Got me bummed out

[KGT1200]

The sad news of the death of two of our members has really got me down. Yesterday, with my ride into St. Paul, I had a hard time enjoying my early morning ride, and was a bit parinoid? the entire way, knowing that all the ATGATT means little if you really crash and burn.

Anybody else feeling this way? I guess in cases where you can see somebody did it, like the Memory of Mr. Crist where a drunk hit/killed him you have somebody to direct the rage, direct the mad and in this case, where it was a one bike wreck, you have nobody to attach the outrage, the losss; you have nobody to blame, and it leaves you at loss, that's what I'm feeling..

Anyways, it's got me down, and by the activity on wall street, the elections and all, I think that in addition everyone of the usual posters on this site may be feeling what I'm feeling, I don't know. We all have been pretty quiet as of late, and it seems to be centered around this tragic loss of two outstanding BMWMOA members.

Anyways, have a good day you all, about to take off, once again, on an early ride into St. Paul..

Dale

[rinty]

The crash really bothered me too. It seems to have more of an effect on me when the downed rider is as experienced as a Tim Lambert, or a Lawrence Grodsky. And the Lambert tragedy is compounded by the loss of a young daughter.

Also it's the fall blahs time, worse this year with the current economic malaise.

Rinty

[john1691]

I had never met Tim or his daughter, but had just seen their picture in a post. Hard to describe what I was thinking/feeling, sad doesn't quite cover it, but as I mentioned, I didn't know them, so how deeply should one feel for a total stranger? It sure has me thinking about riding safety, and whether or not I'll be taking my 14 year old son out with me much any more. I'm also reminded that we are all mortal, so what am I doing with this life that will be of lasting value when I'm gone? What legacy, if any, will I leave?

[SheRidesABeemer]

I hear ya, I've been walking by the bikes in the garage lately, I'm just not in the mood. I can't help but mull over my priorities with such a heart braking reminder of the risk. When things are all settled in my head, I know I'll get the urge to jump on, but it's best I don't just now.

[AZgman]

Indeed, I shed a tear for Tim and Taylor yesterday as I read about their tragedy, but... you can't let it consume you or you will never experience life.

Events like this do cause me to question if there really is a grand plan to all of this. Fairness is certainly not part of the equation.

Sorry to be so heavy.

[Vagabird]

I was deeply saddened to read the news. I didn't know them either, but reading it on the forum meant they were part of our community. It made me think - again - about the risks that are mixed with the deep enjoyment of riding. The times we are living through - financial meltdown, election, etc. - don't help. I think it is always hard to be reminded of our own mortality.

Ride safe, and may we all meet in Tennessee next summer.

[Oldhway]

Dale, I absolutely feel the same way and Gail, you have described me in the garage for the last few days. Tim and Taylor's death has effected me more than I can explain.

Last year I sold my bike after taking a long trip with my 17y/o daughter because i started thing about the what ifs. I got back on this spring after taking 9 months off.

We chatted and joked with Tim and Taylor at the diner at breakfast last Saturday morning and to think that suddenly they are just gone makes no sense.

But Emoto said it best to me in a PM. He said they died doing what they loved and I think he is right. If we could ask them, I think they would tell us to be as safe as we can but to continue to love this sport like they did. That should be their legacy.

Sometimes things just happen and we don't understand. Some things we will never understand. Motorcycling does not hold an exclusive on danger or risk. If someone we knew died suddenly in a freak car accident we probably wouldn't be having this discussion.

And so I have chosen to honor them when I ride and today I will be back on the bike. I don't know if it's the right answer, but it is the only one I can find.

Everyone ride safe in their memory...

Steve

By the way, thank you Dale and everyone else for having the courage to talk about this.

[Visian]

Anybody else feeling this way?

yes... and thanks for mentioning this. the news about these two wonderful people has weighed on me heavily.

same thing for the other stuff you mentioned.

i am glad we're really busy at work right now, because it keeps my mind off it some.

ian

[deilenberger]

A long time ago - when a friend of many BMW riders was killed while riding, one person put it in perspective for me. He said "Some people mistake breathing for living.."

