As I clean up the dust from the equipment after getting home, I find myself alternating between thinking of the thrill of riding at speed and the interactions with people. It's the people that keep bringing a smile to my face. I hesitate to mention names for fear of forgetting some important ones. Many faces were around all the time, but I wasn't able to put a name with the face every time. I know there are guys I enjoyed being around but didn't realize who they were at the time. I know I'd benefit from some sort of name tags next year. There are others that I know exactly who you are and will inadvertently omit here. I apologize in advance.

Not in any particular order.

I missed Angus by about 4 hours this year. Maybe next year!

Some guy spotted me turning around on the playa and pulled in behind me and shadowed me for about 3 miles as fast as I could run. It all made sense when I realized that the guy chasing me was Dino, and made the run all the sweeter. Dino is a great guy and an awesome friend. He has welcomed me into his kiting world here in Northern California way more than just being cordial to a new kiter in the area. It is all much appreciated. I hope I can return the favor with some desert trips during the next year when the wind isn't blowing in Nor Cal, or even if it is.

Don't forget the great guys and gals that make nabx happen to begin with. All the planning and details and putting out of fires. Thanks so much for making this event a reality.

A big heartfelt thanks to the folks that turn out so much fantastic food out on the playa. It is appreciated and takes the event to a level not available living out of the cooler.

I finally got to meet Markite. I realize after talking to him that he is even nicer in person than he seems on the forum if that's possible. He knows a thing or two about kites too. Especially arcs.

Nocando. What a character! This guy is hilarious and a blast to be around. Smiles all around when he is sitting under the tent.

VWBrian. This is 2 years of enjoying your company. I regret I didn't get to go on the out n back with you this year.

Flyjump was a new face in the crowd. Such enthusiasm and positive energy. This guy is one to watch. Honeymoon at JIBE? Incredible. I spent an anniversary at a Jekyll Island event once. Not sure I could pull off a honemoon.........with kites.

Silvereaglekiter. It was great to get to hang with you at a western event. Not many that make JIBE and NABX too. Great guy as always.

Itchycrotch and 702dirtsurfer. These guys are anxious for me to get there and are welcoming me into the local crew with open arms. I look forward to riding with them and learning from their experience on the playa.

Ozzy, Arie. These guys are a hoot to be around. There is always a joke or prank going around. I thought it was a language issue that caused them to call me "BeaverBob". No, it was no accident. We had a good laugh about that one. Don't let their sens of humor overshadow their skill in the buggy. The only thing that could make it better than living in the Vegas area and riding at Ivanpah every week, would be to have these guys to chase around and learn from. They are at the top of the game, but never let it go to their heads.

Ruudje. Really took some time to explain the intricacies of the Apexx and the effect of the adjustments that are possible. I look forward to letting it help me enhance my skills and confidence.

Those crazy Canadians and NW crew. Coolbreeze, Rip, Ken 3, Csa, all great guys to be around and any of them would do anything to help you out. Bladerunner dominated me again on the playa, but I told him it might actually be more fun being the up and coming underdog. He gets a kick out of me chasing after him because he is one of the pkf veterans that brought me along from my beginnings. Ripsessions is a salesman at the core, but he really gets a kick out of seeing people grow in the sport. He is always eager to share his knowledge of the sport and how to get the best out of its equipment. I hope he keeps his promise to come ride with me again before Nabx '12.

And last but maybe the most memorable was getting to meet and know Popeye in person. This is the easiest guy to be around and you can't top his enthusiasm for the sport, nor his generosity. I'll never be able to thank him enough for all the help, advice and wonderful conversations we've had over the past 4 months, not to mention having a PTW buggy in the garage. What a work of art, and exhibit of incredible attention to detail. To follow that up with getting to be on the playa with him for 3 days and complete the friendship we had developed talking about buggies and his hopeful trip to NABX. It was clear to most right away that I was pushing the envelope to try to fit in the Hero as my regular ride, but it took me a couple days to give up on the idea. Then my son Wexler went to Popeye and asked him if he could take the buggy for a ride. Seeing Wexler's confidence and joy of riding in the Hero which was obvious from the smile on his face, and that he fit perfectly in the Hero solved my dilemma. With us moving to Henderson and having such easy access to buggying on Ivanpah on a regular basis, I knew I was going to need a more robust buggy for the boys to ride there and getting the Hero for them eased my regrets of having to pass it up. I'm really grateful to have brought the buggy home, but getting to bring the friendship with Popeye to a face to face level will never be forgotten.

