An Evening With A Dangerous Man

Book, notebook, pen, and keyboard - tools

Wednesday, August 7, 2019 I decided to ride STICKII (my Victory Cross Country motorcycle) over to Vroman’s Book Store and thus, my reasoning for posting this write-up on my motorcycle centric blog. Deal with it. I think Elvis would have said the same while the corner of Joe’s mouth would have twitched.

The occasion was a visit with my favorite author, Robert Crais, as he presented his latest book, A Dangerous Man, a Joe Pike and Elvis Cole story. This one is from Joe’s perspective as the primary character with a captivating heroine. I arrived early though not early enough for a front row seat. This is okay by me because with my height I tend to stay on the aisles and back a few rows so as not to block anyone’s view. I picked up my copy of the book there at Vroman’s and had it ready for Mr. Crais to sign. There are only three authors I would do that for and Sue Grafton passed away late in 2017 so I’m down to two.

I’ll confess that, like most of the folks there and especially those 25 or so who were earlier than me, it is nearly as much about the characters as it is about the writer. As a wannabe author there are many parts of Robert’s writing I try to emulate, if it’s okay to be so familiar with his name. The big bonus for me on this night was hearing him talk about his writing, his process, and how he loves what he does.

Robert led off his talk by relating his previous day where he’d spent eight hours solid doing a raft of satellite radio interviews and having his jug at the ready. No breaks – the interviews fell like well-placed dominoes, something you’d see on a weird science program for kids. It was grueling for him and required self-control at hearing many of the same inane questions all while some of the interviewers made it more about them than the author or the book. It’s one of those things he does for the loves of his life; Joe, Elvis, and their stories. It would be just fine with me if you applaud him right here.

About the time Robert finished up this part of his talk a man’s chair collapsed under him. Genuine concern on Robert’s part for the man’s wellbeing led to a humorous request for the gentleman to join the book tour. It broke the ice and we went on to listen like a bunch of folks hearing to our friend talk about the coolest thing to happen to him in ages.

After reading a couple of sections of the book Robert answered questions from the gathering. Here are a few answers in no particular order: Kim Stanley Robinson is a school mate in the best-of-friends’ category. Robert gets his military information by research. He loves all his books and has no particular favorite. Maggie will be back but sans Joe and Elvis. He does not have a favorite author, reads more non-fiction these days, and reads broadly. And finally, I won’t spoil the next book by revealing a certain character, but he/she will make an appearance. Buy it, read it yourself.

Now, about those readings by the author – though he said acting is too hard when asked why he doesn’t read for his audio books, Robert’s reading is infectious. The love he has for his characters is evident in his reading and it is contagious. I clearly heard his voice in my head as I read the book, especially the two sections he read for us. I had fully intended on completing this post before reading A Dangerous Man but with the disarray that has engulfed my writer’s life I simply could not wait to give it a read. For the first time ever I will reread a book back-to-back. It is that good, that much fun.

Mr. Crais signs his books with a personal note for each person. He thanked me for my kind words which was me thanking him for all the work and all of himself that he puts into his writing. Kindness does not have to be complicated; a simple thank you in my case. Or for Joe Pike in A Dangerous Man, simply being true to himself and getting involved. Pike’s kindness runs simple and deep. “You good?”

Jerry ‘Shakespeare’ White

Postscript notes:

The ‘Shakespeare’ is my ride-name given to me by my rocket scientist (he really is one) friend Tim who set a bar so high I routinely walk right under it. And without much fuss.

“You good?” is a simple and kind inquiry Joe Pike has used in a couple of stories. His use of it to small tot inspired me to use it with my grandkids. It works just fine for us.

I finished my reread and was ready to go for round three but my wife seems to think she should have a chance to read the book first.

Our first encounter at "An Evening with Michael Connelly and Robert Crais" from the Santa Monica Public Library, February 7, 2012

Robert at the 2018 Writer's Digest Novel Writing Conference delivering the keynote address

Laughlin...and Ritely So (2019)

photo courtesy of Little Chapel of The West, see link below

We descended on Molly Brown’s in Victorville from various locations across the Southland and beyond like family-pods of orcas on mostly grey-scale machines accented by a couple of red ones for good measure. We devoured our breakfast in a near frenzy. However, I’m pretty sure no one ate turkey sausage.

