Summary / Warning - This is the story of Garret M. Berg, a popular member of the motorsports forum AllThingsMoto.com, who tragically passed away while racing in 2002. After his death, Garret's father, also known as Motodad393, became active on the forums, using it to document his grief and life moving forward. Though deeply sad, this story is very impactful and likely something that will stick with you forever.
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Around 2002, I became a member of a forum called AllThingsMoto.com. This was my first experience in having an online community where I was able to talk with some great people who had similar interest. It didn't take long for me to learn about another member who was very popular and well liked, Garret M Berg. Also known as MotoMan393.
Although I never had the chance to speak or interact with him personally, I became aware that he had a substantial impact within the AllThingsMoto community. In fact, the forums and community ended up serving as a dedication to this young man, as he unfortunately passed away on September 22, 2002, while participating in the sport that we all share a passion for.
Following his passing, numerous threads were created where community members expressed their condolences to the family. However, one user stood out in particular—that was the young man's father, known as Motodad393.
I am unsure if the father had previously been a member of the forums prior to this tragic event, but he certainly became a regular participant afterwards. From what I can remember, his father was well aware of the impact Garret had on this online community and I believe he wanted to experience it for himself.
The forums would serve as a sort of diary and coping mechanism, as the father would make threads with titles such as, Morning Reflections. In Motodad393's own words, these posts were "personal thoughts dealing with 'life moving forward' after his son was killed. He died on September 22, 2002 - 'I miss my son.'"
These threads would be actively updated for the next couple years, with Motodad393 adding new entries detailing how he was moving forward with life. He would talk about his family and how they are doing, his continued trips to the race track, the amount of support he is receiving and the struggles he is facing.
As time went on, Motodad393 began contributing to regular threads where he would discuss racing and share his experiences and knowledge in an attempt to help others. This was when I had my first interaction with him.
In October of 2005, a good friend of mine passed away while racing. I would end up going on to AllThingsMoto.com where I made a post to talk about my loss. It wasn't long before Motodad393 replied and expressed his condolences. Soon after, I noticed a notification mark in my inbox and sure enough, Motodad393 sent me a message. In this message, he shared his phone number and let me know if the family or myself need anything, even if it's just to talk, to not hesitate to contact him. Keep in mind, that I wasn't a well known member or anyone special yet he took the time to offer his support.
After a few messages back and forth, that was the end of my interaction with Motodad393. Looking back, I can't imagine what it must of taken for him to reach out to me given his own situation and I have so much appreciation for the time he gave me. I wish I could have shown my appreciation more, as he has no clue how much his act of kindness has stuck with me and helped shape me into the person I am today.
I continued to use AllThingsMoto.com for a couple years but eventually I would become inactive. I didn't keep in touch with anyone but this story has always stuck with me and every so often, I would think about it, just like I did this morning.
So I decided to check out AllThingsMoto.com, just to see if the site was still online. The last time I checked was probably a year ago and it seemed like everything was still moving along, just as it was in the past. This morning, however, I tried to go to the website and it appears to have gone offline.
Upon finding out that it wasn't available anymore, I immediately searched for some of the posts made by Motodad393 so that I could save and share them. Fortunately, I was able to find several of them that were posted on thumpertalk.com. I will post them below in the first and second reply to this thread.
As a young teenager at the time, reading through these posts by Motodad393 had a significant impact on my own life and mindset. I believe this experience marked the first true realization for me of the inherent dangers involved in our sport. This also made me come to appreciate the true significance of the time I get to spend with my own family at the racetrack and how each moment should be cherished.
September 30, 2002
A Letter to my Son - Motodad393
Dear Garrett,
This letter is to you even though you already know what will be said- so thanks for being there for me Little Man! Hopefully writing this will help me.
