I drove to Cap't house and together we quietly rolled to MSP. Initially when we first rode up to MSP, there were only a few riders. Slowly but surely more cars drove in as ride time approaches. The VeloViets had invited a few local cycling clubs, and all together we had 70 riders at MSP at 8 AM.
Photo - 70 Riders Attended Today's Memorial RideVeloViet Captain Thomas started speaking and made a very touching tribute in memory of Mark. You can tell that he was also trying to stay strong for the club and his voice was full of emotion. He was trying to hold his emotion in check and everyone was trying to hold back their tears.
Photo - VeloViets listened to Cap't Tribute to Mark
Photo - VeloViets Were Trying Hard to Hold in TearsThomas recounted a bit of Mark and noted that Mark was passionate about sports, especially cycling. Cap't too stressed the importance that we learned from this event, but also the need to move on with our lives.
After his memorial speech, the mood picked up a little as everyone got ready to roll. On PCH, I am reminded that this is a "memorial" ride and not a "mourning" ride and everyone remembered Mark by doing the thing that he loved to do... and that is cycling! I did my "IronLegs" sprints and captured some photos.
Photo - VeloViets Ready to Roll
Photo - Roxy and Cap't Manning the Front
Photo - Rock Racers Bringing Up the Pack
Photo - Ted and Keith
Photo - Toan and Khanh
Photo - BaoAnh and John
Photo - Jonathan and Kiet
Photo - Nancy and Ngoc
Photo - David and Chi
Photo - Candy's Tandem Crew and Scott
Photo - The Pack was about a Block LongAs we rode from dense fog into the bright sunlight, it was as if a new page was turned, and a new chapter started in the history book of the VeloViet Cycling Club.
Photo - Foggy from the Start of the Ride
Photo - Later Riding into the Bright SunshineAfter the ride, VeloViet members met at the Memorial site, where IronMan and Keith had set up a roadside memorial for Mark. At the site, John explained details of the event and everyone listened and learned from this tragedy.
Photo - John Described Some of the Details at the Memorial Site
Photo - Cap't Attaching the Plaque to the Dedicated BikeCap't made another speech and reiterate again the importance to remember Mark, to learn from this event, but also the need to move pass this tragedy and continue with our lives. We all listened and understood his messages.
We said our goodbyes to Mark today, but he will forever be remembered. Master Racer Haldane said it best... "Non Omnis Moriar". Mark shall not wholly die and will be always in our VeloViet hearts. Rest in peace Mark.
Phong
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ReplyDeleteIt was a nice memorial ride for the VeloViet OC team to bring closure to this incident. Mark said farewell too soon but we know that he’s in a better place so we're happy for him. He had left many cheerful memories with his extended VV family and we’re grateful for that. Thanks everyone for coming out to show your support.
ReplyDeleteWhat a Memorial Ride for Mark, thank you every one for support, it means so much for his family and for V V as a team.
ReplyDeleteI will see you next ride. Ngoc
Mark will forever be in our VV's book of life...it's a new chapter...a closer and stronger family and community as we continue to live and learn through the act of cycling, being, and becoming....
ReplyDeleteMark, Rest In Peace...You will be missed!
ReplyDeleteUnlike all other previous rides, hardly a sound could be heard except for muffled whirring of chains. Even without a word spoken, we felt the thick of heavy emotion permeated the chilly autumn air. It didn’t matter much that the shroud of fog had reduced visibility of almost nil; our teary vision was blurred anyways. As the solemn possession rolled down PCH, somewhere from unseen space a refrain of a song by Kansas could be heard,”I close my eyes. Only for a moment and the moment’s gone. Dust in the wind. All we are is dust in the wind. Nothing lasts forever but the earth and sky. It slips away. And all your money won’t another minute buy. Everything is dust in the wind…” Good bye, Mark, we’ll ride again somewhere in another life time.
ReplyDelete