We’d ridden through temperatures from the mid-30s to the low-40s and this required hot drinks for the thawing out process as we caught up with each other. Friends we haven’t seen for too long, new friends, and friends we’ve not seen in so long they were like-new. After the preliminaries were over it soon became apparent this weekend was all about two people, Jeannie Fimbres and Kevin Shaw. And ritely so.

Riding sweep into Laughlin

 Talk centered on our Saturday destination ride. Most years, our Saturday excursions are designed to include amazing geography, twisties, and a little in the way of iconic stops like Cool Springs or Oatman. This year our destination was Las Vegas and the wildness of Vegas traffic on the very edge of the Strip. Not exciting in and of itself, but still, we were riding and in good clean formations with a few autos thrown in for good measure. We took over most of the parking lot at the Chapel of the West for Kevin and Jeanie’s wedding where a couple of classic autos joined us. I can’t begin to name names as we nearly packed out the little chapel with 30 or so people.

We toasted, and roasted, the happy couple at every opportunity during our group meals and gatherings in the suite provided this year by Karen and Keith. It was a biker’s love fest and a weekend long celebration with two people who hadn’t particularly been looking for anyone at the time, the time being last year’s Laughlin ride. Things between our friends progressed pretty fast when you consider the distance they live apart, Bakersfield and Monrovia. It was no wonder that Kevin popped the question in another state altogether.

Lunch, dinner, and evening gatherings after the ceremony were opportunities for toasting Mr. and Mrs. Shaw. We made good use of our raised glasses. A pastor I had back in the day loved saying that at a wedding, everybody gets a little more married. I saw couples sitting a little closer, holding hands a little longer, and generally being more attentive of each other. It was a good sign for Kevin and Jeanie, a good way to start out.

Little Church of the West is a wedding machine, to be sure. They did allow Kevin to invite me to do a blessing, an honor I did not, nor still do not, take lightly. I think it went well even though the clock was ticking on me and I had to edit my little prayer. I was blessed in the giving of it. Thanks Kevin and Jeanie.

Bev and Tim stood with the bride and groom while Nicole, daughter of Jeannie, escorted her down the aisle. We all gave Jeannie to be wed to Kevin, much to the chagrin of Nicole. She did well to assert her claim. One amenity they offer is a streaming service of the ceremony and a place to link to and see it all again. It was reported at the start of the ceremony there were 24 people in remote attendance, several of whom we hoped were couple’s kids from far away places. For you convenience, here is the link to the seven-plus minute video:

Kevin and Jeanie's Wedding video

Weather had been a concern throughout the weekend. Aaron and Lupe braved snow, rain, and winds to join us the day of arriving just as we trooped into the chapel. Nearly everyone booked and extra night at the Aquarius to miss the projected winds and rains for Sunday. I was unable to do so with a meeting Sunday night I couldn’t miss and that weighed heavy on my heart. I can be a morose sun of gun under normal circumstances – the added gravity to the upcoming meeting subdued me a bit for the Saturday night festivities. Sorry folks.

I put my kickstand up at 4:43 a.m. Sunday morning to beat the winds and did but ended up in the low-30s for most of the first half of the ride home. I didn’t see 50 degrees until hitting the 57 freeway on the 210. The ride got very interesting in the Cajon pass where it started to rain and the winds gusted up. It was a comical scene when I pulled over in a Cal Trans lot to put on my rain gear. I looked like a dog chasing its tail trying to get my second arm in the sleeve. I skipped the rain pants and let my new chaps do the work and get more broken in. Back on the 15, I headed into wind, rain, and low clouds with a fogged up shield. I had to crack it open just to see and then, only after reaching in and wiping a little strip. It was entertaining and kept me awake for the rest of the ride.

For Kevin and Jeannie, a biker’s poem (feel free to claim it for yourself):

May the roads you travel be trouble free,
clear of pitfalls, obstacles, and debris.
May love fuel your engines, and your tank never run dry,
so remember to show it often; or at least always try.
May kindness and compassion be the lubricant for any friction that comes along,
let forgiveness and understanding help to keep your love strong.
May you hold on tight, as you round each corner, and pave new roads together,
your love will steer you straight and true, through any kind of weather.
May you be mindful of the speed of life and the need for shifting gears,
knowing when to take things slow, as you enjoy the coming years.
For time will take its toll on your soft and youthful skin,
but always remember, beneath that leather, there’s a gentleness within.
May your love endure beyond the setting sun, as your future unfolds ahead,
So say “I Love You” each time you saddle up, and each time you go to bed.

