- Lori!!! Whassup my little peep? OMG, I felt so bad for you that night...here we were trying to help one of our newest rising stars and wind up almost killing you in the process. It was almost funny seeing the look on your face which really, the only way I could describe it would be if you had swallowed a hundred strength sour tart! I honestly didn't know a face could wrinkle that much. It was indeed a tough weekend but you were just a tad tougher. If you remember, DP also gave one of the students in your class his prized MSF jacket who didn't prepare for the cold well enough. I also remember one class in Lynchburg a few years ago where he goes in to the back of the truck and whips out a spare pair of his good boots for a student who didn't have the official over the ankle footwear. So, at least on that day, there was one more soul introduced to the joys of basic motorcycling who would have otherwise been sent home. It's the little things like this that show you how much DP cares about people, his craft, and achieving the ultimate objective. In my book, I think that's pretty cool. Oh yea, he made sure he got the boots back after class. LOL! Just like we say D....we do it all for our peeps! - Roger Hamner (Jun 24)
- Dennis, I'm looking forward to your being back on campus next week. CVCC has not been the same without you. If you can dance like the video, you need to give lessons. Lots of us will take them. Connie - Connie Deacon (Jun 20)
- I first met DP this year for RCP training. From the beginning I was made to feel very comfortable and very welcomed. Well it didn’t take long for everyone to start picking on me because my feet would barely reach the ground. I showed them I may be petite in size, but my voice is loud. I don’t know if it was the stress of the class or the weather (Feb 29 – Mar 16), but I caught a cold that stayed with me the entire training – it hit me real good during the student teaching. I’m real bad about not taking anything to ease my suffering so Dennis sent Roger out the Friday night of student teaching to get me some kind of over the counter drug. My voice was weak and my nose would not stop running. When Roger came back with the drug I was told that it was like a lozenge and that I should not chew. Well, they didn’t tell me that I wasn’t supposed to eat or drink anything for 15 minutes after taking the medicine. The taste was nasty so I drank water the entire time trying to get it down sooner. Twenty minutes past and my stomach was upset, it was at that time we read the instructions and found out I shouldn’t have had anything to eat or drink. DP reminded me just like he would if we were asking something about an exercise, but rather than “Read the Card”, he said “Read the box”.
The last two days out on the range had to be a hoot for everyone that looked at me, my nose would not stop running and by the middle of Saturday I don’t think I had much of a voice remaining. I don’t know if it was nerves or lack of brain cells from being sick, but after the first exercise I forgot to take off my helmet and did not take the time to do so until we had a break. Needless to say, even though it was cold outside and I had a cold, when I did take my helmet off, my head was soaking wet from all the running around on the range. Well DP being the sweet heart that he is gave me his grey hat to wear for the day. I was so grateful and felt much better because of the warmth of the hat. I am so thankful to be a part of a group of such caring and wonderful people. - Lori McCarty (Jun 19)
- Only 3 more treatment my good man. You're almost there. - Shane Carpenter (Jun 18)
- Dennis, let us know when you will be coming back to CVCC. I want to stop by to say "Hey, whazzzup?" I go by your office in the Merritt every time I go to CVCC and I almost expect to bump into you--literally. It will be good to get you back home. We all have rope burns because we are pulling for you all the way!
Linda R - Linda Rodriguez (Jun 17)
- beep.....beep....beeep...beep..beep.beep beep beep beep beep beep..beep...beep....beep....beep :) - Shane Carpenter (Jun 16)
- Ok you two. Stop it before I have to get find a picture of a kleenex box to put on here. - Shane Carpenter (Jun 10)
- Roger, thanks for sharing such a touching story. I now need a box of tissues. NRVH's know what a sap I am.