Great comments.
Yeah being there for only two days was a real tease, but I got to fly (and got on the new Phantom) and was grateful for the opportunity to be there at all.
Was great meeting Popeye even if just for a few minutes. Funny how everybody around the Hanging Tree were struck by your size differences and how it would work for the buggy. As I moved around the bar, the accounts of your physical stature got bigger and bigger until you were 6'8" and 300 lbs.:D But I am glad the buggy worked out for the boys. And you get Ozzie's buggy? Sheesh- lucky dudes.

yeah man! you angus, freerider, all the canadians and dutchies, everybodey was soo wicked cool. got to hang out with the locals on their end of camp, what nice people. you guys are wicked cool and i wish i could ride with all the pkf riders e verydday

Quote:

Originally posted by acampbell Funny how everybody around the Hanging Tree were struck by your size differences and how it would work for the buggy. As I moved around the bar, the accounts of your physical stature got bigger and bigger until you were 6'8" and 300 lbs.:D But I am glad the buggy worked out for the boys. And you get Ozzie's buggy? Sheesh- lucky dudes.

Yes, there have been times where I've topped 245 lbs, but I've never been over 6'4" and am usually between 225 lbs and 230. For the record, I did fit in Popeyes buggy if I moved the footpegs forward to another mounting hole. The pinch point in the Hero for me was where my thighs met the side rails just above my knees. It is a bit narrow there for me but of course both boys fit in there just fine.

I feel quite lucky to have such a stable of buggies in the garage. They should really help our progression at Ivanpah. And yes, the Apexx I bought was Ozzy's buggy. For some reason it was the buggy that Arie used to break the world record in last year. Ozzy is H140. It might've been something as simple as a flat tire on Arie's buggy when the wind was blowing that morning.

ill be coming to see you when you settle in. i have to break in my new Apexx as well. when you're settle in LV, dino and I will be down to kick your beaver butt.

just remember, practice practice practice. (that means to ride your buggy not drink and talk about it). your apexx wasnt meant for the museum.

:wee:

Quote:

Originally posted by ripsessionkites . your apexx wasnt meant for the museum. :wee:

The toolman has that part covered! ;-) ;-)

Next year I'll wear a screwyfits shirt everyday so it will be easy for you to remember, I don't think people would wear name tags, just saying!!! LOL

Great write up Bob...I only caught a few minutes with Angus, before he left, what a pleasure it was meeting him....

After meeting Kieron in the bar on the Thursday night, the next person I met was Dirk aka screwyfits and his father....what a lovely father son relationship they both had, much the same as you and Wexmeister...I have two sons, and we are close in our own way, but you guys have something special there, I loved that.

Denise and I hope to visit Screwy his father and Kathleen one day, it was a real pleasure meeting everyone, and like you said Bob....the behind the scenes guys and the catering team...a huge pat on the back, brilliant work and great food.

Quote:

Originally posted by popeyethewelder Great write up Bob...I only caught a few minutes with Angus, before he left, what a pleasure it was meeting him.... After meeting Kieron in the bar on the Thursday night, the next person I met was Dirk aka screwyfits and his father....what a lovely father son relationship they both had, much the same as you and Wexmeister...I have two sons, and we are close in our own way, but you guys have something special there, I loved that. Denise and I hope to visit Screwy his father and Kathleen one day, it was a real pleasure meeting everyone, and like you said Bob....the behind the scenes guys and the catering team...a huge pat on the back, brilliant work and great food.

THANX PTW for the kind words... The door is always open, I also mentioned to Kathleen about visiting the land of PTW some day, she totally on board and wants to know how soon we can afford it... LOL... So it looks like we'll be able to make it happen... How soon? Dunno!!!

Like BB, I love this event, there is more family reunion feel than any other gathering i've ever experienced and I've done a lot of things in my time... Wish this could happen twice a year... I love to laugh and "The Dino-n-Ricky Show" is a must if you haven't yet, it ends up being audience participation type event... I think we could give them both a mic and charge at the tent on Thur night and we'd have enough attendance to fund the whole event next year, or at least sponsor a dinner... LOL...

NABX is the greatest family on earth!!!

NABX is the greatest family on earth!!!

Without a doubt, thank you all for being so friendly and helpfull

Was a most profound experience, now have lots of great friends.

:bigok:

Glenn you are the celebrity of NABX! You made it so much fun