Fallen teammate

**pigperson** · September 11th, 2006, 10:05 PM

Be careful out there and be as visible as possible.

Our team just lost one of our top riders due to a drunk driver last friday (9.8.06). He was riding on one of the roads we use as an alternate "safe" bypass...so much for that being considered safe anymore. The driver tried to speed away but ended up crashing his car down a ditch. Where he was arrested.

Pur teammie was only 31 years old was going to be upgrading to the P/1/2 next season. But his life was cut short.

I'm sure visibilty really didn't have anything to do with this tragic incident but it never hurts to be seen just a little better from everyone driving, sober or intoxicated. To all...please be safe.

**liza larence** · September 11th, 2006, 10:16 PM

So very, very sorry to hear that....that is terrible news indeed.
Bike racing / training is dangerous enough on open roads without drunks being thrown into the mix.
My heartfelt sympathy.

**pliny_2001** · September 11th, 2006, 11:52 PM

Terrible to hear that. My best hopes for the family and friends.

**The_Don** · September 12th, 2006, 04:20 AM

Sorry man, my sympathy to you. I agree, i don't think if probably would have made much difference if your teammate was seen easier or not, hope that driver gets what he deserves.

gonzoguri · September 12th, 2006, 05:10 AM

really sorry man

**brazland** · September 12th, 2006, 08:14 AM

I'm very sorry to hear of your loss.

**engr** · September 12th, 2006, 11:10 AM

Terribly sorry to hear that PP, no words are sufficientto express either the sorrow of a life cut short or the anger and sorrow at the irresponsibility of driving drunk. At least he didn't get away.

My thoughts and prayers are with you, your team, and friends.

**cracken** · September 12th, 2006, 02:02 PM

Very sorry to hear the bad news PP.

I hope your teammate didn't suffer.

I also hope the dunk driver is punished to the full extent of the law.

This is the main reason why I ride on trails, although I realize that trail riding doesn't provide the conditioning that competitors like yourself require.

**pigperson** · September 12th, 2006, 03:39 PM

Thanks all for kind and thoughtful words, yes he'll be missed. The cycling community, forum boards, and even some local businesses have been very supportive, we all thank you in this sad time.

gg3 · September 20th, 2006, 12:35 PM

I'm very sorry to hear about your loss. I have been hit several times. Thankfully nothing serious. I don't know why people don't get locked up for good with drunk driving, it's murder. Is there anything I can do to help? Will there be a fund set up to help the family? Let me know.

**ProfGumby** · September 20th, 2006, 02:53 PM

I am very sorry to hear this. My thoughts and prayers go out to this fellows family and friends.

I too hope he did not suffer.

As for the driver, I have to preface this by saying, who here amoung us has NEVER driven when they shouldn't. I cannot make that claim myself, though I have not done so in many years. (practically a tea toadaler now).

If you drive drunk, and you kill someone or even injure someone, you should be treated by the law as if you intentionally fired a gun at a crowd. If you kill someone while driving under the influence, it is murder. Period.

I may or may not lose some friends here from saying that, but so be it. As I said, my past was not all roses, and I am no saint. However, the laws need to be enforced fully so this driver never has the chance to do this again.

There is no place anymore for the repeat drunk driver either. If you have a problem, correct it. If you need help, get it. I am not foolhardy enought to assume everyone can quit cold turkey, but there is so much help available now there is no excuse.

This is also why I hate riding on the roads around here in podunk-ville. Too many idiots and repeat drunk drivers!

I'll get off my soapbox now.....