I wanted to share with everyone the experience I had during my RCP with DP. As some of you know, those 3 weekends are very nerve wracking, I was slightly intimidated by Mr. DP and Mr. Heric, until we were riding one of the exercises and I sneezed in my helmet and they made fun of me, so then I figured they couldn't be half bad if they had a sense of humor. I was anxiously awaiting the 3rd weekend when we do our student teaching. All during the previous weekends DP and Jack kept telling us how important the last weekend was, and that if we were absent we would be out of the program. On the Tuesday before my sons were involved in a major accident on their dirt bikes. My youngest was in Roanoke Memorial with a broken femur, broke nose, eye socket and cheekbone. Needless to say I was a basketcase. I called DP and told him the situation, I told him that I thought I could leave the hospital and do my student teaching so that I wouldn't fail the program. He told me not to worry about showing up that weekend, because my heart wouldn't be in it and that we could work something else out. I was relieved, I knew that I wanted to finish the program but I had bigger things going on. So on Saturday as my husband and I sat in the hospital that we hadn't left since Tuesday, in comes DP, Jack, and Angie Covey carrying a basket full of toys and candy for my children. We were so touched. They had been out on the range all day observing student teaching and then took the time to come to Roanoke to see us. That is what you call true compassion, I have found some of my greatest friends through the MSF program, and DP you rank right there at the top. Angie, Robin and Shane, you all are there too. Love you guys!! - Jennifer Lanter (Jun 10)
- I guess I have many stories where DP has helped me over the years of my career, but this one goes all the way back to when I was first becoming a rider coach. Well, actually, we were “instructors” back then because we were doing the old RSS curriculum. (Riding and Street Strategies.) RCP’s back then I think were IPW’s (Instructor Preparation Workshops.)
The week before we were to begin our three weeks of hell, both of my wife’s parents were tragically killed in an automobile accident. Needless to say, our family was sent in to a tail spin. Of course, being from a large family, Joanne’s parent’s house was the central hub of most of our family activities with eight brothers, sisters-in-law, and about 22 grandkids at the time, there were always birthdays, cook outs, clam bakes, and all sorts of gatherings taking place all the time. In the blink of an eye, our family lost our beloved grandparents, a second home, and a way of life may of us found so much love and comfort in. Every night, I held my wife in my arms as she cried herself to sleep. I had to be the rock, and the one everyone could count on, lean on, and always be there for whatever my family needed, and that very weekend was the weekend we were to start our IPW. Because of the circumstances, I almost bugged out. Thank God I had already completed my pre-course assignment. If not, I probably would have dropped it all together. Joanne and the girls encouraged me, told me not to worry, because she knew it’s something I’ve always wanted to do, and I should at lest try.
I think the first weekend was when we did our riding skills evaluation, basically running through the RSS evaluation exercises. Well, guess what? I not only failed it, but I failed it MISERABLY! I think as many points as you could accumulate, I must have accumulated them all. Obviously, my mind was anywhere but on riding the motorcycle, even though ironically, I had passed this same evaluation a few years ago when I took the RSS originally! I started to second guess myself and wondered what the hell was I doing here. Dennis’s partner at the time was Larry Lippolis, (hope I spelled his name right) and he had the dubious honor of breaking the bad news to me and informed me I was indeed on the bubble. I don’t know if Dennis and Larry knew about my situation at the time, or if it was the reason I was given a second chance, but they told me they would make some time for me to re-take my riding evaluation perhaps after the written test the following weekend, since that was supposed to be the last thing we did. I remember walking out of the college that weekend completely dejected and depressed thinking I just don’t need to be here. Dennis was on his cell phone standing up the hall, and when I walked by, he spoke to me words I will never forget for as long as I live. “Just relax, Roger, and let the force be with you.” When I walked out of the classroom that afternoon, in my mind, I was done. I started to believe I wasn’t cut out to do this job and didn’t think I was coming back, but the words kept running through my mind all that evening. They gave me pause and made me rethink if quitting was such a good idea after all.
The following week, I remember Dennis making a huge deal out of the fact I got a perfect score on the written. I guess he was trying to pump me up for my second chance riding evaluation. It was made clear to me, if I failed it again, I wouldn’t be invited to continue in the workshop. “Relax, and let the force be with you” were the words I kept telling myself over and over during the evaluation so I could clear my mind and focus on what I needed to do. In fact, I cleared my mind so much, I completely forgot to keep squeezing the brake lever in the quick stop and wound up going one foot over standard for the speed I was traveling. Sound familiar? So, if it hadn’t been for that one point, I would have aced it!
