Wednesday this week, I learned of the passing of a fellow sidecar rider and friend: Bob Peek, of Wasilla, Alaska.
He leaves behind his lovely wife Sharon, who rode with him in the sidecar of a BMW GS rig called The Raven.
I first met Bob and Sharon during my ride to Alaska back in 2013, they'd generously offered me a place to stay while I rode south from RichardM's place in Fairbanks, headed eventually to Homer, AK. It was the 5th of May and the first time we saw each other was in the dusk of a rainy evening. It had taken two attempts to get to Wasilla, but it would prove a worthy endeavour.
Bob and Sharon saw me, a stranger who they'd communicated with online, knowing me only from my blog activity, sitting on my rig in the pouring rain and still took me in and made me welcome in their home. LINK
Bob and Sharon, consumate hosts that they were, would take me on a car ride the next day to see the local sights near Wasilla: LINK
Bob and Sharon at Hatcher Pass
Bob's Rig
Here's a link of the ride Bob and I did to check out Hatcher Pass:
LINK, check out the videos to see Bob's rig in motion.
Bob and our rigs at Hatcher Pass
Then there was another ride to Steven's Point, following Bob and his rig in this continuing exploration of the Wasilla area:
LINK. I was spending some time at their home you see, as I waited once again on parts and repairs to be done on Valencia, my 2011 Ural Patrol.
Near McKenzie Point with Bob and the loaner rig from Mickey
the Ural dealer in Anchorage
Here's a picture of Bob and Sharon, as I said goodbye to them on my way to Valdez, AK....
The last ride I did with Bob was going to the Sidecar Meet in Talkeetna, Alaska....RichardM would join us there with his rig:
LINK
Talkeetna Sidecar Meet
Though we stayed in touch of course, Bob and I wouldn't meet up again until a bit over five years later, as Martha and I traveled by train (mostly) from Seward to Fairbanks. We met up with Bob and Sharon at some hotel we were staying at and caught each other up on our lives.
LINK
I was sad to hear of Bob's passing and Martha and I send our deepest condolences to his lovely wife Sharon. Another fellow rider has ridden off into the sunset....
Note: Bob tried his hand at blogging:
AlaskaPeeks, though he didn't get into it as I did (and saved him a whole bunch of time I am sure), I invite you to peruse it to get to know the man in the pictures.
The etymology of Goodbye: God be with Ye....
Goodbye Bob....
8 comments:
You've shared a fine tribute to the passing of your friend Bob Peek. It seems the world is dense with loss now and I fear society will become hardened to it. Writing as you have keeps alive Bob's memory and reminds us of the magic of a person.
I'm familiar with those meetings based on connections made in the online world. They have led me to know people I would not have had the pleasure otherwise.
Like you Dom.
I hope the days ahead brighten and you are left only with good memories.
Thanks for your comments Steve, your friendship via our moto-blogging, is definitely one of the high point results of these postings.
Sorry to read about your friend. That is a great post about him.
Thanks Oz...
Bob and Sharon sound like great people to know and spend some time with. Loved his story and photos of riding to D2D.
Maybe you can offer to ride Bob's rig down to the lower 48, a fly-n-ride. The rig has proven itself to be capable in Bob's hands.
I think the Canadians aren't allowing southbound from Alaska traffic though apparently northbound traffic is allowed with the proper clearances due to covid-19.
A beautiful tribute. I loved his humor. A spark has left the earth.
Thanks Bridget...a spark has left the earth indeed.
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