Sue Rudolph Crash

On Tuesday, June 17, Sue Rudolph (BCI #5215) crashed hard on Alton at approximately mile 4.5. She suffered significant injuries that required hospitalization.

Witnesses riding behind her reported to police that the group was on a descent over the 133 fwy. After the hill, the bike lane was blocked by a large “Construction Ahead” sign. Once she cleared the sign, Sue tried to tuck back into the bike lane, but struck another rider, causing two more to fall. The other two riders were shook up but otherwise not injured.

Sue is resting at home, recovering from her multiple fractures, lacerations, and contusions.

Sue has been a BCI member since July 2023 along with sponsorship from her company, Absolutely Amazing Travel. She has created an itinerary for a bicycling trip to New Zealand in January, 2026 and would like everyone to know she expects a full recovery well before then and that the trip still has more spots open. Please see: BCI West Coast New Zealand Cycling Tour

Don Tillinghast ~ October 21, 1935 to May 26 2025 Rest in Peace

Don Tillinghast, BCI #663 had been struggling ever since being diagnosed about a month ago with multiple brain tumors. He passed away on the morning of May 26th in a rest home under hospice care at the age of 89.
Don joined BCI in September 1990 and was our Ride Coordinator in 1991, President in 1997 and a Director at Large in 1998.

Please surround his wife, Ramona Dalton, 1999 Life Member BCI #662, with love. Ramona served BCI as our Secretary in 1992, Statistician in 1994, First Hospitality Director in 2013 and Membership Director in 2014 & 2015. Ramona joined BCI on May 20, 1990; 35 years ago.
If you have lost touch with Ramona, she is in the BCI Roster -
or ask Benevolence@BikeIrvine.org for her contact info.

Here is a classic photo of the two of them that has been in the BCI archives for many years, wearing one of the club’s early jerseys, designed by them. Below is a photo of them on one of the many, many trips they took with our club.

Bill Sellin Heart Attack!

Bill is home from the hospital after a scary Tuesday ride.

Bill was late to the start for Tuesday morning’s ride and some might have thought that maybe his heart just wasn’t into it that day.

Little did we know - it literally wasn’t.

Once Bill arrived at University Park, the group had left. He had trouble catching up, felt back pain, and his heart rate wouldn’t come down. By the time he loaded his bike in the car after the 30 mile ride and was about to head to the ER, he decided to follow his own advice recently given to another member, “If it’s your heart, don’t mess around.” The University Park staff called 911 for Bill. Sure enough, he was having a heart attack. 

By 2:40 he’d had 2 stents put in, resuming blood flow to his heart and far more comfortable. He spent the night in the Hoag Cardiac Care Unit enjoying the excellent care. Bill is home resting today, Wednesday April 30th. Knowing him, he’s looking forward to his next ride. We’ll see what his docs say. Pictures shared below for the medically curious.

***Click on the title of this post to add/read comments including an update from Bill.

A Request from Mike Brooks

Mike Brooks was an active member of our club for a number of years before moving out of southern California. Our club VP in 2011 and 2012, he was often an important volunteer for the “The Summer Solstice” remote rides to Carlsbad, driving the luggage truck, trailer and sag. Mike has reached out to old friends in BCI:

Hello everyone,

I'm reaching out with a heartfelt request for support. After losing my right foot below the knee in November 2022, I've made strides in my recovery thanks to the generosity of many. However, the reality of living on social security is becoming more challenging as inflation rises and Medicare benefits are cut. My recent weight loss has created a significant change in my leg, resulting in a need for an adjustable prosthetic socket. While my insurance approved this, there's a $2000 gap between what they cover and the actual cost. This unexpected expense is a heavy burden for me, and I am hoping for your kindness once again. Your contributions would mean the world to me and would help me regain my mobility and independence. Thank you for considering helping me through this tough time.

