My Attitude Is Gratitude for this POG

[tooclose racing]

I'd like to express my sincere gratitude for this website, and the folks past and present who are part of this Penton support scene and "living museum" if you will. I was very moved by the latest issue of Keep On Tracking: it's member profile/ Bill Hanks story, as well as the Gary Bailey MX school origin story (!), and the "the legend" of Frank Gallo.  Fianlly, Ed Youngblood's update on his new life as an Alzheimer's advocate and educator - while having nothing to do with motorcycles - had everything to do with Giving Back - one of those "when I retire" areas that I think about often.  Thank you sir for all you and your wife do.  

And NOW the sentimental part: I was surprised and saddened by Victor Monz's obit in this issue of KOT, as he was one of the regular POG posters when I showed up 10 years ago looking for a Penton.  I don't KNOW this guy by any means, but he chimed in several times along the way, also responding to emails/queries about Pentons.  And he didn't know ME at all.  And that's something special that happens on this site. Bucket List item that probably won't happen: If they had raced at Catalina Island again, I would have texted Victor and said "name your price for letting me rent one of your Pentons for the weekend...".  Oh well.  But in recognition of Mr. Monz - a POG gratitude list is in order:

1. Thank you to Tony Friedel - who sold me my first Penton in 2008, a beautifully restored 1972 Six Day, whereupon I immediately headed off to the track and thrashed for the next five years. Many of you contributed advice that led to my Fast By Freidel machine earning me a few trophies, including a VMD "National Championship" in Intermediate XC in 2010.
2. Thank you to Dane Leimbach, who still managed to shake my hand and with a warm gentle smile, humbly offer me some PVL advice, after putting up with my "OMG YOU ARE DANE FRICKIN' LEIMBACH, I TOTALLY WORSHIPED YOU AND WATCHED FOR YOUR CYCLE NEWS RESULTS EVERY WEEK!"
3. Thank you to Al Buehner for just about all of my over-the-counter Penton parts needs.  I have called this gentleman at the 11th hour - no surprise to some of you - and he has delivered.
4. Thank you to Gary Ellis for selling/building me three of my Pentons - an MC5 250 that he constantly reminds me I stole from him, a 74.5 Jackpiner ("that cylinder is ported, if you lose it must be the rider...") that is absolutely the easiest motorcycle in the world to race, and an MC5 175 special ground-up build that I am finally warming up to (that six fin motor is just a different animal, but the MC5 frames are heaven in handling).  
5.  In no particular order - Dennis Foley, "Chicago" Jerry Grakauskas, James Lubniewski, and Dale Sonnenschein. Roughly speaking, these guys all fall into the "guys you love to see at the races" category and have been there for me with parts, a laugh, a racing story, or - in the case of the very fast James and Dale: inspiration for Elders!

A funny PS on Mr. Ellis:  he and I can be very far apart on what we each think this country needs.  But our love for bikes, racing, and recognizing Good People in this POG means that every phone call ends with "All the best to you, Gary" followed by "And you too, Mr. Close".  

End of Gratitude List. What's In Your POG Gratitude Wallet?  

[skiracer]

I'm grateful that there is someone in the world that thinks that I am still fast.....[8D]

Very nice write up Bob, well said, and thank you for the kind words.

I hope you and your family have a great holiday season!

You should bring that 175 down to the White Lightning this coming March.  I know it is a long trip from NY (been there, done that)but it is one of the best courses you will ever ride.  Well worth the trip.....

1976 MC 5 Original Owner
1976 Penton 175 XC

[Dale Sonnenschein]

I agree on showing graditude to those who go the extra mile for others. I've only met a few Poggers over the years. A short story, I bought a bike from Dan M a few years back. Very knowledgable guy and trust worthy. The bike was in MO and I am in NY. Dan took the bike to Rik Smits swap meet and turned it over to Chicago Jerry who in turn passed it on the Dan "thrownchain" and I picked it up at Dan's house in NY. I had never met or spoke in person with any of them yet they all stepped up and got the bike delivered to me. While not totally rare in the motorcycle world but still a very much appreciated.
Since then I've met quite a few poggers along with John and Jack penton which was a total pleasure. I'll say that for me, they all are guys I love to see at the races. It would be great to see them more often than a few times a year.
Bob, as far as fast goes just remember, the gas is on the right. Most of the time the brakes are too, but only use those for an emergency!!