tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-43219471603091478.post3039443781650290128..comments2023-09-01T06:38:10.926-07:00Comments on Bike Ride Stories: 2010 DMDNiksul Valsidalvhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13720320253461353835noreply@blogger.comBlogger14125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-43219471603091478.post-22538274597260288482010-05-06T19:29:01.853-07:002010-05-06T19:29:01.853-07:00To All of this Cycling Community:
Thank you so mu...To All of this Cycling Community:<br /><br />Thank you so much for the wonderful account of Tom's last ride; it's really comforting to read about the joy he had that day.<br /><br />This is Tom's oldest sister and on behalf of the whole family I want to give each of you our heart-felt thanks for your care, your efforts and your kindness to our brother/son.<br /><br />We had the opportunity to meet some of you and express our thanks in person, but for those of you who helped, please know in the core of your souls how important your efforts on Mt. Hamilton were that day.<br /><br />Tom's girlfriend and his family have discussed the idea of supporting CPR training in Tom's memory for the riders. We will keep you all posted as the plan comes together. And the next time you ride by the place where you worked so hard to save Tom’s life you will find, if you look closely, a small purple note on the roadside reflector saying “Tom Milton Rider Extraordinaire RIP” …..may he always pull for you.<br /><br />But, for now, please have annual physicals that include a coronary evaluation, tell the people you love how important they are to you, and NEVER take "later" for granted. NOW is the most important moment you have, use it wisely.<br /><br />With love for you all,<br />MeredithMeredithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03794917086326953841noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-43219471603091478.post-2440802239273897732010-05-03T10:19:09.917-07:002010-05-03T10:19:09.917-07:00Jim, thank you for your comments. That was Jeff w...Jim, thank you for your comments. That was Jeff who'd given you the Enervit tablet. Congratulations with finishing the ride.Niksul Valsidalvhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13720320253461353835noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-43219471603091478.post-40102325578397653192010-04-30T07:28:32.161-07:002010-04-30T07:28:32.161-07:00Thank you for posting this about your ride and abo...Thank you for posting this about your ride and about Tom. I am a back-of-the-pack cyclist who came by the scene after Tom had passed away but before his body had been removed. But here's the thing: I was feeling so ill (from dehydration) that as I rounded that turn I was not able to perceive what had happened. I assumed someone had crashed going downhill, was banged up, but would be okay. The fact that all those police and rescue vehicles were there didn't sink in for me. <br /><br />In fact, I stopped and got off my bike, exhausted and sick to my stomach. You might remember seeing me, because a cyclist came to me with SAG volunteer Katy and asked if I was okay. This very kind cyclist gave me a tablet and explained that it would make me feel better (I think it was a nuun). I accepted it, but was doubtful, and was pretty sure I was going to have to SAG out. <br /><br />But I nibbled the tablet and walked my bike right past everyone and everything, never even thinking to look at what must have been a tarp covering Tom. <br /><br />Within five minutes, I was feeling better and back on my bike and slowly pedaling up Hamiltion. (I caught up to my buddy and we finished the ride many hours later. I was DNF in 2008.)<br /><br />So I want to say how sorry I am for Tom and to say thank you to the cyclist who helped me. If you're reading this, please tell me your name.Jim Otthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04720109862602572945noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-43219471603091478.post-47496022914086115262010-04-29T09:34:29.300-07:002010-04-29T09:34:29.300-07:00It sounds like you all were lucky to know Tom--and...It sounds like you all were lucky to know Tom--and he was lucky to know all of you, too. You seem like a pretty thoughtful, caring, together bunch.Dan Brekkehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03261150572253464576noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-43219471603091478.post-67952489458774050972010-04-27T21:04:14.732-07:002010-04-27T21:04:14.732-07:00swiggco world,
I agree, we should do something. ...swiggco world,<br /><br />I agree, we should do something. Perhaps have a "Tom" award on future DMD's for the last rider in? <br /><br />Yeah, I like that idea a lot.Aaronhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03814230480459261934noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-43219471603091478.post-39625452930579494592010-04-27T19:47:25.750-07:002010-04-27T19:47:25.750-07:00Tom came by my shop with his saddles a few years a...Tom came by my shop with his saddles a few years ago and I saw him at the handmade bike show in San Jose. He was a great guy and a heck of a cyclist. I think a small Tom Simpson style memorial on the roadside where he fell would be a good thing.....the last thing he was doing was the thing he loved the best-out on the open road on his bike.swiggco worldhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06676250248559678763noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-43219471603091478.post-12952008020689575952010-04-26T18:44:20.111-07:002010-04-26T18:44:20.111-07:00Vlad,
