cycling / Discuss

Patrick Keogh    says:

April 1st marks a special day for those of us who remember Sheldon Brown. Sheldon was famous around the world as the creator, maintainer, email-responder and encyclopaedic cycling expert behind www.sheldonbrown.com, perhaps the Internet's most famous cycling site. A man of passion, gentleness and generosity, he personally answered hundreds of emails a day from cyclists around the world. Sheldon was almost as famous for the quality and originality of his April Fool's jokes, some of which appear on the site. Sheldon died two months ago, a victim of multiple sclerosis.

So it was that on the evening of April 1st a group of Canberra cyclists gathered to remember Sheldon and his contribution to cycling in a way that he would have appreciated – a good natured and inclusive ride just for the fun of it. We started out at the Florey shops and did a lap of Lake Ginninderra. The group and their bikes covered the full spectrum – audax riders, kids as passengers on a trike, teens on mountain bikes, PP members, committed fixed-wheel riders, cruisers and down-hillers, but all with things in common; a love of cycling and an appreciation for Sheldon's legacy.

Simon Spoors and www.cyclesurgery.com.au organised the ride, and provided a BBQ afterwards (see photo). Thanks Simon! Speaking for myself I found it a great experience. Normally I ride fast, well fast for an old fat unfit guy anyway. But this event encouraged me to slow down, to talk, to freewheel, to enjoy the fabulous weather. Everything that Sheldon stood for.

At a personal level I was lucky enough to meet Sheldon at the store in Newton, Massachusetts. Years before Sheldon's internet fame, I wandered into the store and met this big, gentle guy who was happy to sit and talk about cycling and bikes, even though he knew he wouldn't make a sale to this Aussie tyre-kicker. I'll never forget him.

Thanks Sheldon. Thanks Simon!
The photos from our event.
Posted at 2:18AM, 2 April 2008 PDT ( permalink )