Nickname: STINGRAY

Tell a little bit (brag) about yourself: I was born in Pensacola and have been here most of my life.  I retired from the Escambia County Sheriff’s Department in 1998 after 25 years of service.  My wife Foy and I have been married for forty years and we have one daughter who lives in Tallahassee.  We have one grandson who will be 16 this year.  After retiring we sold our home and traveled full time until about 7 years ago when we returned to Pensacola to take care of my father.  After experiencing the freedom of living on the road for almost four years it was hard to adjust to being in one place and I needed a distraction, so I rediscovered motorcycles and here I am.

When did you FIRST THINK about getting a motorcycle? As a young boy  I can remember friends of my mother having bikes and hearing them talk about how much fun they had.  I wanted one so……bad.

What attracted you to your current bike? Comfort, Quality, Style, but the real reason, the back seat fit Foy’s butt the best. (I’m going to be in so much trouble). (I’m going to be in so much trouble).

Fastest you’ve ridden? 65 - Honest Foy ;-) 

How long does it take you to polish your bike? 2 Hours, unless I have been on one of Saint Joe’s rides when he throws in a dirt road or two.

Helmet or no helmet? I choose to ride with a helmet.

How many bikes have you owned? A couple of scooters and 4 motorcycles.

If you could change something about your bike, what would it be?I would change the color to white so it would be more visible to other vehicles.

What is the next accessory you will be adding? An air cushion for my seat to help out on those long chapter rides.

Favorite road song?I’ve Got Friends in Low Places.

What are 3 lessons you’ve learned about riding safely in the past 12 months?
Ride like you are invisible – Keep proper air pressure in your tires – If you are riding alone keep a cell phone close enough to reach just in case you go down.

Longest ride? Pensacola to Key West and back.

What was the worst weather you’ve ridden? Spring thunderstorm on the Natchez Trace, cold, wet, and lots of thunder and lighting.

Favorite time of the year to ride? Fall, I like the brisk mornings.

Next event you would like to attend? Wing Ding or a Major SCRC Event.

Ever hit any critters, alive or dead? Yes – All dead a snake and an armadillo.

Do you have a ride bell on your bike? Yes, I’m not superstitious but why take a chance.

Why do you ride? The same reason a dog sticks his head out the window of a car.  It feels good.

What is your “dream machine”? I’m riding it, a Gold Wing.

If you had only 7 bucks left in your wallet, what would you do with it?Go for the dollar menu at McDonalds and put the rest in the gas tank.

Why did you join the Pensacola SCRC Chapter? To ride, ride, ride.  Seriously, I heard from several friends about a bunch of good, fun loving people who like to ride.