Andrew (OrangevaleFJR) remembrance

[exskibum]

dcarver mentioned Andrew in another thread this morning. And it occurred to me that one of the saddest days ever on this forum was 10 years ago today. That morning, Andrew took his own life. Today, that seems too vivid to believe it was ten years back.

Numerous times over the years, especially on a ride, I recall wondering what it would be like if he hadn't done that, if he were along on the ride. The most indelible instance when that lingered with me was in Idaho in the rain, heading north to CFR in Nakusp with madmike2 and Bluestreek, thinking that Andrew would surely have been with us. All we now have are memories of our friend, so I just want to celebrate that I got a chance ride with, and know Andrew a little in our time on this orb. What a great guy, but one who probably didn't really realize that fact.

To Andrew, then: just thinking about good times and that excited grin you used to flash (e.g., in Shirttail Canyon after the Black Bear sow and three cubs scattered at our sudden appearance and the three cubs went straight up that tree). We've missed you terribly and ten years is a long time for that.

 

[Niehart]

+1

 

[user 6393]

le sigh

+1

 

[Uncle Hud]

+1, despite never knowing him. I've read a lot of his writing, though, and seen photos of barns.

+1 because one of my brothers killed himself.

 

[FJRay]

I remember having breakfast with Andrew and Turbo Dave in Park City while they told stories about their days with the B52. They were both real characters and are missed.

 

[UberKul]

The man left a lot of unanswered questions for me:

Who he was, why he was, and why did he decide not to be?

 

[exskibum]

The man left a lot of unanswered questions for me:Who he was, why he was, and why did he decide not to be?

Probably some complicated answers to those questions, and most of us probably only have partial answers to some of them.

Sept. or Oct. 2006, heading home from Fortuna. Wasn't he supposed to leave with us down 101 to 1 to 20, but slept in instead?

 

[UberKul]

The man left a lot of unanswered questions for me:Who he was, why he was, and why did he decide not to be?

Probably some complicated answers to those questions, and most of us probably only have partial answers to some of them.

Sept. or Oct. 2006, heading home from Fortuna. Wasn't he supposed to leave with us down 101 to 1 to 20, but slept in instead?

I think you are correct, good memory. That was the same morning Christy almost blew chunks below Legget, little too much celebrating the night before.

 

[exskibum]

A memorable early morning ride: rhythmic footpeg sparks on 1 between Leggett and the coast and Christy looking a little green at breakfast in Fort Bragg at 9:00 am. Madmike was along, but damn if I remember whether Bill (BBIII), my Fortuna motel roommate, was too. I sat on my bike while someone else went to see where Andrew was, but I ate dinner next to him at the Eel River Brewery the night before.

 

[08FJR4ME]

It seems as though his passing was before I joined the forum but not by much. I have looked for post that he may have made just to get to know the person all be it through the internet. It seems they no longer exist. Going back looking for info many pic's have been lost due to PB which is tragic and a shame. It would have been nice if there change in policy would have been going forward and not destroying the past.

That's another subject that has been already hashed out.

There have been many great losses here on the forum and there will be more and there isn't much we can do and it's part of life's circle. To all those that have gone may your ride be filled with smooth roads and happy journey's.

Dave

 

[Tyler]

dcarver mentioned Andrew in another thread this morning. And it occurred to me that one of the saddest days ever on this forum was 10 years ago today. That morning, Andrew took his own life. Today, that seems too vivid to believe it was ten years back.
Numerous times over the years, especially on a ride, I recall wondering what it would be like if he hadn't done that, if he were along on the ride. The most indelible instance when that lingered with me was in Idaho in the rain, heading north to CFR in Nakusp with madmike2 and Bluestreek, thinking that Andrew would surely have been with us. All we now have are memories of our friend, so I just want to celebrate that I got a chance ride with, and know Andrew a little in our time on this orb. What a great guy, but one who probably didn't really realize that fact.

