CrazyKZ (Curt Gran) - 6/16/2012

A msg from Chris Gran:

Hi Joe,

Just wanted to give a big THANK YOU! to all the riders that could make the trip to say farewell to Curt. The procession of riders after the memorial service was a great tribute, a positive moment in an otherwise somber day that I will never forget. And thanks to those riders who shared their stories about Curt at the lunch.

In addition to my impromptu visit at the Super 8 the night before, a couple riders introduced themselves to me at the service and the lunch. I wish I could have spent more time with them. Like many members of my family, I was moved by how much Curt meant to the LD motorcycling community.

I see that someone on the message board was wondering who delivered the "Full Throttle" eulogy, since the pastor didn't mention the relationship. It was Eric Nelson, one of Curt's first cousins on my mother's side of the family. (Curt was the first grandchild of my maternal grandparents and Eric was the second.) And the eulogy was written by Dawn McCoy, Curt's aunt (our mother's youngest sister).

Again, thanks to everyone and lets keep Curt in our hearts and minds forever.

Chris Gran
 
I just want to thank all the ST-Owners who represented us all today.
I spent a little time alone in my garden with my thoughts. Remembering some of the posts and emails I shared with Curt.
Thank you all again.
 
Losing someone usually causes us to think, and this time is no different. With the close to 40 hours spent in the saddle during the round trip I had lots of time to think- about friends. family. life. It was touching to see the other side of Curt. We all know each other through riding but rarely do we know each other beyond that. Seeing the photos of Curt, as well as stories from friends and family really showed his "other life".

It was painfully clear how many lives Curt touched. Learning more about him only reinforces the sadness that I never got a chance to get to know him better.
 
Hi All - It just hasn't sunk in yet that Curt is gone... I still have this e-mail on my computer from Curt back in April.
At the time, I just came from an RTE that Scout(Bob Ogg) had in Waukegan, IL. Curt was there, along with others from
the "Wisconsin group" i.e. Steve Schwan, Scott Beck, Bob Ogg, and others that I can't remember. In conversation, I
mentioned that I was looking for some aux lighting brackets that mount above the mirrors (BLM brackets I believe)
I was wondering where to get a pair because I got info that the brackets were discontinued.

Curt told me he had a pair laying around and that I could have them along with a pair of PIAA 910's that
he had laying around. I was shocked... I told him that I'll buy them from him. His insisted to just take them,
he would be happier to have me put them to good use...

This is much like the good natured guy he was. I do follow his thinking... In the past, I have also given away things that
I feel better giving it away, than selling them.... At first, when I think of long distance riding, I think of Curt.
But after thinking of the interactions I had with him over the years, like splitting a room with him at Moonshine,
that now surface, and man, he was more than that.... What a good person he was... We'll miss you, Curt...
===========================================================================================================

Hi Curt ~ Thanks for getting back to me. I was thinking by July... Bob Ogg and I are

traveling around the west a little, then heading to NatSToc... It's not imperative
that I get aux lighting on my bike. I have ridden all over the US with what I got,
and the regular headlight works fine for me. So if you had the thought of using them,
then by all means do... If you are to sell them later, I'd like to have first dibs on
them, if it's alright with you...

Ron

===========================================================================================================
----- Original Message -----
From: Curt Gran
To: Ron Pieroni
Sent: Tuesday, April 10, 2012 2:54 PM
Subject: brackets


Hi Ron,

Ok two things. When do you need the brackets by?


The reason I ask is that I have a reason to use them in August but would be willing to give them up after that.


Let me know. Sorry I promised them a little quickly but let me know if you need them sooner than that.


Curt

 
First is the lead rider who carried Curt's ashes and the STOC tags in the procession.


The rider that escorted Curt is Gary Klinker, long time friend and former ABATE of Wisconsin President.


Gary is the person who drove Cindy out to North Dakata shortly after they learned of the crash. That had to be a long, sad trip. My hat's off to you...
 
It was obvious from the attendance Curt was loved by many. The church was almost full. Extra chairs were brought in. I feel horrible for his family. Leaving behind his new wife and family is a heavy thought to bear. The pastor did a nice job. I'm not sure of Eric's association with Curt, possibly friend, did a nice job on the eulogy.

I came away with a different feeling about long distance riding. It has lost its luster for me. A selfish emotion, I'm sure. Unfounded? Perhaps.


Me too Jeff... Once I heard the news of Curt... I stared out into my garage at my bikes for a while... Sometimes wondering whether or not to let them go... At home, I have not ridden my bikes except up to Curt's funeral. The pastor at Curt's service was so right about being at your best on the road... I have regained my faith in humanity when I come back from a road trip. I have met over the years so many nice people. I would miss that... So, my bikes sit in my garage until NatStoc. Never make a hurried decision on something that means so much to me...
 
Is there a copy of the "Full Throttle" eulogy available on line somewhere? Wish I could'a stayed for the services, but celebrating the living took precedence this weekend.

I initially felt the same as Dinkie, wondered why I even bother to say CAREFUL ON THE ROAD!!!! at the coffee club every morning... Someone else there reminded me, tho, the reminders are still necessary. And, what we do is just what we do,,, if everyone quit every time a negative event occurred, nobody would do nothin'.

Common to get reminded of our own mortality whenever someone close passes, but folks pass for all kinds of reasons during all seasons,,, we just can't let the vagaries of life (and death) stop us from living.

So, I'll keep riding, and meeting folks, and praying for those who have passed. And I'll see all youse at many future events...

And, as always, CAREFUL ON THE ROAD!!!!
 
I don't want to steer this thread off course but I need to clarify something. Only "Competitive" long distance riding has lost its luster for me.
 
I don't want to steer this thread off course but I need to clarify something. Only "Competitive" long distance riding has lost its luster for me.

How about starting a new thread to discuss this? I think its an important discussion and many are probably pondering the same right now.
 
Pictures from Friday at the Super 8

IMG_1873 (Large).JPG
Guy, Steve and Patty

.IMG_1874 (Large).JPG
Stew, John, Charlie and Lisa [Third person may not be Charlie. KE]

IMG_1875 (Large).JPG
Mac, Steve, Ron and ??

The third person is Dave Munson, although I forget his name here on the site. I'm in the third picture, standing, reading the STOC log book.
 
Enjoying the pictures. Thanks to all for sharing. I'll maybe have a couple more to add when I get them off the camera.

FWIW, I counted 103 bikes parked in front of the La Crosse Center; all kinds, all with one intent . . . to honor our fallen friend.

Shuey
 
I just gave Carole my SD card, so she'll be doing her magic and posting them to her smug mug account later today or in the AM.
 
I initially felt the same as Dinkie, wondered why I even bother to say CAREFUL ON THE ROAD!!!! at the coffee club every morning... Someone else there reminded me, tho, the reminders are still necessary. And, what we do is just what we do,,, if everyone quit every time a negative event occurred, nobody would do nothin'.

Common to get reminded of our own mortality whenever someone close passes, but folks pass for all kinds of reasons during all seasons,,, we just can't let the vagaries of life (and death) stop us from living.

So, I'll keep riding, and meeting folks, and praying for those who have passed. And I'll see all youse at many future events...

And, as always, CAREFUL ON THE ROAD!!!!

Thanks George. :)
 
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