No hard feelings at all man. Nothing but sy...Vlad,<br /><br />No hard feelings at all man. Nothing but sympathy.<br /><br />The cyclists that ride doubles form a tight-knit community. I am sure I will see you out there on another ride.Marcohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05016279268570621002noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-43219471603091478.post-89185974716493062432010-04-26T12:21:32.569-07:002010-04-26T12:21:32.569-07:00How tragic. I didn't know Tom, but heard of th...How tragic. I didn't know Tom, but heard of the event, and appreciate your recounting therof. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones. Thank you for sharing this.<br /><br />Keep 'em rolling.ghd3https://www.blogger.com/profile/12527993079926701815noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-43219471603091478.post-10310099340534562722010-04-26T12:11:46.234-07:002010-04-26T12:11:46.234-07:00Heartfelt thanks to all of you for being there for...Heartfelt thanks to all of you for being there for somebody, and a secondhanded appreciation for the trauma it is. My brother died suddenly in February, and strangers tried to help... I'm so glad there are people out there who do know CPR (the fellow who foudn my brother was all worried that he might not have done it right, but we know now he was really already gone) and can keep your heads together...SiouxGeonzhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14852040976080951492noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-43219471603091478.post-46231705406585301112010-04-26T10:16:40.049-07:002010-04-26T10:16:40.049-07:00Marco,
I get what you're saying and no hard f...Marco,<br /><br />I get what you're saying and no hard feelings on my end. Understand that I'd been with Tom most of the day and seeing him lifeless was extremely shocking and upsetting. Hearing what you said seemed insensitive, though I know you didn't mean it that way -- your actions at the scene spoke louder than words. I'd written my post at 5:30 on Sunday morning because I couldn't sleep, thinking about what happened, so my mental filters weren't functioning so well when the story went online. No hard feelings on my end, hopefully not on yours either. Looking forward to seeing you at future rides.Niksul Valsidalvhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13720320253461353835noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-43219471603091478.post-22487044857462599532010-04-26T10:12:32.120-07:002010-04-26T10:12:32.120-07:00Hi
I was the guy riding with Tom out on Altamount ...Hi<br />I was the guy riding with Tom out on Altamount pass and rode with you guys up Patterson Pass. (I had the Turning Wheels for Kids jersey)<br /><br />I rode with Tom up Mines road until I had a flat tire and he went ahead<br /><br />After the lunch stop I went out by myself but Tom and another guy caught me and we rode together to the base of Mt Hamilton. Tom was talking and joking the whole way and seemed under no stress at all. I pulled ahead of Tom on the climb so didn't realize anything happened until the rest stop where a girl mentioned a biker had gone down. When Tom didn't make it to the rest stop I feared the worst.<br /><br />If the very brief few hours I got to know Tom I could tell he was a great guy, good story teller and funny. I'm sure he will be sorely missed. My prayers to his family.Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09779239615390226843noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-43219471603091478.post-50034761213095821972010-04-26T09:56:17.406-07:002010-04-26T09:56:17.406-07:00Thanks for the report.
I know CPR but I can'...Thanks for the report. <br /><br />I know CPR but I can't imagine doing it near the summit of Hamilton after 100 brutal miles.Diablo Scotthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17186138821702336405noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-43219471603091478.post-80733869577828375032010-04-26T09:08:48.342-07:002010-04-26T09:08:48.342-07:00'm so sorry this happened and our thought go o...'m so sorry this happened and our thought go out to Tom's family. This is a real tragedy. <br /><br />Marco, don't worry about it. Through most of the ride I was in a daze and could have said any number of things. We all understand how you were feeling. <br /><br />To all other riders -- knowing CPR should be common knowledge. It's really easy, but you need to be taught. It might not have saved Tom, but you could save others.Aaronhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03814230480459261934noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-43219471603091478.post-74557665864916525172010-04-25T12:06:30.421-07:002010-04-25T12:06:30.421-07:00Hey,
Just wanted to say that after the whole thin...Hey,<br /><br />Just wanted to say that after the whole thing. I thought about what I was saying, and I did not mean it like that at all. I was really just trying to think about something other than the fact that a fellow cyclist that I just gave CPR to died right in front of me. :(<br /><br />I guess what I really meant that after all the day's events, doing the rest of the course with this on my mind and finishing at 11PM was just not something I wanted to deal with to do after being a part of all this.<br /><br />My condolences to Tom and his family.<br /><br />I spoke with his girlfriend after the event, which was very sad. I am so sad about this. She was glad that when he went, it was while doing something he loved to do.<br /><br />I wish we could have saved Tom.<br /><br />Take care,<br />MarcoMarcohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05016279268570621002noreply@blogger.com