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.
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.
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.