Fyi

[Gail]

In case you don't already know this... Frank Cheek, who started T.W.O in Suches, GA passed away on Sep. 9, 2009 at his home. He was 81. A lot of folks thought Frank was kinda hard nosed, but he was always really nice to me the few times I talked to him. Gail

[Bikebum]

Gail, thanks for the notice. Frank was sometimes "hard nosed" but in a fun sorta way. He always, always, treated me with dignity and respect.

When we had the motorcycle accident and was in the Chestatee Regional Hospital, Frank came by several times to check my condition, I believe not out of curiosity but out of true concern.

Motorcycling has lost a real friend. May he rest in peace.

[basketcase]

Frank was an okay guy who built a business that set the bar for many who came after him.

The first trip I made to the Smokies in 1996 was only a few months after I bought my first BMW. I stayed at TWO and have since been back there many times. He was always cordial.

RIP

[jdubeemer]

Gail thanks for the information. I have a freind that used to fly for our company who was an Eastern Airlines pilot when Frank was flying for Eastern. He had some "hard nosed" stories about Frank's attitude in the cockpit. He probably already knows but I'll pass the info along just in case. The first time I met Frank I rode up to TWO and got off my newly aquired 1100GS and he was sitting on the porch and when I walked up he said "that's the ugliest motorcycle I've ever seen". I did have some good conversations with him in spite of that. Hope to see y'all this weekend.

[Bikebum]

Larry Camp and I used to drive Frank crazy with "engineered stacking" of fire wood in the wheelbarrow. Since he charged by wheelbarrow load he said we were out to put him out of business. Of course he used a little more colorful language.

One of the better stories I tell on Frank is Larry, Ron Shea, me, and a couple of other people were having early coffee in the lodge with Frank on a cool autumn day. After chatting for awhile Frank asked who all wanted breakfast and everyony raised their hand. Frank went into the kitchen for a while and rattled pots and pans and then returned with plates of gravy biscuits that he put in front of each of us. Ron Shea lost all presence of mind and quickly told Frank that he didn't order that. Frank fired back that he d***** sure did, cause he said he wanted breakfast and that is what we were having for breakfast and that he should just shut up and eat it.

Of course Ron was speechless...but he ate the biscuits. I stared at my plate and tried not to giggle.

[Vance]

JJ, tht is funny and further...I can just see it now!!! lol........