A memorial

[jodog]

As I was reading some of the recent memorial threads about long-time STO who have passed on I got to thinking about the IBA memorial in Gerlach. Maybe STOwners should have a similar spot to "remember" those who have gone on down the road. Is there any interest in this? Do we have one that I am unaware of?

Some obvious criteria: Somewhere permanent where things wouldn't be "messed with", centrally located in the US. Maybe something in a small town park or cemetery?

 

[ad.hom]

While I have no objection to this - and not even any to it being based in the US... I have to ask the reason that the IBA memorial is in Gerlach?

I have in the past had the honour of escorting two lost bikers to their chosen spot of remembrance. I also have my own specific places for specific people, for one person it's a specific day, no matter where I am or what I'm doing. For another that recently passed, Friday 13th shall always be his day, regardless of the month etc.

Mourning / remembrance is an intrinsically personal matter. If even some small group of members feel it's appropriate to designate a place for remembering people that need remembering - please go ahead & set that up, wherever it may be.

 

[wjbertrand]

At WeSTOC there is a video memorial presented each year. I realize that this is not STOC all inclusive but something similar could be created and exist on this or another place on the web?

 

[Sadlsor]

As I was reading some of the recent memorial threads about long-time STO who have passed on I got to thinking about the IBA memorial in Gerlach.

I know from the LDR list that Gerlach is an annual ride-to spot, where all types of Iron Butt personality and chicanery is on display, including but not limited to ride-'n-shoot (Barbie dolls have been historical targets), slow-speed riding contests (is Bite The Weenie held there, or elsewhere?), campfires, lying, drinking, smoking cigars, and other such lewd and lascivious behavior.
Perhaps @Shuey or our other IBR veterans could weigh in?

 

[jodog]

I know from the LDR list that Gerlach is an annual ride-to spot, where all types of Iron Butt personality and chicanery is on display, including but not limited to ride-'n-shoot (Barbie dolls have been historical targets), slow-speed riding contests (is Bite The Weenie held there, or elsewhere?), campfires, lying, drinking, smoking cigars, and other such lewd and lascivious behavior.
Perhaps @Shuey or our other IBR veterans could weigh in?

Gerlach and the Black Rock desert are icons of the IBA world and the Cognoscente Rally in particular. It's a lonely and desolate spot with a "garden" of stones each bearing the name of an IBR finisher who has passed, along with a totem pole of sorts with a board bearing the name of each IBR winner. I wasn't suggesting that we copy that -- I think Mellow's back yard would work just as well

 

[Shuey]

Gerlach and the Black Rock desert are icons of the IBA world and the Cognoscente Rally in particular. It's a lonely and desolate spot with a "garden" of stones each bearing the name of an IBR finisher who has passed, along with a totem pole of sorts with a board bearing the name of each IBR winner.

Not all the stones are memorials for IBR Finishers, but all were IBA members (as far as I know). You're correct that all names on the totem pole are IBR finishers. This photo is from 2018.

Fun Fact: several weeks earlier the Black Rock Desert playa in the background was filled with the "Burning Man" event that's held there annually (except 2020 and 2021). In 2019 there were over 78,000 people out there.

Shuey

 

[bdalameda]

I thought that George has started an unofficial STO site at Moki Dugway.

 

[Shuey]

I thought that George has started an unofficial STO site at Moki Dugway.

There was a container with paper and pen for those intrepid riders who could find it to leave notes, and . . . it wasn't that easy to find, even with detailed directions. It disappeared several years ago, partially due to a landslide and wasn't replaced as far as I know, but . . . I haven't been through there for several years now.

Shuey

PS: But if you want to go there anyway, it's worth the ride. Heading South off of Moki Dugway there was a good steak to be had at the Swinging Grill and some motel rooms just a bit further South. Continuing on South towards Monument Valley there's a roadside sign marking where Forest Gump stopped his running.

 

[ChriSTian_64]

Few years ago, I was talking about the location of the Cessna Airplane Factory, in Wichita Kansas with my flight instructor.

Since it's in the middle of nowhere, I was wondering why there, and if it was by purpose, for any good reason, that they located the factory there.

Not sure if it is the real, official reason, but for my instructor it was obvious...
"As you just said, It's right in the middle. About the same distance from New-york, Miami, San Francisco, or L.A."

I think if you draw two diagonals on the US map, joining those 4 "corners", they cross in kansas. It's the central state.

Just an idea, to add in the melting pot.