I remember when you were born the doctors said that you had a "rough road" ahead. They questioned whether you would live because your lungs were under developed. That Monday evening I stood over your little bed in ICU. There were needles in your head, all kinds of monitors, and beeps. As I stood there sobbing and talking you turned your head towards my voice and squeezed my finger. I will never forget that squeeze. It was as if the Almighty was telling me it would be OK; and for 17 plus glorious years it was! I remember promising God that if He would save my son that I would seek Him. Thankfully He did, and I did. In retrospect, I have learned not to attempt to make deals with the Almighty; but to thankfully acknowledge His many blessings regardless of how long they last!
Mom is having a tough time now. She remembers your movements in the womb and how that special bonding takes place. I am trying to help her son. Mom is strong, but she misses you like only a Mom can. We sit with your pillow, smell your scent, hold your picture and weep. I know that time heals all wounds but I will believe it when I feel it. All the family is gone now and the three of us deal with the realities of your fleshly passing yet cherish the memories. We miss you Son!
Shannon went to school today. She is a real trooper and is holding out O.K. She misses her brother. Mom was talking about the both of you and related it to a peanut butter and jelly sandwich the kind you liked. Shannon represents the jelly and you represent the peanut butter. Both are good separately; however, together there comes a synergy known by all. I will think of you every time I have a PBJ, Mom made Shannon one this morning for school.
Son I told you many times how special you are and that I loved you. I will cherish forever your hugs. You always made it a point to tell me good night Dad, love you. I miss hearing that but will be forever grateful that it was said over and over. I thank God that your memories of the New Dad outweigh the memories of the Old Dad. I am very proud of you Son. I can think of nothing that I would change about who you are and what you stood for. Daily you reached many Crossroad of Life and as we discussed you had two choices. The right turns, or the left turns! Son you made those decisions not Mom or me. Son, I said many times I am proud of the decisions that you are making, even the ones that resulted in your death. You did it right Son! You did it right!
Yesterday I rode your YZ450 for the first time. I finished the lap you started because I know you would have wanted it that way. Your split second decisions prior to the accident and during the accident were revealed to me yesterday. You did it right Son! I learned that your feet came off the foot-pegs when you landed at the burm. The distance was damn near 200 feet. Witnesses told me you opened the throttle on the 450 and climbed back on the bike in mid air and whipped it left steering past the trees. You were leaning off the right side of the bike as you always did when you were whipping it. You were truly one with your bike Son. This is when you hit the tree. You were close Little Man, close. I am going to keep the YZ450 just as you left it and ride. It is not the same Son, but I now know exactly what you meant now about the YZ450 when compared to your YZ426. I can't believe that Yamaha outdid the 426! It just pulls and pulls. I felt as though your 450 took the corners without me. I sensed your presence as we talked the first lap.
Bradley and Paula were their yesterday. Bradley was there checking over your 450. He did something to your rear brake because it did not work well after the crash. Bradley pointed out to me that the 450 rear braking system has no reservoir and when the bike lay down some air must have gotten into the system. I just used the front brake like you taught me, but the rear brake works great now. I think I may try and slide a burm or two when I get comfortable on the bike. Bradley wore your school ID and takes it to work everyday. I gave it to him Son, he sure loves you.
Yesterday, many at the track whom rode, sensed your presence. Zach was riding flawlessly just like we always said poetry in motion. Jason Pierce from Thumpertalk jumped the triple step up too in your memory! Eric, Jeff, Chris and Nick all rode in your honor. Matt found the courage to jump the triple step up again - where you died. Garrett his Dad was there and watched him ride for the first time ever! It was awesome! Just like Matt said coming back from the hospital after you died, God truly works in mysterious ways.
Mom and I learned of a Special Friend Lindsay & whos heart you captured. I know you read her note, as did we. Her conversation with Mom was a great comfort. She too has sensed your presence in Technology class. It figures that you would show up there! Did you know that the drapes in her room are the same material Mom used in your bathroom? This reminded me of the ole saying that coincidences are just miracles where God decides to remain anonymous. Both she and Shannon have asked me to teach them to ride. I will teach them. I know you wouldn't mind, I gave Shannon and Lindsay a ride on the YZ450 yesterday.
