fthomas

Fellow Riders of Southern California:

In years past I was known as a bit of a hot head. Life's changes and challenges has a way of mellowing one out quite a bit. Many of you took the time to contribute to an earlier thread that I posted about SART.

This thread is to simply say thank you to Mr. Beanz. Yes, he and I were having a bit of a go at one another and I certainly played a part in that I am sure.

What I want to say is that Mr. Beanz exhibited a rare a valuable trait to all of us, from which we should all learn a valuable lesson - Quality of Character. I personally have learned something from Mr. Beanz and as a result have made a friend instead of an enemy.

So, Mr. Beanz, Thank you! Thanks for taking the time to communicate directly between us. It is sincerely appreciated and an excellent example of what bikeforums.net is all about. A community of riders.

Extort

Beanz is one hellofa cool dude!

TCR

I think I'm gonna puke.

thomson

Agreed and I think Colonel (Major? Captain?) Thomas is one hellofa cool dude as well.

Luwin1026

He only made nice because his wife/stronger half/boss/master made him!!!

All kidding aside, if you've ever met the guy, you would see that he is one of the most thoughtful and genuine characters around. And trust me on this one - on a fast-moving flat ride, he is the guy you want to be tucked in behind!!

Psydotek

That Mr. Beanz d00d scares me...

Rick@OCRR

No doubt, Beanz is a Great Guy and his wife Gina is a Wonderful Woman,

In addition to "Quality of Character" Beanz actually is a Character (and a high Quality one at that . . . ). Plus, for those of your who haven't had the pleasure of meeting the Beanz, he is much more low-key in person than his sometimes "Persona" on the forum.

Just so you know.

Rick / OCRR

Psydotek

And that's why he scares me... It just makes me wonder if he's going to jump at you all of a sudden and fix your flat tire or take your picture...

roadfix

If Mr. Beanz was running I would vote for him!
You guys are both cool in my book.

merider1

Mr. Beanz is truly a sweetie and since he comes with Gina, all the better!

However, what I want to know is why you guys haven't started an appreciation thread for me? Huh? I so deserve one. I want thank you's and adoration from all.

fthomas

merider1 - Thanks!

Thomson - I was not a RLO (real live officer), but attained the highest rank of Chief Warrant Officer 3 (definition follows):

Warranted to be an Officer due to your specialty (mine - AeroMedical Evacuation Officer - Helicopter Pilot), but not commissioned by Congress. Thus given the respect and privileges of a Commissioned Officer without the Command responsibility.

Rank Structure - Warrant Officer 1 through Chief Warrant Officer 5 (there were only 4 in my time).

Please support our troops! They are putting it all on the line!

Mr. Beanz

Well thanks Mr. Thomas! You're making me blush but truth is, there are plenty of people on this forum of great character! Far the most part I think I'm here only cause some of the friends I've made here. Some great people around!

Well, a couple of bad apples but I won't mention names, not on the forum anyways!

One thing that impressed me was the spirit of the people here. On some of the forum rides, quite a few of the riders volunteered, even donated their time and money to support the riders. Even when they couldn't ride. Luwin, Cole, VeloPhoenix, Brandy, NYgirl, Gina and I'm sure there are more that I can't get of the tip of my tongue. These people show up with wagons full of food and snacks for the other riders. Plus organizers that take the time to put together rides for the others.

More than just that though. People like Extort take the time to help you out if you need a route. I pm'ed a couple of riders asking for a rt to ride. This guy did more than just name streets. He took the time to map out several rts for me. Quite a few good people here that are willing to make the cycling world more fun. Not very often you meet a rider that will spank you on a ride one day,then help you out on the next!

One good thing is having friends all over the place. I've been riding with OCRick for years now. A few others from other forums that are now here as well. PMC, Justme, Rick I know from a previous forum life. I've made many new frineds too. Met up with some just riding up the mountains on short training rides. I've made friends, a woman friend in San Diego. She put us up for the night when I did a ride out that way. Met her brother, did a few centuries and BBQ's. Met people in other states like AZ that have offered to put us up for the night next time I do Tour De Tucson. One friend in Chicago too! A ride with some of the guys and the wives as well. Had a good ride with Jaguar27 and a mocha latta with whip cream, yummm! Many many many riders on the SART. Many that have turned out to be good friends!

I've gotted much out of this place. Competition is fun too, if you enjoy it! I know I've been motivated to do things I prolly wouldn't have done on my own like the KOM I am aiming for this year. OK, enoughof the nice stuff. Back to training so I can kick some Socal but this year!

Hope you stick around. It's all worth it in the end!

Happytime

fthomas

Mr. Beanz; I couldn't have said it better!

I think we both stand as an excellent example of what this forum is about and can do.

So go ride so you can kick some tail! I'll have to learn what the KOM is, however.

Mr. Beanz

King of the Mountains Challenge (KOM). A series of 3 rides. Centuries with 10-12,000ft of climbing. You do the 3 then you win the label of a KOM finisher. Pride thing I guess. I did one of the rides last year but want to do an hour better this year, atleast.............If I can keep away form the Twinkies!