The Spark

	My motorcycle obsession began on my Dad's Honda Trail 70 before I was 10 years old. After many broken levers and bent lights, I had acquired pro-rider status (at least in my mind) and I was always on the lookout for a larger, faster bike. Unfortunately, that was not to be for several more years. Until then I continued to build and fly model aircraft before moving up to rebuilding a rotted-out, half torn-apart 1972 Datsun 240Z when I was 13 (which ended up with a Porsche 911 Turbo flare kit and Ford 351 Cobra Jet V-8 engine). Throughout high-school I rode several different dirt bikes belonging to friends (or their relatives) including a Yamaha YZ125 that was capable of jumping or climbing nearly anything. By the time college started I was riding a Suzuki two-stroke 750 (called the "Water Buffalo" because it was liquid cooled) borrowed from a friend for the summer.

The Fire

Over the years I've had the pleasure of owning several bikes including a Yamaha DT125 which I kept trying to make do the things my friend's YZ used to, a Kawasaki Concours ZG1000 which introduced me to the wonderful world of sport-touring, a Yamaha GTS1000 which proved the Concours was really just a touring bike after all, and a YZ426F which reminded me of my age.

The Dream

In 2003 circumstances helped me decide that my present bike (a 2002 Suzuki DL1000 V-Strom) would allow me to do things I never thought possible. It opened up a whole new world for me when I realized that it was capable of taking me to far-away places I'd only dreamt about. A bike that was inexpensive, reliable, powerful, efficient and looked even better with dirt and scratches on it than it did all polished up - as if to say "I've been places and experienced things no stories can ever possibly tell".

The Support Team

Mother

Throughout all of these pursuits in my life I've had the unwavering support of my Mom, Doris. She bore the burden of both Mother and Father since I was 13 (and yes, I was - AT LEAST - your typical teenager). If my mind was made up to do something - and she knew she couldn't change it - she would still support me with her un-ending love. I could not have reached the highs in my life, nor recovered from the lows without her.

Daughters

I have two beautiful teenage daughters (Tiarra 19 and Sierra 17) who are cheering me on from the sidelines. I secretly think they are taking notes for their own journey someday.

Tiarra (TJ) is a cheerful, hard working, responsible, 'give-you-the-shirt-off-her-back' kind of girl who is in her first year of college. During a two week student exchange trip to Japan in 2004, she's already traveled further from home than I. She loves interaction with people and has enjoyed riding motorcycles (a Kawasaki KDX80 and a Honda XL185S) during the 'farm' years. She is brave and strong and will undoubtedly have a fantastic life full of people.

Sierra (Peanut) is the fearless little one who always rode faster around the yard on the Kawasaki than anyone else. She is in grade 12, has no problems making friends wherever she goes, and can be anything in life she wants - the world is her oyster. Look out world, here comes Sierra!

Brothers

My three older brothers (Les, Gary and Kevin) and their families are also supporting me from home. Their encouragement, words of caution and experiences help me daily.