Rest in Peace Noel aka STR @Hanzo aka imtbtrails @Poofighter

rike_bider said:
I’ve also Known Noel for about 25 years. We’ve done a lot of riding together and as of late, he was more of a training partner. Over the past year, he really stepped up his game and improved his skills on the mountain bike and road bike.

He was always trying to get me out to the O.C. to ride his favorite trails. I will definitely pay my respects and visit the place where he took his last breath. I just wish it was with him.

He was a genuine, good guy and an absolute great friend. Riding with him was always a good time with tons of laughs, hammering and a some kind hearted Sh!t talking. He definitely motivated and got me out on the bike on days I would’ve stayed in. We, along with our friend Albert Cruz, we’re gonna hit all his bucket list rides. His heart was set on climbing GMR to Cogswell Dam, today, on MLK Day. He wouldn’t take no for an answer! I’ll miss his spirit, friendship and all the back and forth conversations, emails and texts about cycling.

His voice in my head is gonna help me reach the top of any climb. It’s so sad to say bye to the people we’ve lost, especially the special ones like him. I’ll cherish him and all the memories.

Here are some pictures.

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Thank you for this.
 
rike_bider said:
I’ve also Known Noel for about 25 years. We’ve done a lot of riding together and as of late, he was more of a training partner. Over the past year, he really stepped up his game and improved his skills on the mountain bike and road bike.

He was always trying to get me out to the O.C. to ride his favorite trails. I will definitely pay my respects and visit the place where he took his last breath. I just wish it was with him.

He was a genuine, good guy and an absolute great friend. Riding with him was always a good time with tons of laughs, hammering and a some kind hearted Sh!t talking. He definitely motivated and got me out on the bike on days I would’ve stayed in. We, along with our friend Albert Cruz, we’re gonna hit all his bucket list rides. His heart was set on climbing GMR to Cogswell Dam, today, on MLK Day. He wouldn’t take no for an answer! I’ll miss his spirit, friendship and all the back and forth conversations, emails and texts about cycling.

His voice in my head is gonna help me reach the top of any climb. It’s so sad to say bye to the people we’ve lost, especially the special ones like him. I’ll cherish him and all the memories.

Here are some pictures.

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Thanks so much for posting this Isaiah!
 
I never had the pleasure to meet or interact with Noel, but these tributes have been very heartening, and dare I say enjoyable to read. Speaks volumes about his character, and the caliber of person he was. Thank you to those who have felt compelled to share like you have, and I'm truly sorry for your loss.
 
RIP Noel/Hanzo/Poofighter and condolences to family and friends.

My father passed away in 2019 and our family used the below popular poem for the handouts at his funeral.

Do Not Stand At My Grave And Weep
raw
By Mary Elizabeth Frye

Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there; I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond glints on snow,
I am the sun on ripened grain,
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there; I did not die.

Source: https://www.familyfriendpoems.com/poem/do-not-stand-by-my-grave-and-weep-by-mary-elizabeth-frye
 
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Obsidian said:
He looked reasonably fit. Sobering wake up call ... it could happen to any of us at any time. :(
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That is scary. He looks fit and young.

too many losses in the SoCal cycling community this year.


xhuskr said:
Ran across some photos of Noel the other day. I’ll post a few art a time when I refind them.
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Kevin, glad to see you posting-although, under sad circumstances.
You still keep up with Doug?
Aka, Dirtvert.
 
Runs with Scissors said:
This is where I reiterate - having some cardiac history my own self - get your physical. We on this forum average, what, 50 years plus? Get your ticker checked, folks, and listen to what the doc says.

Or not. We're smarter than them, aren't we?
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Sometimes it takes a wakeup call. Mine was a pulmonary embolism in 2009. During my hospital visit I was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy. I'm fine with minimal maintenance and I now get regular checkups. Listen to RWS. And your doctor of course.
 
Runs with Scissors said:
This is where I reiterate - having some cardiac history my own self - get your physical. We on this forum average, what, 50 years plus? Get your ticker checked, folks, and listen to what the doc says.

Or not. We're smarter than them, aren't we?
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You are right Mark.
I’m conscious of it every ride now.
I’ll make an appointment to get, well, whatever it is related to heart stuff... :thumbsup:
 
This is so sad. I was in the park that day and did not feel good. High heart rate, couldn't catch my breadth, and just felt bad. I was coming up I Think I Can when I saw the chopper come in and they were still working on him when I got to the entrance to Fenceline. I couldn't figure out how someone got hurt on the uphill to the clearing, then someone came down and I overheard him tell someone what he saw as he came up. I had a bad feeling about it and took it as a sign and cut my ride short and rode back to my truck.

Rest In Peace. I doubt I ever met him, but he seems to have been a great person.
 
Runs with Scissors said:
This is where I reiterate - having some cardiac history my own self - get your physical. We on this forum average, what, 50 years plus? Get your ticker checked, folks, and listen to what the doc says.

Or not. We're smarter than them, aren't we?
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I have been going in every year since I was 28 for a physical ... and I insist on comprehensive blood work. No guarantees in this life, but it is usually the things you don't see coming that will eventually get you. :cautious:

I am 50 now, and I have friends and family I am concerned about ... some of whom have not seen a doctor in 20 years.

If you have insurance, use it. Give yourself the best chance and try to not let anything sneak up on you.
 
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Sorry to bring up a sad thread, but the Lynx crash post brought this up to my heart & soul. Many a year I would ride with Noel to Santiago Peak for MLK Day. I would love to start a Modjeska Peak (proper) ride in memory of all our lost brothers & sisters who passed loving the ride. I’m not as active online as I used to be, but feel this important. I’ll try and start a new thread. In the meantime hug & love a fellow cyclist.
 
xhuskr said:
Sorry to bring up a sad thread, but the Lynx crash post brought this up to my heart & soul. Many a year I would ride with Noel to Santiago Peak for MLK Day. I would love to start a Modjeska Peak (proper) ride in memory of all our lost brothers & sisters who passed loving the ride. I’m not as active online as I used to be, but feel this important. I’ll try and start a new thread. In the meantime hug & love a fellow cyclist.
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Hey Kevin!
Welcome back Man...
Thanks for posting this up here bud.
I hope you do post a thread and start the ride event. Good on you man! :thumbsup:
 
xhuskr said:
Sorry to bring up a sad thread, but the Lynx crash post brought this up to my heart & soul. Many a year I would ride with Noel to Santiago Peak for MLK Day. I would love to start a Modjeska Peak (proper) ride in memory of all our lost brothers & sisters who passed loving the ride. I’m not as active online as I used to be, but feel this important. I’ll try and start a new thread. In the meantime hug & love a fellow cyclist.
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Yes... :thumbsup:
 
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