touching article
Thread Starter
Look out for big trucks!!
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,235
From: Port Jefferson,Long Island, NY
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"
"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; Jan 16, 2004 at 05:51 AM.
Registered User
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 332
From: NY
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.
It Ain't Easy Bein Cheesy
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 2,336
From: Socal
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. 
Registered User
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 84
From: Las Vegas, NV
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.
Last edited by D-Mann; Feb 1, 2004 at 11:09 PM.
Registered User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1
From: atlanta,ga
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
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
I love all hot women!!!
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 2,169
From: Where the water is Still...
Re: touching article
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"
"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"
ONE LOVE,
Goose
Registered User
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 311
From: Greenwood IN
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
ride safe
Brad collier A.K.A. Vinny
Registered User
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 712
From: Concord, NH
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
Registered User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 2,762
From: L.I., NY
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!
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! 
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