As much as I felt bad about Chris' recent passing, I did not feel overly cheated as I had never had the chance to meet him in person and it was obvious that he himself could foresee the end coming because of a debilitating disease. Dave on the other hand seemed the picture of good health and good humour. I had also had the chance to spend a few moments with his charming smile and quick wit. I am, like Brian, incredulous. What a first class bummer!
I hate to admit it, but I just spent an hour with my wife going over what I would like to happen with my bikes were premature death to ever catch me. I believe that I have taken sufficient steps to guarantee the future for my whole family, so that my bikes can be 'reappropriated' to deserving people, without any need to resort to 'sale to the highest bidder'. Initially, this was a depressing thought, but I now realize that this has actually brought the flicker of a smile to my otherwise sombre face. Dave was like this during his life, he shared his knowledge and experiences with everybody.
If Brian manages to get a copy of Dave's photo on the track bike, I would feel honoured to bring a copy of it to Ghisallo the next time I go over to Italy. While I am certain that he will be looked after, with the image of him riding the boards somewhere dancing through my head, I would be doubly happy to know that the Madonna del Ghisallo be aware.
I mentioned in my earlier post that we should institute some type of remembrance to Dave. Is there perhaps some left coast CR listmember, who is familiar with Dave's personal situation, who also has the time to look after this?
Steven Maasland
Moorestown, NJ