Warm regards,
Michael Brooks

https://gofund.me/52a97641

Susan Soper's Passing

Susan Soper had a very late diagnosis of leukemia last year and on Sunday she went to emergency, and passed at 5:15 on Monday the 26th.
We were shocked when word spread on the Tuesday ride - many of us had recently see her at our coffee stop on the Saturday ride just January 18th.
Susan joined BCI in February 1996 and is BCI# 2582. She was very active and our Statistician in 1999.
She was born July 29, 1955 and left too soon. Our deep condolences to everyone who knew her.

Kent Peppard's Solo Crash Injury

We received the news that fellow member Kent Peppard had a major bike injury. The crash occurred in West Irvine, on a residential street southwest of Portola Pkwy and the Peters Canyon Trail.

Kent texted, “On October 8th while riding in a quiet neighborhood near my house, I was hit by a “hit and run” driver. I don’t remember anything about the accident until I woke up in the hospital”. (Ken is back on his bike - When Ken got back on his bike, he found his pedal clip spring on his shoe had failed - so he was likely thrown down while pedaling and NOT hit by a motorist after all - CHECK YOUR SPEEDPLAY CLEAT SPRINGS! ) “I broke my femur and had surgery. I broke my collarbone and I got a concussion.  I am now staying in a Rehab facility and I will be here for two more weeks.” 

Additionally, Kent suffered  numerous, large scrapes. Needless to say, this sounds like it was a very serious crash. Kent is on the mend, but recovery will take “a couple of months”. 

Many of us recently enjoyed Dr. Kent’s lecture on “the aging brain” at the September BCI General Meeting. Kent is a strong, experienced rider and is an asset to the club. Both by training and by nature, Kent is a positive person. However, he says he would appreciate cheerful texts from BCI friends to help him pass the time at the Rehab Facility so let’s make Kent feel supported and encouraged. Rather than post Kent’s phone/text number here, please email us at Benevolence@bikeirvine.org and we’ll provide Kent’s number. Thank you for your care and compassion.

June Update: Kent is back on his bike and has this cautionary tale to share!

“…I was riding on a quiet street with little traffic in front of an elementary school. I crashed and was knocked out. All I remember is being in the ER with two police officers talking to me. I spent two weeks in the hospital.

I thought it must have been a hit and run. Even the police suspected this. They told me they had looked around the crash site and saw nothing that could have caused the crash. It was only later when I was home that I noticed the spring on my left cleat was broken.

Cleat with failed spring…

Cleat is supposed to look like this.

The two photos show the failed spring and what the cleat is supposed to look like with the spring intact.
Speedplay says you should replace the cleats after 5,000 miles. I had easily over 15,000 miles on these pedals.
When the spring broke, my left foot went flying off the pedal and I crashed.
I had no idea this spring could fail. This should be a cautionary tale to anyone who is still using the old Speedplay X-series pedals.
Several years ago Wahoo bought Speedplay and modified the pedal design making it supposedly better and safer. 
If people want to continue using the old X-series pedals they can still get cleat replacements on Ebay. Maybe best to go with the new Wahoo pedals.
I switched over to Shimano SPD SL pedals, which I like a lot.”

Kent Peppard

Bob Fairfield's Passing

After a hard-fought, two year battle with cancer we have lost a good BCI friend, Bob Fairfield on October 3rd. Our heartfelt condolences go out to Monica McCarthy, his devoted wife.

Bob was President of the Orange County Wheelmen (OCW) and he joined us in January 2014, becoming the BCI Director at Large in the 2022/23 term. Bob was influential in helping both BCI and OCW by doing the best to represent the interest of cyclists and to help put on good events, most notably the OC Bicycle Rally.

A funeral service will be held on October 25th at 10:30 AM at St. Kilian Church, Estanciero Dr. in Mission Viejo. Monica has provided the following obituary that in her own words, “is beyond beautiful.” For those of you who knew Bob, these words will certainly resonate…

https://www.oconnormortuary.com/obituaries/robert-george-bob-fairfield/

Here is the link to the livestream for Bob’s funeral Mass: https://youtube.com/live/6QYTRy8MSpc?feature=share

Elliot Gordon Broken Leg 2.0

Elliot Gordon (BCI #4023), who was just back in the saddle recently, has broken his leg in a surfing accident (October 2023). The break was to his left leg, both the tibia and fibula.

