Chuck5.2_in_CA

Phil...and I never knew his last name...who owned the Anaheim Hills Bike shop was killed in an auto accident on the 12th of December. I just found out about it yesterday. Apparently he was within spitting distance of his home near lake Mathews when some teenager "jumping" a hill on a dirt road collided with him head on. He never even made it to the hospital. Phil sold me my Red White and Blue Medone and took care of it over the last couple years. He was always able to me my bike back the next day and helped educate a rank newbie in intro "wrench-ology". Phil always had something going. He sold puppies. He had an automobile reseller's license but he loved bikes. He was Italian by heritage and went to the Campy factory on vacation a year or two ago. As an avid cyclist with more money than sense for this hobby, he could have probably sold me any component or bric-a-brac in the store. Instead he would jut shake his head when I wanted to buy a Dura-ace chain or tire liners or anything else that I really didn't need. He actually forbade me to get Slime for my tires ! It took him about a year and a half to convince me to get out of toe clips and into clipless. He even sent me to Performance for shoes after explaining to me the economies of carrying a full line in his shop wouldnt make sense. I for one will miss him and my thoughts and prayers go out to his family.

I talked to his brother yesterday when I brought my bike in for an annoying Click. He looks exactly like Phil except taller. He is not at all interested in keeping the shop but a young man I met wrenching the shop apparently is going to try and buy it. Iwas immediately impressed with the young man as I was sure I trashed my bottom bracket so I left the bike overnight. He rode the bike, repicated my problem and fixed it by tightening my left pedal crank arm. He wouldnt take any money...so I bought a water bottle and told him to keep the change. The shop is about 250 yards west of the In and Out on La Palma and Imperial. IF you have ever parked in that lot to ride the SART, Phil was the one to give a guy 50 bucks to build the ramp that allows us to get on the SART from the lot. IF you ever need a tube or a quick repair especially if you're near the east end of the SART give the shop a try.

merider1

Chuck, sorry to hear about your friend and what a thoughtful description you gave. Tragic death, but clearly Phil made an impression during his life. Thank you for sharing.

Mr. Beanz

Sad to hear Chuck! I met him a few years ago. I think his last name was Baldi,Rabaldi, something along those lines!

Brandy

Sounds like he was a great man and this is a great loss to the local cycling community. My condolences to his family and friends.