touching article - D-Mann

Rudy-eastcoastX · 12-02-2003, 06:58 PM

Someone just pointed this out to me- It's old but makes you look like a true professional, and stand up guy. I actually think I remember him, I think he rode a purple 95 900rr. I just wanted to say I agree with you totally and it was really nice to read.

"Charlie" & "D-Mann", Daytona 2002

Charlie was a husband, father of two kids and an avid motorcyclist enthusiast: an accomplished rider with a CBR Honda 900 and a burning desire to see and meet his idols, the country's top Stunt Riders performing at the Daytona Bike Week 2002. Unfortunately, the first rider he met - An old partner of mine & one of the top Stunt Riders in the country - completely snubbed Charlie. He wouldn't talk to Charlie, wouldn't pose for a picture or sign an autograph. He couldn't be bothered to give even a minute of his time to a devoted fan. Charlie walked away bitterly disappointed, his wife angry.
Not all the riders were like the superstar. Charlie persevered and met the East Coast Extreme Team who welcomed him, encouraged his interest and enthusiasm, and even had Charlie film their tricks during a short run. His excitement rekindled, Charlie went on to meet my friends and me the next day. We welcomed him as a fellow enthusiast, we all posed for pictures, and I let Charlie know where he would find us over the next several days.
It was not to be. On Thursday, March 7th, Charlie missed his turn, hit a guardrail head-on and was killed, the first fatality of Daytona Bike Week 2002. I happened to be first on the scene, just minutes after the accident. As a trained paramedic, the Emergency Team and I struggled for two hours to revive Charlie. It wasn't until days later, when Charlie's wife called, that I realized the victim was the same Charlie we had befriended just the day before his death.
I've told you this story because it brings home a lesson important to all of us as we pursue our careers as professional Stunt Riders: it's our fans who make this new and exciting sport possible. No one will sponsor us, pay us, or provide us with free equipment if the stands are empty. It's our fans who pay the admission fees and buy products from our sponsors. It's our fans that cheer us on, driving us to excel with new tricks and new adventures. It's our fans that buy our videos and put money in our pockets. Never forget: without our fans we're just a bunch of crazy guys on "Rockets" with no purpose. We need our fans - we depend on them and the money they spend to support us in our careers. Never turn your back on them, never turn them away!
They look up to us as the epitome of the sport they enjoy so much, but that adulation can produce some very inflated egos. And who are we really? Some very lucky guys who get to play for pay. We should feel honored that a simple signature or photograph could make someone so happy, so excited. It's awesome that just a moment of our time and a smile of greeting can make someone's day an incredible success. In return, we have a fan for life who will always support us and our sponsors - and his friends will do the same!
Consider it a privilege for each and every one of us to be asked to sign our names, or to smile an "Of course" when asked, "Could I get a picture with you?". These are the folks who have made us who we are and have given us the lifestyle we so enjoy. We owe them our thanks, we owe them our careers, we owe them.....big time

Thank you all for taking the time to read this!

Derrick Daigle
A.K.A.
"D-Mann"

Kyle-eastcoastX · 12-02-2003, 09:17 PM

D-Mann reading that article it makes me think of things in life that most people take for granted. I have many memories of Bike Week and the people we meet there. I can only say that there are reasons for all that happens, and I can only think that Charlie meeting the few people who actually were human towards him made a good impression of us in the Stunt world. I think though it may have gone a little further than that and I couldn't say it enough that it was truly a blessing that East Coast and myself were able to meet such a man. I only wish that in some strange way his family can have peace with that.

StuntRagz Chris · 01-20-2004, 03:22 PM

waoh...deep....excellent post

MEACHAM · 01-22-2004, 11:48 AM

damn, that's some real shit. Sorry to hear about the accident, but everything is so true.

Dano · 01-23-2004, 05:01 AM

i think that out of all the "pro's" or whatever is politically correct these days,i am inspired and look up to D-Mann the most. i've always liked how humble his posts are and how calm he stay's in the middle of the storm. he never seems to forget what's important to him, and I notice that above all things. The way he handled the situation with LVX was very professional. That was a horrible story, and it's sad it takes something like to give some people insight. Anyways D-mann, i just wanted to say you've impacted my life, more so than anyone else who rides motorcycles.

D-Mann · 01-31-2004, 09:37 PM

To all The guys that have posted here. What can I say but thanks and that I truly felt this was a life lesson for me that I thought others would possibly benefit from as well. Thanks for the feed back. It means a lot. And lets all stay as safe as possible out there.