He’s been told to expect a long convalescence until things heal and then he may need to consider knee replacement surgery. He wants all to know that he is “getting great care.”

Elliot, we wish you a good recovery and your biking friends will certainly miss riding with you.

January Update: Elliott is back to hammering with BCI and playing in the snow!

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Elliot Gordon Broken Leg 2.0

On the return half of the Tuesday Ride, May 14, Elliot fell and broke the femur of his same left leg!
He tumbled on the joint between the gutter pan and asphalt on SB Harbor just past Walnut and fell slow but hard on his hip. A good neighbor saw him go down & not get up, blocked the lane with his car and called 911.
Lothar was just ahead and went back to help Gary Miller unclip Elliott’s shoe, but he was in considerable pain. Xrays at Hoag Irvine confirmed a fracture, and he was moved to Hoag Newport on Wednesday to have surgery - they hammered a long pin down the length of his femur. They kept him in until Saturday to give him a transfusion to top off his anemia. He is ‘resting’ at home with considerable discomfort, but as usual, we expect him back at it sooner than the prognosis!

Photo Credit: Lothar Jeromin

Bob Davidson

We just got word that Bob Davidson, BCI# 3136 (Joined March 26, 2001 with his wife Carol BCI#3135) passed away on January 31st. Notice from his FaceBook page below.

Our condolences to Carol,
his family and many friends.
No longer in our roster but contact Bill@BikeIrvine.org for Carol’s private contact info.

Penny Poorman's Birthday Celebration Weekend

That's right! It’s CAKE ON SATURDAY after the ride and ICE CREAM ON SUNDAY at Dana Point Harbor! See below for rain updates…

SATURDAY, September 30th, 12:30 PM

UPDATE: Rain or shine, come at 12:30 PM Saturday to the Oak Creek shopping center food court -  5600 Alton Parkway - next to Gelsons in Irvine.  (BCI’s usual 1st Saturday Lunch Place)

For as long as it holds out, THERE WILL BE CAKE! 
But wait…there’s more!

SUNDAY, October 1st, 9:00 AM

UPDATE: No ride if it rains! If it’s clear, meet at Dana Point Harbor for a ride through the campgrounds and along the coast. We'll ride 15 miles south, tag the Pendleton fence and head the 15 miles back to the harbor.

Park in the large lot at Dana Point Harbor Drive and Golden Lantern (Near El Torito restaurant). Roll out will be at 9:00 a.m.

Enjoy ice cream afterwards at the harbor.

75? No way!

David Welker (BCI #1762) breaks again…

Edited report submitted by Richard Sheff:

“Dave's foot got caught in his pedal while trying to dismount from his bike on Wednesday, June 14th. 
The result, a broken left femur, close to the hip.  The operation was a success.  On Saturday, Dave seemed to be sufficiently drugged and resting comfortably at Hoag Hospital in Newport.  Sunday, he expects to be moved to a care facility for 2 weeks of rehabilitation.  Give him a call: 949-278-5531.  He'll be happy to hear from you.”

Reports are that, alone on his ride, he had to call 911 himself to get a lift to the nearest ER…!

Update: As of 6/26 David has been sent home & is getting around with a walker already!
He has since returned to riding with the BCI.

Member's Bicycle Stolen

Jonathon Han (BCI#5163) joined BCI last August and his bicycle was stolen!

”I'm writing to inform you that my road bike was stolen outside the Heritage Library on June.1, so I will no longer be able to attend our club rides.  I reported to local police since my bike was locked under the CCTV camera but so far no feedback from IPD . I checked on the Facebook marketplace and Craigslist but no luck there.  

So I kindly request your assistance if there are any other sightings or relevant information that the club’s members could have. 
The details of my stolen bike are as follows.
This bike accompanied me for many races and was shipped from China, it's quite meaningful to me. 
Brand:  Winspace.  ( with the "IRONMAN Vietnam70.3 "sticker on the frame. ) 
Color: White, red and black. as below picture . 

