tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6428154721977251894.post8610609621926037511..comments2023-12-11T03:32:58.722-05:00Comments on Twisted Roads By Jack Riepe: The Color Of This Blog Is Black Today...Jack Riepehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07531160098262862027noreply@blogger.comBlogger67125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6428154721977251894.post-12327959051583080152011-10-22T16:13:02.375-04:002011-10-22T16:13:02.375-04:00Thank you so much for this wonderful tribute to my...Thank you so much for this wonderful tribute to my cousin Ed. I can't believe it has been a year since the accident. Ed was full of life, always had a joke or a smile, having fun. It was hard for me being on the other side of the country because I couldn't go to the funeral or anything. We miss him a lot.<br /><br />As far as the cager goes, we are all human, and have our attention somewhere else while driving. I think the person who hit Ed will feel terrible for the rest of her life. I was just hit in the parking lot by a truck that was backing out that didn't see my red car. It doesn't just happen with motorcycles. We all need to pay attention and be focused on the road. Thank you for the thoughts and prayers and toasts. Our family appreciates your support.<br /><br />Diana Stimmler WinklerDiana Stimmler Winklerhttp://dianastimmler.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6428154721977251894.post-42998076765585646742011-01-01T13:14:22.423-05:002011-01-01T13:14:22.423-05:00Thanks for this great post. I think it's awes...Thanks for this great post. I think it's awesome that he made your day, but you guys made HIS day, week, probably month with the experience of so many friendly, welcoming people applauding him just for being curious. He truly loved riding his bike, and made many great friends through it.Julie (Ed's Sister)noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6428154721977251894.post-45171836162817047922010-11-17T08:10:44.351-05:002010-11-17T08:10:44.351-05:00Dear Motoroz:
I have been hit by cars three times...Dear Motoroz:<br /><br />I have been hit by cars three times in my riding career, but have been lucky enough to walk away (with x-rays and minor injuries). Regretably, we are in a world where flying steel cages are the reality, and you can never be sure whether you are visible or not. Lights... High Viz jackets... And loud horns (or pipes) are no guarantee for the distracted cage operator. <br /><br />Take care of yourself out there. Thank you for reading my blog, and for writing in. I wish I had a better story for you today. <br /><br />Fondest regards,<br />Jack • reep • ToadJack Riepehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07531160098262862027noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6428154721977251894.post-79268777826672842782010-11-14T21:16:58.985-05:002010-11-14T21:16:58.985-05:00Just found your blog, but I took a moment to remem...Just found your blog, but I took a moment to remember Edward and others hit by cagers not paying attention. I too was hit in August, but was blessed to end up with just 15 stitches in the head. We have to stick together against inattentive the cagers.Ozhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01781519114239212489noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6428154721977251894.post-74252035914086245792010-11-14T13:01:13.008-05:002010-11-14T13:01:13.008-05:00Dear Classiv Velocity Blog (Wayne):
As I am typin...Dear Classiv Velocity Blog (Wayne):<br /><br />As I am typing this response to you, I'm reading about a horrific motrorcycle accident in Calfornia, in which a vehicle plowed through a double column of Harley riders... The loss of life was quite high. <br /><br />Again, these guys were just minding their own business when their luck ran out. And it wasn't luck, just poor judgement and driver error on the part of a guy in a passing car, who fled the scene. <br /><br />There is no end to this...<br /><br />Fondest regards,<br />Jack • reep * ToadJack Riepehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07531160098262862027noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6428154721977251894.post-13539410692798369622010-11-14T12:53:50.178-05:002010-11-14T12:53:50.178-05:00Dear Buddha (Shannon):
I question the validity of...Dear Buddha (Shannon):<br /><br />I question the validity of riding every time I get on the bike... But I never think about the loss of absent friends. Otrherwise, I might never ride again. But motorcycling is never thought of in the shadow of loss, or in terms of "what if;" not by riders, at least. It is thought of as release, with the odd misfortune as something that happens to the other guy. <br /><br />And it is this perspective that compells us to ride.<br /><br />I have the utmost confidence in our luck that you and I will ride in perfect safety — at least until we meet in Key West.<br /><br />Thanks for reading and for writing in.<br /><br />Fondest regards,<br />Jack • reep • ToadJack Riepehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07531160098262862027noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6428154721977251894.post-30365218293760420402010-11-14T12:42:42.158-05:002010-11-14T12:42:42.158-05:00Dear David (Dave Stimmler):
There is nothing I ca...Dear David (Dave Stimmler):<br /><br />There is nothing I can write to adequately express my sense of loss and dismay over the tragic passing of your brother — and I only knew him for 5 minutes. I can only imagine the loss to you and your family. My impression of Ed will always be of the unassuming guy who crossed the finish line, not realizing he'd won the race. It is my impression that he will be made an honorary member of the Mac-Pac at our monthly breakfast, on November 21, 2010.<br /><br />Once again, I am very sorry for your loss. <br /><br />Fondest regards,<br />Jack • reep • ToadJack Riepehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07531160098262862027noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6428154721977251894.post-61858345131656324822010-11-14T12:31:42.976-05:002010-11-14T12:31:42.976-05:00Dear Dale:
