NOTE: All timestamps are in the future because WE are in the future. The care takers of Midnight Ridazz.com reserves the right to remove, edit, move or delete anything for any reason. None of the opinions expressed on these boards represent the Midnight Ridazz nor can anyone purport to speak on behalf of Midnight Ridazz.
So, it comes with a big sigh that I must tell everyone that I am leaving.
As many of you know, I was once in the Army, having served four years in active duty. What most of you don't know is that I have been on IRR (the shit recruiters don't tell you about) since getting out in 2006. Last week, I received notice from the Army informing me that I have been recalled back into active duty for a tentative term of 400 days, beginning August 31st.
On that date, I will report to Ft. Benning, Georgia, to in-process back into the Army, then head to my duty station for deployment training (and subsequently be sent to Iraq). As of right now, my orders have me being stationed in Seattle, Wa, but that is likely to change.
I don't feel this as being an appropriate place to broadcast my political views, so suffice to say I'm not happy about this situation.
I want to say that I *truly* love every single person I have met in the LA bike scene and I am looking forward to the F.U.N. in experiencing the changes when I return. You are all, collectively and individually, amazing people. If you see me on a bike ride, or out on the street, feel free to say, "hi". Knowing that I have the support of my friends will make this situation much easier for me.
There is a going away ride for all who are interested: Information
I feel bad for the people that haven't met you yet. Seeing you on your tall bike with your steel army helmet will always be a clear picture in my memory even when I'm a senile old man.
Good luck over there (if thats where you end up) and I hope we find an end to this "war" in time for you to come back and ride above us again.
I saw an article the other day about all the soldiers overr there that are riding bikes long distance around american military bases... for fitness...mental and physical. Sounds like you might be able to start a little midnight soldiazz ride out there.
shit! man we will miss you brother but know that you can (and should) post messages here if you can get to this site from wherever you are stationed in the world. I'm sure everyone here will love to hear from you.
That is some of the worst news I've heard in a while, spook. I can store bikes and such for as long as you need, if you'd like - particularly the bbq sidecar and tall bike, but anything else you may need stored, too. I've got lots o' space in my garage.
What do you do in the army? Hopefully something that precludes walking the streets of baghdad with an assault rifle or escorting trucks or anything else dangerous and horrible.
You were the first rider I properly met, and I'm fairly certain that it was pier pressure and your birthday ride which really exposed the awesomeness of MR to me. You'll be sorely missed, even if I am, much like roadblock, already looking forward to an epic welcome home ride.
Holy shit! I was thinking this morning that I hadn't seen you in a while and that I missed you. I'm really sorry that you're being called back, especially against your better judgment. Please be safe buddy. Please.
Totally great idea. If you have a gay marriage, surely they won't let you back in the army. And since you aren't in active service, they can't court martial you for being openly gay.
I should have probably have not said that. I just don't want any harm to come to Spook. He is a great guy with his whole life ahead of him. War does things that I don't want to say, it will muddy up this thread. I just don't want him to go.
DON'T GO
I wouldn't suggest Gay Marriage, he will probably just get a dishonorable discharge in 400 or 800 days.
You're the best representative of America I can think of, and I know you'll probably get a lot out of going away, but I'm perfectly willing to vouch for your insanity and have them spit you out of the system.
Damnit, I'm so angry at the US and supporting governments.
I have a great deal of respect for whatever decision you make on the matter. If there comes a time you want take a bike tour to canada let me know. Call me if you need anything.
Make it back in one piece alright? You got a lotmore rides ahead of you.
Post here if you need a care package, we will make it happen. You want entertaining videos of what your mob here is up to, we'll make it happen. Whatever we can do to take the edge off The Suck.
Though we'd probably have to take a collection if Sir requests welding equipment.
SPOOK!!! you are sooo getting kicked off the tall bike! ;)
maaaan. i am srsly bummed about you going. Do you know what you'll be doing? PLEASE SAY WELDING! they must need things welded... we can show them a portfolio of Angelopes.
Not to be mean, but I sort of already knew this type of thing was up.
Keep your head up and don't let any of the demons get you down.
There's negativity clearly coming from both sides and in the end, we all know the cowboys, nor the indians will really win.
On another note, have you ever thought about switching to an MOS that would not necessarily put you in the hot-zone?
My younger brother is a month away from getting into the Air Force, and he's already been assigned to jet-turbine maintenance after BMT.
Perhaps you could learn to fix a Blackhawk or Apache, or something along the lines of support.
Just trying to throw some ideas out there to make the experience less harrowing.
I remember that in the future you have some of my shit. Since you don't have any of it now, that must mean you get it from me then, which must mean you come back safely. In the future, when you get there, please remember that one time in the future's future when you gave me back my shit that you took in the future, and make in happen.
the IRR sucks, i know. i had to leave last year to come out to do a bit of service last year.
luckily i drew germany-keep your fingers crossed, you never know.... just finishing a year of working in the icu of the military hospital over here. i did iraq in '03. looking forward to going home, riding out to the warm waters of the pacific on my bike.
keep your gear on- please! eyepro, gloves, sapi's, wear all of it, brother. i am seeing it save lives. practice the drills, believe in your training.
you'll be fine. rely on your team, be smart, be fast. you'll be home before you know it.
may we have your FPO address once you are in the sandy place so we can send you packages of candy, books, porno and booze?
any ridazz reading this should get this man shit-housed-stupid hammered, filled with tacos, and riding like a monster before he steps off....getting laid ain't bad neither.
hey spook. sorry to hear about the recall. a buddy of mine just got a recall letter himself. i hate the war we're in and agree with everyone here. be safe.
as a former military guy and recruiter, i would seriously push to get reclassified if you can. that's what my buddy did after talking to him. instead of carrying a rifle, he's going to doing an admin desk job.
good luck and let us know what APO address to send stuff to.
hey spook, never met ya but just stay safe mang.
my bro came back couple of months back from his tour.
he told me about all the bicycles they have....that they break....and they just dump.
hope you end up in that para-base.
i heard the mres taste like shit to so better get ur grub on when ur at home.
I know I already posted on this thread, but I just want to say again how much you are loved. It breaks my heart that you're leaving, and I truly hope that you will be safe every single moment you are overseas. You're one of the people I feel grateful to have met on these rides, and it's hard to imagine that I won't look up and see you on that tallbike for a whole 400 days. Take care of yourself buddy.
Pan-Pacific Park on Saturday...what time? I'm so there.
Lots of different Rides today but i'm hoping for a really nice turnout this afternoon for Kyle's ride!
I know ideas have been discussed ad-nauseum about marriage, etc. but i wonder how much of a face-plant/eat shit hard/broken clavicle, etc. would one have to endure to be side-lined from going over seas? I mean, i'd suffer that before marrying Spiral Demon (no offensse) ;-)
I hate myself for not coming to your party. I truly do. Stupid work totally got in the way. I hope you forgive me and know that I totally wanted to be with you guys.
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Ridazz Roulette!
So, it comes with a big sigh that I must tell everyone that I am leaving.
Stay safe my friend, looking foward to riding with you this month!
hey spook. sorry to hear about the recall. a buddy of mine just got a recall letter himself. i hate the war we're in and agree with everyone here. be safe.
One of my favorite photos of Spook -->
Have a safe trip and be safe!
Like this one?
Just so we don't forget, We are happy you are back!!!
