On a sad note:

You just never know...

This past Saturday, while returning home from the Saturday morning group ride in Jacksonville, Florida, we lost a great friend and brother cyclist. Brian Stines was attacking some friends at the end of a hard fought group ride and made a strong effort up the Acosta Bridge. Since most of you dont know, that's the bridge where riders go to do "hill repeats." Brian and the riders he was with live just across the bridge.

However, that was the last "attack" Brian would ever make. He got to the top of the bridge and suffered what appears to be a massive heart attack. He collapsed at the bottom of the bridge where a passing motorist stopped and called 911. By the time his friends made it down the bridge and realized what had happened, Brian had all but passed away.

Brian was a one of "the guys." He always had a smile on his face, a joke on deck and would always leave you with a story and a smile. He was someone you never grew tired of seeing, and his positive, upbeat attitude was contagious. At the age of 47 he had been riding and racing for over 20-years. Always fit and always on the rides (except when it was cold of course), he was a constant. One of the few things Brian loved more than riding was his wife Wendy. I don't know her well, but the two of them are 2 peas in a pod. One of those couples you just know is right.

It was a sad day today. We lost a great friend and cyclist way before his time. To honor Brian a group of riders met at Open Road Bicycles and rode to the service, to the graveside and then put on proper clothing for the reception. (Pictures at: http://photos.jacksonville.com/mycapture/folder.asp?event=1034183&CategoryID=9088 and http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=39479&id=1220933692&ref=mf) It was a super cool way to send Brian out, and I know he was watching down with a smile. I always love seeing friends from Jacksonville, hopefully next time its under better circumstances.

Remember, you just never know when...