RIP, Spike

Posted: Mon Aug 28, 2017 12:31 am

I just learned that our good buddy Spike (Emil Miranda) passed away yesterday, at home, with Peg and Cam and his beloved dogs with him. I had no idea that he was sick.

Spike was at the first few NE Rides I attended, and became "famous" for having his engine changed at one ride. Many of you remember more detail than I do, but we pulled the motor from his bike, and installed another from Tom's (Atomic) garage, that had been sitting in a crashed bike for probably 10 years. The swap was relatively smooth, but you should have seen the smoke come off that motor as it heated up after sitting for that long! It was epic! He wasn't able to ride the next day, since he still had a pretty good oil leak, and I remember that Brian (BlueThunder) stayed behind (he insisted that the group go ride...) to help him get it sealed, and he rode the bike home on Sunday.

He hadn't been to a ride in a few years, since he and Peg had got involved in raising and showing Cane Corso dogs. They seem to be wonderful animals, and he and Peg obviously doted on them. How cool that he found joy with those dogs! One of the "things to do" on my list was take a ride down to LI on my 900 and see them, but life being what life is, it didn't get done, and will now be a lifelong regret for me.

There was not a finer man on this planet, a good friend, and he will be missed.

Vaya Con Dios, Spike! Ride safely up there, and we'll ride together again, someday.

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10155660726698351&set=a.433520833350.230017.788663350&type=3&theater

Posted: Mon Aug 28, 2017 1:14 am

Sorry to hear that - sad news indeed.

Posted: Mon Aug 28, 2017 1:42 am

holy crap. glad I got to meet them and go on a few rides with them. good people. sorry to hear. rip.

Posted: Mon Aug 28, 2017 9:08 am

Thanks for letting us all know Rick. I had some conversation with Spike on the forum, and of course, read all about the 'infamous' NE rides that Spike attended, sometimes with Peg on her Ducati. I thought, how cool is that?? I wish I had started to come to the NE rides a few years earlier and been able to meet him in person.
He looked like quite the character!
Condolences to Peg and Cam, Ride In Peace Spike!!

Chris

Posted: Mon Aug 28, 2017 10:51 am

Just finished going through one of his old posts on the CBR wheel conversion.
Spike was always generous with his F knowledge.
I will remember him as a proud family man.

Posted: Mon Aug 28, 2017 1:32 pm

Emil and I had many adventures and he will surely be missed. Some pictures of the Utica ride where we swapped his motor out in the middle of the parking lot.

God Speed Emil - you will be missed...

Posted: Mon Aug 28, 2017 2:31 pm

Spike was the first forum member I met in person. I arrived at my first NE fall ride and everyone was gone, the hotel parking was empty. As I hung around expecting a boring evening, Spike and Peg showed up and took me to the restaurant where everyone was having dinner, saving my evening and introducing me to some great people.

That parking lot engine swap is a great reminder of how nice forum members are and I wish I could've been there, I've participated in all sorts of parking lot repairs since but that has to be the best. RIP Spike and condolences to Peg and family.

Posted: Mon Aug 28, 2017 4:43 pm

The ebb and flow of life in general and F'dom in particular. I never met Spike but we exchanged some notes. His passing is sad news.

Posted: Mon Aug 28, 2017 5:00 pm

Sad news indeed. I met Spike only once and I believe it was the last ride he came on. Unfortunately, he was having transmission troubles with his tow vehicle when he and Peg arrived. He ended up spending most of his time at the repair shop and missed out on the bulk of the riding. Life can really throw curves and it sounds like Spike was shortchanged. I like to think that when we lose someone so young, it's because they're needed elsewhere. Ride on, Spike, and condolences to the family.

Posted: Mon Aug 28, 2017 7:14 pm

Sad news for sure.

Posted: Mon Aug 28, 2017 7:36 pm

smurdoch wrote:

I will remember him as a proud family man.

His son Cameron is an Eagle Scout, lots for him to be proud of, for sure. I'm still in shock.

Posted: Mon Aug 28, 2017 11:30 pm

I rode with Spike on many a NE ride. We had some great conversations over beers in the parking lot. A really unique guy. Really sorry to hear of his passing and even sorrier for not knowing he was sick. I will always remember the Vermont ride when he came down the hill into the parking lot of the hotel and lost it. He got up and picked his bike up like he meant to do it. Funny stuff. RIP Spike. You will always be fondly remembered by all of us that had the pleasure of riding with you.

Posted: Tue Aug 29, 2017 10:30 am

Sad news of a good friend. Julie and I were talking about the last time we had seen Spike and Peg, they had come to town for a dog show and we had dinner on the outdoor porch of a local restaurant. It's strange how things happen, but it was Saturday the 26th, the day he passed, that we were talking of how I missed seeing him and the family.

This site has brought all of us much more than a hobby, it has brought us true friendship. A rare treasure.

Godspeed Spike.

Todd

Posted: Tue Aug 29, 2017 12:04 pm

Hail and farewell.

