markusvt Posted February 25, 2013 Report Share Posted February 25, 2013 Yes it’s true! On Friday night, at about 8:30 PM, my girl for 2 years left me alone at the restaurant. It’s hard to believe for me too. You hear about things like this, but until it happens to you, you don’t believe it. The drama and impact is incredible. I’m in stages 2/3 of the 5 stages of grief, so I have a ways to go. I may get stuck in stage 4 for a while……… Denial (this isn't happening to me!) Anger (why is this happening to me?) Bargaining (I promise I'll be a better person if...) Depression (I don't care anymore) Acceptance (I'm ready for whatever comes) I’ll get to the details in a minute, but first I have to start at the very beginning. We met in November of 2011, (I think). I took her home after the first time we met, and she had been here ever since. I had known of her well before then. I made up my mind on her months before, but we never actually laid eyes on each other until that fall. Up until this Friday, we had been loyal to each other, no fooling around. She never spent a night with anyone else, until now. I took excellent care of her, (she was a goddess to me after all). I greased her well before every ride, with only the best lubes. Sure, I rode her hard, but I never put her away wet, ever. I always made sure she was warm and comfortable. I never let her get dirty or salty. She had high respect for herself, and so did I. I always kept her covered and protected. In the beginning, like every relationship, I spent a ton of money on her. Got her everything she wanted or needed. I showered her with all the toys to stand out from the crowd. I have to say, when she was ready to go out, she looked dam good. I think she secretly liked the admiration, even though she was really shy. She had previously been rock solid dependable. I would have loaned her out to my buddies, no problem. She did not mind being ridden hard, as long as you took good care of her . She had no idea we were going to part ways this upcoming fall regardless of her opinion. Like most men, you get bored, and get drawn to the idea of trading her in on a newer, younger model. Everything is a bit tighter on the newer models with fewer miles on them. Yeah, they don’t have the experience, but they make up for it with being new and shiny. They know when to put up and when to shut up. A real bonus is the newer models also have so much less junk in the trunk that really accumulates over the years, (you have seen this I’m sure). I was going to break the news to her, but why rush, we still had a few months of quality time together, (or so I thought)? In preparation for the week-end, I had detailed the heck out of her. After all, I thought we had more than 1 night together. She got greased and aligned like always. I needed to make sure she could go the distance with no break downs. She even got a new pair of shoes. I was after all hoping to get a few more months out of her. With the days getting longer, I could ride her more now. She was eager and ready, like most week-ends. She was really meant for week-ends, and loved to travel. I polished her up nice before the trip. She really loved it when I gripped the throttle and leaned in to her, she would really let out an addicting growl that I will miss. So we loaded up, and headed north for another great week-end of snowmobiling, (2800 miles this year so far). Heading up the 40, right before Joliette there is the gas station and the chicken place, (Benny’s). We decide to stop for a quick bite to eat, 20 minutes maximum. We parked the 2 trucks and trailers just to the left of the entrance in the front lot against the snow banks. The trailers were locked to the truck and the gear bags were in the truck. We were under the main light pole with the security camera on us. Mine was in my buddy’s trailer with his sled. We went in, and got in line to order. We were in line 2-3 minutes, and my other buddy with the other truck remembered he forgot his money outside. He quickly went to get his money. Outside everything was normal. We ordered our food and sat down. While in line, my buddy noticed a black Chevy Avalanche drive by slowly. It raised his awareness, but not enough to do anything, vehicles can drive slowly if they want too no problem. We quickly ate, because we wanted to get to our destination about 45 minutes more north. I was the first one out the door and noticed the trailer was no longer on the truck, and the lock was on the ground. Immediately I felt the emotions and the impact of it all, 2 of us were going home early. Yup, she was gone, swiped out from under me. I didn’t even get to say goodbye. She was sleeping, and then, stolen, gone forever! I had her keys, so good luck getting her started and revved up, only I knew how her buttons worked. She could be finicky, and a real pain to folks she didn’t know. I hope the new men in her life get a taste of that side of her. The provincial Police came and filled out a report for us. We watched the video. It was actually worse having to watch the abduction in slow-motion. They drove in, (the black Avalanche) and drove to a few spaces ahead of us and parked. One guy got out, walked up to the hitch and cut the lock, (15 seconds). He then got back into his truck. They waited a minute; and then drove around the restaurant and parked next to our truck. They waiting while a bunch of kids crossed in front of them, (they might have even waved). Then one guy got out, hooked the trailer from our truck to his, got in and drove