Being a large club, we are an extended family and care about each other. When members suffer a loss, challenge or injury, we sometimes don’t hear about it, but the outreach of a friend can really help uplift us in challenging times. Click the ‘posts’ below to add comments or well wishes to this blog. Use the Roster to reach out to send cards or support.
If you are willing to take a lead on this committee we can use some volunteers to keep up on news.
If you hear of news of a BCI member, or can help, please share it with Benevolence@BikeIrvine.org
Scott Hunter (BCI #2402) passed away on Thurs, Aug 11, 2022. Scott was a long-time rider with BCI and will be remembered by many of us who rode with the club back in the 1990s and early 2000s. Below is the text of his final Facebook post: Click on the heading of this post (“Scott Hunter’s Passing”) to see the full text of his daughter Deborah’s post.
May you rest in peace, Scott!
July 20, 1940 ~ August 11, 2022
Kathy has a broken ankle! She will be off the bike for awhile. “I fractured my ankle last Friday evening on a hike in Limestone Cyn. Fortunately it's a small fracture. I'm in a boot and could walk and drive but the doctor said not to bike or hike for 6-8 weeks. Thankfully, I'm not in pain. Just need to find other ways to exercise besides biking and hiking. Time to sign up for Silversneakers...ugh! I'm so not an indoor exerciser!”
On Tuesday, Aug 2, Richard Sheff and a few other BCI riders left the route after the rest stop and headed up Laguna Canyon back to Irvine. At Laguna Canyon and Pavona, while merging across the road to the left turn lane, Richard was hit from behind by a motorist. He was taken to Mission Hospital with a report of 8 ribs and 1 left finger broken in his hand, plus plenty of road rash. Richard’s bicycle was reportedly destroyed, (but maybe just the rear wheel).
What a week for our BCI riders—Richard was the third rider down!
Richard, we’re sending our best wishes for complete healing and getting back to riding as soon as possible. As serious as this is, fortunately it wasn’t even more serious!
Update: Richard is back on his bike - Was on the club ride October 4th & is back to getting his miles in after only 2 months - Welcome back Richard!
His note: “Thanks to some very skilled docs and a great deal of luck, I'm alive and feeling well. While most cyclist don't get a "redo" at living a full life after being struck by truck, I have and I'm going to make the most of it.”
On Saturday, July 30, Mike Farrell fell while riding on a BCI ride. His front wheel hit the curb as he pushed off after waiting for the light to turn green. A fellow BCI rider was there to help him up and he continued riding another eight miles to the rest stop. When others saw his bruises, he was encouraged to get to the hospital and was taken by ambulance to the ER. His ribs hurt but fortunately, x-rays showed no broken bones.
(and he was back on his bike with BCI Sunday - the very next day!)
Peter Gerrard was so kind to ride home and return to the rest stop with his car to take Mike’s bike back to Mike’s car at Deerfield Park. After returning home, he decided to ride a few more miles. While riding around a curve before an underpass, Peter crashed, hitting the wire fence and metal post. He also ended up at the hospital and was kept overnight for observation as he felt a lot of pain in his femur. He cracked a few ribs but the leg is just bruised and battered. Black and blue are his new team colors.
Thankfully, both of you are in one piece! We hope your bruises and injuries heal quickly and you both are back on your bicycles soon!
Kim’s beloved Mother, Jackie, passed away on July 24. She turned 97 a week before she passed. Jackie was still living on her own in her home in Tennessee and drove her car until 6 months ago. Kim, we send our deep condolences to you and Peter.
Ann Reichling is having her right knee replaced on July 29. Ann, we hope your surgery goes well and you have a smooth recovery. We’ll look forward to your return to riding.
Dave is having a long-awaited right knee replacement on July 27. Dave, sending our wishes for a successful surgery and full recovery. Looking forward to finally seeing Dave back on his bicycle!
Our long-time BCI member #2107 Paul Maull passed away on 7/2/22 after a long battle with prostate cancer. Tara has requested in lieu of flowers being sent, that a donation be made to the charity of your choice. Paul and Tara have been part of our BCI family for nearly three decades since joining in July of 1993. Tara, our hearts go out to you!!
Paul will be missed by countless BCI members who have known him throughout the years.
April 17, 1950 ~ July 2, 2022
Alice is recovering from her recent cataracts surgery on both eyes. The surgery was a success and she plans to be back on her bike very soon! Yeah Alice!!
After undergoing a on-board heart monitor upgrade Phil Norton is back on the road! His new model links to his smart phone and calls in any irregularity to his medical team… Good to have Phil back on the Medium routes to draft! Phil (BCI# 4001) joined BCI in July 2007. Give him a gentle pat on the back & howdy-doo when you see him!
