Nothing new, until now.. OBVIOUSLY

What? What's new??

Well, I was talking about the blog, actually. I did some housecleaning, and gonna fix the links sections a little nicer and add more. A bunch more, and put into groups that fit. It will be nice. Really.

But I have lots to say, as well. I just haven't been in a frame of mind to write. One topic has me so damned frustrated I can barely talk about it as I get stammering from anger, stuttering from confusion and tight-lipped from plain-old good upbringing. But once I do start on this, I suggest Momma Inch not read it directly, and maybe have my father translate what I mean.

Gah, I'm getting hot under the collar from just typing these few paragraphs. Maye I should just wait until tommorow, that way I can wake up, drink a Red Bull with all my morning medication, a cup of coffee to go along with my Flinstone's vitamin and then start weening off the caffiene so I can have a Pepsi or two with lunch.

TTYL

The Bike-B-Q! Man, let's do it again!

Well, it came and went.. And too damn fast!

(Links below to pictures)

Chainsaw and GirlGeek were sure to meet us bright and early Saturday morning, arriving with some really good potato salad which absolutely ensured this day was going to be a great one! Mrs. Inch was busy making me run late (just kidding- I was just doing final details for the cookout) so the four of us left the house a little after 9:30 and high-tailed to our ride staging area, the ChesDel Restaurant.

I admit to being a little misty-eyed when I saw so many bikes gathered for my ride. I didn’t want to just invite people along for the ride for the sake of having a large group and originally figured maybe 5 or 6 bikes. I was way wrong! I’m guestimating that there were 20 bikes, and would have been 3 more had we waited 5 minutes (Sorry Matt!) I was excited to see my Mom (Now known as Momma Inch in certain circles!) and Dad come to see us off, and they brought my 2 year-old niece Regan, who gave me a great kiss and hug, but was a little unsure of all the loud motorcycles. The send-off was also joined by Skip, one of the Christian Bikers who stopped by the hospital quite frequently to pray for me with my family and depending if I was cognizant, me. He was too busy to ride, but stopped by to say a short prayer to bring us safety and joy, and then I mumbled a few words to express my thanks to everyone. After the ladies made their last-minute pit stops, we were off!

The ride was short by most standards but inspiring. It wasn’t too hot during the first leg to Sambo’s in Leipsic, where we stopped for hydration and conversation. A few had to bail, but it’s understandable as life beckons. We got back on the sleds and went to a somewhat secluded boat ramp/fishing area where Chainsaw wanted to take a memorable picture of Lysa and I with the new bike on a very memorable day. As the heat increased, standing still in the sun was not an option. We moved quickly to the Augustine Inn for a final drenching before the BBQ. I looked for the infamous Merry-Go-Round, but the growth of brush and weeds was too thick for me to venture very far so that myth continues. Lysa was getting tired since this was her first ‘long’ trip on a bike in some time so we left a few minutes before everyone else so she could get changed and refreshed for the Eatin’ n Drinkin’ segment of the day.

Lysa’s mother Debbie came over early to help get last second prep ready, and after she finally got Kayla and her friend Carolyn awake, a marvelous job they did! Heck, even most of the beer was cold! Even though I was host, Chainsaw was just as important as he toiled not only as ride captain, but came over and barbequed some awesome burgers, chicken and dogs. I even managed to steal a few ideas that might get incorporated into my own style. We had plenty of food, desserts and drinks, so much I was thinking of how to stash chips and cookies in people’s saddle bags. Speaking of drinks, I had to toast the event with Chainsaw and GirlGeek. Those two along with Wolfman and Susan Sturgis are now family.

Everyone was having fun, and it was great to see people that didn't know each other bonding and enjoying life. We even caught my Dad doing some sort of dance.. or something..



We gained more people throughout the afternoon and evening, and no one was allowed to leave without a full belly, and certainly not before signing the wall. I was going to paint the wall leading to the porch entrance, but decided to wait and have everyone grab a marker and sign their names. I am not sure what to do now, as I will kinda feel guilty to paint over it.


All in all, it was a wonderful day. Nothing exceptional, except for the people involved. No major stories to tell, but many memories to keep.

Ok.. Maybe one story. Wolfman couldn’t make the ride because of his job, but thankfully came to the house right after his shift. When he knocked on the door, Mom Debbie answered the door asking for Inch. Mom Debbie is not into the computer world very much, and even less so into the internet- so she really had no idea of what this man asking for Inch meant. Someone overheard and yelled to let him in. Later, Debbie confessed to not knowing what the man asking for ‘Pick Stick’ wanted.

LMAO! Pick Stick! Ok, I guess you gotta know mom Debbie to understand, so I guess I was right when I said no major stories.

An apology here for the poor writing of this post and the descriptions to a simply glorious day. I had a shitty day but felt it was better to get something up sooner than later.

To close this extremely short version of a day which is one of my greatest days ever, I’d like reflect on what Momma Inch put on ‘the wall’. “You’re always in our hearts, but now we’re always in your house!” All those that participated in the ‘Bike-B-Que’ will always be in my heart. I thank everyone for allowing me to honor them and give back a day of fun and friendship for all that you have done for me and my family.