The following week, our student teaching came and went, during which, I received one “professional nudge” and many nods of approval from DP himself. When I returned home with my certificate that evening, I didn’t want to ever see another cone, let alone pick one up or put one down, or ever have to set up another range or think about the million things you have swimming in your head on that third weekend. When I got in the house, my wife and daughters had made this enormous banner that said, “Congratulations To The New Instructor” with a little drawing of a motorcycle on the end with a little note attached, “We knew you could.” That evening, I think it was my turn to cry.
The very next week, I get a phone call from none other than DP himself in that trademark gravely voice of his, “Wanna get your feet wet?” He needed a partner to do a class of 12 with him and I remember thinking to myself, Great! Not only do I have to know and be responsible for a few of the exercises, I have to know and do them all...and work with Mr. Intimidation himself! That’s just Great! Although, I pretty much knew if I really wanted to do this, I needed to start somewhere.
The weekend came and we split the classroom duties Friday night. I remember thinking how smooth and effortless and so casual this man is with his craft, hoping one day I could be half as good as him. On the range the following day, he gave me little and timely tips on what to do and when to do them. Somehow, I didn’t feel nervous, nor intimidated, but safe. I knew I was in the best hands possible.
Over the years since that point, every tip and suggestion and sometimes overruling this man has ever given me, has only helped me be a better rider coach. I didn’t quit. It’s just not my style, but mostly because my family and my trainer believed in me, and knew I could do it, and give back to people something I care so much about and has given so much to me. “Relax, and let the force be with you” are still words I speak today sometimes to students and candidates when the situation calls and it looks like they have the entire world resting upon their shoulders, because I too have walked in their shoes. I often wonder if those very words will be as important and memorable to them as they were to me so long ago. - Roger Hamner (Jun 10)
- My first encounter with DP: I'm sitting in a BRC (as a student) at NRCC and during introductions my buddy thinks it will be funny to say that what I hope to get out of the class is how to ride wheelies. DP looks right at me, no smile and says, "Gonna be a short class for you." (Anyone who's taken the RCP knows the look I was getting. If you didn't do something to cause it, I'm sure you saw someone else get it.) Thankfully he didn't throw me out. He may wish he had, but he didn't. - Shane Carpenter (Jun 6)
- Hey Dennis, Roger suggested that we all post stories....I am sure you don't want me to tell stories from our past (over 45 years ago)or how you loooooooved to see me on Friday afternoons. LOL! Seriously though, I am proud to say you Grew Up to be a wonderful man. I'm sure you learned a lot from those good old days and 'the family'. (BYW...You are still in our prayers.) - Linda Adams (Jun 6)
- I was definitely going to call you on it girly, but I didn't want to get threatened. Haha! Sure was good seeing you and Steve at the poker run. It was really cool having the cup tickets. :) Hey D! Carlton came by the range...well, I should say he RODE by the range Sunday just to rub it in he was out riding. He said...hmmm...let's see...Steve...are you riding today? Hmmm...Wrong Way...(Ken Meadows)...are you riding today? Hmmm...I'm riding today...Hmmm...let's see...ROGER? And that's when I bopped him in the face with a dirty orange cone I just happen to have in my hand! OMG! No...It just slipped out of my hand...OMG...Mr Mabe!...I'm so sorry about your nose...is it broken? Want us to call someone? Well...that's not how it really went down...but fiction is so fun sometimes...but the part about the VWCC site director coming by and hassling his rider coaches is all true! I think when I get my ride back I just might ride up there to Webber Hall and park right beside that cute little Nighthawk and look at the odometer and say...so...uh...Mr Mabe...how many miles you got on that Hawk? Then I think I'd better duck. ;) Later Peeps! Take care D...try not to fart in the nurses faces...ok? - Roger Hamner (Jun 3)
- I know leopard's have spots not stripes, surprised no one called me on that yet.... is anyone out there? - Laura Hopkins (Jun 3)
- What can I say??? It's hard to change a leopards stripes and an officers need to flex his/her authority :) - Laura Hopkins (Jun 2)
- Laura...There you go with the threats again. Hahaha! Hmmm. Maybe some extra time on the gun range for you next week. :) - Roger Hamner (May 30)
- It was great to see you Saturday. You are 'looking good' :) Tell those nurses they better keep taking good care of you or they have a lot of bikers to answer too. - Laura Hopkins (May 30)
- Don't worry about the mule going blind, just sit on the plow and hold the line. Just thinking of you hope all is well. - Jim Peverall (May 28)
- Hey D!!! Tell that platoon of lovely nurses gone wild down there any time they want to go for a ride, we're their gang. I thought about us writing little love greetings on the back of your bottom with a Sharpie but then I thought...that's a little too icky...even for my standards. Anyway, tell those lovely folks how much we love and appreciate the awesome work they do in taking care of yours and everyone else's bottom too. Hope you catch something...(fish I mean)...and have a great week! - Roger Hamner (May 27)
- Dennis, we need some more videos. I like the dancing ones myself, but you will have to show us how you do it you get back to CVCC.
