The first time I met Mark it was back in June of '02. It was one of the early TrailFest weekends, back when there were a total of 10 or so riders. It was also my initiation ride on a new KDX after not riding for 20 years. Shiny bike, shiny gear, no barkbusters - complete noob. I didn't know anyone, but MotoWeissen was there as one of my guides, along with F&S, Fred T, V-Man, Jeff Allen, Loctite, Badgerman, and Napper.
On the first day we took a break at a road overpass and river nearby. I remember telling Mark how I thought the trail was pretty sandy and tight. I had fallen in a sandy turn just before the break, and Mark was riding right behind me. He helped get the bike back up and me back on it. Mark took a look at my stock KDX and gave me the clue that Michelin S-12s were the hot ticket for Michigan trails.
The next day we again hit the trails around LMC. About 10 miles into the ride my front tire washed out over small berm, and down I went, snapping the collarbone. Badgerman (riding sweep) rode ahead to let the others know what happened. Mark came back, and basically took over helping me get comfortable. He took off his kidney belt and used it as a compression sling to wrap me up, then helped me walk out of the woods to a two-track. Here's a guy I've just met, barely spoken to, and he was taking care of me like I was his own kid. On top of that, Mark's wife Marie was there waiting on the blacktop to drive me back to camp - and as a RN, she had a nice baggie of painkillers with her! The MotoWeissen's, complete strangers the day before, were a blessing for me in the woods that day. Needless to say I've pretty much run S-12's ever since!
Mark continued to help me with bike advice, and yes, he also gave me the opportunity to ride most of his bikes too (although I missed out on the granddaddy 950!). Considering the engineering patents he's been awarded, he had natural interest and talent in anything mechanical.
Mark truly loved the feeling of riding, took great pride in building, maintaining, and sharing his bikes, and the great camaraderie, friends, and memories that go along with the experience.
My dad was diagnosed with pancreatic and liver cancer last November, and Mark was the first one I went to for help, answers, understanding, and hope. I held him up as an inspiration for my dad of what's possible in life. Through Mark, we were able to quickly cut through the medical-babble provided by the doctors, and Mark helped us understand and cope with the wretched disease much better.
If there is any solace in this tragedy, it's that Mark got to spend some important time with his family and friends before the cancer took his life.
Here are a few pictures...
TrailFest June '02
Watching kids on 50's... Mark, Andy, F&S, V-Man
TrailFest October '03
Mark and Andy
TrailFest October '03
Mark organized some fun for the kids
TrailFest October '03
Kids scrambling for candy and moto goodies