Thank your reading my blog and thank y...Dear Dale:<br /><br />Thank your reading my blog and thank you for the sentiment... I was unaware that one of Ed Stimmler's family members had been reading this piece, and I'm sure each note of sympathy is warmly appreciated. <br /><br />I sincerely hope that I will never have to write another blog entry like this again...<br /><br />Fonfdest regards,<br />Jack • reep • ToadJack Riepehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07531160098262862027noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6428154721977251894.post-28138073011033755672010-11-13T22:53:00.158-05:002010-11-13T22:53:00.158-05:00Dear Jack, my sadness is mixed with anger. I don&#...Dear Jack, my sadness is mixed with anger. I don't know the details, but there are too many instances of motorcyclists losing their lives to drivers who "did not see" them. We need some mandatory components in the driver's ed and driving exam to increase awareness. Every manufacturer needs to include a built-in voice-activated telephone and stereo. Driving while distracted needs to be a primary offense nationally that is enforced. We all need to ride more so that we are less of a rarity to drivers. I could go on and on, but instead I will take a moment to raise a glass in the hope that Mr Stimmler is the last such loss that we suffer....<br /><br />WayneClassic Velocityhttp://classicvelocity.squarespace.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6428154721977251894.post-60920670158235619822010-11-12T23:14:20.536-05:002010-11-12T23:14:20.536-05:00I usually save your columns until I have the chanc...I usually save your columns until I have the chance to sit down and read it slowly, enjoying each line. <br /><br />I am a little sorry I did that this time as I missed raising a glass in Edward's memory. <br /><br />Each time we lose a riding brother we are diminished.<br /><br />Each time I read or hear of something like this I have to question my decision to ride. It is a risky and dangerous activity made more so by those around us who fail to realize the lethal nature of the weapons they drive. I choose to continue to ride because I prefer to live life to the fullest while I am on this planet than cower in fear for a little more time. One day that may change but not today. <br /><br />My thoughts and prayers go out to a fellow rider, a brother I never knew, as well as to his friends and family.<br /><br />-BuddhaThe Armed Christianhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05033003471578386807noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6428154721977251894.post-58042699028425913502010-11-12T14:23:34.375-05:002010-11-12T14:23:34.375-05:00Thank you all for you support, prayers and this wo...Thank you all for you support, prayers and this wonderful article. I actually remember the day this happened. I was at my parents house hanging out and Ed came pulling in saying "you'll never believe this". It has been very difficult time for my family and I. Ed and I used to ride all the time together before I hung up the Ducati. Ed always loved life and enjoyed hunting, cycling, skiing and of course Motorcycling. As much as I will miss him I know he is in a better place and I am blest for all the memories and good times we had together.<br /><br />His Loving Brother,<br />DaveDavehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00123235526321607246noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6428154721977251894.post-19374354409743985482010-11-11T21:28:40.919-05:002010-11-11T21:28:40.919-05:00Well, just read this sad story. Two days late, as...Well, just read this sad story. Two days late, as is usual for me. My condolences to Edward's family and friends. As an old fart that just started riding a year ago, I see mortality smacking me in the face every time I read something like this. But wasn't it Jimmy Buffett that said: "I'd rather die when I'm living, then live when I'm dead"? Ride safe dear friends, ride often.<br /><br />DaleAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6428154721977251894.post-86350117564293308182010-11-11T08:31:27.854-05:002010-11-11T08:31:27.854-05:00News like this always triggers two reactions; a st...News like this always triggers two reactions; a strong sadness for the loss of a fellow rider, and also a renewed recognition of the risk I take every time I ride out onto the road.<br /><br />I hope the family and friends of Mr. Stimmler find their way through their loss.<br /><br />Steve Williams<br /><a href="http://vespalx150.blogspot.com" rel="nofollow">Scooter in the Sticks</a>Steve Williamshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04540977884513559091noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6428154721977251894.post-28857197928204789902010-11-11T00:10:13.167-05:002010-11-11T00:10:13.167-05:00Dear Canajun and Beemer Girl:
