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03-12-2019, 10:19 PM | #1 |
VBA Founder
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Lindale, Texas
Posts: 6,846
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Time to make a change...
Sometimes, change is not fun and appears to be illogical, but deep down inside, we know it's for the best. Such is the case for me.
For the last 22 years, motorcycling has been to me what the Pope is to Catholicism and what the guitar is to Keith Richards. It's been a hobby, a loved one and a constant friend. I've had the opportunity to travel by motorcycle in over 30 states. I've seen the best of the Rockies and felt all the curves on the dragon. I've seen the sun come up from my tent while bike-camping and I've witnessed the setting sun in the mountains of Utah. I've done all this and only walked away with a few minor scratches. I've been blessed. So, it is with heavy heart that I must make a change and say goodbye to motorcycling. Beginning in June, I'll be putting Cisco and my utility trailer on the market. I have obligations with the Blue Knights that I need to fulfill through May, so I'll be keeping Cisco until then. This is not a decision that I make lightly. I've been thinking long and hard about this for many months. I feel I'm at a time in my life where I need to make a change and move on. I'll spare you my reasoning and just say that I've thoroughly enjoyed all the miles riding with you guys. Your friendships mean the world to me. I'll always cherish the times we've had. Maybe we've had our slight disagreements in the past, but that's never kept me from believing in you, cherishing our friendship and wanting the best in life for each of you. No matter how you have felt about me or what opinion you've had about me, I've always wanted only the best for you. I'll always be proud of KawaNOW and the VBA. It has helped so many people with all their issues and questions concerning their Kawasaki's. And so many friendships have come about from this endeavor. I feel humbled and privileged to have been a part. And I thank all of you for working hard for everyone's common good. I'll just close and say "thanks" for all the good times and beautiful miles you've ridden with me. They won't be forgotten. All the best, Trip
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Robert "Trip" Hilliard VBA/KawaNOW - Founder/Past President VBA # 00001 Trip's Website Custer 09, 18 / Maggie Valley 11 / Eureka Springs 09, 17 / Antlers 09, 10, 11, 13, 15, 16, 17, 18 Texas Hill Country / Deals Gap / Colorado / Wyoming / Montana / Utah / More trips for Trip Login or Register to Remove Ads
Last edited by trip; 03-12-2019 at 10:31 PM.
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03-12-2019, 11:02 PM | #2 |
Advanced Member
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Hartselle Alabama
Posts: 995
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My first thought is must be medical...………. But hey, Thanks for starting this forum. I enjoy it. Good luck with new endeavors.
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Have A Good One, Chuck Patriot Guard Riders Sons Of Liberty Riders Alabama Road Captain 2015 Voyager 2003 1500 NOMAD FI sold 6/19 VBA #2993 RUSSELL DAYLONG SEATS ROCK!! DAMMIT TOOL: Any handy tool that you grab and throw across the garage while yelling "DAMMIT" at the top of your lungs There is no substitute for laminar flow in which a helmet is the primary disturbance. SO MANY ROADS, SO LITTLE TIME. |
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03-13-2019, 12:22 AM | #3 |
Join Date: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,472
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I respect you Robert and the many great things you have accomplished for the biker community. You have helped many of us along the way. I have enjoyed our rides together.
Cheryl and I feel we are getting too old to ride. We still enjoy getting out our old Nomad on pretty days and riding the back country roads. However, because of my health and age, we must keep our rides to about an hour or so. So I feel it is about my time to get off the bike. I'm barely hanging in there. I am emotionally moved to hear that you are giving up the sport. I know it is a big decision and the "sisters" will also miss you. Best wishes. |
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03-13-2019, 05:20 AM | #4 |
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Psychiatric Ward FL
Posts: 3,429
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Good luck with this next phase of your life.
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MT 2016 FLHP Psychiatric Ward FL VBA 936 |
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03-13-2019, 09:10 AM | #6 |
Top Contributor
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Ontario
Posts: 6,984
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Sorry to hear that you have chosen to give up motorcycling for whatever reason.
It must be a hard choice to make but it comes to us all one day. |
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03-13-2019, 12:18 PM | #7 |
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Okotoks, AB, Canada
Posts: 1,090
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Trip, although I've never met you personally, it has been a pleasure knowing you through this forum. All the best in your future endeavors!
