Sunday, July 29, 2012

Daryl Big Daddy Caveman - Idle Thoughts of an AZhole Biker

When I ask individuals if they would be interested in doing an interview for my blog I usually get the comment back...Why would anyone really be interested in me?  That's exactly what Big Daddy Caveman answered back to me. (people are interested!!)  I started reading Big Daddy's Idle Thoughts a few years back.  Daryl Big Daddy Caveman is one amazing writer.  If you've never read his blog you are missing out.  The word "Raw" comes to mind when I think of the posts that I've read, written by Big D.  He doesn't beat around the bush.  He's a straight shooter.  When I think of the word "Biker", I think of Big D. 


Give us a bio about yourself.
I grew up in Massachusetts, south of Boston. Moved To Arizona in 2000. Was a MASShole, but graduated into an AZhole.

When did you first discover motorcycles?
My best friend growing up had a Honda Trail 90 when I was 11 or so. Started there and haven't stopped since.

What was your first motorcycle?
A Honda 305 I bought for 150.00 that was stored in a neighbors garage. The bike had been re-geared for road-racing and as a result was lousy off the line. I soon grew to hate it as the stamped steel frame wouldn't make a good chopper. When I bought it I was told the name of the racer who had owned it. Not being a follower of Gp racing the name meant nothing to me. Years after I had sold it I found out he was considered one of the greatest Champions of the circuit .............OOPS! Live and learn.

What do you currently ride?
I have a 99 Dyna that redlines at 7000 rpm and pulls like a greyhound at the bacon plant. Had it up to 142 and still pulling my arms out of the sockets. 40,000 hard miles and still not a speck of dirt or oil anywhere.

How many motorcycles have you owned and what were they?
Too many to list. All Harleys and Triumphs (except for the aforementioned Honda). How about just a current list? 99 Dyna, 88 and 86 Sportys, 66 and 44 servicar, 2 Harley 125 sprints, 71 Harley moped, 66 Triumph bonny bobber and lastly,,,,,a 49 Hydroglide Panhead.

How do you feel when you are riding?
Free!

Is there a motto that you live by?
 I could say the standbys,,,Loyalty, honor and Respect. Brotherhood. Question all authority. The blood you choose is stronger than than blood born. [Family often takes for granted but blood chosen must respect each other, there is no 'Family reunion' to put it back together if respect is lost]. A new favorite has entered my lexicon,,,,,,Live so the Westboro church Jackasses picket your funeral!

Do you feel you are treated differently because you choose to ride a motorcycle?
Yes, Definitely. Good and bad. It usually goes one or the other, no middle ground.

Why Harley Davidson?
?? Next question.

Do you have any mentors or heroes? If so, what have they taught you and why do they fall in this category in your life?
I have been fortunate to have many. Mostly ordinary men [and women] that live life on their own terms and never gave into 'Polite' society. Your word is bond. And if help can be given, you do so without measure or repayment.

Is there someone in the motorcycle community that you would like to hang with for a day and have never had the opportunity to before and why?
I have traveled the entire length of 4 countries and have been lucky enough to meet just about all of my 'Heroes' However,,,,there is a certain Young lady up Iowa way that I would greatly love to ride with and chat by the campfire.

Do you have a favorite rally?
Too Broke for Sturgis here in AZ. All the others have become too commercial for me. Biker rallies are about cutting loose and throwing society's constraints to the wind. Too many today have become judgmental and rigid. Cops and Rubs alike. I was at the Laughlin River Run in NV a few years back, a female biker did what biker 'chicks' have always done: she flashed the crowd. I heard Tsk tsk huff huff from Men and women alike....??? Keep your condescending moralistic prude ass home and stay the hell away from "Bikers"

Do you have a favorite place to ride and why?
Arizona......Ride here just once and you'll see why.