Posted: Tue Aug 29, 2017 12:08 pm

I ended up with some of that motor that Spike replaced in the parking lot. Whenever I see the parts, a thought or two of Spike rolls through my head. He is still riding. Rest in Peace, brother.

Steve

Posted: Fri Sep 01, 2017 5:22 pm

Sad to read this. I think I met Spike on my own first ride (Killington VT?). He had just finished a build on his 900 and when he arrived in the parking lot he took a slow awkward turn on a slope and dumped the bike on its side. What a way to make an entrance. Horrible way to depart us. RIP man.

Posted: Sat Sep 02, 2017 7:35 am

Oh my!!! So sad to learn of Spike's passing. I've been away for a few days and just saw this. R.I.P. Spike. I always enjoyed reading Spike's ideas and perspectives on this Forum.

Dave

Posted: Wed Sep 27, 2017 6:30 pm

Shocked and saddened to hear this. RIP Emil (Spike), I think he is in the front row to the right of Brian. He was a fine husband father and friend. He came and visit me in MA and we rode the the bikes to P- Town on the tip of the cape, traffic sucked and the bikes were hot as hell.
My condolences to Peg and Cam. Sad

Posted: Wed Sep 27, 2017 8:31 pm

I was saddened to learn of Spikes passing. Condolences to Peg and all.

Posted: Wed Oct 04, 2017 9:36 am

Sorry to have heard about Spike's passing. Once he became a NE ride regular he always maintained the lists of who was coming ect! A few years ago his posts dwindled (he told me his job situation changed and he didn't have as much time during the day to post.) Anyway this is sad as we lose another friend, one less face in the crowd. Condolences to Peg (Stregarosa) and Cameron.

23 A Psalm of David.

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters.
He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness
for his name’s sake.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Peace - out, Doc

Posted: Sat Dec 21, 2019 3:59 am

Well I dropped by to say hi and see how all were doing?????

I happen to see that spike had passed away..... That's sad to hear as he was one of the few Fers that I meet in person and got to ride with several days....... I wanted to post my condolences......... He was a great guy...

It looks like little has changed around here in the years I've been absent but it's good to see the few Fers that are still here.......

Carry on......

Posted: Sat Dec 21, 2019 5:48 am

I remember Spike as a friendly outgoing person. When I attended my first NE event he spent a lot of time just keeping me company and made me feel welcome.
I remember his posts when a weather event destroyed the structure where he and Peg kept the bikes, it was devastating to them both. It was painful for me as I'm sure for everyone else on this forum to see the pictures he posted of the bikes laying on their side all wet and covered with debris.
As all the previous posters said, he was a terrific person and a great addition to the "F" world. I'm sure there is a place for him in heaven. Ride well in mc heaven Spike.

Chico

Posted: Sat Dec 21, 2019 3:58 pm

Tattoo wrote:

Well I dropped by to say hi and see how all were doing?????

I happen to see that spike had passed away..... That's sad to hear as he was one of the few Fers that I meet in person and got to ride with several days....... I wanted to post my condolences......... He was a great guy...

It looks like little has changed around here in the years I've been absent but it's good to see the few Fers that are still here.......

Carry on......

Hey Tat. IT's good to hear from you I/we/all are doing well. I gave up my acreage and moved to a town. I am down to 3 bikes, 1 being built as we speak, 1 9 and my little Cb450T hawk, silver. Me'n the remaining dog are aging together. Good woman, good dog, life is good. Take care my friend.m

Posted: Sat Dec 21, 2019 5:00 pm

Tattoo wrote:

Well I dropped by to say hi and see how all were doing?????

I happen to see that spike had passed away..... That's sad to hear as he was one of the few Fers that I meet in person and got to ride with several days....... I wanted to post my condolences......... He was a great guy...

It looks like little has changed around here in the years I've been absent but it's good to see the few Fers that are still here.......

Carry on......

Good to hear from you, Tattoo! Hope you are well, and riding as much as you can! Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year!

Posted: Sun Dec 22, 2019 1:21 pm

grump wrote:

Hey Tat. IT's good to hear from you I/we/all are doing well. Take care my friend.m

Man I've been doing GREAT........ I feel better than I have felt in years......

I don't want to hijack this thread so that's it for now......

All the best my friends.....

Tattoo

Posted: Sun Dec 22, 2019 1:22 pm

cliffiec wrote:

Good to hear from you, Tattoo! Hope you are well, and riding as much as you can! Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year!

Merry Christmas my friend.......

Posted: Tue Dec 24, 2019 9:42 pm

I too was popping in to wish everyone a Merry Christmas...
Oh boy I am very saddened as I read this. Spike was an amazing person to know, ride, and share a beer or five with. I've been hoping he would show up at a ride. Sad news to hear.
Rest in peace Spike! Someday we will all ride together on the highways in heaven.
-Izzy

Posted: Tue Jan 07, 2020 12:17 am

Sorry to hear About Spike. I didn't know him well, but well enough to know he was a good man. I still reflect on that night that we swapped out his engine in my garage. Everyone pitched in to help. Showed the true spirit behind this group.

Ride on Spike!