Conference noted::bicycle

2712.0. "In Memorium" by NCBOOT::PEREZ (Trust, but ALWAYS verify!) Sun Dec 19 1993 21:38

    I'm not one to get maudlin, but this one struck me a bit.  Its not big
    news anywhere but here, but a while ago a man I respected died.  
    
    Paul Grisim was a rider, and a ride leader here in Minnesota.  He
    started riding with the local AYH club in 1990, and in 1991 he rode
    over 5800 club miles, the fourth largest annual number ever posted
    locally.  He rode countless centuries, and many double-centuries.  You
    could always identify him - with his 6'6" size, 27" Cannondale frame,
    and bright, white Crest jersey he was easy to find in any crowd.
    
    More importantly, he was a ride leader that was a fanatic about safety,
    courtesy, and common sense.  He led many rides I attended, and ALWAYS
    emphasized that we as riders had an obligation to practice good riding
    habits, and treat other riders and vehicles with respect.  On more than
    one occasion I overheard him gently chide one of our local hot-shoes or
    an inexperienced rider who, through forgetfulness or inattention, had
    done something to put himself or another in jeopardy.
    
    In addition to leading the "A" rides (spending the day sucking wheels
    at 25+ mph), he frequently led "C" rides at 10 mph that attracted new
    riders.  He would spend his time with the new riders, answering
    questions, giving advice and making sure they felt comfortable.  MANY
    people who got their initiation on one of his rides have continued
    riding and become regulars at organized rides.
    
    Two years ago he had a minor bike accident that caused a shoulder
    separation.  He came back but there were problems.  Surgery on the
    shoulder made it fine again, and he was back on rides, but something
    was still wrong.  He could ride but wasn't up to his previous form. 
    
    One measure of the respect many of us had for Paul happened on an
    evening ride.  We were riding as a group of 20-30 and came to a slight
    hill.  Paul was with us, and someone suddenly realized that he had
    dropped off the back of the group and was laboring.  Suddenly, the
    entire group, which normally moved at 16-18 mph (and had several
    members who typically dropped the rest of us and moved much faster) -
    the whole group downshifted and slowed t�o stay with Paul.  And we did
    it on every hill for the rest of the ride - no comment, no complaint.
    This group of racers, former racers, fast recreational riders, and even
    slugs like me, climbed hills at a walking pace and rested when he
    stopped to rest.  NOT in a condescending or grudging manner, but out of
    respect for a fellow rider who was coming back from health problems and
    needed a little encouragement - the same way he'd encouraged many of us.
    
    But something happened, and he didn't get better, and suddenly he was
    gone.  It happened while I was on vacation so I don't know what
    occurred, and I wasn't here for the funeral.
    
    According to the article, MANY members of the local bicycle club
    attended the funeral.  He was buried with his Crest jersey, and the
    52-tooth chainring and 12-tooth freewheel from his bike.  There is talk
    of starting an annual Paul Grisim memorial ride.  I'll be there, as
    will many of those he rode with, and many he introduced to the sport
    and made feel welcome.  And maybe that's a good memorial - to be
    remembered by people to whom he'd given something - himself.
    
    Goodbye, Paul.  You'll be missed - and remembered.  

      Thanks for sharing this.  Paul seems like an all around good person.
people in the world seem to be becoming increasingly self-centered, it 
    is always good to hear about a person who was giving.
    
          Abe;