It sounded trite at first - but then thinking about it - it's true. Many moons ago when Ma Bell was our mother (for those who worked for her) they sent a quarterly magazine around called "Family Safety" to all employee's home addresses. It was a well meaning magazine - pointing out the dangers in every life activity with graphic examples and cartoons and stories. I used to read it and shake my head "umm, hmmm.." - until - one day - I realized the only safe way they saw to go through life is not to live it. And in the end - the result is the same, no one has gotten out of life alive. From then on - Family Safety hit the trash on delivery.

My passion for motorcycling kicked off late in life (25 years old or so..) but it almost immediately became a real passion and something I've loved doing for the past 37 years. I find it hard to imagine life without it. That may happen some day due to advancing age, but my goal is to be like the couple on the front page of the Owners News this month. Kids in their 80's getting a new sidecar rig.

Motorcycling for me has made me many friends (and a few foes - hey, nothings perfect, even me..), taken me on adventures I couldn't have experienced any other way. It's pushed me to go beyond self-imposed boundaries and experience new things that my normally cautious self would have avoided. The risk-reward balance is heavily biased toward reward for me. It won't be for everyone, and not everyone should ride, or continue to ride.. but I try to remember what my friend said that day.

"Some people mistake breathing for living" - if you have a passion, follow it.

Life would seem so worthless without a passion. I've had other passions through the years that seemed equal to motorcycling (sailing, photography, music), but bikes and the pleasure they give me, looking at them, riding them and associating with other riders have always brought me back to them.

I also morn for the Lamberts. The consoling thought is they were experiencing life by living it, more than many people ever do.

Peace.

[mrich12000]

Thinking about it as well. "Such tragedy." With the loss of 2 family members so unexpected. My heart goes out to the family and the community and to all who knew the Lamberts, I will mention them in this weekend at mass,as we are having our Thanksgiving here in Canada this weekend. And bring it up at the Loonie-Tic social next week. so sad :cry :cry

[tessler]

I met the Lamberts at the same breakfast that Steve mentioned. I saw them repeatedly on the grounds of the event and they were the very last MOA members I waved goodbye to as I pulled out of the Kaatskill Mountain House parking lot on Sunday morning.

It's hard for me to truly know what several of you are going through, having no children, but I can only imagine, as my wife rides with me often. Precious cargo is precious cargo; be it a child, a spouse, relative or friend.... even if we're riding solo. And it causes one to pause and think.

Thanks, Dale and everyone for sharing your thoughts with the rest of us.

[wezul]

This event has poked into my brain and made me think, after a period of being upset, that they would not want us to stop riding but maybe reflect. We all know the baggage that comes with 2 wheel travel, this tragedy has made that even more evident. When I'm on the bike now I am that much more aware.
I'm not just riding for myself, I'm riding for Tim and Taylor.

Peace.

[terham]

I too find myself thinking about this and have probably lost a little enthusiasm for riding. Even though I know I'm vulnerable when I ride, I like to think deep down that I'll be OK, but this news drives home the fact that I am vulnerable, and that makes me very uneasy. I also ride with my daughter and this makes me reevaluate that.

I cannot imagine what his family is going through. They're definitely in my thoughts and prayers.

[Braddog]

My youngest daughter has the passion for motorcycling. One time she was riding passenger on the RS, and we were doing some rather spirited riding on some curvy roads.

She later told me the following:

"I was pretty scared at first, and then I thought, this is really fun, and I'm with my Dad doing something we both love. If this is our time, then at least I know we'll go down doing something we both really enjoy."

It brought tears to my eyes when she said it, and frankly, we really weren't doing anything all that dangerous, but to her, it was frightening. The last thing that I'd ever want to do is to put one of my children at risk. That's part of being a parent. I'm sure Tim Lambert felt the same way.

Yeah, the Lamberts' story can't help but bum me out, it's so tragic. It's also made me reflect on me, my family members, what we do together, and how we live life. My daughter now rides her own motorcycle. We have yet to ride much together, but I'm thinking we will this weekend. I think it's time for a leisurely ride to...nowhere in particular.

What's the other old saying?

Everybody dies, but not everybody lives.

[RJM2096]

Every time we hear of a death especially when someone young is involved we all feel mortal and vulnerable.

While it saddens me, I still love riding. Maybe because I am in my late 50s and have lived a full life and have no major responsibilities as my children are grown I don't feel worried about the big nap.