Linda R --CVCC - Linda Rodriguez (May 27)
- Great to see you yesterday boss. - Shane Carpenter (May 25)
- Hey Dennis, Don't mean to gross you out but I lost a toenail today because of those blisters. All that walking in New York really caused me extra pain. Sure hope I get my nail back....It's gonna be hard to have a pedicure without that nail. Can't wait to have you back at CVCC. - Linda Adams (May 23)
- Dennis, I hadn't dropped off the face of the earth but had the opportunity to take a group of students to New York City last week. While I was there I walked two blisters on my feet (under my toe nails) and now I'm having a problem walking. (oh, poor me.) Just thought I'd let you know that I'm limping back to Virginia for ya. Take care and remember that the Witt's are praying for you. - Linda Adams (May 20)
- Leave it to the Shane Post, fishing news hits the headlines fast. Yes my friends I did manage to hook my shirt I had taken off and laid on the tackle box. Thankfully it was hooked well enough I was able to pull it right back in. Glad I can entertain you as much as I have enjoyed your notes to me.Shane once again awesome job on the web site, Thanks to all my friends for being there for me.Nice to know Roger is having fun and getting smaller,NO BUS for HIM! - Dennis Phillips (May 20)
- Shane, my man! Are you saying my poop is more potent than elephant poop? Maybe I better not eat my Tilley then! Although, it would leave the door wide open for the question, "Where'd you get that Tilley?" To that, my answer could be..uh..I pulled it out of...uh...uhhhhhhh. I'll just stop there. - Roger Hamner (May 19)
- Hey Dennis! Our IT Nazis here at the company watch everything we do, so I came in on Sunday to check out the website, say Hi and update my miles. Like Jennifer said previously, Xs and Os from the NRVHs. Luv ya! - Robin Reed (May 18)
- Hey Roger, The Tilley survived an elephant's digestive track, but I don't know that it will survive all that stuff you're dishing out... Just kidding man. Very well said. Have a great class this weekend. - Shane Carpenter (May 16)
- Well, here we go, my friend, another weekend doing the job I love and was taught so well to do by a great friend and mentor, and truly one of the best natural riders I have ever met. Over the years, I have watched and learned how you relate a passion to people that words can barely describe. For all the shoes we have worn out, sunglasses we have lost, not to mention the gallons of sunscreen we have gone through, cones we have thrown down and picked back up again, and most importantly, all the smiles in the eyes of our students who have touched our hearts. This weekend, my friend, I'll be thinking of you. Oh yea, I guess I have to say something for all the cheap hats I have worn and worn out over the years...I'll give them a brief moment of silence...then on with the job! "Doing it...for our PEEPS!" - Roger Hamner (May 16)
- Hi Dennis! Man, you've got rhythm!! Loved the video, though you seem shorter than I remember. We all miss your smiling face here in Workforce. Stay in high spirits and know that I'm wishing you well. - Barbara Bragg (May 15)
- Hey Dennis, hope this finds you in good spirits. I took a ride over to the NRCC range Saturday and saw that fantastic technicolor paint job. Don't know if that was your handiwork, but it is really bright. That range needs it too. Won't be getting lost on that range unless the rider is blind. Best wishes from Newport. - Ron Angert (May 13)
- Debra, That picture looks more like 'my other brother Daryl' than Boss Man. :)
- Shane Carpenter (May 13)
- Dennis, I passed by your office there at the Merritt Bldg at CVCC and I miss seeing you hanging out in there. You always seemed busy and I was always on the run. Don't get too comfortable out there in Atlanta. We'll pulling and running for you.
