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Mellow
02-22-2008, 12:49 PM
http://www.st-owners.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=27889&stc=1&thumb=1&d=1203705895Raven has done and incredible job on two DesertSTOC events
and is always a positive influence on this site as well
as motorcycling in general.

Please congratulate Dace for being

February 2008
Member Of The Month.






From Dace herself:

First a big THANK YOU to the forum. I know I get a lot more out of it than I could ever give back. This is certainly a neat group of folks and it's an honor to be counted amongst you.

Now for the bio part - I'll keep it short.

I love all things mechanical and, safely, one of my favorite mechanical things is a motorcycle. I've got motorcycles on the brain and can't seem to shake it!

That's the short version but for those that want more…..

It started out when I was 12 in an uncle's pasture with my cousin's Honda 125 Enduro and has continued on since. My first street bike was a '75 burnt orange Honda CL360 that I bought for $100 from a guy who'd just bought a Goldwing. I've had other makes and models since then but I do seem to keep coming back to Hondas. Guess it's 'cause you meet the nicest people on them.

My only break from motorcycling (no pun intended) came in '97 when I had a really bad crash that left me on crutches for three years and cycle-less for about six. But, even that couldn't shake me of the motorcycle bug! Fortunately, I am blessed with a very supportive companion in life who's willing to accept me with all my quirks (despite being concerned for my safety) and who recognizes I'm just not myself without a motorcycle. Guess I'm just lucky that way.

This past year or so has been one of great transition for me. As some of you know, besides being a motorcycle fanatic, I'm also a school teacher. I love the kids but have reached the point where I'm frustrated with the politics. (Don't get me started on education because I can go on as long and as passionately about that as I can about motorcycles!) After my last crash, the one where I lost my first ST, I did a lot of soul-searching and decided to change directions a bit. I've taken some time off from school and, over the past year or so, have been pursuing ways to make a living that involve motorcycling. Fortunately, I've been able to combine my passion for teaching with my passion for motorcycles and am transitioning into being a traveling motorcycle instructor on a full-time basis. Finally I get paid to go to motorcycle gatherings. It's going to be a hectic year but, how cool is that!? It's a huge risk to go from something stable and certain to something that may or may not be successful but, as I've told my students, you've got to go where your heart calls you. Thanks to the folks on this forum who've been really supportive of my little fledgling business - www.ridingworkshop.com. You've no idea how much you've inspired me to overcome fear and make this happen.

So, that's about it for me. I think I probably said it best in my blog from a couple of summers ago when I did a fund-raising motorcycling trip for my school (and when I got my first ST ):

Quote:
There reaches a point in riding a motorcycle where you shimmer in time and space. I don’t have another word for it and don’t know if I can really explain it. Since Persig, it feels trite saying Zen and Motorcycle in the same sentence but there is this place of transcendence. The hum of the engine blends with the rhythm of the earth and time falls away. There is only the sound of wind. It is these long lonely places of road that pulls you through time and beyond it. I imagine that this is the feeling of a hawk soaring or the pace of an ancient tortoise. There is only here. There is only now. There is only beauty and the next breath begins anew. So, I suppose I shall have to write Zen and Motorcycle in the same sentence after all.

azace.blogspot.com
I know many of you feel the same. Ride safe out there.
http://www.st-owners.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=27890&stc=1&thumb=1&d=1203705895

Mark
02-22-2008, 01:13 PM
Congrats!

You do great ST STuff! :)

Mark

dreddd2000
02-22-2008, 01:14 PM
Gratz, Raven! :D

illzoni
02-22-2008, 01:16 PM
Raven,

Couldn't have gone to a more deserving member!

Thanks for all you do.

Jon

EJ's 97ST
02-22-2008, 01:17 PM
Goooood on you young lady. I so enjoyed our brief visit in Deming and hope you know that if you ever get up this way in your travels you please stop by the casa for your favorite brusky ;) . I believe you will do very well in your future endeavors and while following your heart be dang careful...."we want ya around fer DesertSTOC....ya know " :cool:

Ride safe..... Ed :D

ShinySideUpAZ
02-22-2008, 01:17 PM
Well Deserved.

motomac
02-22-2008, 01:36 PM
I only wish you the best Raven and congratulations on MOTM!!! I have several friends that are as fed up with the Politics of teaching as you are, well maybe not quite as much, they are still on the job. Hope to see you again somewhere!!!

STeve1300
02-22-2008, 01:40 PM
Congrats Raven!!!

sirepair
02-22-2008, 01:47 PM
Congrats Raven! Well deserved!!

And best of luck on the endeavor!

Finewest
02-22-2008, 01:54 PM
:hotpepper WOOO HOOOOO!!!!! GREAT NEWS!!! :hotpepper

:clap2: YOU GO GIRL!!! EXCELLENT CHOICE FOR MOTM!!! WELL DESERVED!!! CONGRATS!!!:clap2:

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/234/524824698_71b705db90.jpg?v=0

STBNE
02-22-2008, 01:54 PM
Congratulatios Raven...also appreciated the link for the Ride On...TYVM!:bow1:

uptoblackwood
02-22-2008, 01:59 PM
Well deserved! Congrats....

Bones
02-22-2008, 02:08 PM
Congrats are in order, for sure! Though I've never met our own Raven, she and I once traded my extra spark plug wrench for her extra set of mushy grip covers. That Arizona/Massachusetts exchange prompted this note of thanks (with apologies to Poe):


Once upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered weak and weary,
Over many a quaint and curious road map of some curves I tore,
While I nodded, nearly napping, suddenly there came a tapping,
As of some one gently rapping, rapping at my mailbox door.
`'Tis some visitor,' I muttered, `tapping at my mailbox door -
Only this, and nothing more.'