If you happen to spot my bike or have any information that may assist in its recovery, please notify me immediately. Hopefully we can increase the chances of locating and retrieving my bike.

I look forward to rejoining our club rides as soon as I can, 
Best regards,
Jonathan Han 

Tel: 907 382 0587 

Phil Norton back to biking after heart surgery

On April 25, Phil Norton had a successful Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement. He reported improved blood flow and walked about a quarter mile in the hallways that morning without using the walker. He was back home the same day and had to exercise patience by staying off the bicycle for about a week. Phil was back on the bike on April 30 completing a 5 mile ride.

Way to go, Phil! Wishing you continued wellness!

Ramona Dalton's 80!

Ramona Dalton, Spirit Awardee and BCI# 662, turned her 80th lap around the sun today, April 19th. She will be at our 1st Saturday - After Ride Lunch on May 6th so join us in celebrating her milestone with a bit of cake !

Sad news--Mike Kirk

I’m sad to report that former BCI member Mike Kirk unexpectedly passed away on Tue, Apr 11 due to complications during a heart ablation procedure. He was 73 years old.

Mike joined BCI in 1994 (BCI#2220). Mike and his wife Nancy (Spencer) met in BCI and were married on a BCI remote weekend in Solvang. They went on many bicycle trips in the U.S. and abroad, often on their tandem with other BCI couples. Mike and Nancy eventually moved to Arizona, where Nancy is still living.

I think it’s safe to say that those of us who knew Mike have only the fondest of memories. He was friendly to everyone he encountered and consistently had a smile on his face.

Nancy has expressed that she would love to hear from BCI friends. Her email is nancykirk24@gmail.com. Please email benevolence@bikeirvine.org if you’d like her mailing address.

Nancy would like to welcome their BCI friends to Mike’s Celebration of Life on May 13, 1:00-3:00 pm.

Pedal Haus Brewery Restaurant, 730 S. Mill Ave, #102, Tempe, Arizona 85281

Please RSVP to Nancy by email if you’re able to attend: nancykirk24@gmail.com.

Another Milestone Birthday!: Celebrate Betsy Jackson!

Please save the date of Sunday, April 30th at 2:30 PM for BCI#4897;
Betsy Jackson’s 65th birthday celebration at the
Oak Creek shopping center food court - 5600 Alton Parkway - next to Gelsons in Irvine. 
(BCI’s usual 1st Saturday Lunch Place)
There are several restaurants available for lunch !
We will be serving cake at 3:30 . Hope you can join us for lunch or just stop by to wish Betsy a happy birthday and have a piece of cake 🎂  hosted by her BCI friends!

Jenny Short will be Turning 80 in March!

Save The Date - 5th March, 2023.
Jenny Short (BCI# 2146) is continuing on a tradition that Mike Farrell started back in October & asking her family and friends to join her in celebrating her 80th at 2:30pm on Sunday March 5th, 2023 at the Oak Creek food court at 5600 Alton Parkway, next to Gelson’s. There are quite a few restaurants available for lunch choices, Mustard Café, The Stand, Taquiero Tacos, OC Fish Grill, Maizuru Sushi Bar, Upper Crust Pizza, Gelson’s salad bar, and we will have birthday cake around 4:00PM.    
Jenny hopes you can make it and please pass this on to anyone you think might want to help her celebrate.
Jenny has been a member since September 1993;
almost 30 years!

Benevolence Committee

Kathy Shapiro (BCI# 288) stepped forward to chair a benevolence committee to help collect & share news and offer support. If you are interested in joining her ‘team’
please let her know.

If you know any of the members mentioned below, please reach out and offer a bit of love and sympathy.
You can also click right on the post & add your own comments to post.
If you know of other members who are facing challenges, confirm they want to have the news shared with BCI first, then please let us know by clicking THIS blog post and adding a comment below so we can get the word out.