We all know the risk of riding , but we know of the risk of riding in a car or on a horse. It seems to me that I personally know of more automobile deaths than motorcycle deaths.

In the scheme of things we are but a speck on this planet for only a microsecond in the vast time warp. Ride responsibly and enjoy life. :eat

http://i259.photobucket.com/albums/hh310/RJM2096/CrystalCove2.jpg

[hlothery]

Rob,

What a fantastic and inspiring photograph. It is interesting that it is impossible to know whether the sun is rising, or setting. Yet the beauty is overwhelming. Despite the risks of living, I want to be like the rising sun........until it sets for me.

In death one can often find inspiration........eventually.

[Newstar]

I've never met Tim or Taylor but seeing their pictures has made the loss very real to me. I hear he was active on this board but I don't know what screen name he used therefore I have no idea if we've had any converstion.

They have been very much on my mind this week as I prepare for a week long trip beginning on Saturday. I will be extra careful on the back roads and I've ordered a neon safety vest for more visability. Will this stop me from going? No. but it has made me more aware.

Losing a family member is never easy. Losing two is unfathomable to me. My heart goes out to their family.

[Rod Sheridan]

I mentioned the death of Tim and Taylor to my daughter Michelle yesterday as we were eating dinner.

My wife and I both ride, and we always took our daughters with us whenever they wished to go. Many friends and neighbours considered us irresponsible, or worse.

When Margaret wanted her drivers licence, I told her that she had to ride the bike for two years before I would loan her the car. She took the Canadian equivalent of the MSF course and became a good rider.

Once again friends, family and strangers questioned my sanity, however nothing sharpens your riding/driving skills like an awareness of your vulnerability.

As we were discussing the death of Tim and Taylor I asked Michelle what she thought about us taking her on the bike as a child, now that she had an adults perspective on the risks.

Her comment was that everything is dangerous, however she had a childhood with many good memories of going places on the bike, and that many of her childhood friends wished they could have gone also.

Michelle doesn't have an interest in riding, however she still likes riding pillion.

I am sorry to hear of the death of Tim and Taylor, however to gain the rewards of a life well lived, you have to accept the required risks.

So in memory of Tim and Taylor, go for a nice long autumn ride, with your child if you can, and cellibrate a life well lived.

regards, Rod.

[franze]

I always think of the danger, each time I put on my gear. I've taken each of my sons (age 13 and 11) on extended tours. Those memories will be with us our entire lives, however long or short a time we have remaining.

[RTRandy]

I too have been really bummed out about this. Even the circumstances make it seem so much more tragic with a father and daughter simply sharing an enjoyable weekend rally together and being so close to getting almost home. It's obvious these two had a great bond together which is not always the case with families having teenagers. That's what makes this so hard to take.

It's haunting not understanding what actually happened. I understand about bad luck of a drunk driver coming in the wrong lane or running a red light, but it just doesn't add up with an experienced rider going off the road. Even worse, while there could have been a corn field or bushes in that turn, there happens to be a tree. Perhaps it was a health issue with a stroke or heart attack.

My heart goes out to their family and friends and they will remain in my prayers.

One other note is that I happen to travel several times a year on business to the next town over which is Columbia, NJ and I away stay in Stroudsburg which are a couple of miles away. I plan to stop by where this happened when I'm there next month and lay some flowers at the scene.

[bobs98]

I have been extremely bummed as well, since finding out thru Paul's post on Tuesday morning. I never met Tim or Taylor, but do remember seeing them up at Hunter. I enjoyed his postings as Stealthrider and admired his photographic skills and wit as well.

I hope we can all learn something from this tragedy. For me, it is to be extra vigilant when riding. Several times over the weekend, I found myself going a little too fast and had to dial it back a little. Three times, I came upon deer either in the road or along side. I need to remind myself of the risks (that I freely accept) when I ride. When I ride with my now 19 year old daughter or almost 10 year old son, I make extra effort to be smooth in the curves, and not overly aggressive. Precious cargo indeed, ride in control.

I am certain that Tim was a much better rider than me, and his crash really makes me wonder what could have possibly happened to cause it. For now, I will continue to ride, as I have done for 12 of the last 13 days. But I will think of them, take a little extra time and hopefully arrive home safely.