off, (45 seconds). They were nice enough to leave the cut lock on the ground for us. So now the insurance hassles start. Both a 2012 and 2013 XR1200 gone. Mine had 7000 very enjoyable miles on her, with more to come if I had it my way. The 2013 had less than 2000 miles, and of course the trailer. To make lemonade out of lemons, we drove home and I loaded my spare sled into the trunk, and headed back up after only 3-4 hours’ sleep. I then rode it almost 500 miles over the week-end, and had a ton of fun. I was spying every sled I passed, but in my heart, I knew she was gone. The moral is the same as always. Take the best precautions, and make your stuff harder to steal than the other guys. But in the end, these guys do this for a living, and they are better at it then you. If they want your stuff, they’ll get it, with or without you. Happy trails! Mark. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
600IQHO Posted February 25, 2013 Report Share Posted February 25, 2013 Yes it’s true! On Friday night, at about 8:30 PM, my girl for 2 years left me alone at the restaurant. It’s hard to believe for me too. You hear about things like this, but until it happens to you, you don’t believe it. The drama and impact is incredible. I’m in stages 2/3 of the 5 stages of grief, so I have a ways to go. I may get stuck in stage 4 for a while……… Denial (this isn't happening to me!) Anger (why is this happening to me?) Bargaining (I promise I'll be a better person if...) Depression (I don't care anymore) Acceptance (I'm ready for whatever comes) I’ll get to the details in a minute, but first I have to start at the very beginning. We met in November of 2011, (I think). I took her home after the first time we met, and she had been here ever since. I had known of her well before then. I made up my mind on her months before, but we never actually laid eyes on each other until that fall. Up until this Friday, we had been loyal to each other, no fooling around. She never spent a night with anyone else, until now. I took excellent care of her, (she was a goddess to me after all). I greased her well before every ride, with only the best lubes. Sure, I rode her hard, but I never put her away wet, ever. I always made sure she was warm and comfortable. I never let her get dirty or salty. She had high respect for herself, and so did I. I always kept her covered and protected. In the beginning, like every relationship, I spent a ton of money on her. Got her everything she wanted or needed. I showered her with all the toys to stand out from the crowd. I have to say, when she was ready to go out, she looked dam good. I think she secretly liked the admiration, even though she was really shy. She had previously been rock solid dependable. I would have loaned her out to my buddies, no problem. She did not mind being ridden hard, as long as you took good care of her . She had no idea we were going to part ways this upcoming fall regardless of her opinion. Like most men, you get bored, and get drawn to the idea of trading her in on a newer, younger model. Everything is a bit tighter on the newer models with fewer miles on them. Yeah, they don’t have the experience, but they make up for it with being new and shiny. They know when to put up and when to shut up. A real bonus is the newer models also have so much less junk in the trunk that really accumulates over the years, (you have seen this I’m sure). I was going to break the news to her, but why rush, we still had a few months of quality time together, (or so I thought)? In preparation for the week-end, I had detailed the heck out of her. After all, I thought we had more than 1 night together. She got greased and aligned like always. I needed to make sure she could go the distance with no break downs. She even got a new pair of shoes. I was after all hoping to get a few more months out of her. With the days getting longer, I could ride her more now. She was eager and ready, like most week-ends. She was really meant for week-ends, and loved to travel. I polished her up nice before the trip. She really loved it when I gripped the throttle and leaned in to her, she would really let out an addicting growl that I will miss. So we loaded up, and headed north for another great week-end of snowmobiling, (2800 miles this year so far). Heading up the 40, right before Joliette there is the gas station and the chicken place, (Benny’s). We decide to stop for a quick bite to eat, 20 minutes maximum. We parked the 2 trucks and trailers just to the left of the entrance in the front lot against the snow banks. The trailers were locked to the truck and the gear bags were in the truck. We were under the main light pole with the security camera on us. Mine was in my buddy’s trailer with his sled. We went in, and got in line to order. We were in line 2-3 minutes, and my other buddy with the other truck remembered he forgot his money outside. He quickly went to get his money. Outside everything was normal. We ordered our food and sat down. While in line, my buddy noticed a black Chevy Avalanche drive by slowly. It raised his awareness, but not enough to do anything, vehicles can drive slowly if they want too no problem. We quickly ate, because we wanted to get to our destination about 45 minutes more north. I was the first one out the door and noticed the trailer was no longer on the truck, and the lock was on the ground. Immediately I felt the emotions and the impact of it all, 2 of us were going home early. Yup, she was gone, swiped out from under