Bill Boyd's Wake

On July 31, 2005 a wake was held for Bill Boyd on The Sunday Morning Ride. Bill was an "original" Rider and one of the world's great Characters. Wise, worldly, extremely knowledgeable about all things motorcycle. Always quick with incisive wisecracks. Everyone always remembered time spent with Bill. He was also an extremely fast motorcycle rider. Road racer, Isle of Man competitor, AFM President, Sunday Morning Ride icon, general inspiration to generations of riders. Bill touched many lives, always positively.

A wake is a celebration of one's life in a way that honors that life. That is what Bill would have wanted, rather than a sad traditional type funeral. To that end a special Sunday Morning Ride was dedicated to Bill. Started as always at Tam Junction. Then to a special stop at Picture Point where Bill's ashes were ceremonially scattered. Then on to the usual Stinson Beach stop for more eulogizing. Finally on to Breakfast. The ride after breakfast was extra long in Bill's honor. All the Fast Guys were present and they really ripped it up. No CHP was gonna catch these guys.

Here are links to pictures I took that day.

Pre-ride at Tam Junction ARCO station.

Wade Boyd arrives Wade Boyd, Bill's son, arrives

Picture Point arrival

Riders telling Bill Stories among themselves, a contemporary "Original Rider" in 3/4 helmet to frame right

Wade scattering his Father's ashes Wade scattering his Father's ashes

Another of Bill's contemporaries makes an invocation Greg Tyler makes an invocation before spreading Bill's ashes

Typical mix of bikes Typical mix of bikes, XR650, RG500, Long Distance BMW, with Phil Beck by his XR

There was even a Harley out there There was even a Harley out there. Bill embraced all riders.

Telling stories about Bill Telling stories about Bill

Road Warrior, KTM Adventures, RG500, riders Road Warrior, KTM Adventures, RG500, riders

Ferrari 360 Modena Spyder does a burnout in Bill's Honor

This page has brought several of Bill's old friends and associates (or is that cronies?) into my life. He was apparently popular with women in addition for being revered for his wild riding exploits. I have received some pics of Bill in his hey-day as a result. Here they are.

Bill in jacket, back to camera Bill Boyd in purple jacket next to his yellow bike at the Inverness Breakfast Stop. Note Bill's has the only fairing of any sort. They had yet to be "invented".

Bill Boyd's bike at Sears Point later that day. Lauren Chong is wearing a light yellow t-shirt while standing next to Bill's bike.

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