I cannot think of anybody I've ever ridden with who had a more upbeat demeanor than Rick Gill. For sure he looked an intimidating presence with that big body and tough-guy mustache, but he instantly put people at ease with his smile and constant jokes.Of the many Rick Gill legends, one will stick with me forever because it pretty much characterizes him perfectly. I wasn't on this particular ride, so forgive me if the details are slightly off. Seems Rick was riding along Cabrillo Blvd when he waved enthusiastically at another cyclist riding the other direction. The other rider ignored him. Rick quickly made a u-turn and chased the rider down to inform him that here in Santa Barbara, "we wave at each other, brutha ...next time you wave back, ok!?" Probably gave him a big bear hug too.
Wave to each other. It's what Rick would have wanted.
10 comments:
He was a great guy!!!! I will miss his great humor and upbeat attitude. I am sure we all have some great Rick Gill stories :)
Daniel R.
For sure, Daniel.
I used to race aganist Rick in the 90's. Great crit rider...I've been out of the racing scene for 10 years, but I do follow your blog (keep up the good work!)...saw the news on Rick...what happened? Damn...that's like 3-4 guys from my day who have dropped this year...
Rick had heart trouble that started a few years ago, and if I remember correctly, he had a stent installed. Amazingly he would still get out on his bike but not as often or as competitively as before. Last fall he had a stroke, fell into a coma, and never woke up.
Marco;
OK...so one day at a time! So sorry to hear about Rick. A stroke...something more to think about next time I am doing hill repeats. By the way for clarification; Butch Stinton, Dale Ludke and I used to terrorize Rick in the So Cal crit scene 40+ when we were with Velo Avanti (Butch, Dale and me)...this would have been like 94, 95, 96. I was the sweeper/chaser and Dale and Butch were the finishers...good memories! Rick was always in the hunt and was a real positive during and after the action...just a great attitude.
I like reading about your exploits and yes...even consider your training log when looking at my own struggles with cycling fitness! I'm still not going to race...well, considering there were only 10 guys in the SDRR 55+, maybe I will do that next year; at least I can say I finished in the top 10...ha!
Rob Parks
Yeah, that was Rick alright. I remember riding up to SB from Carpinteria for the club ride with Rick one morning and he got pissed off because someone didn't wave back to him... Made me start waving to everyone I passed on my bike.
So sorry to hear about Ricks passing. he was such a great guy. We had some great races at the track and when he found out my wife was pregnant he donated his winning to us as a present.
I will really miss Rick; when I was riding in SB he really "made" the group rides and the local crits a great experience for me. Thanks
Mark Wieneke
I raced and rode with rick for 15 plus years. Miss him dearly. A real mans man!! Such a presence in our lives. One time at the resstaurant a drunk man came into the kitchen and wanted to fight me, a real situation! i went outside to the alley on the side of the restaurant, and did a quick stretch and threw some air punches, continued to the front to go for blows with this guy. Next thing i know Rick Gill is behind me yelling at the top of his lungs, We are going to F--k you up! i turn around and the two of us start laughing out loud. We proceeded to scare the sh--t out of this guy. His wife begging us not to hurt him.. Of course we did not hurt the poor bastard, Between the two of us we were carry at least 400 pounds of power. The wife pleaded and we let the two if them squirm for a bit. Finally let them go and laughed for a hour over cold beers. Oh i will miss him. Best to you Rick where ever you are. Pete
He had the a carefree attitude and loved to joke with you. I will miss him.
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