Word is just out of the untimely death of Norma’s son, Evan, last week.
Our deepest condolences go out to Norma, Stan, their family & friends.
Norma is BCI# 2872 and joined us in April 1998.
Katja Harwat (BCI# 4364 who joined in April of 2011) was walking along, minding her own business at the Dana Point Whale events on March 3rd when a big guy was pulle dover by his bolting dog - and feel ON TOP of Katja! She broke her tibia in one lower leg and had to cancel a trip to Hawaii scheduled for March 7th. She is waiting for a cast and we hope she will mend well & be back on her bike in a few weeks… Frank Vose, BCI#4363, her husband, is taking care of her and ‘doing double duty’.
Membership Director Deby Six (BCI# 4398, joined in August of 2011 & is our 2019 Spirit Awardee) has been challenged with neck pain while riding - and after her doctor said she is vulnerable until they fuse her vertebrae she should not risk riding! Surgery scheduled April 29th, but she is still active at meetings and events as she waits for the ‘fix’ and return to happier days of more comfort while cycling!
Ann Gayton (BCI# 4208 who joined in June of 2009) is having a hip replacement on March 21.
She says she can't wait to have it done, since she can't walk 50 feet without pain. Fortunately, she’s still able to do shorter rides on the electric bike.
Ann says she’ll be ready to go dancing, take long bike rides, and hike by the end of April!
Ann, we wish you a successful surgery and that you’re new hip empowers you to bike, hike and dance to your heart’s desire!
From BCI member Chris Norton (Steve Devore’s niece):
“My uncle Steve had a pacemaker placed this week on Monday. He fainted briefly on the church steps Sunday and was taken to the hospital.. He's doing well today. I know he won't want to convalesce for long.. It would be great for him to receive some get well cards. The funnier the better.
Steve Devore: 3159 E. Los Cerillos Dr., West Covina 91791”
Steve is BCI# 2480 & joined BCI in July 0f 1995
Thank you for letting us know, Chris! We send our well wishes to Steve, our long time BCI member, and will stay tuned for updates.
Our deep condolences go out to Bob Aguilar (BCI#5046 - since 2019) and his family for the tragic loss of his 25 year old son Jason in a mountain bike crash on February 5th.
If you know Bob, please reach out and offer a bit of love and sympathy.
There was a Memorial Ride for Jason on the 12th: Here is another video of the ride.
The Celebration of Life for Jason Aguilar will be available to watch on YouTube Live on Thursday, February 24, 2022 at 6:00 PM PST. Here is the Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_r2GZMk-SJ8
At the beginning of December, Dave Marino (BCI#1608 - since 1991?) had a sudden onset of arthritis in both of his knees. The pain got to the point that he could barely walk. He has not been riding as it is too dangerous to stop and start at intersections.
Kaiser surgical has recommended replacement of both knees. He is getting around with a cane, although he can perform most household tasks (slowly) and has started back at the gym a few times a week to get a little exercise. He does not yet have a scheduled date for the surgery.
Dave reflects,
“maybe after a quarter of a million bike miles some knees just wear out. I did get 142 thousand miles out of my right knee in which I blew out the ACL 22 years ago.”
Dave has been BCI’s top mileage rider of the year multiple times. We send our well wishes for healing and riding with us again!
Beth Sher (BCI#4179 since 2009) has been challenged with what was thought to be hip issue but turned out to be a spinal nerve pinch - good news but not yet ready to saddle up and ride - we have missed her for months now and she and Aaron (BCI#4106 since 2008) have appreciated the support & well wishes of BCI friends.
If you know the Shers, please reach out and offer a bit of love and sympathy.
Mike Farrell (BCI#1259 since 1990) suffered a heart attack in late December, and was fitted with an internal defibrillator so he can’t drive or ride for 3 months - Joveth (BCI#3712 since 2005) has been bringing him to BCI regroups to say “hi”, so many have had a chance to see him. He will be allowed to resume riding after 3 months, so we have scheduled his “Tour of 5 Cities” ride in April when he will be back on his wheels
If you know Mike & Joveth, please reach out and let them know they are missed.
April update: mike has been cleared to resume cycling - and is out again enjoying his road bike with BCI!
Ed Trainor, Statistician, (BCI#4830 since 2016) has had knee surgery and is off his bike for a while to recover.
Word is he is recovering well, doing ‘rehab’ on a trainer indoors for his addiction…
If you know Ed, please reach out and offer a bit of love and sympathy and let him know he is missed.
April Update: Ed’s second knee has healed faster than the last one & he is back on his bike, riding with the club!
