One thing about working for a custom bike manufacturer is you really get to know your customers. They're not just people whose orders you take. These are people you develop a bond with. Many of those folks whose blogs you see linked on the left side over there are friends of mine. And there are many others who are not so net savvy and/or as extroverted that I feel similarly about.

Needless to say, it really hurts to lose a friend, no matter what means you use to establish your relationship. I could tell at least a few sad stories. But I won't.

I'd instead like to tell an inspiring story catalyzed by a sad situation.

I got a call the other day from my customer Jack Carney's wife. When she told me that Jack had been hit and killed by a car, I was floored. I knew Jack loved his bike: he told me so! He even went on a little bike trip (to Heartland State rail-to-trail in Minnesota) with his son, John, and sent pictures. When Rita said that she sort of felt like she owed it to Bike Friday to let us know about Jack's death because of how much he loved our product, our service, and our company, I was seconds away from crying.

Instead, Rita shocked me. She told me that she didn't want flowers or cards. She told me that she felt Jack's death was caused by ignorance. She told me that she felt inspired to give back to the community and do everything she could to educate people about the fact that bikes belong.

She even told me that if we want to send something, we should send money.. to cycling organizations of her choice.

So this entry is a tribute to Jack, a great cyclist who rode to live. I'll miss you, buddy.

But this entry is also a tribute to Rita, who will help cyclists live/ride to ride/live through her efforts in Jack's honor. Amazing that in light of her loss that she can be inspired to make something positive about it. I'm _still_ amazed and inspired. Here's to you, Rita *insert clinking of glasses here*!

And lastly, this entry is to you. Please remember Jack. If you have any money to spare, please spare it to the following organizations so that I will not have to bring up such sad topics as losing a friend.

P.S. The torch gets passed on: Jack's son John is now the proud owner of his father's Bike Friday.

P.S.S. Even his bike club had something to say about Jack. He touched a lot of lives in a positive manner.

P.S.S.S. The service is already over. Here's Rita's description: "Jack was riding to Granada Park to join his riding group when he died, so we held the memorial at Granada Park. At least 100 cyclists in full riding gear rode in from a 50 mile trip to attend the service. Co-workers, family and friends attended in the requested attire, either riding clothes or jeans, shorts, and Hawaiian shirts. It was a beautiful day and a wonderful celebration of life that ended with a picnic on the ground. Jack's sister, Patty, gave the 'formal' eulogy and many of us then shared stories and memories of Jack. We all agreed that Jack's passion was cycling and he died loving what he was doing. Not many people can say that. I will tell you about a couple of 'odd' experiences that happened that day. First, Jack has a little windmill in the shape of a rider on a bike. It's a birthday gift from his sisters. The wheels of the bike turn when in a breeze. During the opening of the service when the musicians were playing, the wheels were spinning like crazy but stopped dead when his sister, Patty, got up to give the eulogy. The wheel stayed still until the closing song, 'The Lord's Prayer'. Everyone commented that Jack stopped long enough to listen. I think it pleased him. The second thing that happened was that as I was saying goodbye to the many people there, a lone cyclist rode off in the distance, and I thought 'there goes Jack – tail winds always'."