September 5 - 8, 2019 DGR Rally in Maggie Valley

[DYL-Jim]

Jerry, it was nice to have you over, even if only for an evening. Like Doug and more importantly his wife MA, and Jim (DYL) and Ken.
Its all about friendship, sharing and of course, fellowship.
It was a fantastic turnout and a real show of force for Joe.
Epic rides and tales happened, and as you know, if it happened in Happy Valley, it stays in Maggie Valley.
Lets do it again next year.

Mani, you are a class act! Thanks for the wonderful conversation and a great supper. Hopefully we will see you before next year.

[Loggiebone]

[BillGsa]

She saw the orthopedist this morning, she has to stay off it for 4 to 6 weeks. She doesn't have to wear the brace around the house so it could have been worse.
He drained A LOT of blood from her knee, that made it feel more comfortable. She's already bored.

[Susan]

Jerry, what can we say. You are a legend and I am proud to know you. You totally rock, sir. This group of refined hooligans, each and every one, is an important part of my life. The kindness and support that is and has been shown to one another during the bad times, and coming together to celebrate the good is something truly wonderful. We really are like a family.

[Susan]

Welcome BadBob, to the looney bin! :-) It was so good to meet you and have you as a part of the collective! They are a fab bunch of hooligans, aren't they? AHR is next month and is always a good time. Hope to see you there!

[Susan]

You are awesome, Mani! That little boy will never forget his first airplane ride experience, or you, for making it happen.

[Loggiebone]

Sorry I missed MA & Pirate...oh & you too Doug

[aviator]

Bill how is the wife doing?

[BillGsa]

Outstanding, Mani!?.

Sorry i I missed you leaving though...

Sorry I missed MA & Pirate...oh & you too Doug

[Loggiebone]

Outstanding, Mani!?.

Sorry i I missed you leaving though...

[BadBob]

Maggie Valley was my first ....rally? Charlie dragged me along so blame him. He suggested I not ride the brahma bull so I brought the RT. I had lurked in the i bmw site in past ages so some thought I might also be a lurker, like Charlie. A more astute person noticed that I was BAD. I had to confess, and so I am BadBob by popular acclaim.

Seriously, this is a great group of people. I appreciate the friendship extended by everyone I met. I enjoyed myself immensely and I am looking forward to the next gathering. I am even looking to add a k1300s to my stable at the recommendation of many. Hopefully, the brahma bull will not be too pissed.

[aviator]

As I had mentioned to many there, I had to hurry back home on Sunday to take this lil boy up for his first airplane ride, on his 8th birthday. A total surprise for the boy, arranged by his Dad, Maj. Brian Lixey, a dentist in the Army with me.
We got an intro to flying walking around the airplane, then in the air we did some gentle turns, climbs and descents, and I let him take control and "fly" the airplane. A Young Eagles flight.
It was a blast for him. His Dad took a pic before we got up. This is right outside my hangar when we pulled the plane out. He could not stop giving me hugs.

[aviator]

Jerry, it was nice to have you over, even if only for an evening. Like Doug and more importantly his wife MA, and Jim (DYL) and Ken.
Its all about friendship, sharing and of course, fellowship.
It was a fantastic turnout and a real show of force for Joe.
Epic rides and tales happened, and as you know, if it happened in Happy Valley, it stays in Maggie Valley.
Lets do it again next year.

[Pirate]

I've been going to these gatherings for 19+ years now. One would think I'd be tired of seeing the same old (and getting exponentially older) faces, but that's not the case. In fact it's the opposite... While I didn't get to actually ride with the group of misfits this year due to my workload, Saturday night I sure did enjoy seeing everybody again. .. And I honestly mean everybody. Usually that's NOT the case. Perhaps I'm mellowing a bit in my 60s. Could be the onset of dementia. Perhaps I just like to see anyone my age still alive.. Perhaps it's something more.

Has anyone else noticed that the conversations after all these years seemed to have shifted? Rather than non-stop bench racing .. it seems to be more about families, life, health, etc with motorcycle-speak only peripherally. Or could it be that our group had always talked about those things, but I tuned it out? Who knows.. Just an observation. I especially appreciate those who commented on how silver my hair has become over the last couple of years. Observant bastages. Living with Amber has done that to me. That's my story and I'm stickin' to it. She had to work Sat night, but I sent her all the well wishes from everybody.

I'd like to also give a public thank you to Mani Ravee.. (pic below.) I know I wasn't the only one surprised Saturday night after dinner when the waiter told us that "somebody" had clandestinely paid the restaurant tab for every rally attendee. Geezus H. There were a lot of people there and the place was not cheap.. I heard afterwards that it might be Mani so when we got back to the motel I asked him. At first he denied it and then eventually admitted it.. He simply said.."I just wanted to give something back to the group." Modest and generous. I submit to you... with attributes like that.. I think he's over-qualified for our group. Again.. "thank you" Mani for the great meal, the use of your room for changing, and your friendship. I'll not soon forget. Very classy move.

I suppose justjoe also deserves a pat on his back for setting it all up once again. More goes into these events behind the scenes than most realize. He seemed to handle the task with effortless aplomb, although.. he was drinking like a Russian sailor.. Cause and effect? Probably.. To all my friends... it really was a pleasure.. Hope to see you all next year. Every one of you..

[McFly]

Oh, I see him now...