me. I didn’t even get to say goodbye. She was sleeping, and then, stolen, gone forever! I had her keys, so good luck getting her started and revved up, only I knew how her buttons worked. She could be finicky, and a real pain to folks she didn’t know. I hope the new men in her life get a taste of that side of her. The provincial Police came and filled out a report for us. We watched the video. It was actually worse having to watch the abduction in slow-motion. They drove in, (the black Avalanche) and drove to a few spaces ahead of us and parked. One guy got out, walked up to the hitch and cut the lock, (15 seconds). He then got back into his truck. They waited a minute; and then drove around the restaurant and parked next to our truck. They waiting while a bunch of kids crossed in front of them, (they might have even waved). Then one guy got out, hooked the trailer from our truck to his, got in and drove off, (45 seconds). They were nice enough to leave the cut lock on the ground for us. So now the insurance hassles start. Both a 2012 and 2013 XR1200 gone. Mine had 7000 very enjoyable miles on her, with more to come if I had it my way. The 2013 had less than 2000 miles, and of course the trailer. To make lemonade out of lemons, we drove home and I loaded my spare sled into the trunk, and headed back up after only 3-4 hours’ sleep. I then rode it almost 500 miles over the week-end, and had a ton of fun. I was spying every sled I passed, but in my heart, I knew she was gone. The moral is the same as always. Take the best precautions, and make your stuff harder to steal than the other guys. But in the end, these guys do this for a living, and they are better at it then you. If they want your stuff, they’ll get it, with or without you. Happy trails! Mark. Sorry to hear about your loss! If they want it bad enough they will get it! I know exactly were the Benny's you are talking about is located. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
iceman Posted February 25, 2013 Report Share Posted February 25, 2013 Damn Mark so sorry for your loss. Scumbags. Townships are very bad area for thefts got to be the highest. People please learn from this. If you must stop down there on the way up leave one person in truck. Take turns using restroom or getting food. Should it have to be this way no of course not. But face facts and protect your ladies. Again Mark sorry to hear this. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
markusvt Posted February 25, 2013 Author Report Share Posted February 25, 2013 The Police said thefts are very high this year. For me, at least I have another sled to finish out the season, and no lives were lost, yet....... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
iceman Posted February 25, 2013 Report Share Posted February 25, 2013 Damn you were right at the rest area on the Highway 40 huh? Near Joiette i misread it the first time thru. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GT Rider Posted February 26, 2013 Report Share Posted February 26, 2013 Very sorry for your loss. Thanks for warning us. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
iceman Posted February 26, 2013 Report Share Posted February 26, 2013 Yeah the place is in the middle of the road. Between the east/west lanes. Sucks for sure. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrGutz Posted February 26, 2013 Report Share Posted February 26, 2013 Damn. At least you have insurance...? GutZ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
markusvt Posted February 26, 2013 Author Report Share Posted February 26, 2013 (edited) Last time we will ever stop there, and I know ever is a LONG time. Everything fully insured, no problem there. Remember to pay the $25 to insure your trailer for theft, your car and sled insurance in the USA does NOT cover it. Edited February 26, 2013 by markusvt Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
actionjack Posted February 26, 2013 Report Share Posted February 26, 2013 GD That sucks! Sorry to hear. We were also told thefts had shot through the roof this year. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
towing Posted February 26, 2013 Report Share Posted February 26, 2013 I'm totally shocked Mark, this rest area is around 20 min. from home... Can't believe it, it's very bad,.. I'm very sorry for your loss Mark It really sucks Alain Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rmk Posted February 26, 2013 Report Share Posted February 26, 2013 sorry for your loss your making the best of it. we had are new units taken last year never put one mile on them. never started mine both rmks 600 and 800 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scranton1 Posted February 26, 2013 Report Share Posted February 26, 2013 Well written love story...........I think I got emotional! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mccaffrey Posted February 26, 2013 Report Share Posted February 26, 2013 I got a story for you Mark about a chevy avalanche.Feb. 7 stopped in that same rest area 10 AM,restroom stop we never leave the truck alone I always let the other guys go first and then I go in after they are back at the truck,before they got back a chevy avalanche drove by(slow) I was still in the drivers seat of the truck,I took note and watched the rig go by and it did not get on 40 north,it started to circle back around,got out of the truck to check the trailer I was on the passanger side now back by the trailer,the avalanche now pulled up next to truck and trailer and the passanger started to get out,they did not see me intil I came out from behind the trailer,he did not think anyone was there,He started talking to me in french,I told him english, he started up a story if I wanted to buy a new camara, i told him to get the Fu** AWAY.I do not remember what he look like,this time they got on 40 north.I am so sorry for your loss.You can not tell me they can not find this guy! We live maybe 50 miles apart you got ripped off and I almost did. Pat Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PLAYHARD Posted February 26, 2013 Report Share Posted February 26, 2013 F*ckers! Thanks for sharing, and cheers to you for the healthy outlook & fine story telling. