SCRC Loudoun VA Featured Member - May, 2014

Also Featured:
June, 2006


Name:   Frank Beck

Nickname:   Smiley

Marital Status:  Widower

Location:  Hamilton address, out along Rt 9 in reality.

Hometown:  Born in Gallitzin, PA, most of my "growing up" through undergraduate school, Philadelphia, PA

Children:  Three, knock-down gorgeous daughters.

Age:  70, but, as they say, I don't look or act my age (meaning younger!!)

Occupation:  Retired, and loving it!

Current motorcycle(s):  2006 Heritage Soft Tail Classic

How did you hear about the SCRC and when did you join?
Need to look at my previous MOM writeup. I can't remember (well, I DID say 70!!) Some time around 2004??

How long have you been riding?
Regularly since about 1998.

Have you ever taken a motorcycle safety course?
Basic and Advanced riding courses at NOVA.

What was your first bike?
1996 Honda Shadow

How many bikes have you owned?
Three, the Shadow, a 2003 Sportster (with a small gas tank for those who don't know it?!), and the current bike.

Why do you ride?
The feel of it, the smell of it, the excitement of riding solo and/or in a group. But, mostly for the social aspect of belong to this terrific club with so many great members!

Have you ridden with an organized group before?
Two other clubs, neither of which could hold a candle to SCRC/Loudoun.

What modifications have you done to your bike?
Just got it a few months ago and really like it just the way it is.

What accessories do you want to add to your bike?
None that I can think of right now.

What is your dream bike?
Don't really have one. Very happy with this one.

What kind of riding do you like to do — straight-aways or twisties?
Both, but not so much the really crazy twisties (remember, ...., 70!!)

If you have a nickname, how did you get it? Tell the truth!
When I joined the club, I could sense the wisdom in "suggesting" a nickname before one was "assigned" so I did. I smile a lot?! Less known, "Father Frank" is "another story", having to do with an overnight ride, a bunch of us sitting on the porch of the motel (there might have been a drink or two involved but can't be sure), and for some reason people started "spilling their guts" to me. Can't go any further than that, ..., you understand, the confidentiality of the confessional,....??!! A truly great ride!!

What is your favorite riding route?
Just about anything off the major highways/Interstates. Have been on many fantastic rides with this club and hoping for more to come.

Do you ride your bike to work?
"Work",...? "WORK", ..??!!

What is the fastest you’ve ridden?
Not much more than 85-90 (remember that magic number, .... 70?!)

What is your favorite time of year to ride?
Spring is nice, but Fall is the best, with the foliage color, slightly crisp temperatures, long stretches of really nice weather, ... GREAT!

Have you ever been down? If so, how were you hurt and what did you learn from the incident?
If so, how were you hurt and what did you learn from the incident? Rather bad one around 2001. Pickup turning left in front of me ("never saw the bike") I might have overreacted on brakes, bike flopped on left side, sliding down the road on left side with leg under bike while vehicles passed me in opposite direction, cast for seven weeks, PT for eight of nine more, plate and screws in ankle (came out a year later), doctors quote ("you were going north and your foot was going south"!!) Ouch! Hopefully I learned to go easier on the brakes?

Have you ever done an "Iron Butt" ride?
No, and have no desire (remember that number????!)

If not, what is the furthest you’ve ridden?
Around 300-miles one way in a day.

What was the worst weather in which you’ve ridden?
Some pretty bad rain storms, and a few very short rides in very cold weather.

Do you know how to work on your bike?
Basic stuff, oil changes, brake pads, air in the tires, ... (;-)>

What is your favorite road song?
"Born to be Wild" but I'm not sure what that means anymore, ....? (70?)

What was your most adventurous ride?
Any of the longer rides turn out to be adventurous for me, but with this bike, ...., maybe not too bad??

What rallies or events do you like to attend?
Been to Carlisle a few times, Rolling Thunde three (complete) and two or three (breakfast version?),Thunder in the Valley in Johnstown, PA several times, a few bike shows.

Is there someone who rides "two-up" with you?
Daughters used to, not so much since the accident, ... (;-)> Plus one daughter has her own bike. Two are FAR away.

Off the cuff from...Smiley
I can't say enough about the enjoyment I've had with this club. For starters the many fantastic rides, including many overnight rides. The many occasions where members have exhibited generosity and caring for other members in need or for perfect strangers and good causes, has been heart warming. A great bunch of people. As I said, a major source for a big chunk of my "social" life. Thanks.