Sharing Good Times with Dave Chase - Chris Real
28/12/09 18:03
We all know that Dave did many things in his professional life. His dedication, work ethic, integrity and mechanical talents are internationally recognized...
We all know that Dave did many things in his professional life. His dedication, work ethic, integrity and mechanical talents are internationally recognized.
Dave was always fast to help, quick to laugh and had friends in any group of motorcycle people.
His personal perspective of the human side is appreciated by all who had the good fortune to know him.
In the motorcycle community we develop friendships based upon shared passion. We get up at 3 in the morning to drive hours to a remote race, we spend thousands of dollars on our vehicles, and we do our best and see our friends around the campfire.
Sharing our experiences with each other makes us not just a group but an extended family of brothers and sisters who enjoy the company, no matter the weather, time of day, the drive to get there, or the country that we are in. Motorcycle people are old school adventurers; if you are stopped by the trail many people will gladly help you. This is just one reason why Dave was such a great part of the family. He was always willing to help and was happy doing so.
Every time I saw Dave was a good time. Dave has touched many of our lives. His friendship was truly a gift to all of us.
Recalling a few of the memories makes me realize that Dave had a focus fueled by passion for motorcycles and a wealth of true friends. Sharing the memories makes me realize even more who we have lost, and who we had the privilege of knowing, and counting as a friend. .
I wish to share these thoughts as every time I think of Dave, I see his smile, I recall his passion and know that wherever he went or who he was with he was with friends.
It was in about 1980 when Dave and I met. Dave was racing, going to Baja and working on motorcycles when our paths crossed. Races, testing, common friends and motorcycles and great rides filled the years.
In the 1990’s Dave prepared some bikes for the ISDE and he went to Czechoslovakia. When he returned we were talking and I asked him how it went. Dave simply said, it rained, the bikes all finished and we got some medals. Then he went on to tell me about the people that he had met, and how difficult living there must be. Dave often went to Baja and always came back with stories of the race, but observations of the people and the appreciation of challenges of the lives of others.
In the late 90’s we were in Nevada at one of the Nevada Rally’s. The teams had a rest day in Ely. I ran into Dave as I was walking up a back street where the work area was held. We walked about just looking at the work going on and talked with many friends. He asked me where I was going and I said, “I am going for ice cream” Dave said that sounds good, let’s go. Dave and I walked to the ice cream shop and continued to walk Main Street. Later we all went on the Ghost train of Ely with many of our motorcycle friends. Truly a memorable day.
In the 2000’s we spent wonderful times in Caliente Nevada riding the Nevada 200 Trail Ride. Each day was filled with some of the best trail miles anyone could imagine, snow, black dirt, always riding with friends and enjoying meals on the trail and at the end of the day. Very often the group would converge upon the Branding Iron restaurant and enjoy a great meal. Smiles and trail miles were a constant part of spending time with Dave.
Motorcycles were his vehicle to enjoy unique experiences and come home with an appreciation for the human side of the different places that were part of the adventure.
Like everyone who had the honor of knowing him I will miss his smile along with his good natured personality. We were blessed to have the time with Dave.
DC, we will miss you.
Thanks for the good times.
Chris Real