I raised my glass t...Dear Canajun and Beemer Girl:<br /><br />I raised my glass tonight in the company of five other Mac-Pac riders, in memory of a man we had all wished we'd gotten to know better.<br /><br />Fondest regards,<br />JackJack Riepehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07531160098262862027noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6428154721977251894.post-63490638316825793302010-11-10T20:24:59.090-05:002010-11-10T20:24:59.090-05:00It just never seems to end -- a cager loses his/he...It just never seems to end -- a cager loses his/her concentration and a motorcyclist dies. How I wish I had a solution, but instead I will rage in frustration and raise a glass to Edward and all the others just like him who died at the hands of others while doing something they loved.Canajunhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17529505799866207528noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6428154721977251894.post-3354636166145394482010-11-10T19:21:23.548-05:002010-11-10T19:21:23.548-05:00I think we should do to cagers what you recommende...I think we should do to cagers what you recommended for deer: cull to 20% of the population...<br /><br />I've started my memorial to Mr. Stimmler early. Edward, may you be at peace and may your family have comfort.<br /><br />Fellow riders, tip a drink, but be safe and keep a careful eye out! :)<br /><br />Peace.<br /><br />-LoriBeemerGirlhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15239761274177026636noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6428154721977251894.post-45956451670227149292010-11-10T13:10:55.959-05:002010-11-10T13:10:55.959-05:00Dear Brady:
Let's hope this is the last toast...Dear Brady:<br /><br />Let's hope this is the last toast we have to drink to "absent friends" in a long time. <br /><br />Fondest regards,<br />Jack • reep • ToadJack Riepehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07531160098262862027noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6428154721977251894.post-74534214994562203352010-11-10T12:40:50.962-05:002010-11-10T12:40:50.962-05:00Dear Charlie6 (Dom):
It was as if the luck that b...Dear Charlie6 (Dom):<br /><br />It was as if the luck that brought Ed Stimmler into our group for such a brierf period of time just ran out. Like I said, I only met the guy for five minutes... And I can't get this out of my mind.<br /><br />Thanks for reading and for writing in.<br /><br />Fondest regards,<br />Jack • reep • ToadJack Riepehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07531160098262862027noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6428154721977251894.post-9477361495427009902010-11-10T08:06:01.049-05:002010-11-10T08:06:01.049-05:00Jack, I'm in. I'm getting scotch for the o...Jack, I'm in. I'm getting scotch for the occasion. <br /><br />Brady<br />Behind Bars - Motorcycles and LifeAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03424120592303852860noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6428154721977251894.post-79335620312237320832010-11-09T23:04:13.517-05:002010-11-09T23:04:13.517-05:00I too am very sorry for the loss of Edward Stimmle...I too am very sorry for the loss of Edward Stimmler.<br /><br />Each of us affect the life of others unknowningly most of the time, I believe Edward knew he'd made the day of several hundred fellow riders on that fateful day in May.<br /><br />He will be remembered fondly, what more is there to ask for when one is gone?<br /><br />domredlegsrideshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10927757855921321097noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6428154721977251894.post-17961672954340625942010-11-09T23:02:21.598-05:002010-11-09T23:02:21.598-05:00Dear Bluekat:
I think we should all be remembered...Dear Bluekat:<br /><br />I think we should all be remembered for somethig we did in our lives... Even it it was only for a few minutes and before the eyes of strangers. Thanks for reading and for writing in.<br /><br />Fondest regards,<br />Jack • reep • ToadJack Riepehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07531160098262862027noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6428154721977251894.post-62620934095659044642010-11-09T22:56:07.284-05:002010-11-09T22:56:07.284-05:00Very sad. Thank you Jack for sharing this, even th...Very sad. Thank you Jack for sharing this, even though it's difficult to read. There are too many of these "I didn't see him" instances. <br /><br />My condolences to the family.Bluekathttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13485258388887249275noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6428154721977251894.post-10678771204385522002010-11-09T22:54:04.547-05:002010-11-09T22:54:04.547-05:00Dear JASIII (Jim):
I would much rather preferred ...Dear JASIII (Jim):<br /><br />I would much rather preferred writing about anything else today. But we never get choices in these matters. Thasnks for reading and for writing in today. I was thinking of you this weekend, Jim, when my bike rode flawlessly without missing a beat due to a loose relay, and when I used that step about 50 times. <br /><br />Fondest regards,<br />Jack • reep • ToadJack Riepehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07531160098262862027noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6428154721977251894.post-64813118048827172572010-11-09T22:50:56.187-05:002010-11-09T22:50:56.187-05:00Dear Dick:
Aside from checking in for the Guinnes...Dear Dick:<br /><br />Aside from checking in for the Guinness event, I never spoke with hin at all... But like I said, the look on his face when he rode in that day was priceless.<br /><br />Fondest regards,<br />Jack • reep • ToadJack Riepehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07531160098262862027noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6428154721977251894.post-76073783021475817672010-11-09T22:49:43.630-05:002010-11-09T22:49:43.630-05:00Dear Caroline Curran:
You were thoughful to read ...Dear Caroline Curran:<br /><br />You were thoughful to read this piece tonight, and to write in.<br /><br />Fondest regards,<br />Jack • reep • ToadJack Riepehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07531160098262862027noreply@blogger.com