...

 

[hppants]

Well done Scooter - I did not know Greg, but I know he stood for what really matters to me now. Good friends and family, good rides, and good times. The rest is just "stuff".

Excuse my ignorance, but where is the IBA gathering and memorial? I'm assuming that this organization is not limited to FJR's or any particular bike?

 

[101stpathfinder]

I revisited the announcement post just 3 days ago.

I had the honor of meeting Greg when he and SkooterG met me to witness one of my rides.

He was a very encouraging person. He always was willing to help others with advice.

I knew him for a short while, yet feel your pain Skooter.

It is my hope I shall see him again...

I think Iggy posted a picture of him during the IBR that will be my favorite photo of him all time.

 

[beemerdons]

Very well spoken SkooterG and thank you for the memorable photographs, Greg Guillermo was the Very Best! Rest in Peace Greg, Godspeed!

 

[huron52]

I happen to meet Greg at SW FOG in 2010. By chance we got to be room mates... I wish we had more time to chat and get to know each other. Then I met him again in Buffalo. He was heading off to get counted so far in the Iron Butt.

In the short time I knew him, I could tell he was a great family man as well. I see his profile on facebook because he was one of my freinds, and I wish I could send him a short message as to how are things going.... what are you up too. stuff like that but .......but the feeling is helplessness when I see his picture.

Do I still miss as well.... you bet!

 

[majicmaker]

I didn't know Greg but, I know that feeling of loss. Nice job Scooter.

 

[Tanker]

I didn't know Greg personally but watching his exploits in the IBR and his presence on this site I feel like I do.

Great tribute Skoot!! You did him proud and I'm sure he is watching over you now.

 

[FJRay]

I met Greg when I picked up his bike after he crashed in Oregon doing a practice ride for the IBR. Even though he was hurt in the hospital his attitude was great and he was ready to ride again. I never got to see him again but we emailed quite a bit while he was rebuilding the bike . I hope he is out there scouting the good roads with the rest of our fallen friends. RIP Greg.

 

[Bugnatr]

Sorry for your loss. Friends cannot be replaced, but their memories live on and give us reason to smile occasionally. Where is this IBA Memorial located? I am an IBA member, and this is the first I have heard of it.

The IBA Memorial is just a few miles north of Gerlach, Nevada on Guru Rd. off of county road 34. It across the street from the Black Rock desert.

Guru Rd. is a trip, it's a small dirt road but the IBA Mamorial is at the beginning so it is easy to get to from the paved road. It is well worth your time to ride out west and check it out just don't go near Labor Day as that's when Burning Man festival takes place where a few gazillion wacko's take over our pristine desert. Be sure to stop in at Bruno's Country Club or you can get a room for the night.

I have spent a lot of time riding the desert with the dirt bikes. Here are a few pictures from the IBA Memorial with my sons a few years back.

I did meet Greg at SWFOG Toas in 2010. Good guy but so sad to see his name (and others)on Guru Rd.

 

[Tyler]

I never met Greg in person unfortunately... but, Skooty, by sharing your memories of him, you continue to keep him alive for all of us. Each and every time you throw a leg over your bike, I hope you know that he is with you because, while the physical presence of the man is gone, the spirit of who he was remains and always will. Wishing you peace in your heart.

 

[GalaxyBlue]

I had the pleasure of Meeting him in Flagstaff on the way to SW-FOG in Toas. That was a fun 400 miles together.

Gone, But not Forgotten.

 

[ahchiu]

The last time I saw Greg was at the 2011 IBA start in Seattle, helping him with a dead battery for the start, what a trooper he was calm and collected, he will be missed.