Linda, CVCC - Linda Rodriguez (May 12)
- Good morning :) Just wanted to say hi and hang in there. Each day brings you one day closer to seeing all of us! And more importantly one day closer to the conclusion of these treatments. My team is a little slow with the miles but just so you know, we are not slacking where thinking of you and praying for you is concerned. - Laura Hopkins (May 12)
- Dennis, just wanted you to know that you will be in my prayers while I am away in New York City. I'm taking 22 students and staff for a 3 day get-a-way. (Not so sure that is such a bright idea.) We will just have to see what kind of mileage I can walk during that time. Hope you are fairing well during this time. Take care and remember.....I knew you when......Linda A. (CVCC SLCK) - Linda Adams (May 11)
- Hey Dennis. I have a Kawasaki that needs a mirror. Roger's carrying a mirror in his back pocket. Go figure!! AND he got Kristen riding all the exercises....he thinks he looks sooooo cool in his "Tilley" - Carlton Mabe (May 10)
- Hi Big Guy,
Just a note to let you know that you are not only in our thoughts but in our daily prayers. I've got "to get with it" on the waling miles, my co-rider is showing me up. I haven't found the "right" bike for the sidecar yet, but we're still looking. Know that you are loved by a bunch of crazy motorcycle riders. Pam - Pam Meador (May 10)
- Ok, so here's a bit more of my motorcycle past. My friend and I decide to go up the California coast to attend the Laguna Seca races. Man, what a ride! And what a blast to be a this race event. I don't think I've ever been to anything so exciting, and really so beautiful. For those who have never seen a race in person...do so. It's amazing! So my friend and I are taking a break and walking around looking at the different exhibits and come across the Honda tent, right at the time that an exhibitor is doing a demo on a Honda Goldwing. We're standing around in this crowd and he explains that anyone, that's right anyone, can pick up a Goldwing if you were to drop it. He scans the crowd, and if you've met me, you'd know why his eyes stopped on me. I'm about 5'4" and kind of thin. That's right, anyone can pick up a Goldwing! He asks me to come to the center of the circle, move on up next to this gigantic bike and pick it up. (clue...there's a trick/technique to this). And I did it! For my efforts I was given a one year membership in the Honda Riders club. - Cynthia Lofaso (May 9)
- Hey Dennis, check out the map. NRCC1 is almost in Charlotte, NC. We should be jumping on I-85 later today. Be there soon! Hang in there! - Shane Carpenter (May 9)
- In the words a great friend and Ridercoach: My "PEEPS" you are all awesome. About to finish up first week of treatments. Not bad. The people down here at clinic are awesome as well. Thanks for the notes they help and laughter is a good form of medicine.I feel blessed where it really counts your friendship. - Dennis Phillips (May 9)
- Hey, Dennis, it took me a while to learn that bike miles did not mean "riding a motorcycle." We need to be careful when we talk about "bikes" that we differentiate between the motorized kind and the non-motorized kind. Being a Motorcycle instructor, I think you can appreciate it. Get on back here, we miss you at CVCC.
Linda R at CVCC - Linda Rodriguez (May 8)
- Hey Dennis, John brought my stuff from your house. Thanks. This will be a great addition for my trailer. Hope your treatments are going well, and your nurses are beautiful.
seeya - Carlton Mabe (May 8)
- Little bit of trivia on me...I took a motorcycle training course when I was 27 (many years ago) in Southern California and then bought myself a Honda Hawk. Man did I have fun on that bike! Traveled up and down the California coast on a trip to the races in Monterey Ca. I've got a funny story about that trip, but I'll save that for tomorrow. After several years of riding, I moved to Arizona and traded in the iron horse for the one with four legs.
