Great pic - This shows how small the Haydens were when they started racing - There was a joke going around the paddocks in those days - That a young Hayden weighing less than 100lbs, + a RS125 at 125lbs was less total weight than some of the Beefy Midwestern *riders* they raced against!
This is a great story about the American flag Nicky rode around the track with when he won the championship at the last round in Valencia. Looking at the pictures now I do see the 'flag pole' is really a broomstick and the flag is attached with duct tape. In heaven I believe the mile tracks are prepped by angels and watered by the clouds. Ride in peace. http://pecinogp.com/youll-understand-why-i-never-forget-when-how-and-where-i-met-nicky-hayden/
When I realized that wasn't Earl with his arm around Nicky's shoulder as he cried his eyes out on track that fateful day at Valencia I assumed it was a crew member. Reading the flag story just adds to the already overwhelming tale that has unfolded since Nicky's passing. In yet another, in a seemingly endless list of examples, we are reminded of why so many of us held him in such high regard. I'm still shell-shocked that he's gone... it just can't be real. And although as much as I don't want it to be, I know it is. While life can be so fucking cruel, out of that cruelty we are reminded that there are some pretty amazing people in this world and unfortunately we just lost a shining example. Too say he will be sorely missed is an enormous understatement.
Wife just came home from a business trip and she was asking about earls book I have. We watched the video and the sun must have been really bright because my eyes started watering and I had to put my sunglasses on.
Quite a few of the Nascar folks out honoring Nicky today with a 69 mile ride. (from Twitter) Josh Wise @Josh_Wise It's amazing to see how many people Nicky Hayden touched. 69 miles in his memory today. A few people showed up. #NH69 #kentuckykid
My son and I are riding to Owensboro Monday and really for no particular reason. We just feel the need to go there.
You guys in the area should try to organize a "Highway of Heroes" homecoming for Nicky. Fire trucks, police cars, ambulances etc.
I was at the Ducati factory in Bologna on Wednesday. The flags are at half staff there, and I was coincidentally present when the entire factory observed a minute of silence for Nicky at 15:00. The overall mood was very somber. It still doesn't seem possible or real. I'll be in denial about this for a while.
