⌛ Then and Now

We all change. We all grow. What was important yesterday may not be so important today.
Such is the case with me.
The funny "Texas" comments on the other thread started me thinking about the changes in me in only a year here.
The first picture was taken in Galveston Texas on Nov.1, 2009 at a biker rally of about 50k bikers called The Lone Star Rally. My normal biker clothes then. And, the very last biker rally for me. And as one of my daughters pointed out, I never smiled back then.
Every day of my life for 14 years I carried a handgun. My name here is a throwback to those days. "ronv8917" is my name and my Texas concealed handgun license number 00008917 (no secret, it is available on the internet).
The second picture is me here 8 months later, riding my first ever "rocket bike" and dressing as "normal people" do here. And, I am at our church lighting a candle for a friend of mine that was in a very bad accident back in Texas.
I'd like to think I have changed for the better, thanks to my wonderful wife and the Philippines.

Anyone else have before and after pictures?

 

the no smile thing is probably from having to clench mouth shut to keeps bugs and grit out during long haul rides,and after man years of that it just stays that way? Unless you know something harder core about yourself?He he haha..If you got a better smile after all the change then its worth it I thinks.

 

Its great to know that its never too late to change or to learn a better way to live. It seems your change has not only been of physical location but a spiritual change also. It certainly looks like you are doing better.

 

Ron, I don't see any changes, both bikes are red. lol Btw, what would happen at a biker rally in Tx is a guy showed up on a Honda Wave or similar with a buddy on the back??

 

Pat, at a rally, as opposed to other times, people show up on anything and everything and all join in the fun, and are welcomed, without incident. Of course after the rally is over, then the "my make is better than your make" takes over again.
I dont know how many here have heard of "Bar stool racing", but at one rally there was even a builder selling Chevy V-8 powered barstool racers, AND he also had 2 barstool racers powered by used helecopter jet engines (I have pictures)
A fun time is had by all...................

 

Ron, your biker rallies sound like a lot of fun, sort of like Corvette rallies but bigger. In California it used to be (might still be) that biker rallies were drunken brawls and time to lock up the daughter, mother, grandmothers.
Also, I saw Texas Chili Cookoffs on TV, have your ever been to one? They sound like a real blast. Maybe we can think of some annual event for this area.
I guess my then and now pictures would show me in a nice suit and tie and shoes, shorter hair, and less weight. Now, long hair, shorts, flip flops, and a few more pounds. I like now.

 

Pat, the days of drunken biker rallys are gone now. Most Harley riders are professional people. You need a good job to afford one. An "entry level" Harley is $15k and most are double that. Mine (in picture) was $33k.
A 3 day weekend of 50k bikers may result in 50 arrests, if that. But the sad part is that there is almost always one death of some a--hole that thinks he can drink and ride.
Now a chili cook off usually has more drunks and fights in Texas.
I think you have a great idea. Some sort of "foreign" type event might be nice for here and promote the diversity of phils today.

 

Pat, that is what I (we) want to see. Before and after. I know what you look like dressed up. I want to see if you look as much like a bum as I do, when you dressed "normal phils".

 

well I found some older pictures just to find out I look better than ever... :D
the pictures start with Rhoody in the sweet age of 6,9,18,22,31 and late last year 40.

 

Beautiful family picture.
But there are no pictures of you with your backwards ball cap. Lol

We need more pictures from other members now.