Fatality at Wilminton, OH June 2012....RIP Gerald

[PANHEAD PAT]

Ali,
   We wish to extend our sincerest condolences & sympathy. We are deeply saddened by the loss of a fellow racer. Although we didn't know Gerald we did speak with him in the parking lot of the hotel Saturday eve & Sunday morning. He told us of the second gear issue & seamed to be a touch disappointed but determined to over come the trouble. Sunday morning as we were in the parking lot  we spoke & he was excited about going fast. His words were "I AM going to go fast today" word I will NEVER forget. He was doing what he loved. Again our sincerest condolences & sympathy to you & Geralds family.
Pat S (Panhead Pat)
Sharon C (Ohio Flats)
   Owners/riders of the
   Pat's Cycle Works
   9701 A/PG 1350 - The Hooha Special
   9241 MPS/PF 2000

[Kix]

If you haven't seen it on the Ohio Mile Facebook page, Keith posted a great article that Freiburger wrote after John Beckett died.... 

David's perspective is both insightful and appropriate for the circumstance:

http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hotrod.com%2Ffeaturedvehicles%2Fhrdp_0512_starting_line_risk%2F&h=nAQG5BZZ4AQGgyU_alIy_dXLbzh8LG03Cid0wTP0cufShCQ

RIP Gerald...

Kix

[manta22]

Freiburger's article explains racing very well-- thanks, Dave.

And let me add a quote from Steve McQueen in "Le Mans"-- "Racing is living, everything else is just waiting."

Regards, Neil  Tucson, AZ

[shiphteey]

Thanks everyone for the words.  Means a lot.  Feel a little better today.  It will just take time...

A.

[TerryW]

Ali,
Time will help. Time will heal. Let your friends help you through this, they are there for you. My thoughts and prayers go out to Gerald and his family. You have done well in your words and his family will be grateful. God speed.
Terry

RIP Gerald
(picture is Gerald's profile picture on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/people/Gerald-Deneau/100003281667263#!/photo.php?fbid=117117485074306&set=a.117117481740973.17751.100003281667263&type=3&theater)

[relaxedphit]

Ali, when I had the pleasure of meeting your dad while in pre-stage a few years ago, he said that he wished you would race a bike more like mine (slow) and he didn't know why you needed to go so fast; but he did understand your drive and respected your choices. That is part of your understanding Gerald's desires and you were able to do your best to help him be as safe as you could. There is a bike shop in town that has a long list of the ways one might die while riding, but the last thing on the list is "or you can sit at home eating potato chips and watching tv and die." We all wish we had as good and caring friends around as you were for Gerald.

[AaronFord]

TerryW-Thank you for the pic. 

Ali-Although I did not know Gerald personally, I do recall seeing him on Saturday and I do recall the green bike that was having problems shifting.  I can only imagine what it took to write the recount.  My condolences to you and the family for the loss. 

Sincerely, Aaron 

[Dan Stokes]

As a "car guy" (now a "truck guy") I can only imagine the stresses involved in taking a fast bike down the track.  But as an Old Guy, thanks for helping another old guy take a stab at it.  I'd rather burn out than rust (sort of a Neil Young quote).

Best Positive Energy
Dan

[DKA]

Ali,
My heart goes out to you and Gerald's family.  I think I can imagine how bad you feel.   I worked the start line on Saturday and spoke with him several times about his passes down the course and what he hoped his next pass to be. He was always optimistic, as I think we all are.  We're also all ambitious in the goals we set for ourselves. I've seen you unselfishly help many racers over the past years. I hope that doesn't change. Thanks for being who you are.
David Anderson

[shiphteey]

Thanks again for the uplifting words everyone.  Feel a little better this week.

[Charlie Chops 1940]

Rest in peace Gerald.

We all think about this at one time or another...God Speed.

Charlie