To Andrew, then: just thinking about good times and that excited grin you used to flash (e.g., in Shirttail Canyon after the Black Bear sow and three cubs scattered at our sudden appearance and the three cubs went straight up that tree). We've missed you terribly and ten years is a long time for that.

I knew Andrew from another moto forum (Pashnit) and we had several conversations about life, riding, and he asked me for feedback on being a woman rider as his wife was getting into riding. We spoke on the phone and met once and I looked forward to sharing some (s)miles with him. When his death was announced on Pashnit, they directed people to this forum for memorials, rides, etc. in his honor. I introduced myself and why I was here... went on a memorial ride with about 32 riders, many of whom would become very dear friends and so supportive of me after my accident... even those I hadn't met in person at the time! :wub:

While I really wish he had chosen another direction, I received a huge silver lining in this place and the many, many wonderful people who are now a part of my life... thank you, Andrew, for that gift and I hope you're continuing to rip it up on those heavenly twisties... and yes, every time I see an old barn, Andrew is there on my shoulder looking at it too. B)

 

[Niehart]

 

[exskibum]

Dave: Is that lunch in Markleeville, 2006?

Looks like madmike in the yellow and a lot like my back, with a navy blue Michael's Cycle Works tee shirt whose logo looked like that. I was living in Gardnerville then, and I recall sitting in that corner of the patio, facing that direction. Thinking that might have been the first time I met Andrew, though we'd talked on the phone one night that winter from opposite sides of the Sierras. But . . . where did that pic come from?

FWIW, Andrew used to like to flyfish not far from Markleeville on the Carson River. Good shot of him there.

 

[dcarver]

--bum, Thanks for the nice post. I didn't remember the date, but do remember the man.

https://candybutt.org/pix/rip/97-Double%20bird%20TWN%20and%20Ovale-1024x768.jpg

For fun - https://candybuttorg.ipage.com/cba/node/80

Andrew, well, Andrew was different. I remember a Hondarosa party where Andrew got out there a bit, and I remember thinking he was either really drunk or if he thought so many agencies were out to get him that he might really be phooked up in the head.

Then, shortly later, he took his own life over an affair his wife had with his best friend.

In the words of ToeCutter, 'He chose a permanent solution to a temporary problem.'

So - the take away is - If you think someone needs help, ask, help. I didn't. And regret it to this very day.

And... if you YOU think you need help. Get help. Don't do an Andrew.

Thanks Bum - good post.

 

[exskibum]

Many thanks for the "for fun" link, Don. THAT is the ride report most remember, so sad to see Andrew and Sherri on that ride a dozen years later. As we riders in NorCal know, that area is special anyway - in a mysterious, haunting, nostalgia inducing kind of way.

 

[NightShine]

Dave: Is that lunch in Markleeville, 2006?
Looks like madmike in the yellow and a lot like my back, with a navy blue Michael's Cycle Works tee shirt whose logo looked like that. I was living in Gardnerville then, and I recall sitting in that corner of the patio, facing that direction. Thinking that might have been the first time I met Andrew, though we'd talked on the phone one night that winter from opposite sides of the Sierras. But . . . where did that pic come from?

Good memory, Rich! The date on the photo was June 24, 2006, and it was indeed the stop in Markleeville. My son, Sean, and I had just sat down at that table when Andrew came and joined us. I snapped the photo without much thought at the time, but after he left us the next year, I realized it was another case:

• of finding I'd taken far fewer photos of a person over the years than I had thought.
• of not recognizing moments for what they were while I was living them.

Perhaps the names, and even the faces will finally fade, but the stories seem indelible. They become a resonating presence of those who once, and so continue, to touch our lives.

Peace...

 

[BikerGeek99]

Woulda liked to have met the man.

Whenever I see a barn (and we're out in the country - we've got a ton of 'em), especially an old one, I think of Andrew. Ditto when I look at pictures that Sooze takes when we ride.