Tuesday, August 30, 2011

RIP Mike Fawell

Yesterday, I noticed a very sad, shocking message via FB. Mike Fawell passed away after a bike on car collision on Thursday evening I believe. I noticed the messages about the incident on Friday from the VA listserve. Although the incident sounded horrendous, I prematurely thought he would pull through since he was at the hospital from what I could infer from the emails. As I understand now, it appears the severe head trauma was just too much to overcome.

I’ll be honest, this news was a dramatic jolt. Although I’m not a close friend to Mike, I did consider him a great competitor after being in numerous races against him this year. He was a serious powerhouse…always a threat to win a race. Above all else, he was a gracious competitor, a gentleman in an otherwise cut your heart out sport. I had mad respect for his talents on the bike. His presence will be greatly missed.

My heart hurts just thinking about what his family must be going through. I read his wife’s message on Caring bridge and really teared up upon reading her note. It’s scary shit and it makes you evaluate what’s important in life. But I also know you can’t live your life looking through the rearview mirror.

That said, I’m making a pledge to myself. I’m not going to ride like an a-hole roadie. I’m not passing judgment on who was at fault or wasting time trying to figure out how it happened. The only thing I can control are my decisions. I love to ride my bike. I don’t want to become a victim. No matter if I’m alone or with a group, I’m going to obey the laws of the road and stay alert, for my safety as well as the others that I’m riding with. I’ve seen WAY too many close calls. It’s just not worth it. I’m fine with letting others ride like idiots. I just won’t ride with them. I’ll do my own thing.

RIP Mike. You won’t be forgotten.

Post Update 10-14-2011I just read what appears to be a description of the accident HERE.I have a lot of thoughts going on in my head about this one. Not necessarily about the court proceeding and fine, but more related to the accident itself. Lots of what if's. It got me thinking about a ride not too long ago during a morning ride. A thunderstorm came thundering through about 11 am. I just happened to be riding my commuter bike with a rear light. I thought, "Wow, lucky me. I should turn this light on since the visibility is getting tough." I have to say, I was really glad to have that light. I've now mounted rear lights on all my bikes. You just never know! I'm still a firm believer that most cycling accidents result from not being seen. Maybe I should always carry a front light. It has me thinking about safety. Check out Ridebright