I for one, am not looking forward to the day when I have to make that decision to hang up the keys for good. Or when my kids tell me "Pops, it's time ....."
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"Sun on my face, wind in my hair, sound of my bike in my ears and peace in my soul..." VBA Member #01514 2008 Nomad 1600, Blue & Silver |
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03-13-2019, 01:19 PM | #8 |
Join Date: May 2015
Location: Marietta, GA
Posts: 838
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It was a pleasure meeting you in Custer last year. Good luck and best wishes.
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03-13-2019, 01:32 PM | #9 |
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Placerville, CA
Posts: 2,960
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Trip, I wish you the best of luck on your future adventures and hope you have a great time!
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Jim Diebolt 2015 Vulcan 1700 Voyager ABS The Black Kaw 2005 Vulcan Nomad Sold 2006 Honda 1800 VTX (Freebie) Sold 2008 Harley Ultra Classic Sold 2001 Harley Ultra Classic Sold Hangtown, Kalifornia VBA #2625 |
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03-13-2019, 01:53 PM | #10 |
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Lee, New Hampshire
Posts: 568
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I wish I had had the opportunity to meet you in person, but unfortunately, it just never worked out. But it has been my pleasure to have gotten to know you at least a little bit through this forum. I truly wish you the best in wherever your path now leads you.
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Tom Maziarz (tomm) VBA #00766 2008 Kawasaki Nomad (Black) 1978 Suzuki GS750EC (My son is riding it now.) 2017: National Rally - Lake George, NY 2016: NE US / E Canada Rally - Mont Tremblant, QC 2015: National Rally - Eureka Springs, AR 2014: NE US / E Canada Rally - Lincoln, NH 2012: NE US / E Canada Rally - Wellsboro, PA |
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03-13-2019, 08:29 PM | #11 |
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Greenwood, Ark.
Posts: 4,736
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Turn out the lights the party’s over.
They say that all good things must end. Call it a night. The party’s over. Things won’t be the same ever again. Tough decision I’m sure. Thanks for everything. If you ever find yourself up this way give me a shout. I’ll buy the beer.
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Dave Jesse 2012 1700 Gray/Black Voyager 2006 1600 Nomad Green/Silver Sold VBA #1108 2010- Eureka Springs - Antlers - 2011- Maggie Valley - Antlers 2012- Margaritaville Ride - Van Buren - Antlers - 2013- Estes Park - Antlers 2014- Mountain View - Antlers - 2015- Eureka Springs - Antlers 2016- Salem - Antlers - 2017- Eureka Springs - Lake George - Antlers - 2018- Custer - Antlers |
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03-13-2019, 11:52 PM | #12 |
Sr. Member
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Overland Park, KS
Posts: 1,135
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Will miss seeing you Trip. Best of luck in whatever life brings.
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Glenn petenomad Peterman 2016 BMW R1200RT 2012 Candy Arabian Red Concours - Traded at 23000 miles 2008 Red/Black Nomad - Traded at 29500 miles |
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03-14-2019, 09:20 AM | #13 |
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: NE Indiana
Posts: 997
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Thanks Trip. If it wasn't for you and this forum, I wouldn't have meet these great group of people. Good friends and guided rides. I know we would have traveled on the bike, put I don't think we would have been to all the places we've been.
Also all the knowledge from this forum is priceless. Wishing you safe travels on what ever adventure comes next in you life.
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Troy Donat VBA #02401 2015 Voyager 2006 1600 Nomad black(sold) 2016 Salem, Antlers, 2017 Eureka Springs, Lake George, Antlers 2018 Custer NR, Antlers |
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03-14-2019, 10:34 AM | #14 |
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Newmarket Ontario Canada
Posts: 35,387
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Wishing you all the best Robert, and Thanks for everything you have done here. This has been the best forum Ive ever been on, and it was a pleasure knowing and meeting you. I still keep in touch with many of the fellas Ive met through here. Don't be shy, and make sure to drop in here once in a while.
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2002 Nomad aka Bountyhunter VBA #27 VROC #18951 |
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03-14-2019, 12:52 PM | #15 |
Member
Join Date: Nov 2009
Posts: 84
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I'm glad I finely got to meet you at Custer last year. Kawanow is the reason I bought a
Nomad. Good luck and thank you. Rusty |
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