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PLAYHARD Posted February 26, 2013 Report Share Posted February 26, 2013 That's bold to go back to the same place with the same ride. Blanket party next time through? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mccaffrey Posted February 26, 2013 Report Share Posted February 26, 2013 That's bold to go back to the same place with the same ride. Blanket party next time through? I'm in! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gizz Posted February 26, 2013 Report Share Posted February 26, 2013 This sounds like it's getting out of control again. It would be VERY EASY to catch these guys if they wanted to. Put some type of GPS tracking device on the trailer/sled/etc and set them up. These devices are not expensive considereing what is being stolen. I don't think they want to catch them. I used to be worried about parking in a locked corral with cameras/etc and now you can't even get a piece of chicken without worrying about your stuff being stolen. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
markusvt Posted February 26, 2013 Author Report Share Posted February 26, 2013 Seeing how quick and bold they are, you are never safe. In the ATM, paying for gas, what ever. They will not deter me, we just have to amp it up a bit. Don't go into the dealer on your sled to get oil, don't let your stuff out of your sight if you can help it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flyin Brian Posted February 26, 2013 Report Share Posted February 26, 2013 Thanks for the reminder as to why I won't ever ride over that way again. Over the years I've heard way to many stories and this is just another confirmation. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
markusvt Posted February 26, 2013 Author Report Share Posted February 26, 2013 Sleds and trucks have been stolen from At-Agathe, St-Zenon, St-Michael, Quebec City, Grand Mere, Shawinagan, Val-D'or, Mont Laurier, Jonquerre, and more I am sure too. It's hard to get anywhere in Quebec without passing through these places, unless you are being dropped in by helicopter? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vt_bluyamaha54 Posted February 26, 2013 Report Share Posted February 26, 2013 I really admire your ability to be so calm and write about this in such an entertaining way. Like everyone else, I really hope this is not a broadening trend. Unfortunately, the reports show otherwise. Based on MCCAFFREY's account from Feb 7 and yours, it doesn't seem like it would be too hard to track these guys down - if QPP want to! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NSHM Posted February 26, 2013 Report Share Posted February 26, 2013 I have heard of many reports of both trucks and trailers stolen from that Bennys...mostly from the states...easy off and on to the highway and close to the river , then into a container or warehouse to be shipped away.and the same old story from the police.If they really wanted to, they could catch them,but the ones doing the stealing are low on the totem pole.The police usually show up after plenty of time for a rig to make it to the river.Was the camera in position to get the plate???not that it probably was any good anyway. Sorry for your loss. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grumpysanta Posted February 26, 2013 Report Share Posted February 26, 2013 sucks for shure , i have lost sleds and trailer but never the truck , nasty SOB's won't buy there own.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
revct1 Posted February 26, 2013 Report Share Posted February 26, 2013 Hi Mark. We know your pain. We lost truck, trailer and three sleds Jan 2001 out of the Days Inn in Sherbrooke. We had to rent a car in Canada to get back to the States and then rent a second car in NH so we could return the Canadian rental back to Canada and then turn around and drive home. The truck and trailer were located the next day on a remote road in the next town. The sleds and everything that was not bolted down were gone. The truck was a Dodge. Hence the Dodge truck jokes in various threads. We had to put claims in with our three insurance companies. One insurance claim was for the damage to the truck, another company covered the sleds and the third company was for the personal items that were covered under our home owner's policy. The insurance companies treated us very fair. It seemed like the thefts had been down in the past years but it sounds like thefts are on the rise again. Bad for us, the businesses and the snowmobile industry in general. We hope it works out good with the insurance companies. We had receipts for add-ons like communicators and everything was covered. Good luck. Jack & Sandi Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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