Thank You:
My sister (and, of course, her strange husband and weird kids)… Thanks, KC, for always being one of my greatest cheerleaders and for the many times that you said something like Dammit, Ry, write a blog already! Likely, though, without the “Dammit”, the “already!”, and the attitude. Well, maybe with a bit of attitude–you are, after all, the oldest.
My brother (and, of course, his family of WACKOS)… Thanks, CG, for when you always automatically included your little brother. You’ll never fully grasp how important that was. You know, I’ve always been amazed by your fearlessness: You’re the most adventurous person I know, and I aspire daily to be even half so.
My parents, whose greatest parenting move (if I may speak for my siblings as well) was to introduce their young children to the great outdoors, to camping, and to adventure. Without a doubt, this has been the glue.
Dear reader, for spending some of your precious time–that limited resource, and all each of us have (until we don’t)–to read and maybe comment on my tales.
Some Stellar Vendors:
Bavarian Motorcycle Workshop – I wanted to cease using a dealership for service; I wanted to go more local; I wanted rapport with my BMW motorcycle mechanic; and I wanted better prices without having to sacrifice quality and care. These folks fit the bill for sure.
DualSportRiding – They don’t know it, but these guys taught Surtch Pherther how to dual-sport (well, they and brutal experience). Okay, more accurately, their videos demonstrate invaluable techniques that Surtch attempts to apply on each outing. How successful he is is totally on him.
Rocky Mountain ATV/MC – A great vendor for tires at least (or is it “tyres”). Their prices seem unbeatable, and their turnaround?… Well, it’s like your order arrives even before you place it.
Seal Mate – This tool saved me I don’t know how much time and money when the dual-sport’s fork seals began to seep following a particularly dirty ride. Often it’s the simplest things…
StudioPress – The designers of this gorgeous WordPress theme.
WhimseyDimples – Vickie of Whimsey Dimples was tremendously kind, generous, and encouraging while helping to create the perfect blog card (like a business card) for twowheelstothere.com. This little world sure could use more folks like her.
Winmark Stamp and Sign Inc. – These mighty nice people helped to create awesome, custom rubber stamps (yes, rubber stamps can be awesome) for the twowheelstothere.com blog card.
Woody’s Wheel Works – When, after years of abuse use, the dual-sport’s front rim was finally dimpled beyond reclamation, I looked to none other than these skilled wheelsmiths to lace up the hub to a new–stronger–freshie. They came highly recommended not only by them there interwebs, but also–and most important–by my trusted motorcycle mechanic.
Wrights Motorcycle Parts & Accessories – A super place for gear, accessories, parts, and tires (or is it “tyres”) for all types of motorcycling–these folks don’t discriminate.
Xmission – The great host of twowheelstothere.com (and, I imagine, many other sites).
Some Causes I Support or Intend to Support:
BlueRibbon Coalition
KUER – My NPR station, which helps to keep me informed, entertained, and connected to the world.