Memorial ride for our brother Bill ...Raleigh NC area

Its been almost two years since Bills passing and I think of him quite often reading through posts here on XJBikes. Bill touched our lives in many ways and its time to remember and give thanks for his contributions to us.
I have been talking with Bill's brother Dave and he has set a date of August 13 for a memorial ride for Bill. All are welcome to come. I don't know any other details yet as to where we will go but I'll post them when I find out.

 

subscribed. I'd love to make it down. I'd be pretty doubtful right now, new baby due end of July. Hope you get a big group.

 

OK schedules are crazy for all... but WE WILL RIDE!! start posting some dates and we will figure it out... If not I'm heading to the GAP... as it is on the wish list of rides Bill and i compiled just 2 weeks before his death.

Let's start posting riders... unless you're chicken... and cant hang...LOL

 

Unfortunately I won't be able to join.

Every time an old thread gets resurrected that Bill had posted in I'm a bit sad. I got a lot of pleasure from his participation here.

Best wishes to all his friends and family.

 

OK XJ BIKERS!!! I'm Riding the Diamondback in the NC mountains as my yearly ride i dedicate to my brother Bill. It was on our bucket list... one i intend to complete. So I Invite his fellow XJ Bikers to come enjoy a great ride and honor a greater man who was a big contributor to theis site.

I am available 9/17, 10/1, 15 or 29 let me know I ride alone or with his fellow xj bikers... I'd prefer to ride with those who were a part of his life...

 

Too far for me, Dave, I too think of Bill, just talking to BigFitz about him a couple of weeks ago, a gret guy, ride with your pegs down for me. Wiz.

 

Wizard thanks for your thoughts... I will pass them on to Bills Wife and children...

I must admit it is sad... Mark & i have posted several times to gather some riders... and no takers. Seems life hs gobbled us up and we are all so busy or the economy is kicking our cans... you know Bill would understand that. That was the coolest thing to find out out my brother... his giving heart... whether it was an XJ forum or a fellow/new rider he was there to help with his experience, but as his brother... he shared his heart as well.

So if i may be so bold... I can't think of a better memorial ride to honor Bill. I/we recieved cards and messages from around the world and thats what Bill loved about this forum... he has been a global guy as long as I can remember with his ham radio, made sense he would move to the www. So, take some time and ride your favorite road this month... and dedicate that ride to someone who loved to ride, build and share his knowledge with his fellow XJers, Bill Schmitt...then post your experience... what you love about the ride... even some pics... oh and bring someone along to share the fun... the response will lift his family's hearts and honor an XJ freind... thanks to all Dave

 

I think about Bill often and now our other departed XJ brother Doc. I never personally met either but feel that I knew them as best you can through a message board. We obvously have at least one thing in common.

I've got the economy, a new baby girl and too many commitments to break away for a ride down to NC. Though I would love to do it. Please continue to post your big ride plans and if I can ever make one I will.

I should be making a decent ride on 10/8 and I will get some pictures up of that.

 

Thanks, congrats on the little one and too will think of Doc...

 

OK fellow riders... the weather is kickin' today and I'm rollin to the Diamond Back in the NC mountains to honor my brother, who I miss dearly... I'll post some pics. The rest of you get out and roll.... ride with you pegs down to honor those friends and family we have lost that loved riding as we do... ride knowing they are carving the pavement right there with you! Ride Safe, Dave

 

Dave,

As you know today was a beautiful day here in the mid atlantic. I had originally planned a baltimore, md to bedford, pa boring interstate ride. Turns out I had some stuff to get done this afternoon so I couldn't be gone that long.

OldSchoolOtter and I set out on a shorter ride. My loop came in just under 120 miles. We rode baltimore, md to pretty boy reservoir taking the long way, and a detour into PA because I missed a turn.

Great roads, great ride. Just what I needed some time away just man and machine.

Here's the pics I remembered to stop and take. I'm the fat guy in the leather jacket. Otter is the other guy.