Pedal on Dave…

A Vermont cyclist lost his life today doing what he loved – riding his bike and being ‘out there’ in the wild. Dave Blumenthal, who rode our Champlain 300k last year, was descending a pass near the Colorado / Wyoming border while racing the Tour Divide. He struck a pickup truck head on and suffered serious head injuries. He has a wife and young daughter. More information at the TD website.

Dave heading down the causeway on the 300k
Dave (in yellow) aboard the bike ferry, with friends and bikes.

He wrote this on the last post from his blog before he left for the Tour Divide:

I also tried my best to be there for Linnaea, soon to be 4. She will miss me in ways an adult cannot truly appreciate, and I hope that our love will not be weakened by my absence. I hope that local friends will come to play, visit, and support Lexi and Linnaea while I’m gone, so that their time without me is happy and fulfilling.

I do not know Dave’s family – I’ve only seen them out and about in Montpelier on a chance meeting at Positive Pie. I’ve followed his blog and rode with him for a bit at the start of the 300k last year… but from those brief encounters and from his writing I could tell he was a good man and someone whom had a deep spirit for adventure. Reading his last post brings tears to my eyes – my biggest fear when I head out on the road is that I will leave behind a loving wife and a little one… and knowing that the things we do – whatever they may be – can all come to an end so quickly.

Pedal On Dave, and may your family and friends find Peace.

One Reply to “Pedal on Dave…”

  1. I read about Dave’s passing, saw he was from Vermont, and wondered if you knew him. Such a tragic story. I didn’t know him, but from reading his blog you can really get a sense of his adventurous spirit and positive attitiude. Also, his homemade bike bags look amazing!

    My thoughts go out to his family.

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