It is with a heavy heart that I tell you we (the biking community here on the island) have lost another great rider. This one was very close to me. I met him just over a year ago, but we became such good friends I referred to him as my big brother. At first of course there were rumours going around as to what happened. This is what happens when people talk. Not intentional but stories change after people tell other people. Going to the source I found the truth. It was not any easier to take. Initially it was shocking and gut wrenching. All I can think about these days are the memories and the regrets that I didn't get to tell him about my most recent bike road trip to Osoyoos. Or that I found a new bigger bike I wanted to get. The excitement I had at the thought of riding across Canada is now lost. As that of getting the new bigger bike.
What can I say? He was a great rider, so much that it is hard for all of us here to accept that such a tragedy has taken place. That of all people, how could this happen to him. No one else is to blame, it was just him. No drunk driver, no one turning left in front of him. This is so very tragic. His generosity, kindness, helpfulness and just everything in general.. we will not forget.
I am glad to have the friends I do who have checked in on me. Thanks go out to all the friends who have offered to be there should I need a shoulder. There are a lot of things in life you never expect, and it is certainly not esy to go through alone. I hope for anyone else out there who loses someone near and dear, that you have friends as great as mine to help you through this.
On top of all this is the fact that we have lost another great person too. It was only a few days after Will's funeral and memorial ride were posted that this devastating news came. So this Saturday will be for Will, "Crazy Will" as we know him. And I think we only called him that because he loved to ride as much as he did. He was big on safety. Still not sure what happened to him. RIP Will.. The Breast Cancer ride is on Sunday. And as far as I know, the service for George will be the folowing Saturday. If his body is released sooner than later, there will be a viewing tomorrow.
RIP Bro. I will miss hearing you call me "Sis" or "Kiddo". I feel honoured to have had the oppourtunity to have met you. May you find many twisties and have the best rides ever!