John Meissner

Keep the iron side up my friends.

Jerry ‘Shakespeare’ White

In case you’d like to look at the photos:

 https://photos.littlechurchlv.com/FEBRUARY-2019/Shaw-2919/

New Year’s Day - 2019

It was a dark and chilled morning when I woke up on New Year’s Day, 2019. The muted rumble of Ollie’s breathing and the soft contended respiration of my wife begged me to stay tucked away in bed. It wasn’t until the icy waters of the shower streamed down my back that I allowed my excitement for the day ahead rise to the surface. It was a ride day! I’d be seeing friends, making friends, and rolling over unfamiliar roads. What better way to start a new year?

It was near freezing at my hillside home though there was no rime on the birdbath this year. I quietly geared up in my little office/closet, no mean feat since I was putting on stuff I’ve never ridden in before, namely the chaps I received the day before. A scene ran through my mind. In many stories, movies, and the like, there is a scene where the heroes prepare themselves for conflict and/or adventure. The scene for me was from Cat Ballou where Lee Marvin’s character, Kid Shelleen, is getting ready to face his nemeses, a twin brother. He sobers up, bathes, shaves, and Jackson Two assists him in dressing for the fight. For your viewing pleasure, the scene:

I could have used a Jackson Two to help with those chaps the first time I put them on. While I’ve made lite of the ritual here, make no mistake, it’s a critical part of every ride for each of us. We need to consider the weather and dress right, check out our bike for the ride ahead, and have our route firmly in mind, at least to the point we join up with the day’s leader. Our routine is how we show respect for the ride and those we ride with and it’s a part of our vigilance. It sets our minds properly.

I waddled out to the garage, put my new thermal glove liners on, and backed down the driveway to head out to the first meet point of three. We added Mauricio, a friend of Shawn’s, to the group for the first time. It was less than a mile down the 210 freeway and I knew he was a good fit, like your hands into a favorite set of gloves. The other new-to-me riders would prove the same. It is one of the special things I’ve found in riding with friends who ‘get it’. It’s more about the ride than the bike though the bike can certainly affect the ride. It’s more about the people than posing and there were no posers on this ride. With nineteen riders and nearly a third of them new to me, I scarcely had time to really talk to them all. However, thank you, each of you, for being riders.

There was a bit of strangeness to the day for me and I hope it’s rectified sometime this summer. We pulled into the De Luz School and Ecology Center, our nineteen bikes clogging up the circle driveway. I looked in my mirror and saw a car pulling and thought, ‘how’s this going to work, getting those poor folks through the drive?’ It was Tim in his car with Jeanie and it was strange not seeing him dismount from the Enterprise. We spent a little time looking at the 1927 one room schoolhouse and Tim got out his newest passion and took a couple of drone shots of the group.

Photo courtesy of Tim Robertson and his drone at De Luz School

The ride through De Luz Canyon (and maybe Rice Canyon?) was special. We wended our way through twisties to our hearts delight, rounding corners to breathtaking vistas, and down steep grades into vales of Black-oak shrouded canopies. I could ride it again and just thinking about it as I write puts a smile on my face.

Brief helmet cam video of De Luz Canyon:  

From the canyon we worked our way through Fallbrook down to the coast and our destination at the Coyote Bar and Grill in Carlsbad. Our thought was to ride along the strip by the beach and stop for a group photo, but it being a gorgeous day and Carlsbad doesn’t take reservations for such things, we got separated into several groups. It’s no easy task keeping twenty vehicles in caravan. The great thing is we all ended up at the eatery for good food and drink (Doctor Pepper for me, thank you Brad) and an excellent time of rider’s fellowship.

At the end of these rides a sense of melancholy sets in as riders bid friends goodbye and safe travels, to head off in different direction. It was no different New Year’s Day 2019.

My 2019 wish for my friends here is that we all find twisties that challenge us and we rise to the challenge. That you all find yourself in places that warm your hearts and light your fires. Here’s to a prosperous and healthy 2019.

 Y’all keep the iron side up and ride baby ride.

Jerry ‘Shakespeare’ White

Ride Roster, mostly in order of appearance:

Mauricio Ahued

Todd

Shawn Frausto

Jed and Sue

Jerry

Aaron Falls and Lupe Delgado Falls

Steve Mclean

Keith and Karen – ride hosts

Jess

Steve Thrasher

Kevin and Jeanie

Tim and Bev

And others to be named soon: