I try to keep the cycling element of Bike as fairly realistic as I can, and although Cathy gets into scrapes, she's so far pulled through. Cycling is not without risk, even for the experienced rider.
One of our club, a very fit 76 yr old, died on Sunday morning doing a time trial when he ran into the back of an abandoned car - always a risk when you're racing, especially time trialling. It's just difficult to believe I was talking to him the day before.
The only consolation is that he died doing something he loved, maybe he's the lucky one.
Angharad
Comments
Cycling Death
Bournemouth Echo Report
Angharad, I hope you'll be extra-careful with your own riding.
Personal Safety
Bike Resources
This is a better link
http://www.dorsetecho.co.uk/news/localnews/8306189.Weymouth_...
Angharad
Angharad
I was on coroner's jury once
The young motorcyclist died in a collision with a stationary truck in heavy rain.
If it was accidental, his family received an insurance payout; if it wasn't, they didn't.
We decided that it was an accident, but the price of his young life still wasn't very high. I imagine that it would be less for a 76 year old.
Susie
That's bad
It's always a bit of a shock when when a clubmate dies and very much worse when it's while cycling. I lost one dear friend because of a cycling incident when she was killed by a drunken hit and run driver on an almost empty road one night.
You have my deepest sympathies as do all his friends and family.
Robi
I am sorry for your loss
...I'm glad that you've been consoled by that he was doing what he enjoyed.
She was born for all the wrong reasons but grew up for all the right ones.
Con grande amore e di affetto, Andrea Lena
Love, Andrea Lena
Very sorry.
I am very sorry to hear of this incident. As you say, he at least went doing what he wanted. I hope that his family can eventually come to grips with it.
In my area, most main roads have bike lanes, so it is a bit safer, except the drivers are less used to seeing bike riders.
Gwen
I feel so bad!
I know how important cycling is for you, and I believe you are someone who knows how important friends are. Please accept my sincere condolences! My prayers are with you.
Wren
This is an awful thing to
This is an awful thing to happen.
When I was younger, I went into the back of a stopped lorry when I just wasn't paying attention. I was lucky just to have a bump on the forehead, which I still have to this day, and two black eyes.
My heart goes out to his family.
Sue
Oh shit!
That's awful! Put's my clavicle into perspective! Even though he's had a reasonable innings it still puts a downer on everything.
Hope the club get's over it soon. Sounds like he's been a member for a very long time and that means he probably had lots of frieds and everybody knew him. Characters like that always leave a big hole after they've gone. The thing is with older members is that usually they tend to be less 'competitive' and therefore often give encouragement to new and younger members. They give that extra dimension to the club's social structure and often provide an 'early datum mark' in the club 'pecking order for speed' where by new young members can achieve early competitive sucesses against them without all the angst and pressures that exist amongst the senior members who are often vying for team representation. That early sucess often encourages them to carry on.
I'll bet you'll miss him.
God bless,
Bev.
We all know our sports contain an element of risk
That's rough, Ang. We all know our sports contain an element of risk, but rarely are we forced to face it through the death of someone we know. Losing an acquaintance like that, especially when you saw them just the day before, is very disturbing.
I also like to take some comfort in the idea of dying doing something you love. Although honestly, facing the void a couple of times caving (potholing) and climbing, that wasn't what came to mind.
Take care of yourself, and give Bonzi a hug!
Kris
Kris
{I leave a trail of Kudos as I browse the site. Be careful where you step!}