Fastrc51rider · 02-02-2004, 05:28 PM

D, whats up?

I heard this story for this time last Friday night by someone. (you know who you are) And it was very touching hearing the story then a few hours later I read the story. After reading the story and really thinking about it........ Damn........ What A STORY IT IS........ D-Mann you are 1 class act!!!!!

I am proud to say that I know you!!........You have and will always be an Inspiration to my riding and my life!!

Thanks,
Eric Bowman

Goose · 06-20-2004, 07:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rudy-eastcoastX

Someone just pointed this out to me- It's old but makes you look like a true professional, and stand up guy. I actually think I remember him, I think he rode a purple 95 900rr. I just wanted to say I agree with you totally and it was really nice to read.

"Charlie" & "D-Mann", Daytona 2002

Charlie was a husband, father of two kids and an avid motorcyclist enthusiast: an accomplished rider with a CBR Honda 900 and a burning desire to see and meet his idols, the country's top Stunt Riders performing at the Daytona Bike Week 2002. Unfortunately, the first rider he met - An old partner of mine & one of the top Stunt Riders in the country - completely snubbed Charlie. He wouldn't talk to Charlie, wouldn't pose for a picture or sign an autograph. He couldn't be bothered to give even a minute of his time to a devoted fan. Charlie walked away bitterly disappointed, his wife angry.
Not all the riders were like the superstar. Charlie persevered and met the East Coast Extreme Team who welcomed him, encouraged his interest and enthusiasm, and even had Charlie film their tricks during a short run. His excitement rekindled, Charlie went on to meet my friends and me the next day. We welcomed him as a fellow enthusiast, we all posed for pictures, and I let Charlie know where he would find us over the next several days.
It was not to be. On Thursday, March 7th, Charlie missed his turn, hit a guardrail head-on and was killed, the first fatality of Daytona Bike Week 2002. I happened to be first on the scene, just minutes after the accident. As a trained paramedic, the Emergency Team and I struggled for two hours to revive Charlie. It wasn't until days later, when Charlie's wife called, that I realized the victim was the same Charlie we had befriended just the day before his death.
I've told you this story because it brings home a lesson important to all of us as we pursue our careers as professional Stunt Riders: it's our fans who make this new and exciting sport possible. No one will sponsor us, pay us, or provide us with free equipment if the stands are empty. It's our fans who pay the admission fees and buy products from our sponsors. It's our fans that cheer us on, driving us to excel with new tricks and new adventures. It's our fans that buy our videos and put money in our pockets. Never forget: without our fans we're just a bunch of crazy guys on "Rockets" with no purpose. We need our fans - we depend on them and the money they spend to support us in our careers. Never turn your back on them, never turn them away!
They look up to us as the epitome of the sport they enjoy so much, but that adulation can produce some very inflated egos. And who are we really? Some very lucky guys who get to play for pay. We should feel honored that a simple signature or photograph could make someone so happy, so excited. It's awesome that just a moment of our time and a smile of greeting can make someone's day an incredible success. In return, we have a fan for life who will always support us and our sponsors - and his friends will do the same!
Consider it a privilege for each and every one of us to be asked to sign our names, or to smile an "Of course" when asked, "Could I get a picture with you?". These are the folks who have made us who we are and have given us the lifestyle we so enjoy. We owe them our thanks, we owe them our careers, we owe them.....big time

Thank you all for taking the time to read this!

Derrick Daigle
A.K.A.
"D-Mann"

I am very touched by reading this, and will never turn a fan away for anything...........we are idols to some, even if we're doing just 1st gear powerwheelies............

ONE LOVE,
Goose

Brad C. · 10-14-2004, 05:52 PM

D-Mann thank you very much for realizing this not very many Pro's do. I am one of those enthuisiast who would love to have an autograph and pic with a big name in stuntin! I am real sorry to hear about Charlie i am always heartbroken to hear of a fellow motorcyclist killed doing the thing he loves. But i always remember that they did die doing something that they enjoyed a great deal. I myself recently crashed and luckily walked away i have good friends who are helping me fix my bike and my pride. My wife just simply said "When are you going to get it fixed and ride again?" I dont know what i would do without so much support from her. Once again for the respect you have shown the fans i hope the fans show you the same amount of respect you surely deserve.

ride safe
Brad collier A.K.A. Vinny

forcefedfreak · 10-24-2004, 07:42 PM

Got the shivers when reading that...So true D-mann cool to see some big name guys realizing what's up, and keeping there heads in check. You were one of the first riders I ever saw, and really got me into the whole sport

Nicodemus · 10-25-2004, 07:24 PM

Damn.....that is some touching stuff man.

