5 minute read
Ride In Peace - Ricky “Howdy” Hefner
Story y Joe & Cynthi Juli n
guess I met H ow dy back in the
1980’s through my father. Out riding motorcycles and drinking beer and having a good time like you did back in the day.
In 1997 we moved down to Catfish, NC, off of Highway 16, only six miles from Howdy. We hung out more and became good friends. Things happen and lives change, but we still saw each other when we could.
Howdy was certainly a man of his word and proved it with my wife. When Cynthia had her motorcycle crash folks came around for the first couple weeks, but soon tapered off. But Howdy didn’t and he kept coming by to check on her often.
Well, a few years ago Howdy had a bad bike wreck and was laid up for a while. We were sure to be there for him. Cynthia was at his side anytime, day or night, when he called. We took him to doctor appointments and visited daily and made him get out on weekends. All that time pushing his wheelchair, Howdy promised Cynthia that he would give her a motorcycle for what she’s done for him. And, by God, last year he did.
I just can’t believe he’s gone, and he definitely will not be forgotten by us. Mine are just one person’s stories of all the people who have known Howdy. I’ve met some cool people because of him. Howdy was a great person and will never be forgotten and always be loved by many people. I love and miss Howdy and thank him for being my friend.
As I was helping clean out Howdy’s things I thought about our adventures and the stories he told me. We found old papers with stories about his racing wins. The Dixie Cycle News, August 31, 1971, wrote this about Howdy in their coverage of the flat track race at Glassy Mountain, SC.
“Ricky Hefner, age 10, from Conover, North Carolina, riding a 100cc Hodaka won the 125cc class against very stiff competition. Hefner, in spite of his youth, is an excellent rider and usually finishes in the money. Watching his career through the next several years should be very interesting. Hefner plans to have his own motorcycle shop after completing his education.”
Howdy never made the big time flat track circuit. He ran the outlaw races on local tracks such as Turnersburg north of Statesville, NC. One of Howdy’s recent flat track buddies, Dave Sebastian, said, “Ricky would run full tilt balls out. He literally had the attitude of crash or win. I’m here to win. He was a good crew member for me running at Cherokee. Ricky had such a big heart. He never met a stranger.”
Friends left comments about Howdy on the Facebook Memorial Page.
“Ricky was doing what he loved,” Gary White said. “He raced for my Dad for a few years back in the late 70’s early 80’s. As you all know he is one of a kind. Prayers for all and God Bless Howdy.”
Mariann Shoun said, “Howdy was a good one. He lived his life how he wanted to and didn’t give a damn what others thought of it,”. That’s why I loved him, and I loved hearing all his stories of how he raised some hell in his younger days there will never be another Howdy”
“He was an awesome friend and had a big, big heart. Loved all his friends and family. Ride in Peace my Brother. Will miss you dearly.” Juanita Jarman.
“Howdy was very thankful for Cynthia’s help. And I know this because he was really excited about it when he told me that he gave the bike to her,” Andy South.
“I’m going to miss Howdy coming by the shop. He was always a hoot. He loved his friends. He loved his motorcycles. Rest easy friend. At least you don’t have to worry about that ‘bad tag’ where you’re riding buddy. Fly on Howdy.” Brandon Hamby
“The best neighbor you could have and will be missed very much.” Cecil Traylor.
Cynthia wrapped up comments about Howdy as we were putting this story together. “The first time we went riding together on his new bike and my new Dyna, he noticed my feet
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weren’t flat on the ground. He asked if I was comfortable and I told him it was set up a little higher than my 1979 Low Rider. When I got home from work the next day, Howdy had bought a lowering kit and he and Joe were putting it on the bike. They lowered the rear shocks, so I was more comfortable on the bike that he had given me. As I sit here telling you this, my eyes are tearing up. Howdy really was the greatest guy I know. He had his problems, but Howdy never met anyone who didn’t like him. He never met a stranger. Anywhere you went around here, no matter who you talked to, if you mentioned Ricky “Howdy” Hefner, folks knew of him. I will miss him so much and every time I ride my Dyna, I will think of him and Howdy will be with me.”
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