I now know what you did and why on Thumpertalk. Those folks are absolutely incredible. I am totally blown away by how many people that you have touched by just being Motoman 393. They are now hosting your website for as long as they exist! You even have a corner they call "Motoman393 Corner." I am humbled by how many folks you touched by just being Garrett. In retrospect I am not surprised because you have always had a kind heart and a gentle word.
During the past week I have reflected of the many talks we had about God, Life, Honesty, Integrity, work ethics, decision making and the resultant rewards and or consequences. I imagine that the times and talks we had together as Dad and Son, Father and Friend, and two with very similar passions is what will carry me through the difficult times - ones like today. Garrett I Love you so much and am so very proud of you! Son the things you taught me in this life, you now know as you ride and roost in the heavens! Say hello to my Mom tomorrow it will be 23 years since she died!
Mr. "B" is having a rough time now Garrett. He was a rock during this past week. Look down from the heavens and give him a gentle hand. I know you won't forget Rachel either.
Son we will be talking later today and I imagine many days in the future. Half of my hearts has been blown apart. Garrett without my relationship with God, Mom, Shannon and all our friends I would not have been able to make it. Like Matt said to me, God truly does work in mysterious ways. Thumpertalk was just one of the many blessings that God has and will continue to use to help us through days like this one.
I will always love you Son like we talked the Wednesday before you died. I thank God for the memories we have together, I just never though it would be me remembering the memories! Son, no man will ever be more proud of their Son than I am of you! You Did it Right Son, You Did it Right!
All My Love,
Dad
Thumpertalk Link: https://www.thumpertalk.com/forums/topic/49440-a-letter-to-my-son/
Thumpertalk.com Garret M Berg Memorial Forum Posts
https://www.thumpertalk.com/forums/forum/30-garrett-m-berg-memorial-for…
Motodad393 Morning Reflections Part 1
https://www.thumpertalk.com/forums/topic/58423-mourning-reflections-par…
Motodad393 Morning Reflections Part 2
https://www.thumpertalk.com/forums/topic/81155-mourning-reflectionspart…
I had just made a friend in Garrett and was going to meet him for a ride when I learned of his death. Even though I was double his age, moto doesn't care. I raced his memorial races and met his dad and became friends with him. Good people.
I cried a little reading this.
That was very touching, midwestmoto. Thank you for sharing and my condolences to motoman393s family, friends and his dad who was able to share so much with his son which in turn, helped him in his grieving.
RIP motoman393.
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Unreal his grief. Very good post to read.
I have so many thoughts I could share on this subject. I was living in San Antonio at the time and had just started racing again in the local vintage scene that was based in Houston and called the Splendora MX track where Garrett's accident happened as it's home track.
It hit the riding community hard. VERY HARD.
From this tragedy sprung a spontaneous effort that reminded me why I loved the people involved in dirt biking. A benefit race was planned. Sponsors were solicited and gladly donated product. An auction was planned. Unbelievable donations for the auction flowed in daily. Riders from as far away as the Pacific Northwest and Florida made the trip to Splendora for the benefit. The owners of Thumper Talk came to the race. California desert racers came to the race. Garrett's friends came to the event.
What came out of that first benefit weekend, for me, was a group of unshakeable friends. Friends that I can call today and know that they will help me in any way they can. Friends that HAVE helped me in immeasurable ways when I have been in need.
Through it all the grace shown by the Berg family has stood as a shining example. Subsequent annual benefits were planned and held even though it forced the family to relive the worst time of their life. A foundation was formed with the proceeds of the events and helped many people. Mike Berg took particular interest in helping other families that lost children to similar accidents.
Recently, Garrett's younger sister Shannon gave birth to her third child...Cade Garrett
VintageDave393
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