Netallie Hill Memorial

jeffrey gebler

jeffrey gebler

Premier Member
IBR Finisher
I had the privilege to visit our IBA Australia memorial sight today. It certainly is a very special place to pay our respects to members who have ridden on.

I know the subject that I am about to mention has been briefly discussed but I am not aware if there is an answer.

I believe that there should be a plaque at our special place for Kevin "Bam" Baker.
He was a larger than life character that gave so much back to society. He was a member of this world wide association, an Iron Butt Rally finisher and he passed away on our soil.

In the United States there is a special place in Gerlach NV. for IBR riders who have passed on and in the centre there is a stone with our founder David Jones.

Perhaps we could do the same and have Kevin's name added to our sacred space.

As I considered Kevin a friend, I would gladly pay for any expenses related to the plaque and it's installation.
 
Hi Jeff

Could you check your in box shortly please.
Cheers

Small part of that DM added here for general information only.
"The topic of Bam Bakers inclusion on our Australian members memorial site has come up several times.
The site is worded on the main large plaque as "This memorial site was established as a tribute and in memory of IBA Australia members that have ridden on"
That wording was chosen with specific thought to our Australian members.

Gerlach NV was never developed as a US specific site hence Davo's inclusion along with several others from other counties. That's how both sites differ."

The topic has been prompted by Jeff. It is now again under discussion among management. Please allow us some time to progress please.
 
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For my two cents worth...

The plaque rightly honours IBA Australia members that have ridden on. It does not say “Australian residents,” “citizens,” or “locally registered riders” it says members...

Bam's arrival to our shores wasn't as a tourist passing through unnoticed. He:
  • Reached out to Iron Butt Australia before arriving
  • Engaged with the community
  • Rode with Australian riders
  • Was supported and assisted across the continent
By conduct and participation, he was functioning as an IBA Australian rider.
Membership in a riding culture is demonstrated by shared road, shared risk, and shared community, not nationality.

Bam may have arrived as a temporary rider, but he rode, connected, and was supported as part of Iron Butt Australia. On the road, membership is proven by shared kilometres — and by that measure, he rode as one of us.
 
Taffey and others.

The wording of the main plaque was widely and vigorously discussed within these pages for over 13 or 14 months.
The wording distinguishes very clearly Australian IBA members.

Now that said. Since Jeff's OP discussion has been underway. We are well aware of the original intent of the wording and why it was chosen.
We are well aware some will be in favour and some will not. Its my job to find a balance which works. Is inclusive and protects the merit and ethos.

I have now a clear method to do so and this will be discussed inside management. Shortly. Please give us the time to meet up face to face for that discussion. Early next week Ill post the outcome and the how's and whys.
The fine details will be added at the main discussion threads relevant to the memorial site.

Taffey I understand your desire. Its an emotional topic at any time for any one of the family members and mates of all those riders we have lost.
The silence in not to be interpreted at letting this slide. Its is me taking some time making sure to do and make the correct choices for all of us.
Thank you for your patience.
 
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