Robert Bopst, Angel on a HarleyWhen I first moved to Randallstown, I was driving around, checking out the area. I had just bought my new Yamaha FZ6. Mariottsville Road and the roads around it were a riders dream. I happened across this sketchy little bar, down in the valley by the railroad tracks, with a bunch of Harleys parked out front. The smell of food was in the air and I was starving. I stopped in, thinking I'd just get dinner and have a beer then go home. I sat down next to a short guy wearing leather and a flaming skull cap. He asked me polite questions about my bike and about places I've been riding. I told him I was new and I didn't know much about riding destinations in the area. He invited me to ride with his group and we exchanged phone numbers. He was the first friend I had made since I moved to Randallstown.
Many nights at the
Woodstock and many rides later, I had a soft place in my heart for the man who many thought I was involved with. (?) Many people at our hang outs wondered why we hung out together. I guess it was because we were so comfortable with each other's silence. We never really talked about much, most of the words he ever said to me was "Wanna go for a ride?" We had an understanding about bar hopping. The ride between bars was the funnest part.
The beginning of this summer, I was so mad at my lawn mower - I had spent 20 minutes in the front yard cranking on it, trying to get the engine to turn over. I knew it needed a tune up, but I didn't have time to wait 3 weeks for the repair guy in Eldersburg. I kicked it, tried a few more times, then threw it in the back of the truck and took it down to Bopst Repairs. Robert had told me not to kick it. I didn't tell him that part when he asked what was wrong with it. He had it back to me in 3 days. It still starts on the first pull. He was a genius with engines.
He came to my baby shower for my new Harley in August. He warned me about the off-set pipes, how the underpipe would tarnish the chrome on the upper level. He told me something I wish I could remember about polishing it out. I always figured he'd be there to show me.
Thursdays nights found Robert and I at the tiki bar at Tom's. Two shots of southern comfort and lime, jokes about my work clothes, and promises that I was going to make it to bike week with him - just next year once I graduate. I promise. I promise I'll go with you guys up to high rock, I just can't do it this week because I"m leading a hike for the Mountain Club. I promise I'll get out there to see Brian do karaoke, next week. I think back on all the excuses. All the "next times". It's sad there won't be any more next time with Robert.
Robert died in a two car collision in the rain on Wednesday, October 10, 2007 - two months shy of his 50th birthday. He leaves two children and a wife, many relatives, and countless friends. I'll miss him more than he knows, because we didn't talk about mushy shit like that. I'll think about him at every bike show, every bike week, every charity ride. Part of him still rides these roads. He made a lost soul feel welcome and warm, he was a caring and selfless man. He was my riding partner and my drinking buddy. The world is emptier without him and so am I.
I wanted to repost his obituary, originally posted in the
Carroll County Times on Friday, Oct12.
Robert M. Bopst, 49, of Randallstown
Robert Martin Bopst, 49, of Randallstown died suddenly Wednesday, Oct. 10, 2007, in Randallstown.
Born Dec. 8, 1957, in Baltimore, he was the son of Carolyn S. Schmidt Bopst and the late George Milton Bopst. He was the husband of Denise Lynn Shifflett Bopst.
He had been a mechanic for many years. He had the ability to fabricate anything to repair equipment and make things work. He had also been a bus driver and operated a dump truck and snowplow business.
He handled the grave openings in many local cemeteries in Baltimore County.
He was an associate member of the Liberty Road volunteer fire company.
He enjoyed riding motorcycles and driving stock and race cars. Most recently, he enjoyed playing pool at the Winfield Inn.
Surviving, in addition to his mother and wife, are a son, Robert Milton Bopst of Randallstown; a daughter, Ashley Nicole Bopst of Randallstown; brother and sister-in-law George J. and Brenda Bopst of Westminster; a nephew, George David Bopst of Westminster; a niece, Jennifer Lynn Bopst of Westminster; father-in-law and mother-in-law Wade Shifflett Sr. and Rhea Shifflett; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law Richard and Shari Green, Wade Shifflett Jr. and Lisa Shifflett, all of Westminster; an uncle, Charles Bopst of Sykesville; aunts Joan Schmidt of Finksburg, Pat Schmidt of Randallstown and Mary Waddell of Ocala, Fla.; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
A funeral liturgy will be held at 9 a.m. Monday at Holy Family Catholic Church in Randallstown, with the Rev. Walter McGovern officiating. Interment will be in Holy Family Cemetery in Randallstown.
The family will receive friends from 7 to 9 p.m. Saturday and from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday at Haight Funeral Home & Chapel, 6416 Sykesville Road, Sykesville.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America, 10400 Little Patuxent Parkway, Suite 270, Columbia, MD 21044.
Meet Jada and Kisses, my hiking partners.
We stay pretty busy.
I hope to keep this updated with the details of our hiking and riding experiences.