Must be Raven, never flitting, with some GripTeks, there just sitting
In the silver box with letters, all delivered gloom or pour
Soon my hands will feel the mushin’ of the GripTeks and their cushion,
And the buzzing o'er my numbing wrists will exit out the door;
And the pain from in my fingers due to rides of longer, more
Shall be lifted - nevermore!

(Edgar Allen Bones)

Austin city limits
02-22-2008, 02:29 PM
VERY VERY COOL TO HEAR RAVEN!!! :bow1: :bow1: :bow1: :bow1: :bow1:

George
02-22-2008, 03:27 PM
If she was really good, she would'a had I-10 cleared for me last week!

(Just kidding, Dace. Congratulations, you deserve it.)

Blrfl
02-22-2008, 03:37 PM
With apologies to Edgar Allan Poe (http://http://www.heise.de/ix/raven/Literature/Lore/TheRaven.html):

Quoth the Raven: `Farkle more.'

Bravo!

--Mark

dmulk
02-22-2008, 03:46 PM
Congratz!!

SupraSabre
02-22-2008, 04:08 PM
Congratz!

That piture looks like when we were out at Willow Srpings? Great shot...:D

DaBear
02-22-2008, 04:15 PM
Congra(S)Ts, Raven!

TOM BOGNAR
02-22-2008, 04:30 PM
Congrats :wave1:

Papa Bear
02-22-2008, 04:51 PM
Congrats Raven, I am very happy to see you get this recognition!:)

PB

Coop
02-22-2008, 05:26 PM
Congratulations Raven!! I'm assuming from your picture that trying to hurt Mark because his hairline is much farther back. LOL!! Sorry Mark, it was the "Paint Your Bald Spot" thread that made me do it!!

Winged_STer
02-22-2008, 06:27 PM
Raven - Congrats!

Looking forward to meet you at class in Daytona! (I'll be the tall,fat, bald guy :o: )

Thanks for all you do.

Louie Louie
02-22-2008, 06:48 PM
Well deserved. Congrats!

azlife4me
02-22-2008, 06:57 PM
Congratulations to you, Raven.

AzDesertRider
02-22-2008, 07:07 PM
Yes, congrats Raven! Very truly deserved

BigTom
02-22-2008, 07:13 PM
How to be Raven. Just could not given to a more deserving member.

AZST
02-23-2008, 07:56 AM
Good stuff Raven :yes:

--Bryan
04ST1300A
:04biker:

dteel
02-23-2008, 09:16 AM
You're the real deal Raven. Vicki and I both hold you in the highest esteem. I know that she wouldn't be nearly as keen on a long ride to DesertSTOC if she didn't get the chance to see and chat with you.

I appreciate you gently twisting my arm to join you on the track, I had a great time and I have pictures to prove it. I was just glad that some of the pictures show me in front vice always following you.

For those of you who have not met Raven, she's even nicer in person than she is on this forum.

Congratulation on a well deserved recognition Raven!

I don't know who provided the prompt to the selection committee, but WELL DONE!

Brighteyesue
02-23-2008, 04:23 PM
Raven, I hope I have the pleasure of meeting you. Well deserved.

:clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2:

Papa
02-23-2008, 06:51 PM
:clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2:

oldscout1
02-26-2008, 10:04 AM
congrats to raven from oldscout1

jnsgardner
02-27-2008, 04:20 AM
Here...Here A well deserved cheer for Raven. A job well done

John

FLSTRDR
02-27-2008, 08:22 AM
:1st: :hat1: CONGRATS
LOOKING FORWARD TO SEE YOU AGAIN HERE IN DAYTONA!
SONNY

Tom B.
02-27-2008, 10:10 AM
Unbelievable!:hat1:

Congratulations! Thanks for giving so much to our crowd!!:bow1:

beatlejuice
02-27-2008, 05:56 PM
im right on top of things as usual. belated congratulations to ya raven.

John Anthony
02-27-2008, 09:01 PM
Congrats, Raven. And thanks for all of your motorcycle related contributions.

John

FlyingPig
02-29-2008, 11:26 PM
I think we met at the Bass Pro in Tempe last Saturday. You were packed and ready to roll for Daytona. Good luck to you and I hope to go on some rides when you do. I will check with some riders from work to attend the classes you offer. I am old dog, but not too old to learn some new tricks. Congratulation on you dedication and this recognition for all the efforts you put in.
:bow1: :woo :woo :wave1:

Raven
03-01-2008, 02:28 PM
Thank y'all so much. I'm honored to be here!

Shuey
03-01-2008, 03:55 PM
Congratulations Raven on your well deserved recognition and thanks for a great DesertSTOC this year. It was great meeting you and the dogs on the grill on the balcony were just perfect!

I appreciated the tips to improve my balance on the bike and I continue to work on implementing them.

It's people like you that encourage the rest of us to keep striving to be better riders and people. Your a gracious lady and my life is a little brighter for having met you! Looking forward to next time!

:toot1:

bygdawg
03-04-2008, 02:52 PM
Congrats on the MOTM Raven. While we've never met in person, it seems like I know you, and I'm glad that you are enjoying life and your new career path. I know how you feel about the teaching thing, but I suppose it's a bit different for me at the college. I had about had it when I left the high school system.

Ride Safe,
bygdawg

randyrees
03-20-2008, 04:02 PM
Raven,
I know this is way late but CONGRATULATION!!!!
We met at the ST ART class at Miller Motor Sports Park last year and I had a great time riding with and talking to you. Hope all is well in your life and I'll see you again.

Best,
R Rees

Raven
03-20-2008, 07:28 PM
Thanks so much everyone!