James Ludwig (Redwing)
BIR Member #225

On Thursday January 6th, 2011, the Brit Iron Rebels (BIR) experienced loss once again with the passing of James (Redwing) Ludwig.  James was 59.  A member of the Jersey Rockers Clan of the BIR, James’ long battle with kidney disease came to a quiet end as our brother passed in his sleep early that morning.

James was an avid motorcycle enthusiast.  Riding most of his life, he had a stable of bikes in his garage.  Far and away his favorite though was his Bonnie Bagger.  A 2002 Triumph Bonneville that James customized ‘his way’, much as he led his life, his ride was outfitted with saddle bags and a windscreen.  Maybe not the café style that the BIR is known for, but James’ Brit Iron was as unique as the man.

Always quick with a story, or personal anecdote, James’ situational humor, dry wit and vast motorcycle knowledge made him a hoot to hang with, on or off the tarmac.  And friend, don’t you get him started on the Civil War…that is unless you have some hours to spend on a history lesson.  James was a Civil War maven.  Many a weekend, when not riding, James dressed and acted the part as a Civil War reenactor.  Participating with hundreds or more ‘soldiers’ the reenactors recreate battles as a way to remember their fallen comrades and to teach others what the war was all about.

And so too with this small piece, we remember our fallen comrade.

Godspeed Redwing