Being a web guy has perks.
I look like a bonehead in the first picture for the simple reason that I am one. (Leather do-rags are becoming more popular with middle aged bald guys.) Believe me, we tried, but photogenic is something I just ain't. This is an excellent leather jacket a bunch of you guys chipped in for and had sent to me with a box full of other surprises.
Tim Lagonegro and Ross Kowalski had a big hand in the jacket project. I have to say it was one of the most humbling experiences I've had so far, and being humble can actually be kinda fun sometimes. Incidentally, that fine cigar in my mouth is one of the surprises that came inside that big box. Ross made the FOUNDER pin. Read on.
Have you ever dreamed of owning an R75? Well, now I do (albeit a small one.) This is a beautifully assembled and painted model of a civilian R75 that now occupies a place of honor in my office. The detail on this thing is terrific. The builder (Ross, I believe) has far better skills, patience and eyesight than me, that's for sure. It's awesome.
I'd be remiss if I didn't mention the other items included in the package. Daniel Melo picked out a nice big assortment of fine cigars from his homeland in the Azores. (In my opinion, Cuba has nothing on those guys.) Wil Aygarn was instrumental in selecting a most excellent scarf bearing a WWII era Army Air Force emblem, and finally, there was a gift certificate to a very fine local eatery. And Ross Kowalski was the ringleader of the whole thing. My heartfelt thanks to everyone who participated.

Here's a list of all the perps (in alphabetical order):

Wil Aygarn, Holger Behncke, Stephen Boyce, Doug Brashear, Jim Bryant, Quincy Campbell, Richard Cook, Michael Davis, Jean Descoteaux, Jon Boon Durr, Angelo Ecker, Peter Gray, Rich Hahn, Terry Iseli, Ross Kowalski, Tim Lagonegro, Marc Lalumiere, Li Yan, Michael Lydon, Stewart Martin, Daniel Melo, Matt Mepham, Richard Midgley, Jeffrey Pierce, David Poole, Tony Salvatore, Phil Smith, David Twomey, John Westlake, Dariusz Wiecha, Jay Williams and Frans de Wit.

My wife is even more amused than me. She's been puzzled by the kindness and generosity of CJ riders right from the start, particularly when the grey bike got smashed up. I tell her that favors and acts of kindness are meant to be passed on, and they usually are. These qualities are particularly strong among motorcyclists. You see it in our group all the time, especially when guys share information and send each other parts. You don't see very much hostilty in our group either, comparitively speaking. Only three of nearly 800 members have ever been banned (and you have to admit, at least one of those guys provided us with a lot of entertainment.)

Anyway, I am indeed grateful for your act of kindness and your support of our web site. I hope we can get another six years out of it. Thank you very much.