The first time we met "Gleno Boy"

[KMG_365]

I was just thinking back on the first time I met Gleno and anyone from this DB. It was at the Top of the Rockies Rally in Paonia, CO in July of 2002. I believe it was hANNAbONE who introduced himself first and then drug us around to meet the others. I took one group shot:

 

 

Let's see if I can get everyone's names (corrections welcomed!): from L to R:

 

Steve "MontanaHoon", Michael Cortes "FLIronButtRider", "Kris" (aka "Butterkup"! ), Lisa "90% angel", Jonathan Multhaup, Bill Rathbone (I'm pretty sure!), "Old Rider", "Sir Rodney", "Jim Shoop", Meghan, BrianT, "russell_bynum", "Les_is_more". And kneeling in front: Gleno and hANNAbONE. Hard to believe that was less than five years ago.

 

Leslie tried to work up BigMak's version of "Gleno Boy" for the memorial, but there wasn't the chance. I couldn't get through the first line with bawling until yesterday. We took a nice drive for Valentine's Day and Leslie made up a harmony. Here's our primitive attempt on our second take:

 

Oh Gleno Boy

 

 

 

Here are the original and BigMak's lyrics (which we modified only slightly):

 

===========================

 

Oh Gleno Boy, the grips, the grips are calling

From street to trail, and 'round the mountain side

The sunshine's gone, and all the stars are crying

'Tis you, 'tis you must go and we must ride

But come ye back when springtime comes to Torrey

Or when the roads be washed and free from snow

'Tis we'll be here in sunlight or in shadow

Oh, Gleno Boy, oh Gleno Boy, we love you so

 

And when ye come, and all our bikes be silent

And we are dead, as dead we well may be

Ye'll come and find the place where we are lying

And kneel and say "Come ride along with me!"

And we shall hear, though fast you ride among us

And all our motors tuned and sweeter be

You'll wheelie by and tell us that you love us

And may you ride in peace, and He your pillion be.

 

'Tis we'll be here in sunlight or in shadow

Oh, Gleno Boy, oh Gleno Boy, we love you so.

 

=========================================

 

Oh Danny Boy, the pipes, the pipes are calling

From glen to glen, and down the mountain side

The summer's gone, and all the roses falling

'Tis you, 'tis you must go and I must bide

But come ye back when summer's in the meadow

Or when the valley's hushed and white with snow

'Tis I'll be here in sunshine or in shadow

Danny Boy, oh Danny Boy, I love you so

 

And when ye come, and all the flowers are dying

And I am dead, as dead I well may be

Ye'll come and find the place where I am lying

And kneel and say an Ave there for me

And I shall hear, though soft you tread above me

And all my grave shall warmer, sweeter be

For you shall bend and tell me that you love me

And I shall sleep in peace until you come to me.

[Heck]

Awesome....

[USAF1]

 

Pat

[algover]

[Boffin]

That is one of the most moving songs I have ever heard. The love and sorrow rang loud from your voices.

 

Andy

[SageRider]

Beautiful. Thank you.

[Mike O]

Well done...I'm sure he's appreciating every note.

 

Mike O

[Jake]

My goodness. If there was ever a virtual consoling group hug - that was it. Beautifully done.

[ElevenFifty]

Thanks -

 

I'm one of those unfortunates who came to this board and the BMW community too late to shake Glen's hand. I've not posted since the accident but have shed a tear as I read about his life, felt the love of his friends and their pain at having to let him go. More tears with this song. Cleansing though, and reminding me again that every moment is precious and that friends are the real treasure in life.

 

He was an amazing guy - such a force as to touch people like me that he didn't know existed. You're all lucky to have known him.

 

There are lots of 'reasons' for this Georgia rider to not take the time to head accross the country to Glenoville,

- my wife is teaching then and can't come

- business committments

- biking vacation already scheduled

- and on and on . . .

 

and I may not make it - but the desire to go and meet the 'Friends of Glen' is stronger by the day.

[Firefight911]

Well done!!!

 

Now, you two take some time for YOU!!!!!

 

Take care of you so you can move on.

 

Oh, we'll be good while you are away!

[SC_SVRider]

That was beautiful.

[Crazy_Canuck]

You guys did an awesome job!

[stubble!]

I can't imagine that being sung more beautifully.

 

I am deeply, deeply moved.

[Ron_B]

Beautiful.

[hANNAbONE]

...wOW..yOU tWO.!! if I ever need backup vox - you be gettin' da call..aWESOME..

[norah]

Ohhhhh. I didn't think there were any more tears. That was awesome. Thanks.

[Dances_With_Wiener_Dogs]

I couldn't get through the first line with bawling until yesterday. We took a nice drive for Valentine's Day and Leslie made up a harmony. Here's our primitive attempt on our second take:

 

Oh Gleno Boy

Beautiful. Thanks you two.

[JerryMather]

Ohhhhh. I didn't think there were any more tears. That was awesome. Thanks.

 

Just wait until you ride through Cedar Breaks again without him. I'll bet you shed a few more...........I know I will. I'll always remember him chasing you up into those Mt's.

[norah]

Yeah, riden to Torrey, being in Torrey; all the memories. It's going to be so bittersweet. Seeing all the great people on this Board and goin there to remember Gleno. I know that I'll probably shed more than a few tears.

[JerryMather]

Yeah,.... I know that I'll probably shed more than a few tears.

 

Yeah Babbyeyyyyyyyy....Wurty and I'll be watchin you.

[norah]

Okay, now that made me laugh!!

[Jim Shoop]

That was simply beautiful! I hope to replay it whenever I take a moment to pause at my favorite overlooks in the local mountains ... with a background of screaming sportbikes, of course. Thanks so much for everything you've done and continue to do.

 

Jim