"The 33"-Road Bike Racing - Cyclist Killed in Calvin's Challenge

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smurfy
06-01-04, 07:06 PM
This is probably a little late for me to report this, but on May 1st, a 54 year old Akron, Ohio man was struck and killed by a motorist while competing in the Dayton Cycling Club's Calvin's 12hr Challenge endurance event in Springfield, OH.

I didn't find out about this until today when I received my June newsletter in the mail, having a minor cycling accident myself and not having been in contact with club members in a couple of months. I didn't know this person, not having participated in this event myself, but I was deeply saddened, and somewhat angry by it. Cars suck!!!

It seens that the motorist was in a hurry (aren't they always?) and he or she crossed a double-yellow line and passed a group of cyclists turning left, killing one participant but not injuring any others. As of this writing the results of the police investigation have been turned over to the prosecutor's office. The driver was not yet cited pending the results. The race was canceled after the incident.

Calvin's Challenge is perhaps the best-known 12hr endurance event in the USA. Many RAAM riders use this event as a prelude the the Race Across America.

www.daytoncyclingclub.org.


cyclezealot
06-02-04, 01:53 AM
Keep us posted...Ohio has the electric chair, right?

timmhaan
06-14-04, 08:45 PM
i'm angry too. i hope this brings more awareness to the event.


sm266
06-15-04, 08:48 AM
I hope that motorists wakes up in the middle of the night for the rest of their life, haunted by this incident. Furthermore, I hope they are charged and convicted. It's manslaughter.

don d.
12-04-04, 11:21 AM
Just a quick update to this sad story that ended the life and affected the family of an old riding mate of mine. I received an email this morning with the results of the trial of Bradley Johnson who struck and killed Bob Bachtel. Mr. Johnson was sentenced yesterday for negligient vehicular homicide, and will spend 6 months(count 'em) in jail, get a suspended license for 5 yrs, and pay various restitution costs to the family. However, the repercussions of his crime will be felt for the remainder of the Bachtel families lives.

My deepest sympathies to the Bachtel Family and to all who have suffered loss in this terrible incident.

auricpoe
12-04-04, 12:55 PM
wow.....i dont feel that 6 months and fines will cut it, but im not a lawyer

sympathies to them