Aunt Vicki I am Brandon's Aunt Vicki. His Mom and I are sisters. I am amazed at the outpouring of love and affection from all of Brandon's "biker" friends. I know that Claudice can feel the love you have extended towards her. Although my family is totally devastated by losing Brandon, we know that he died doing something he loved. I still hate motorcycles but can understand his enjoyment. Brandon was always "Mach 3 with his hair on fire" since the day he was born. This loss also reminds my family of our cousin Mike who was killed while riding a motorcycle several years ago. Please be safe while riding and don't get stupid. You are not bullet proof. I hope to meet some of you at Brandon's service. Thank you again for such reassuring thoughts!thumb:
Even though I don't think I have ever met Brandon I still feel like I should post something. I've been doing this trackday / motorcycle racing thing for over 10 years now and riding for twice as long as that. I have seen the fun and happiness motorcycles brings to each and everyone of us and I have seen the dark side as well. Everyone needs to understand that this can happen to you to everytime you swing your leg over your motorcycle. You need to accept that and you need to be honest with your family and friends about it to. I lost my father in a crash 11 years ago on the street this past friday (4/27/01). I miss you dad. I was riding with him and saw the tragedy and can replay it in my head a million times. I'm not saying to stop doing what you love so much. I'm just telling you to take the proper precautions, be honest with yourself and your family about the dangers. Make sure you have the proper insurance (life and medical) and disability. I do a lot of military contract work especially with the Air Force. All of those cats love their motorcycles. I enjoy more than anything the smile on someones face especially a military / service person at the track when they look at me after a session and truely "get it" and improve their riding. Brandon was doing it right. He was at the track where the bikes are made to be riden. He was not riding on the street. He was geared up, with his friends and having a blast. It only takes one mistake or one brain fart out there. We have all done it and said WHOA! He did the same thing it just happened to bite him hard enough. I'd like to say "Brandon, you left us doing what you truely loved!" That's better than a lot of people can say. You live more on a bike doing a lap than most people do in a life time. God speed brother. My heart goes out to all of your family and close friends you left behind.
More outpouring of prayers, thoughts, words... http://forums.13x.com/showthread.php?t=298054&highlight=barber
So sad to hear the news. It is sad that this happened it is a part of what we do. I have lost several friends including my best to crashes. It hurts because I know that feeling all too well. My heart goes out to those close to Brandon and the only thing I can say is he died doing what he loved from what I have read. As for all involved with STT you guys are all top notch and always do every thing you can to look after everyone. God Speed Brandon
First and foremost my thoughts and prayers go out to Brandon's family and loved ones. This is a tragic loss for certain. I regret not having an opportunity to meet him. Trevor - It has been over 5 years since I last attended an STT event. During that time I have ridden with three other organizations and I want you to be aware that you and the STT Control Riders take safety far more seriously and are much more active in providing a safe experience than these other organizations. This is not intended as a critique of the other orgs but an affirmation that you ARE doing the right things to provide a safe environment. This is clearly a cultural element of STT resulting from clear vision and Leadership. Thank you! I also want to extend my thoughts and prayers to the other rider involved in the incident along with their family and to reiterate what has already been stated. We all understand the risk when we throw a leg over the bike and assume responsibility for our own safety.
To Claudice and the rest of Brandon’s family and friends, I wanted to let you know that my family and the rest of the STT family’s thoughts and prayers are with you guys. I understand that nothing that I can write will make what happened easier or even understandable; it truly is a tragedy and I’m very sorry for your loss. We have all lost people and many of us have lost friends and/or family in motorcycle accidents, sometimes it just doesn’t make any sense. I also wanted to let you know that I’m very grateful for your husband’s military service. Anyone who wears or has worn the uniform is a hero in my book. The drive home seemed a little longer on Sunday as I had time to reflect on my family and all of the things that I’m grateful for. I’m not sure that there is anything that can be learned by the accident in terms of track or rider safety but what is does remind us of is that we need to cherish every second that we have. Again, I’m truly very sorry for your loss. Dominic
Sorry to hear about this incident. Payers are with the family. I too have ridden with a couple of other groups and STT does take safety very serious and that is something to be very proud of...
I posted this on Facebook, but thought I would share it here as well. The last session I rode was the second to the last, and as coincidence has it I rode the first lap behind Brandon with a clear track. I thought it was a fitting tribute - and will remember him by it. The Eternal Lap: https://vimeo.com/41334158
So very very sorry to hear this. Thoughts and prayers sent to family and friends. Prayers also sent to the other rider involved. God speed Brandon.
Been thinking about Brandon and his family ever since reading this on Tuesday. My heart goes out to you.
While reading about the loss of Brandon and learning who he was, I realized he was a rider I had "tagged" up with during MANY of my sessions out there, both days.... a blue and white bike with matching MX1 leathers. I did not get the opportunity to meet him in the pits, however. Tonight I began going through some of my videos and below is one you will find of us in intermediate on Saturday before lunch. I don't believe a single bike passed either of us. Not sure when exactly he was bumped to advance, but he is in some of those videos as well. In this one, I stick with him for a good while. He shows up around the 50 second mark. May he rest in peace. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8woi1st56iI
I'm not great with words, but I think others here have done a great job expressing how most of us feel. RIP. May peace be with his family.
Sherry - thanks for posting the video. On a side note, you were riding very well out there in the A group, congrats on the bump! I kept seeing you out there - you were very smooth and predictable. I was on the Silver / Black / Red GSXR, #420...
Great Vid Sherry.... I was behind you guys the whole time... And no... No one passed any of us... Thats why it was your last Intermediate session...:thumb: