I can't believe this is true. :(

I'm speechless

I wish I was there to participate in those memorial activities with you guys. And Mike I've been fixated on the same thing all day. I also felt like it was one of those things where you try and seek comfort where there is none. Bleh. I don't know what else to say.

Sadly, I have some experience in this area and it is as simple as that, misjudging one's space and time and "stepping on someone's foot" only you are in control of 3500 lbs of metal, so "stepping on someone's foot" leads to tragedy.

It is a brutal situation, all around. The driver is a moron of course but we all know people who have driven drunk, it is almost socially acceptable in some circles, we have to change our attitudes towards intoxication in society. The amount of pain and suffering that could be saved if people could just control themselves a bit better and be a little more responsible, it is staggering to think of it.



edit: I just re-read what I wrote and I don't mean that I have experience driving drunk (never have, never will) I meant the experiences I had whilst working as a paramedic (I don't think I ever mentioned that in this thread before, what I used to do). The number of drunken idiots that get behind the wheel is scary. We only saw them after they had destroyed something and that number was high, I can only imagine how many of them make it home without incident.

Yeah Mike, exact same thing I've been thinking about. Wondering how it all went down, hoping that he didn't suffer. I'm actually reading "Hey Nostradamus!" right now, of all books. Yesterday I was reading it on my lunch break and they were actually talking about when the character Jason's brother Kent died in a car crash. Lots of very similar sentiments to what was already going through my mind.

I'm definitely up for a ride/whatever.

I also got a couple emails from Ted Tabor, who posted on Charlie's blog, and who I assume is a family friend. I'll post them up here for all to see...

============================================

"Thank you for contacting me.

We too find the news very unsettling. There has not been too much in the papers
because Val and Caroline (parents) have only been notified on Monday.

The accident took place on Saturday early afternoon near Brooks (outside
Calgary)...on trans canada hiway near intersection with route 36. I saw a news 600
story about it. Seems a motorist drifted over to the edge of the road and struck
him from behind. That is all we know for the moment.

Val and Caroline are waiting the arrival of Thoby (brother). I think the funeral
will be on Monday or Tuesday.

I know this is not much and we all grieve. It is of consolation to know that
Charlie was doing what made him happy."

============================================

"One more item. If any of you have recent photos of Charlie it would be kindly
appreciated to have a copy. We are trying to collect as many as possible for his
parents and brother.

The family is currently in Toronto (I am sure the funeral will be held there) and
Charlie has many friends over here as well. Any news that you find would be helpful
to us.

Thank you kindly again for your contact. "

============================================

So yeah, if anyone has any digital photos/video/etc of Charlie, you can send them to me (or arrange to get me a cd-r)... just PM me for my email address. I know I definitely have some from some rides and from our first trip to the velodrome.

that would be awesome.

I too have been feeling un-settled with so little info about what happened. The lack of coverage in the news sadly makes me think it is some crazy joke gone bad and that he is gonna pop up and say punked. I would gladly put aside the anger and desire to smack him for putting us all on and give him a big bear-hug. I am gone up North this evening for the O-Cup race in Elliot Lake but will be coming back ASAP after the race to make sure I am back for the service. Could someone make sure to post up the service details as soon as they are known so I can make arrangements to attend.
The whole team, particularly Bradyn and I, will be racing on Sunday with Chuck in our hearts and our legs. I can only hope I have the strength and tenacity that our lost brother had.

Keith, if I find out anything regarding a memorial service or anything I'll be sure to give you a call on your cell.

edit: I keep thinking the same thing.. re: punked + bear hug

Thanks for the reminder Wes. I actually just remembered that I still have a whole roll of film (which Mike gave me) in my 35mm that hasn't even been developed yet - filled with pictures from our velodrome trip.

I don't even have words to explain what i'm feeling right now except that this is bull****.

Black rings of honor ...
 

