Mr Information

It's with a sad heart to hear the news that my friend Larry Vissia from Sturgis, SD has passed away Thursday March 30th, 2023.

 Larry made an impact not only on me but with everyone who knew him.

 A schoolteacher while in Newell, SD Larry generosity could only be matched by his hospitality. 

It is because of Larry I was able to afford to go to the Sturgis Rally for many years. Saving on the cost and the aggravation of camping in what sometimes would be rather server weather known to take place during the Rally. 

Larry would often work during the Sturgis Rally and for several years was in charge of running a crew doing security for vendors in a large section downtown. He would stay and sack out in a small camper in that area during the rally while Butch and I and sometimes others would keep an eye on and would have the run of the place in his Trailer home in Newell. Often taking Larry and his crew out, treating them to dinner in Deadwood for our stay.

Several years ago, when Larry sold his place in Newell, he moved into a apartment in Sturgis. During the Rally we changed from Security and went to work at Sturgis Headquarter at their Information desk.  I teased him as being Mr. Information. He was really  in his element. 

Larry and I shared many conversations, He was very impressed with the stories I had written and published and was a hell of a cook when it came to breakfast.

Although we were on opposite sides of some issues like Football and politics those never seem to come up 

Larry was no biker, but I did have him ride with me once years back.

 

I can never say enough about someone who touched and was a part of so many lives, and I know he will be missed.  I am fortunate to have been able to call him My Friend

God bless Larry See you in the next life.

It Could Happen To You

 Sometimes you think your invincible. I know bikers are of a different breed. We take chances out there in the real world every day we ride. There is always that chance that ride might be your last. A realization that's not that far off. It's called living.

 

I know I have been blessed and have gotten to ride many miles. But there is always a cost.  You hear the sayings. Its not "IF", you are ever in an accident,  it's when.

I've had all kinds of accidents,  Dumped my '85 on a backwards  S turn on  Antire Road near Crazy Horse Ranch back in '93. It left me with a herniated disc, that I am still having some difficulty in dealing with.

Later I would go on to rebuild that same motorcycle. Riding it nearly 75,000 miles before finally trading it in on my first New Harley-Davidson. 

Since back then I continued my summer vacations riding to Sturgis, South Dakota every year for 20 years straight. Have done several more since.

Took weeks of training on becoming a MSF (Missouri Safety Foundation) and a week of additional training as a Harley-Davidson Riders Edge to be a Safety Instructor.  .

There were Two, yes two times that I have had collusions with Deer.  And in both cases had kept the bike up in both instances.  My O1 Harley has been totaled  at least twice but as I have said many times before its cheaper to keep her.

Oh I know many would say I was lucky, But the fact is, as I said before, I am Blessed.

As I look to my future and wonder what it may be like, I am considering rethinking my choices and perhaps a "Do Over" for my next Road Glide.

All I am saying is,  regardless of all my riding experience, The hundreds of thousands miles I've ridden and all the training I've had including additional training I've taken with Metro.  There is always a fluke a chance that something can go wrong.  

We may not have another tomorrow. Every time you go for a ride, you may not be coming home. And just as a reminder... Be prepared to meet your Maker.

It's not been determined yet ,which route I will go. If I fix the damage or let it go, I keep all the options open.  But its times like now that I have to reflect.  

There are still those out there that need to be reminded.  Signal your intent, WE the ones on two wheels are not mind readers.  

LOOK before you make a turn and keep your eyes open.

Stay off your Cell phones 

and for God Sakes QUIT TEXTING while you drive.

For those of you on TWO WHEELS be prepared for those that don't see you.

Just saying from experience...