Anyone for a Bike-B-Que ‘08’?

Click to see pics hosted at Chainsaw's site

Click to see Lysa's Photoshow setup of pics. Chainsaw, notice the border..

A Triumph -no, not a brand of motorcycle..

Wednesday, July 18th 2007 was a great day. The following Friday was even better.

I was nervous and apprehensive. Lysa had urged me on for the last few weeks, and had become more insistent the days leading up to this. Since day one when I woke up in the hospital I missed my bike. I missed riding, my friends and the freedom. At that time my longing wasn’t a problem, getting healthy and returning home to my family was. Regardless of what was happening at any given time, no matter the situation, I found myself not only wishing to be able to stand and hug my loved ones, but to be able to get back into the wind. I wasn’t dead, and neither was my spirit.

I became determined to get back to living, and living my way. My parents taught me to never give up and I have always been a fighter. So I pushed myself hard, probably too hard at times, but I pushed until I knew I was back. But still, the longing lingered.

Lysa could see through everything I was doing and knew I was becoming depressed. Yes, I was more functional after all the therapy, and yes, since the company waited for me I was able to return to my job but although both were huge accomplishments my sadness was somehow increasing.

So after much pushing and shoving, my loving wife finally hit me with a baseball bat and forced me to go looking for a new ride. I knew she was right, and although money was tight I looked nervously for a nice used bike. Hell, I even looked at imports. (Don’t be mad.. I was desperate!) But Lysa finally banged it home. She said “You didn’t have a used bike before the accident, you shouldn’t ride one after.” That was it. On Wenesday I found the bike I wanted for so long in a 2007 model Harley-Davidson Street Glide - and got it at a nice price from Mike’s Famous. Yep, the king of High Prices swore me a good deal after the accident (I think it was both the cane and Lysa helping me walk shortly after the accident that made him do it) and he stuck to his word. I knew what price they would do, and told Lysa to negotiate it down to it for me, and man, was she ever proud.

After a longggg Thursday and an even longer Friday, the time had arrived. The wife and I trekked over to Mike’s for the pickup, and knowing the situation well enough that I might get a bit emotional they allowed me to get the bike out back instead of out front in case I got emotional, or had a total-mind explosion or forgot how to ride or whatever. When I first threw my leg over, I did indeed need a moment. The time I was aware in the hospital flashed before me, the tears of family and friends, every ounce of pain, and then the joy of smiles and laughter when I was feeling better and eventually discharged. Getting home with my family in-tow and being more determined to get better. That damned bag and tube I had to empty and clean every day. The joy of walking down the hallway after it was removed. Every single hug and kiss I received from my wife, mother and mother in-law. All of it, all at once, and I couldn’t go anywhere. But dammit, this was my day, and for once, the good guy won. Start the damned bike!

I did, and I smiled. I smiled, laughed and had a tear. Just one tear thought.. I was at a Harley dealer, can’t get caught crying there. So I pulled out front where my wife was ready with her camera, shooting a little video of me, all smiles. When she hugged me, I felt all was right, and I was indeed doing the right thing.

The bike is a little top-heavy compared to my old Wide Glide, and a shorter rake out didn't help in adjusting to the new ride. But once I got through the first couple turns I relaxed a little and was able to enjoy the ride. Much more comfortable, and easier on my bad back. Even the short time Lysa has had on the bike had her giving praise. A fancy radio which I swore I would never want, or at the most barely use, actually grew on me within the first 10 minutes. I thought it would be distracting but it only adds to the experience.

For so many reasons, I grinned the entire ride home.

'Angry Inch's First Annual Bike-B-Que' -Last Call!!!

Yes- it's here!

Anyways, Saturday, August 4th is 'Angry Inch's First Annual Bike-B-Que'!

Here is the short version, I need sleep!

Because of all the love and help that was shown to me and my family during my accident and subsequent recovery, I want to pass on the love by doind a ride and BBQ. Nothing major, a handful of bikes will be meeting at Chez Del Diner on Route 13 about 10am. From there, a leisurely ride down 9 to Sambo's near Dover for a quick pit stop and drink, eat, smoke and stretch. Return trip much of the same, except for a stop at the world famous Augustine Inn near Augustine Beach. (I am going to do some recon work to find out if the old mini-amusement park is still back in the woods.)

We should return to my home by 3, where we will meet up with non-riders to turn up some tunes, fire up the grill and knock back some cold ones. Family, friends, neighbors, friends of friends, whatever amd whoever.

It's not for charity. Ain't a holiday. Not even a party. It's a celebration. A celebration of the life that I was granted to continue living after many, many people prayed for me and luckily, God was listening and took their wishes into consideration. Anyway, it's a celebration of life, time to be with those we care about, time to reflect on what's good in life, and time to EAT.

Chainsaw, my Ride Capt. for the trip has also graciously volunteered to handle the grill so I can mingle and make sure everyone is comfortable and enjoying themselves. If you are coming, I can't wait to see ya. If you wanna come, come on!

I am already planning the 2nd annual..

Jedzą i cieszą się!