I've been back from vacation about a week and a half and have just been catching up on everything... hadn't really checked BF until last night. What a kick to the nuts. While I was away I had some crazy times with some professional athletes that I was telling - any chance I'd get - about a buddy who was doing THE most amazing ride. They were floored. For whatever reason - having only really hung out with Charlie IRL a couple of times - I was filled with pride every time.

People who don't ride tend not to understand why we do what we do. But when you tell the same people about a massive undertaking - the courage, planning, preperation and know-how - like this and they seem to kind of get it. They understand the lust for freedom we have. I've been so inspired by this ride I was imagining all of the steps I'd have to take to make it a reality for me as well. That inspiration is still there, but it's slightly obscured right now by the seething rage I'm filled with at the absolute hubris the person who was to goddamned lazy or... honestly, there's no valid excuse... not one that I can think of why you would roll the dice with other people's lives. I totally agree Shapelike. The other thing that has me vibrating is the fact that no matter what, nothing will really happen to the person who did this. They might go away for a few years - I garuantee no more then ten - and they'll be driving again shortly thereafter... oh and drinking before that. All's well that ends well. Except the wrong person is left on the planet and it's no safer for the rest of us. It's like he's died in vain. The press can't even be bothered to report on it. Grrr.

I didn't know him as well as a lot of you on here but it's become obvious from reading everything here and in the memorial post that his infectious character instantly touched anyone who came near him. And that's a rare find.

@Duppy: Following the aforementioned feelings, I instantly thought, "we need to go finish that ride." Funny you said that.

And I think a memorial ride/rolling wake is a great idea.

What a waste.

Ride In Peace Shiz.

i was thinking a spokecard might be a good idea.

based on that, this is the article...

http://www.660news.com/news/local/ar...05_015645_5284

sadly, i also came across another article of similar nature, i.e., a young ontario cyclist killed by a vehicle that went on to the shoulder near banff.
http://calsun.canoe.ca/News/Alberta/...0/4303399.html

i think andrew/TJ is at work on one...

I think that is a great idea. Easy for everyone to take part in. All my bikes will be so adorned today.
T.J. is workin on a spoke card. I will try to have em lammed for Monday or Tuesday.

i'm kind of upset i won't be here for any memorial ride (leaving for halifax tonight), i didn't know charlie too well, but having been on a bike tour this summer i know it is a gruelling, tough, and very dangerous experience... and every cyclist belongs to a loosely (sometimes tighter) knit community and brother/sisterhood. it seems so unfair for his life to end that way, apart from his home, family and friends. any downed rider deserves a good send-off.

My computer was being fixed, and I wish it still was now. I can't believe Charlie was killed. I'll write more later, but I'm in too much shock to do much of anything right now. Poor Shiz, he will be missed so much by his family, friends and those of us lucky and blessed to know him.

Wes, you have my number, please let know about the service.

I am for a memorial ride.

I don't think this has been posted yet.

Aug 22-26th Bicycle Film Fest is in Toronto : http://bicyclefilmfestival.com/2007_site/toronto/

agreed

Really looking forward to that.. hopefully I'll have my new bike built up by then. I just ordered a bunch of drivetrain parts this morning.

do tell; is the urbanite going into retirement?

Not retirement.. just more beater/winter/rain duty. That's all for now. :)

Also, someone mentioned doing a PBK order recently for tires. Did I miss out on that? Trying to decide between Conti GP4000's and Gatorskins.

Hey guys, long time no posting. I'm in shock about what happened to charlie. Really torn up about it, I don't know what to say about it. If anyone is getting drinks tonight or tommorrow please give me a call.

You know i've always said to myself when bikers get hit "well maybe they weren't quality riders, maybe they made a mistake" I know charlie was a grade A QUALITY rider. I know he could handle a bike as well or better then I can. If it can happen to him it can happen to any of the rest of us.

Rest in peace Charlie.

I think I'm going to buy a helmet this weekend.

I really can't believe this. I see liquor and safety in my future.

so what are you building up?

bikeforums groupbuy iro

RIP Charlie