What's happend to this chap? Used to enjoy reading his missives from S.E. Asia, having worked there myself.
S6 1SW
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Dunno, but when I tried to get hold of him a little while ago his e-mail address no longer worked. There didn't seem to be any clues in his ultimate contributions.
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Well, I hope nothing dreadful has happened, but perhaps it may just be there are few of us left on the site who are aligned to his highly commendable and enjoyable views on motoring - and other -matters, and he has sensed this and gone elsewhere. (I myself am allowed on only as long as I do not give much vent to mine!)
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At the last meet it was mentioned that we hadn't heard from him in quite a while.
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forum search shows this
www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?v=e&t=39...1
Giving the battery an easier life - THe Growler Thu 16 Mar 06 22:30
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He might have posted more recently on here:
www.motorcyclephilippines.com/forums/
You have to register to search though. It is definitely the same growler as they have pics of him and growlette.
teabelly
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While we are on the subject what happened to Mapmaker or have I missed something and he is still here with a new handle?
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thanks teabelly, good to know he's alive and kicking
S6 1SW
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Hallo all this Growlette here.
Big G he's been real busy building our new house by the airbase in Angeles City this past summer and also work for Dell computer who have their worldwide center here plus Intel - we have Asia'a biggest chip factory too here in the Philippines. I designed all the furniture and had it specially made plus did the interior
This has been tough for us, then a couple of weeks back he got diagnosed with colon cancer. We are waiting for his big op to be scheduled.
He says its touching everyone showing such an interest: he writes all kinds of stuff for local blogs, bulletin boards, club mags etc and thos of you who know him will know he has Harley engine oil for blood... When we wrote Letter #1 he said oh it's silly no one in Uk is interested in crazy people here in this place, bent cops loony drivers etc. I said post it anyway, people got no need to read if they don't want and moddies will sort it out if we got it wrong. Anyway we really got some many msgs after that asking for more I think we got up to Letters #13 or 14. All these tales are based on actual fact except we have to change names and places, upset wrong person here and result can literally be fatal.
I know Growler has 3 he keeps mean to post: One is about getting his godson a driver's licence (I really like this), the second about a quite risky ride we did in February in some very remote areas and the third about how we got arrested for overspeeding in the car then got the table turned on the cop and got HIM arrested!
G is such a BIG man, not really physically, but as a person. All of us love him very much especially the Chosen Ones, the MC Club he helped to start and we ask you to join us in prayer for him at this time. G he seems more annoyed we missed half the year's riding season, but that's him. Sometimes so stoborn I don't know what to do with him. Sorry for my poor English.
Anyway supposed to be motoring so news of the "fleet". The 390 SS turbo Chevy - he blew up the transmission drag racing. This thing he said had so much torque it was dangerous. We took it out against a Dodge Charger. He winds it up full blast, drops trans in "L" at the green light, huge fishtail, big grinding noise and lots of smoke. Firemarshals come running out and G steps out roaring with laughter. Crazy one he is. Kawasak Vulcan he hates it, says like all Jap cruisers is dangerous oversteering unlike HD very safe which locks into curve and stays there till you tell it different. He won't let me ride it, hates "rice grinders" anyway. Then we have poor little Ford Lynx looking very battered. He yelling at me why I don't put oil in it. Jesus he's the one who drives it most. Our big HD Softail Twin Cam, 7 years old now and so many many miles in the sun, so many miles with real friends, beaches, mountains the endless ricefields of the Philippines and tghat wonderful noise.. We love that bike, never a moments trouble or using any oil. My little Sportster 883 also, very proud of it, just right for a small girl. Got open pipes (Python) and high bars, sounds like big Harley. He boasts but he right as usual he can tune any HD carb with open pipes to make 3 ft of blue blame at night. No one else even the Harley techs know how, and he ain't tellin' he says. But he's right when he says on a Hog you get re--spect, it's true.
Next he wants to renew his PPL, cheap to do here but I don't want to fly with him, his landings in a rented Cessna are like on an aircraft carrier.