Ride safely.

[Rapid_Roy]

The sad news of the death of two of our members has really got me down. Yesterday, with my ride into St. Paul, I had a hard time enjoying my early morning ride, and was a bit parinoid? the entire way, knowing that all the ATGATT means little if you really crash and burn.

Anybody else feeling this way? I guess in cases where you can see somebody did it, like the Memory of Mr. Crist where a drunk hit/killed him you have somebody to direct the rage, direct the mad and in this case, where it was a one bike wreck, you have nobody to attach the outrage, the losss; you have nobody to blame, and it leaves you at loss, that's what I'm feeling..

Anyways, it's got me down, and by the activity on wall street, the elections and all, I think that in addition everyone of the usual posters on this site may be feeling what I'm feeling, I don't know. We all have been pretty quiet as of late, and it seems to be centered around this tragic loss of two outstanding BMWMOA members.

Anyways, have a good day you all, about to take off, once again, on an early ride into St. Paul..

Dale
Hi Dale. I felt exactly like this when my brother crashed this spring.
It's not seasonal, it's deeper than that. I didn't want to go to the National, or ride at all for a while. All that, and he is still here.

[jasonTDI]

It is a horrible thing and it would be interesting to know what happened. He VERY LIKELY could have had a heart attack or a similar life ending medical condition. Let's not forget that. It has happened and will happen...just the way life goes.

I'm glad a lot of people met them and have had a lot to say about them. That makes their legacy even more important. They died doing what they loved, not a lot of people can say that they EVER do what they love. I think the photos Paul posted really hit home for a lot of people. They really did for me.

[RJM2096]

Because we feel vulnerable we want to know what happened. No witnesses so we have to speculate. A deer, someone ran them off the road, or a medical condition. Hopefully the Police & Coroner can tell.

[ARValkguy]

I know how you feel. I never met Tim or Taylor but I have felt terrible having heard that news. I think of all the times my daughter and I jump on and ride together. I only knew Tim through the PMs he sent me a couple times when I had questions. They both seemd to be loved in the community. It is very obvious that they were loved here in our community. I was just reading the story of the funeral and I am glad I am sitting in my office all alone.

Hundreds gathered this morning at Dryland United Church of Christ in Lower Nazareth Township to mourn the deaths of former Easton police officer Timothy Lambert and his 16-year-old daughter, Taylor.

The Rev. David Quinn told the crowd of mourners that well exceeded the church's capacity that Lambert and Taylor died together doing something they loved, which made their deaths a "little less terrible."

"He died trying to take the impact and protect his little girl," Quinn said. "She hung on to her daddy."
The two died Sunday in a motorcycle crash in Monroe County as they returned from a BMW motorcycle rally in the Catskill Mountain region in New York.

Lambert served with the Easton Police Department from August 1986 through December 2007, when he took early retirement and became a police officer with the Easton Area School District.

The Easton Fire Department provided a color guard as mourners entered the church, and officers from at least 17 area police departments attended the service. Easton Area High School students comforted each other as they mourned the death of Taylor, a high school junior, and some fellow high school marching band members wore their uniforms in Taylor's honor.

Easton police Chief Larry Palmer, who served as a motorcycle officer with Lambert, recalled his friend and colleague's "gift of gab" and "kind demeanor."

Palmer said he donned his motorcycle boots, jacket and helmet to honor his partner with one last ride.


GOD BLESS THE LAMBERT FAMILY

[Klay]

One of the myths I have heard from non-motorcyclists over the years is that motorcyclists ride because they have a "death-wish." I have countered with the comment that this is exactly wrong...motorcyclists have a "life-wish." My chances of dying are 100% and my wish is to live to the fullest extent possible in the years I have to live. That involves riding motorcycles and assuming some amount of risk.

I'll never give up riding...this is because of my wish for life...a real, full, life.










I still ride scared, but life ought to be a little scary if one is paying attention to the fundamentals.

[Oldhway]

I know how you feel. I never met Tim or Taylor but I have felt terrible having heard that news. I think of all the times my daughter and I jump on and ride together. I only knew Tim through the PMs he sent me a couple times when I had questions. They both seemd to be loved in the community. It is very obvious that they were loved here in our community. I was just reading the story of the funeral and I am glad I am sitting in my office all alone.

