FJRiders.com

wheatonFJR wrote: ↑Thu Jan 18, 2024 10:58 am

D-Eagle wrote: ↑Thu Jan 18, 2024 9:35 am Mark, that photo is awesome.

Duane evidently thought so as well. I found that out after Duane died when Maralee told me that he had that as his screensaver for the longest time. So much so that they included that photo in the funeral service program.

The only reason we were at that spot was that Duane wanted to try a new road...as he always did. As nice as that photo turned out, it pales in comparison to how it was in 360 degree real time. I take no credit for that photo at all. The scene was amazing.... Coming out of the mist and fog and rising about it all into a crystal blue sky, clouds below, distant ridges... and that silhouetted tree.

That's a calendar picture buddy.

I'm certain that I met Duane a few times, but I don't remember him from that, I remember him more from reading your posts Wheattie. Sorry to lose another FJR rider and especially sorry that you lost a close friend.

FYI, these posts are not about me at all, but if I reflect on them it is only to show the pain involved. I think Duane’s passing hit me especially hard because of a couple things
-We rode often together
-Had already made plans for a long trip to Colorado in 2023 and had plans for many more
-I just really liked this guy, and to get a laugh or guffaw out of him was gold
-I think Jason’s passing less than a year before hadn’t had a chance to fully process yet, and this just felt like an extreme case of piling on. I miss them both immensely. Time has not yet healed either wound.

I have to be careful when texting Maralee, because I don’t want my grief to compound hers. A recent review of this thread was a blessing and a curse. Great memories, but extremely sad at times.

Maralee has it real tough compared to how I’m feeling, so continue to remember her.

I try to remember that day in April last year…when y’all showed up from far and wide for her. I lean on that memory.

To my friend Duane, wish you were here.

I have mentioned in another thread that Maralee is at a point where she can part with Duane's bike. Griff is assisting me in getting it up to my place in Travelers Rest. After I clean it up a bit, I will open a for sale thread here at Riders.

Here is the 07 FJR and trailer that will soon be posted for sale:

Went on a little ride today to honor Jwilly and 1911. It was supposed to be longer. I ended up just going to the Cherohala and assorted twisty roads between there and home, due to big delays from road construction. Maybe I'll try again another time...but the Cherohala was special to both of these fine men, so this may have to do for now.


Heading out in twilight.


BRP Highest Elevation


Turkey Creek Overlook


My riding shirt. Both Jwilly and 1911 were on watch today. I kept them busy.


The miles today were about 390.


Jwilly's LD Delivery Special is making room for 1911's FJR and mcy trailer. Griff and I go get those tomorrow so I can begin the cleanup for selling for Maralee.

Thank you, Mark for sharing your rememberence with us. I hope Maralee and Duane's family are "getting along", whatever that might mean. Thinking about Duane fondly. He reminds me that you can say a lot by saying a little. That quiet people can also be quite personable. And true to your soul love is all you really need.

But moreover, Pants - we only get one life, and it goes so fast. Don't waste it.

Missing my friend today...its hitting me like a Mack truck. The depth of grief is quite unexpected and came on suddenly. The 2nd anniversary of his passing is on Saturday.

Manly hugs, dude...

wheatonFJR wrote: ↑Mon Jan 13, 2025 8:09 am Missing my friend today...its hitting me like a Mack truck. The depth of grief is quite unexpected and came on suddenly. The 2nd anniversary of his passing is on Saturday.

Thanks man. That wave of grief washed over me and cut deep like a sword to the bone. It has mainly passed for the moment but the depth was unexpected and shocking. I know that Maralee is a strong woman and has gone through a lot, but I wish her the best. I try not to bother her too much, but check in occasionally. I am back on the task of getting Duane's Black Cherry cleaned up, fluids changed,
and tires changed etc for the upcoming sale in the early spring.

Do we need a tech day down at the double-wide? FYB's is likely in April.... could pop over after maybe. Or ride the darn thing up to VA and we'll take care of it, bring yer list......

Well, there's a peek behind the curtains. Having his bike (and trailer?) in your garage is a fresh reminder of the miles enjoyed, times relished, and tall tales re-told - focus there, as hard as that is, is key. You've taken on an unimaginable task there, no words from Maralee will ever express her appreciation for what you are doing.

I miss him. I miss Jwilly. On the drive home a few weeks ago, as I was passing through FJRFarrier country, I remembered that day he (Jwilly) wiped out at EOM; stuffing his '14 in the back of Spklbuk's truck, scrubbing his road rash and telling him,"it's supposed to hurt so you don't do this stupid shit again" and then the "Three-Up" ride back to EOM HQ with Julie giggling non-stop in our ears over comms. I laughed and cried, nearly at the same time. WTF is that? This stuff hurts -I wish there was a magic formula to make it not, or at least a little less. Hang in there my friend...

Wayne

wheatonFJR wrote: ↑Mon Jan 13, 2025 10:24 am Thanks man. That wave of grief washed over me and cut deep like a sword to the bone. It has mainly passed for the moment but the depth was unexpected and shocking. I know that Maralee is a strong woman and has gone through a lot, but I wish her the best. I try not to bother her too much, but check in occasionally. I am back on the task of getting Duane's Black Cherry cleaned up, fluids changed,
and tires changed etc for the upcoming sale in the early spring.

raYzerman wrote: ↑Mon Jan 13, 2025 1:17 pm Do we need a tech day down at the double-wide? FYB's is likely in April.... could pop over after maybe. Or ride the darn thing up to VA and we'll take care of it, bring yer list......

For reasons I can't share here, that is not a possibility. I will get things done. If anything beyond maintenance and tires needs to happen, the griffmeister is not too far away. He even has a Canadian flag to make it official.

Grief is such a strange thing... you think you're "over it" or at least moving past it and then something just overwhelms you when you least expect it... and there is no timeline so allow yourself to feel and honor it. I guess that is the price we pay for loving and having such wonderful people in our lives. Big hugs to everyone who is dealing with managing the grief. <3

Post #1 updated with this:

4/1/25 - Edit to add:
Special Thank You to Festus (aka Steve) for downloading video content Duane had created over the years so we could preserve it for family and friends to revisit upon occation. The video's - some short clips and longer motorcycle ride videos are currently being hosted on my blog site. Much of the content has music / sound tracks that could present challenges with hosting them on a social media host such as Youtube, etc. Hosting the media on my blog site privately should avoid any copywrite issues related to the music Duane choose to accompany the footage. He had a knack for that - there are 41 video's currently posted here on Attacktheroad.com > Projects > 1911 Video Gallery.
- Wayne (aka extrememarine).

Many thanks to Steve and Wayne for this. The videos are priceless to me and to Maralee, his widow. When she found out yesterday, she was surprised and very thankful. If you ever rode with Duane or got to talk with him, these videos and the music he chose will certainly remind you of him and his personality.

Thank you guys.