Always yakety-yak me looks like I done it again he says so I better shut up. Thanks again to everyone, when he is a bit better I will try and get next letter posted. Maybe newer poster don't know us so we have some introductions to do.
God bless
Growlette
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Good luck Growler.
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>>and so many many miles in the sun, so many miles with real friends, beaches, mountains the endless ricefields of the Philippines and tghat wonderful noise..... >>
Sounds like a great life, just shows that however good it is the big C can always get you, reckon a tough cookie like Growler should shake it off.
Best of luck.
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So sorry to hear of Growlers illness and wish him all the best for a quick recovery. The forum has never been the same without him and tell him I'm still in line to be the first to buy his book when he gets to write it.
God bless to both of you.
alvin
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Good luck, Growler - if positive mental attitude helps, you're going to be fine.
V
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Hi Growlette - thanks for writing, really hoping that things turn out OK for both of you.
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Hey G
The big C is just another butt to kick. Look forward to hearing from you,
------------------------------
TourVanMan TM < Ex RF >
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thanks for teh message Growlette.
Get well soon GRowler, you know you can beat it.
--
I read often, only post occasionally
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Thanks for the update Growlette -- and if you're reading this, Growler, good luck!
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Growler,
Truly sorry to hear about the bad news but a man such as yourself will surely be fine no matter what. I'm never any good with messages like this so I'll just wish you the very best of luck (not that you'll need it) and hope you make a speedy recovery.
Take Care,
Adam
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Hang in there buddy. Op should come soon. Good Luck my friend. Regards Peter (Guide for your potential Scotland trip you may recall.)
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all the best from me mr Growler ...
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Happy memories of a truly great afternoon at the Ace almost exactly two years ago to the day, G, and I look forwards to the next one.
groups.msn.com/honestjohn/acecafebackroommeet25720...9
For those who are new to the BR, Growler is in black, hands clasped, standing next to the geezer in the dodgy hat (sorry, HJ ;-)
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Just found this one too: groups.msn.com/honestjohn/acecafebackroommeet25720...6
G stood next to what he'd call a real bike, not wunnathem rice rockets! ;-)
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Happy memories of a truly great afternoon at the Ace almost exactly two years ago to the day, G, and I look forwards to the next one.
Me too. It was a good meet.
The other photos.
groups.msn.com/honestjohn/acecafebackroommeet25720...8
What can he be thinking?
groups.msn.com/honestjohn/acecafebackroommeet25720...7
No prizes for guessing who is who.
All the best wishes.
Thanks to you too, Growlette , for updating us fans and giving a further taste of life in your home area.
>>Always yakety-yak me looks like I done it again he says so I better shut up.
No please dont!!!!
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"the geezer in the dodgy hat"
Hard to tell what he wearing with that shirt... :-)
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The op is where the process of getting over all this begins.
Keep on enjoying the HD Twincam in the sun!
Lee -- There\'s no place like 127.0.0.1
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Growlette - thanks for the news, sorry to hear about the man himself, but as others have said (and from personal family experience), having a good positive attitude when faced with these things is the best way. Good luck.
S6 1SW
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Good luck mate. My mother had that op (or something similar) in 1978 and had another 24 years of good health afterwards. I am sure you will do at least as well. Look forward to seeing your posts when you are back your old self again. Thanks for updating us Growlette. We look forward to hearing good news from you soon.
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Hope everything goes well for you Growler, and look forward to the post telling us you got the all clear.
Thinking of you , all the best ...Keo.
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Thank you Caterina for the update on Big G. Rose and myself have you both in our thoughts and prayers for a good outcome for your man. Keep in touch.
Phil I
ps Rose now Grandma x 3!!!
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All the best growler, make sure you beat it.
--
Robin Reliant, formly Tom Shaw
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Good luck Growler and good luck to your too Growlette. What you're going through isn't easy.