Hundreds gathered this morning at Dryland United Church of Christ in Lower Nazareth Township to mourn the deaths of former Easton police officer Timothy Lambert and his 16-year-old daughter, Taylor.

The Rev. David Quinn told the crowd of mourners that well exceeded the church's capacity that Lambert and Taylor died together doing something they loved, which made their deaths a "little less terrible."

"He died trying to take the impact and protect his little girl," Quinn said. "She hung on to her daddy."
The two died Sunday in a motorcycle crash in Monroe County as they returned from a BMW motorcycle rally in the Catskill Mountain region in New York.

Lambert served with the Easton Police Department from August 1986 through December 2007, when he took early retirement and became a police officer with the Easton Area School District.

The Easton Fire Department provided a color guard as mourners entered the church, and officers from at least 17 area police departments attended the service. Easton Area High School students comforted each other as they mourned the death of Taylor, a high school junior, and some fellow high school marching band members wore their uniforms in Taylor's honor.

Easton police Chief Larry Palmer, who served as a motorcycle officer with Lambert, recalled his friend and colleague's "gift of gab" and "kind demeanor."

Palmer said he donned his motorcycle boots, jacket and helmet to honor his partner with one last ride.


GOD BLESS THE LAMBERT FAMILY

Thanks for sharing that Kelly, it helps alot.

Steve

[wezul]

"He died trying to take the impact and protect his little girl," Quinn said. "She hung on to her daddy."

This has the tears flowing all over again.
Tough stuff.

[KGT1200]

This horrible event obviously touched us all in ways beyond words.

Tragic deaths, we can't bring them home, but we can learn to see preciousness
the fleeting moments in life

And for me, ride safer, and recognize my own vulnerability and fragility.

Thanks for the responses to this thread, Say what they may say about the BMW MOA; we are a brotherhood and sisterhood for which I am proud to belong.

May they rest in peace, and may their family weather this horrible, horrible storm.

Still bummed, but much more centered in how I feel about it all...

[dancogan]

This thread helps knowing that I'm not alone in these thoughts.
I spent a three day weekend on the bike, enjoying the beautiful fall colors of Michigan, but this tragedy was always on my mind. May Tim and Taylor be our co-pilots.

[bullit7801]

A long time ago - when a friend of many BMW riders was killed while riding, one person put it in perspective for me. He said "Some people mistake breathing for living.."

It sounded trite at first - but then thinking about it - it's true. Many moons ago when Ma Bell was our mother (for those who worked for her) they sent a quarterly magazine around called "Family Safety" to all employee's home addresses. It was a well meaning magazine - pointing out the dangers in every life activity with graphic examples and cartoons and stories. I used to read it and shake my head "umm, hmmm.." - until - one day - I realized the only safe way they saw to go through life is not to live it. And in the end - the result is the same, no one has gotten out of life alive. From then on - Family Safety hit the trash on delivery.

My passion for motorcycling kicked off late in life (25 years old or so..) but it almost immediately became a real passion and something I've loved doing for the past 37 years. I find it hard to imagine life without it. That may happen some day due to advancing age, but my goal is to be like the couple on the front page of the Owners News this month. Kids in their 80's getting a new sidecar rig.

Motorcycling for me has made me many friends (and a few foes - hey, nothings perfect, even me..), taken me on adventures I couldn't have experienced any other way. It's pushed me to go beyond self-imposed boundaries and experience new things that my normally cautious self would have avoided. The risk-reward balance is heavily biased toward reward for me. It won't be for everyone, and not everyone should ride, or continue to ride.. but I try to remember what my friend said that day.

"Some people mistake breathing for living" - if you have a passion, follow it.

Life would seem so worthless without a passion. I've had other passions through the years that seemed equal to motorcycling (sailing, photography, music), but bikes and the pleasure they give me, looking at them, riding them and associating with other riders have always brought me back to them.

I also morn for the Lamberts. The consoling thought is they were experiencing life by living it, more than many people ever do.

Peace.Thanks, Don,

It seems that you hit all my thoughts and feelings about our community's loss, and expressed it so much better than I would have.

tb