My Friend's Final Ride...

FJ Flyer · April 30, 2013, 04:08:23 PM

It is truly a sad day. My friend, Tim Halpin, was killed today on his ride to work on I-95 in Virginia. Tim was also a daily bike commuter and I got to know him over the last couple years as we'd wait in the morning for the FAA garage to open. He always got there early and would enjoy a cigar and listen to the radio. I'd pull up and we'd talk until the guard opened up the garage. As usual, we talked yesterday. He just scored a great deal on a jacket.

He was a retired controller, former professional pilot and a dedicated rider. He was just about the hit to the 300K mile mark on his LT1100. He just received his 500K Mile Medallion from BMW. He's ridden just about everywhere across the country. In his younger days, he'd load up his BMW sidecar rig with his wife and daughter and head out for a couple weeks of camping. He was having a Baby Ace airplane refurbished in Georgia. Sadly, he never got to fly it.

http://www.wtop.com/654/3304894/Motorcyclist-killed-in-I-95-hit-and-run

Witnesses say he "fell off" his bike. This news story says he lost control. It was raining this morning, but nothing Tim couldn't handle. Hell, he's ridden in snow storms. He was a conservative rider. I think he may have had a medical issue, heart attack, perhaps, and if there was mercy in this world, he was gone before he hit the ground.

He was a great guy, always nice to everyone. He was a Husband, Father, and Grandfather. I'll miss our morning chats.

Ride well, Tim.

rktmanfj · April 30, 2013, 04:21:58 PM

Godspeed...

fj11.5 · April 30, 2013, 04:51:32 PM

May he forever ride in peace ( rip) tim

Steve_in_Florida · April 30, 2013, 05:31:18 PM

My condolences to his family and loved ones.

Steve

racerrad8 · April 30, 2013, 05:51:06 PM

A true tragedy

Randy - RPM

Dan Filetti · April 30, 2013, 05:59:21 PM

Looking at it a bit differently, he died doing what he clearly loved. Better than laying in a bed somewhere at least. (ignore that Randy...).

I will raise a drink to the man. Cheers, to a good life!

Dan

big r · April 30, 2013, 06:07:12 PM

May he ride on forever and find the best road ever. Rest in peace. Big R

yamaha fj rider · April 30, 2013, 06:10:27 PM

Chris sorry to hear about your friend. I know he will be missed. Sounds like he had a great life, well lived.

Kurt

aviationfred · April 30, 2013, 06:16:58 PM

Chris,

Sorry to hear about the loss of your friend.

Fred

racerman_27410 · April 30, 2013, 06:27:24 PM

Sorry for the loss of your friend Chris.

Regards,

Frank

fj316 · April 30, 2013, 06:30:41 PM

My condolences to you Chris, always sad to hear about the worlds loss of good hearted enthusiasts. It was nice to hear about your fond memories of him and I'm sure he's with you in spirit as you ride on and cherish his memory.

Best Regards
Kai

Mike 86 in San Dimas · April 30, 2013, 11:03:17 PM

Sorry Chris.

movenon · April 30, 2013, 11:14:39 PM

Quote from: Dan Filetti on April 30, 2013, 05:59:21 PM
Looking at it a bit differently, he died doing what he clearly loved. Better than laying in a bed somewhere at least. (ignore that Randy...).

I will raise a drink to the man. Cheers, to a good life!

Dan

+ 1.........

FJmonkey · April 30, 2013, 11:48:24 PM

If I had my choice, I would go out doing what I loved to do. . Driving a cage will only buy me time but it might take another in the process.... If it is my time, then let it be my time only.... Let others live their lives....

fj11.5 · May 01, 2013, 12:04:23 AM

I've always thought of cars as death traps, still feel safer riding, had to get car licence for work vehicles, or I wouldn't of bothered

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My Friend's Final Ride...