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The very best wishes for the best outcome for both GRowler and Growlette. I'm sure that I speak for all of the BRs. If GRowler needs a bag for a while can you get one with with the Harley logo ?
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Great post Growlette except for the unfortunate news. My best wishes for Growler's recovery. Cancer can be beaten; my mum did it. I'm thinking of you both. Good luck.
Rice grinder rider
------------------------
Hawkeye
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Best wishes to both of you. My uncle had this op 5 years ago and remains fully recovered - so stay positive!
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Good luck to both of you. Looking forward to hearing Growler's posts about life out there when he's feeling better.
teabelly
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G+G - best wishes to the pair of you
--
Go on, get out of the car...
www.mikes-walks.co.uk
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Thank you, Growlette - do give him my fond regards. We shall expect a critical report of the medical services and the nurses...
I've been away from here for some time myself, but for some reason my fingers brought me back just now - spooky.
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All the very best to both GR and Gr from me too. There are a lot of us here thinking of you both and praying for you - great that you are obviously still having fun.
This has had the added bonus of resurrecting Adam, whom we've been missing: he seemed to have gone to ground, or at least out of focus.
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Best wishes and best of luck to both of you!
Gord
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Best wishes to Growler and Growlette!
Galaxy
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All the very best to you both and stay positive.
Very very best regards................................Martin.
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I can only add my bit to all the good wishes posted.
Good luck, Growler!
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Just to echo what many others have said, good luck Growler and get well soon!
Blue
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I am a newcomer here having seen few Growler posts (although the handle is a memorable one). However the affection expressed in this thread from many people speaks highly of the individual. And as quoted by the excellent Growlette, he puts in a convincing defence of Harley-Davidson handling. Stay well, live long.
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Thanks for update Growlette. Sad to hear about Growlers illness, hope the op goes well keep us posted.
I'm a fellow Dell employee in the UK so I hope they assist as well.
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Just to add my name to the list of well-wishers.Best of luck Growler and keep up the PMA
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Ditto here, all the best with treatment and here's to a full recovery, followed by an ice-cold San Miguel at the end of another long ride.
--
andymc
Vroom, vroom - mmm, doughnuts ...
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As per all the other comments and messages already posted.
DD.
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I can only say the same as everyone else and wish the best of luck to both of you.
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All the best mate. BB & SB
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Kindest Regards Mr G Mrs G
VB
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All the best to both of you!
H
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All the best to both of you, hang in there
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Thank you very much folks, your remarks are much appreciated. Indeed someone emailed me last week asking for another of my missiles. Bit too topical that, I think he meant missives. Anyway motoring motoring...I have been driving a little Kia Picanto this last week while my long suffering Ford is having a front end job after an unplanned encounter with some rocks someone thoughtfully left in the middle of the street. when he had no further use for them. What a sweet little car. Absolutely tons of room inside and goes very smartly. Can park it on a postage stamp. Here in the Philippines with rocketing gas prices (46p your money/litre -wow!) the response has been to produce more small and economical cars with prices cut to the bone to keep sales up. This little baby comes out at about 5,500 GBP including 3 years' tax and insurance , free roadside recovery for 12 months and a full tank of gas. Can't be bad. Of course I'd have to hide it round the corner when visiting me mates.......
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Bit too topical that, I think he meant missives.
or tropical missives?
We look forward to the next one.
It was a surprise you admitting to Kia Picanto. Just guard your image!!
Brgds Henry K
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Welcome back, Growler.
So the Harley's gone too and you've got yourself a little Honda BarbiScoot, or whatever they're called?
--
Robin Reliant, formerly known as Tom Shaw
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Harley gone? Good God man, over my (hopefully not quite yet) dead body! Laid up for the rainy season is all.
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Growler & Growlette, there are two candles burning for you. My thoughts and prayers with you both.
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Good to hear from you. Keep us posted. B.Rgds to C.
Happy Motoring (especially in a Picanto) Phil I
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An intermittent visitor, I too came here by coincidence!
Whack that big H(edgehog)
Keep posting, keep us posted...