~L~

BLONDE BOMBER · 11-08-2004, 05:14 PM

Thats a very sad story to read, it's very deep though! D-Mann

to you!! You wrote something very beautiful & people will never forget it! I have to say I have been a fan of the Stunting world for 3 years now and so far almost all of the people I wanted to meet took the time out to take pictures and just hangout. I totally appreicate it! You guys are all awesome! Keep Tearin it up and be safe! See you all at the stunt shows!

12-02-2003, 06:58 PM	#1
Rudy-eastcoastX Look out for big trucks!! Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Port Jefferson,Long Island, NY Age: 36 Bike: Titan Gender: Male Posts: 1,235	touching article Someone just pointed this out to me- It's old but makes you look like a true professional, and stand up guy. I actually think I remember him, I think he rode a purple 95 900rr. I just wanted to say I agree with you totally and it was really nice to read. "Charlie" & "D-Mann", Daytona 2002 Charlie was a husband, father of two kids and an avid motorcyclist enthusiast: an accomplished rider with a CBR Honda 900 and a burning desire to see and meet his idols, the country's top Stunt Riders performing at the Daytona Bike Week 2002. Unfortunately, the first rider he met - An old partner of mine & one of the top Stunt Riders in the country - completely snubbed Charlie. He wouldn't talk to Charlie, wouldn't pose for a picture or sign an autograph. He couldn't be bothered to give even a minute of his time to a devoted fan. Charlie walked away bitterly disappointed, his wife angry. Not all the riders were like the superstar. Charlie persevered and met the East Coast Extreme Team who welcomed him, encouraged his interest and enthusiasm, and even had Charlie film their tricks during a short run. His excitement rekindled, Charlie went on to meet my friends and me the next day. We welcomed him as a fellow enthusiast, we all posed for pictures, and I let Charlie know where he would find us over the next several days. It was not to be. On Thursday, March 7th, Charlie missed his turn, hit a guardrail head-on and was killed, the first fatality of Daytona Bike Week 2002. I happened to be first on the scene, just minutes after the accident. As a trained paramedic, the Emergency Team and I struggled for two hours to revive Charlie. It wasn't until days later, when Charlie's wife called, that I realized the victim was the same Charlie we had befriended just the day before his death. I've told you this story because it brings home a lesson important to all of us as we pursue our careers as professional Stunt Riders: it's our fans who make this new and exciting sport possible. No one will sponsor us, pay us, or provide us with free equipment if the stands are empty. It's our fans who pay the admission fees and buy products from our sponsors. It's our fans that cheer us on, driving us to excel with new tricks and new adventures. It's our fans that buy our videos and put money in our pockets. Never forget: without our fans we're just a bunch of crazy guys on "Rockets" with no purpose. We need our fans - we depend on them and the money they spend to support us in our careers. Never turn your back on them, never turn them away! They look up to us as the epitome of the sport they enjoy so much, but that adulation can produce some very inflated egos. And who are we really? Some very lucky guys who get to play for pay. We should feel honored that a simple signature or photograph could make someone so happy, so excited. It's awesome that just a moment of our time and a smile of greeting can make someone's day an incredible success. In return, we have a fan for life who will always support us and our sponsors - and his friends will do the same! Consider it a privilege for each and every one of us to be asked to sign our names, or to smile an "Of course" when asked, "Could I get a picture with you?". These are the folks who have made us who we are and have given us the lifestyle we so enjoy. We owe them our thanks, we owe them our careers, we owe them.....big time Thank you all for taking the time to read this! Derrick Daigle A.K.A. "D-Mann" Last edited by D-Mann : 01-16-2004 at 06:51 AM.

12-02-2003, 09:17 PM	#2
Kyle-eastcoastX Registered User Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: NY Age: Bike: !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Gender: Male Posts: 332	D-Mann reading that article it makes me think of things in life that most people take for granted. I have many memories of Bike Week and the people we meet there. I can only say that there are reasons for all that happens, and I can only think that Charlie meeting the few people who actually were human towards him made a good impression of us in the Stunt world. I think though it may have gone a little further than that and I couldn't say it enough that it was truly a blessing that East Coast and myself were able to meet such a man. I only wish that in some strange way his family can have peace with that. __________________ [URL]www.eastcoastextremes.com[/URL] [URL]www.cortsroyalink.com[/URL] [URL]www.destroyedbyanger.com[/URL]

