In memory of our lost friend, Jon Lennard aka @itburns.
I bought a Road ID the day I learned of Jon Lennard’s death on August 12, 2013. Someone in the posts of the original announcement of his passing (below) mentioned he was identified by his Road ID. Of course he had a Road ID. What I knew of him made that perfect. So responsible and sensible.
The nature of this community is a strange thing; we don’t know each other by name, just by the handle we use. We are as anonymous as we choose to be. I only knew Jon’s real name because we’d emailed each other and he’d sent me a copy of Merckx 525 for Christmas. We were, without knowing each other formally, friends. At Velominati, I was always happy to see his crazy Avatar show up, that ridiculous image of Gollum in a Giro helmet. Who thinks of this stuff? Only @itburns. He and his spirit helped shape this community, like many others have. His voice stood out in the for his good nature, willingness to stir things up in a fun way, and always fostering a collegial atmosphere in the midst of controversy.
He was living La Vie Velominatus, throttle wide open. He was Rule #43 embodied .
Someone told me he was wearing his V-Kit; I’m not sure if that’s true or not, but the idea that he was wearing it at the time of his death chills my blood. I am honored beyond words that he wore it into his last moment but I’m ashamed that we weren’t strong enough to better protect him. The first death in V-Kit. It is a horrible thing that words can’t describe.
We all risk so much when we ride; we are at the mercy of the traffic around us, one moment’s inattention and it’s over. Jon’s death didn’t stop me riding, but it has me thinking of him every time I swing my leg over a top tube. This could be my last ride. Either make sure it isn’t, or make sure it’s worth it.
I miss you @itburns; I’m happy every time I see one of your old posts pop up in the archives. I will ride my bike tomorrow, on August 12, the anniversary of your passing, and I will think of you again. I’ll never forget you, my friend.
When you ride today, remember that this could be your last ride. Either make sure it isn’t, or make sure it’s worth it.
Vive la Vie Velominatus, and go with Merckx, my brothers and sisters.
He also has a Facebook Group set up by his friends that gets regular updates on friends reminding us of how awesome he was. Check it out: Shuttle’s Velominati Hall of Fame.
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AMerckx. VLVV.
I've just finished reading Tim Moore's latest - Gironimo - about riding the route of the 1914 Giro.
He describes a scene at the top of some awful climb - he was doing it all on a period-accurate bike, down to the wooden rims and cork brake blocks so pretty much everything was awful - where in the clearing at the summit he discovers two hand-painted tiles embedded in the rock.
Each has a picture of a cyclist and a dedication:
"To Angelo, carry on with your climb, we will always be at your wheel."
"To Benedetto, unforgettable companion of so many climbs. The friends of the GS cyclo run."
Poignant enough but he goes on to observe that cycling is a sport which makes heroes of us all. We suffer like Merckx or Coppi, or Angelo and Benedetto."Footballers don't play on after losing an eye, [one of the 1914 Giro riders did] and no darts player will emulate Tom Simpson by checking out with the croaked words, 'Put me back on the oche.'"
It is a uniquely companionable, shareable and inclusive sport. It brings people together and it establishes bonds between unlikely connections. To me that's what @itburns reminds me of.
From time to time @itburns FB page pops up on my wall. After that particular tragedy I always think about him when I throw a leg over the TT. As evidenced earlier today, the great ones always go too soon. RIP itburns, you won't be forgotten.
I will be riding and remembering today. I had seen the Cogal on the calendar coming up and everytime I look at it a tinge of sadness passes over me. I have had my road ID ever since and never leave on a ride without it. R.I.P @itburns
A full year later and reading this and thinking about Jon is still upsetting. Being a Velominatus certainly instills a unique bond in that sense. RIP, Jon Lennard.
Very apropos timing for a ride in memoriam. I was just on an superb long vacation and left my steeds at home. On Saturday pedaled with my big brother to fetch ears of corn for a family dinner. Riding along I thought, "Goddamn, how much fun is riding a bicycle?" There I was, on a goofy Trek 3 speed, t-shirt and swim trunks, behind my big bro, and deriving so much joy from such a simple activity. It was awesome.
Last night I went on my first proper ride since July 22nd, a very long lay off for me. Headed out in the evening, it was raining, then pouring, and I had the ride of my life. Only an hour, but just had a thrilling blast of a time. Rain, two different groups of deer along the way, drank more water off my face than out of my bidon, and smiled the entire way. I hate the crazy drivers aspect, but I love the joy of cycling.
On the note of safety, you can also get dog tags with all your info. I like wearing that more than things on my wrist, but whatever you prefer. And anyone looking for a new/2nd taillight. Serfas makes an awesome light called a Thunderbolt. VERY bright, usb rechargeable and best of all, comes with three rubber straps so you can a) easily swap from bike to bike b) mount it in a variety of locations.
Enjoy your rides today, everyone. VLVV.
Very sad thoughts on the ride in to work this morning. Can it really be a year since this dreadful event took our friend from us? Ride safe everyone. Be at peace Jon.
Work and a slightly bent bike in the LBS means I can't ride today but I remember that my last discussion with Jon was about a picture of an overweight man dressed as a centaur.
Although I'll never meet him now he can still make me smile.
Chapeau...
A Merckx Frank.
RIP Jon, you're missed.
@the Engine
It's what he would've wanted.
Fuck. One year we've been without him.
Throw a leg over the top tube today and then raise a glass to itburns tonight. Good, good man gone.
Kept seeing @itburns avatar in my thoughts on this mornings ride. Missed, not forgotten. VLVV