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Just come back from an eight day break and found this thread.
Good luck GRowler and Growlette. Look forward to resumption of letters once you are well again. A worthy replacement for Alister Cook.
--
Alyn Beattie
I\'m sane, it\'s the rest of the world that\'s mad.
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"Of course I'd have to hide it round the corner when visiting me mates......."
Oh - a picture of it full of your biking mates and surrounded by Harleys would have been fun!
All the Best, JohnM
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Best wishes for a speedy recovery Growler. It's been a pleasure to read your tales/rants for some time now and I look forward to many more.
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Really all this fame... I'm quite embarrassed: do try and keep it motoring chaps/chapesses. Seriously though, your comments mean more than you know and I know have helped my partner Catherine.
I'm going to try and get another letter out this week. I have to edit it as it was written for local consumption with a lot of Tagalog in it. It is a wonderful tale of Philippines government bureaucracy, stupidity and cupidity. As for t he rants, I do find a good rant such a cleansing exercise. Far too much meek compliance in the world these days.
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Growler, I haven't posted on here in months but on reading this thread I'm breaking my vow of silence. Wishing you all the very best at this testing time.
Best regards as ever
Alan
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what pulling power you have Big G - your audience impatiently awaits next newsletter, none more so than me.
Best of Luck
EH
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It has been nearly 3 months now since we heard from our Oriental friend. Has anyone heard how Growler is going? Hopefully had the op and now on the road to recovery. Perhaps sitting back polishing his Harley and nagging the doc to let him back on it again.
Charge your virtual glasses folks and lets drink to Growler being back on the road again.
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Fingers crossed that 'til we hear - and a glass being raised to his/their good health.
--
Phil
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Has there been ANY news HJ ??
vbr...............MD.
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Why is is 'THe' rather than 'The'?
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Dunno Xileno, I thought it was a typo and pedantically corrected him - he wasn't amused. Hope he's OK.
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Why is is 'THe' rather than 'The'?
Who knows? Perhaps his initials are TH. Why do some members start their forum name with a lower case letter? Why do you call yourself Xileno ? Why do I call myself L'escargot? (Answers to the last two questions not required or expected.)
--
L\'escargot.
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*Bump*
Anyone heard from him?
Kevin...
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I have an E Mail address that I used to contact him and Catherine.
I have tried a number of times over the past months to find out if he is alright but have received no response.
Didn't at one time Growlette say that he was ill?
dvd
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>>Didn't at one time Growlette say that he was ill?
dvd,
Growlette posted the following last july;
" a couple of weeks back he got diagnosed with colon cancer"
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didnt he have some kind of bikers website? might be on there
------------------------------
TourVanMan TM < Ex RF >
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I think this is a site where I have seen The Growler post, I haven't been on there myself for a while so I don't know if he is still active.
www.motorcyclephilippines.com/forums/index.php
--
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I've registered on the MCP site and asked if anyone knows what the situation is.
A search shows up a mention in a thread of 'Most missed' but no other details . :-(
Kevin...
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"I've registered on the MCP site and asked if anyone knows what the situation is."
Good idea. I hope he is ok however it is a very uncharacteristic silence.
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According to his profile on MCP (see link), he's not been active since January 2006, so it's a mystery. Hope its not bad news.
snipurl.com/1gbh4
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.. his profile on MCP (see link), he's not been active since January 2006 ..
in which case, his and growlette's posts above were more recent than that:
THe Growler - THe Growler Wed 26 Jul 06 05:44
Hallo all this Growlette here.
THe Growler - THe Growler Mon 31 Jul 06 12:52
Thank you very much folks, your remarks are much appreciated. Indeed someone emailed me last week
THe Growler - THe Growler Sat 5 Aug 06 07:29
Really all this fame...
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"I've registered on the MCP site and asked if anyone knows what the situation is." Good idea.
>>
Send a link to the photo of him at our Ace Cafe meet with HJ ?
That might jog a few responses.
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