01-20-2004, 03:22 PM	#3
StuntRagz Chris I Enjoy Posting At StuntLife! Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Bang-em-Ville....Florida Age: Bike: i swear i bought it like that Gender: Male Posts: 1,851	Re: touching article waoh...deep....excellent post __________________ **SSI: DVD Now Available* http://www.stuntragz.com/Templates/SSI.htm www.STUNTRAGZ.com GEAREDUP.net

01-22-2004, 11:48 AM	#4
MEACHAM I Enjoy Posting At StuntLife! Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: up and down the east coast Age: Bike: 750 Gender: Male Posts: 2,613	Re: touching article damn, that's some real shit. Sorry to hear about the accident, but everything is so true. __________________ www.HOLDINGITBIG.com

01-23-2004, 05:01 AM	#5
Dano It Ain't Easy Bein Cheesy Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Socal Age: 26 Bike: common one Gender: Male Posts: 2,337	Re: touching article i think that out of all the "pro's" or whatever is politically correct these days,i am inspired and look up to D-Mann the most. i've always liked how humble his posts are and how calm he stay's in the middle of the storm. he never seems to forget what's important to him, and I notice that above all things. The way he handled the situation with LVX was very professional. That was a horrible story, and it's sad it takes something like to give some people insight. Anyways D-mann, i just wanted to say you've impacted my life, more so than anyone else who rides motorcycles. __________________ MXDcages.com AAstunters.com FelonyFreestyle.com

01-31-2004, 09:37 PM	#6
D-Mann Group Moderator Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Las Vegas, NV Age: 36 Bike: Suzuki's Gender: Male Posts: 84	Re: touching article To all The guys that have posted here. What can I say but thanks and that I truly felt this was a life lesson for me that I thought others would possibly benefit from as well. Thanks for the feed back. It means a lot. And lets all stay as safe as possible out there. __________________ [COLOR=red]D-Mann[/COLOR] Last edited by D-Mann : 02-02-2004 at 12:09 AM.

02-02-2004, 05:28 PM	#7
Fastrc51rider Registered User Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: atlanta,ga Age: 33 Bike: 02' RC 51, 01' GSXR 750 Gender: Male Posts: 1	Re: touching article D, whats up? I heard this story for this time last Friday night by someone. (you know who you are) And it was very touching hearing the story then a few hours later I read the story. After reading the story and really thinking about it........ Damn........ What A STORY IT IS........ D-Mann you are 1 class act!!!!! I am proud to say that I know you!!........You have and will always be an Inspiration to my riding and my life!! Thanks, Eric Bowman

10-14-2004, 05:52 PM	#9
Brad C. Registered User Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Greenwood IN Age: 26 Bike: 01 F4I 05 Crf 50 Gender: Male Posts: 311	Re: touching article D-Mann thank you very much for realizing this not very many Pro's do. I am one of those enthuisiast who would love to have an autograph and pic with a big name in stuntin! I am real sorry to hear about Charlie i am always heartbroken to hear of a fellow motorcyclist killed doing the thing he loves. But i always remember that they did die doing something that they enjoyed a great deal. I myself recently crashed and luckily walked away i have good friends who are helping me fix my bike and my pride. My wife just simply said "When are you going to get it fixed and ride again?" I dont know what i would do without so much support from her. Once again for the respect you have shown the fans i hope the fans show you the same amount of respect you surely deserve. ride safe Brad collier A.K.A. Vinny

10-24-2004, 07:42 PM	#10
forcefedfreak Registered User Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Concord, NH Age: 23 Bike: Suzuki SV650S Gender: Male Posts: 710	Re: touching article Got the shivers when reading that...So true D-mann cool to see some big name guys realizing what's up, and keeping there heads in check. You were one of the first riders I ever saw, and really got me into the whole sport

10-25-2004, 07:24 PM	#11
Nicodemus Registered User Join Date: May 2003 Location: Arlington, VA/DC Age: 36 Bike: '00 GIXXER 600 Gender: Male Posts: 98	Re: touching article Damn.....that is some touching stuff man. ~L~

11-08-2004, 05:14 PM	#12
BLONDE BOMBER Registered User Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: L.I., NY Age: 27 Bike: N/A Gender: Female Posts: 2,763	Re: touching article Thats a very sad story to read, it's very deep though! D-Mann to you!! You wrote something very beautiful & people will never forget it! I have to say I have been a fan of the Stunting world for 3 years now and so far almost all of the people I wanted to meet took the time out to take pictures and just hangout. I totally appreicate it! You guys are all awesome! Keep Tearin it up and be safe! See you all at the stunt shows!