Tribute to Eric OLDF7GUY

[dUh!_imp]

Disclaimer up front: I have limited experience doing this; and this is not my best workmanship as the etching bleed through in a few areas, but for all of my imperfections this is what I have to offer to make right of what has happened to one of ours. This is just something I need to do.

The Tree of Shame. When people talk about Deals Gap area, a few iconic places come to mind and one of them is, The Tree of Shame. Visiting Deals Gap resort last year, I stood and read a lot of the memorials placed on the tree. I stood there reflecting about all the good and bad times that are represented by each piece affixed to the tree. I stood there so long; a few of my friends snapped a rare photo of me (not many exist).

Eric AKA - OLDF7GUY

His passing hit me a bit hard, typically I do not deal well with the passing of friends and family. I never had the pleasure of meeting him. I never had the pleasure to ride alongside him. I never had the pleasure to experience his enthusiasm in person.

As epic as the Rally and ride are going to be, one of ours will be missing. I know Eric had never been, but was looking forward to the ride and adventure. Nothing I do now can change what has happened, as life is not fair in so many ways. But I must do something, as Eric was too much of a fixture here in the CB1100 forum community.

Eric, OLDF7GUY; this is my tribute to you.

[url=http://s1187.photobucket.com/user/akiaboy1/media/Mirror_zpswodtilp9.jpg.html]



This will be on my bike as I ride to Deals Gap, and the surrounding areas. Let’s go on a ride Eric and let’s ride the roads together. Friday 5/29/2015 when the CB1100 forum members meet at the Deals Gap Resort, at The Tree of Shame, I will remove this from my bike and those that wish can be a part of leaving this there, affixed to the tree. Not as a monument of shame, but as a reminder of a great friend of our community that wanted to be a part of the rally, part of the comradery, and experience the epic rides together.

[CIP57_imp]

[the Ferret]

Rick, I first want to join in your sentiment that OldF7guy will be missed terribly at the rally. He was so looking forward to coming I think he would have walked if he had to. He was worried about how it might be taken if he showed up on his 750 Nighthawk, but this great community welcomed his participation no matter what he was riding, so he was coming. finally before the rally, he got the CB1100 he had so wanted for over 2 years. All was right with the world. Then it happened, and all of a sudden he was gone. He logged in here early that morning, and by afternoon I received the news of his passing. So sad.

I think the mirror looks awesome. A fitting tribute, and your idea of running it down there on your bike and riding around the area a bit before placing it at the Dragon is just a wonderful idea. How fitting. As you know I am coming down early so we can ride a bit and it will be an honor to ride along with the two of you for a day or so, before the crowds hit. Then he will get to join all of us Friday morning for part of the scheduled ride before being placed by the Tree of Shame, the shame here, being that he didn't live long enough to attend on his own terms, on his CB1100.

Very nice Rick. Thanks! Got to go now, getting hard to see the screen again.

[Cormanus]

DuH!, that's a very generous and thoughtful thing to do. I, too, will miss the opportunity to meet Eric at the rally.

[Headbanger02_imp]

[Guth_imp]

For those of us that would like to be there for the rally but can't make it, I'd like to say thank you. It's a very nice tribute.

All the best,
Bill

[Powerdogg55]

DuH! I was looking forward to meeting & talking with Old F7. His untimely departure hit me hard as well. Your tribute to him is an excellent idea and I know he will be with us all in spirit.

[redbirds_imp]

Very fitting tribute Duh. He had made a reservation at the San Ran. I know we'll all regret never having the honor of meeting him.

[dUh!_imp]

[url=http://s1187.photobucket.com/user/akiaboy1/media/Mobile%20Uploads/E2AC15EF-3887-4675-B31B-45DA2D504D8E_zpsxpvbe7ar.jpg.html]

[the Ferret]

At the highest point on the Blue Ridge Parkway with the mountains reflected in the mirror

[url=http://smg.photobucket.com/user/theferret111/media/CB1100%20Forum%20Rally/CB1100%20Rally%20107_zpsthqedxhh.jpg.html]

going on the Tree of Shame

[url=http://smg.photobucket.com/user/theferret111/media/CB1100%20Forum%20Rally/CB1100%20Rally%20320_zpsk08xt8nu.jpg.html]