Thinking of you DP.
Cynthia - Cynthia Lofaso (May 8)
- I think your friend Roger might be a little "touched", you know what I mean don't you? Kinda like "sick"... - Debra Short (May 8)
- Dennis, you are bound to laugh at all this talk, it cracks me up every time I read. I can’t help but think how amazing God is and how He brings us all together to show our support for you. You have touched so many lives and this is just an easy way for all of us to show you how much we appreciate you. God puts people in our lives for a reason, thank you for coming into mine. Okay, enough of the mushy stuff, who has something funny to say?! Hope you’re doing well, I had my first class this past weekend with Sandra. We had some good students and also greatful for Steve and Laura’s help! - Lori McCarty (May 8)
- D!!!!!!! You sounded great today on the telephone. I'm so glad to hear you've got your camera down there and took some pictures of the mountain...I bet it's just gorgeous down there. Here's an idea. Next time you go to treatment, why not give the camera to the platoon of lovely nurses and see if they can take a few pics of their own...you know, from "their" perspective. Anything from the motorcycle boots up, we can surely use. (Insert evil snicker here) I think poor Tommy shook his head at me more than I've ever seen this past weekend over me and my new totaly bitchin' head gear! He wanted me to cary around a mirror in my back pocket so I wouldn't have to keep leaning down and checking out myself in the student's bikes mirrors. You and my dearest friends, have indeed created a monster...a fat, smiling happy go lucky off key singing monster! And I DON'T CARE! - Roger Hamner (May 7)
- Hello D ! You should see Roger in his Tilley. I worked with him this past weekend and we couldn't get him to take it off to ride a demo ! Hang in there buddy. You know that you are in my thoughts. Tommy Meador - Tommy Meador (May 7)
- There is no gear shifting in jogging....it may look that way if you run behind me, but I do wayyyyyyyyyy better in jogging then motorcycles...Hoping you are doing well....Peggy (NRCC) - Peggy Dunn (May 7)
- Dennis, hang in there big guy, you are in my thoughts and prayers daily. I wore my new Oxtar boots for class this past weekend, Love Em :) - Laura Hopkins (May 6)
- Awesome on the cigarettes Debra. Two days without sugar or caffeine for me. You know, DP, there are a lot of folks in Virginia who love and support you!!!!! Take care of yourself and get well SOON!!! I - Angie Covey (May 6)
- Day 2 without you and cigarettes. It's getting tough but if you can succeed, I can too. - Debra Short (May 6)
- Would have left a note for you earlier brother, but I could't tear myself away from the mirror and singing..."I'm too sexy for my Tilley, too sexy for my Tilley...I'm know I'm being silly, 'cause I'm too sexy for my Tilley!!! Hehehe. (insert fat man dancing image here) Well, what the hell, you might as well start throwing up now... ;) Couldn't resist. Thinking about you all day today, brother. Always, Roger. - Roger Hamner (May 6)
- Dennis,
Hope things are going well with you, and wish you a speedy recovery. I will try to keep them straight here at SVCC while you are out.
Charles - Charles Musick (May 5)
- Don't take it the wrong way big guy, but I'm not in on the X's and O's from the NRVHs. You'll have to settle for a handshake and my thoughts and prayers. - Shane Carpenter (May 5)
- X and O's from the NRVH's. - Jennifer Lanter (May 5)
- Dennis, Hang in there and know that we're with you, if not in body, in spirit. I'll be praying for you and your doctors as you go thru your treatments.
Oh, by the way, when you get a chance, I've got a couple of bikes that need oil changes :-) - Carlton Mabe (May 5)
- Dennis - Thinking of you and sending strong and positive thoughts your way. I'm a 7 year ovarian cancer survivor. Tough stuff, but that's what we're made of. If you ever need an ear, don't hesitate to let me know. It helps to talk with someone who's been there. - Cynthia Lofaso (May 4)
- Dennis,
You know that I will be praying for you during this journey. Remember He only puts on us what we can stand.....be strong, my friend. - Linda Adams (May 2)
|
|