What are your thoughts on women riding their own motorcycles?
I'm all for it and bristle at the thought that it's a 'Mans' thing. Women have been riding since the first bikes have been built. Margret Gast The 'Mile a minute' girl in 1910 The second bike believed ever to cross the entire US was a young lady with her mother in a sidecar. Delia Crewe in 1915 traveled the US and all the way to Panama with her dog 'Trouble' Imagine no paved roads and very few gas stations.....and no suspension to speak of. I know grown men who wouldn't ride across states on a hardtail. And Many many more. It does those pioneers a great dis-service to think otherwise.

What do you think of helmet laws?
 I don't. I've seen many a rider go down and some died because of that damned helmet. And others, it saved. In Arizona, we are fortunate enough to have the choice of wearing a helmet and I choose not to.

Do loud pipes really save lives?
Yes, mine have on many an occasion.

You have a blog called Big Daddy's Idle Thoughts, how did it get it's name? Why did you decide to start blogging?
I was 'Idle' at the time, recovering from a shattered neck disc. Ann/Boston my wife set it up and said write something before you go crazy,,,[Too late]. I never intended to be a writer and didn't think I was. Somehow my stories gained a loyal and very determined following. Still amazes the hell out of me to this day.

What's your official Road name? How did you get it?
I am Caveman. Was bestowed in great honor by my Brothers and Sisters....although the ladies tend to shorten it to Cavey!

What is the wildest thing that has happened to you on the road?
Being shot at. Enough said about that.

Are there any lessons that you’ve learned on the road that stand out the most?
Maintain your line, don't weave. stay one foot from the line whichever side of the lane you ride. You do this every time you will ride true and straight solo or riding 100 mph in a pack.

Do you like riding with a group or are you more of a lone rider?
Depends on the day. Group rides with qualified riders, outlaw style at high speeds, is purer than poetry. Other days my thoughts and V-twin rumble provide all the company I need.

What has your greatest accomplishment been?
Marrying Ann/Boston and my 4 very well adjusted and honorable kids.

Do you feel like there are divisions in the motorcycle community because of the type or brand of motorcycle you ride?
For many there are. I prefer Harleys, but in truth I don't give a damn what you ride just keep up and ride right.

If you knew this was your last day on earth, what would you do?
Put Ann on the back and Ride!!

When you are not riding what do you enjoy doing?
Building bikes, reading, laughing.

Tell us anything else you would like us to know about you.
I'm a very lucky and fortunate man.

Do you have a favorite swear word?
What the F^&K?

What are you currently reading?
These interview questions.

What’s in your CD player? Even a Caveman has an I-Pod nowadays...No Cd's.(are you telling me I need to bring this question into the 21st Century?  LOL) 
Moody Blues, Seger. Zepplin, Classic rock.

A huge thank you to Daryl Big Daddy Caveman for taking the time to do this interview.  I look forward to meeting you and Boston one of these days! 

7 comments:

Ann said...

Great interview Steph! I certainly can't wait to meet you! I'm hoping we can get out your way in the next 2 or 3 years. I'm overdue for a long summer trek. :)

SONJA said...

Ya know "Cavey"...i would like permission to quote you & your initial comment about YOUR MOTTO! I cant say Ive ever heard a better explanation for our lifestyle. Right On, thats all that comes to mind...RIGHT FUCKING ON BROTHER! Amen

Kathleen Jennette said...

I love Caveman. He is a true as ever! Thanks Steph for yet another peek into the lives of peeps.

WooleyBugger said...

Enjoyed the interview.

FLHX_Dave said...

Schweet interview! I have had the honor of club'in with the Caveman. You know what I dig about him more than anything? He won't hold back, does what he feels like doing when it's appropriate (which is always by the way) and insists people just be themselves.

A good man, a bad boy and a genuine jackass all rolled into one package. Sinner and Saint occupying the same space at all times. I think this is why I love the dude so much. He knows who he is. How many people can say that?

Thanks IHG! You Rock! Maybe I'll write something here again soon.

Webster World said...

Biker all the way.

psxxx said...

I feel like I have known Caveman for years. Great interview! Keep it up!