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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It's hard to believe that it's been a year. I don't think of him constantly... but still frequently. Every time I get on the bike, I can't help thinking about Shuttle. I almost joined him, that night. The last text I received from Jon was at 6:30pm and asked, "You want to hitch up your Depends and hit Picos?" Classic Shuttle. Jon was amazing in a way that I failed to recognize until after his death: he was special -- and different -- with everyone. He was brilliant and interacted with each of his friends in a personal, unique way. He was a great guy, clever as hell, and we're all lucky to have known him. Yet I now believe that we all only knew a small part of Jon. I miss being tortured by metal on the way to early morning rides. Jon loved Jazz but would only play metal in car. Anyway, it's touching to know, to see how many people cared about Jon. So, tonight I think that I'll put on the Depends and go to Pico's. In fact, I'll leave work early so I can spend an hour riding to the restaurant. Since Jon's accident, I barely ride on city streets. So, yeah, it puts the lotion on its skin (i.e., Depends). @itburns will live forever in my mind as the master of the smack-down. Pedal on, Shuttle.
@Buck Rogers
Nice Buck ^
and I never read the report of the Austin cogal - flats and rule 9 combined!
Thanks
Every now and then, surfing through old articles, I come across one of Jon's posts. Sometimes there's a kick in the guts followed by a chuckle or wry smile as I realise I've come across one of his post before I've read it but more often than not the chuckle and smile come first: the kick doesn't come until I've thought "great post, who wrote that?" and spot his nasty little helmeted head.
He won't be forgotten. Roll on @itburns.
I haven't posted here in forever, but I thought I'd chime in.
@monkeyscat and I had the pleasure of sharing a ride with @itburns a couple of years ago. I learned from his posts that he lived in the Houston area, and living in H-town myself, I wanted the opportunity to meet and ride with a fellow Velominatus (other than my bud @monkeyscat).
We agreed on a time and place and met up one Saturday morning in the rolling hills 50 miles north of town. Just the three of us out on a jaunt around the countryside. Despite the sweltering temperatures, we had a fantastic time, and I got to meet one of the nicest guys I've ever had the pleasure of riding with. The peloton is diminished by his absence.
I happened to be in Houston on business when the news about John came thru last year. What a kick in the gut. Never met him in person but what a sense of humor. I suspect no one will touch he number of plus one badges he earned. Roll in peace brother.
@Nate
Great point about the +1 badge. Perhaps it should be the @itburns badge, no?
@Buck Rogers
um, +1?
Awwww jeeeze, a year has gone by? And he was wearing his V-kit, I don't think I realized that. Fuck. I'm no wiser a year later about his death, it's still a terrible thing but we are all lucky more of us haven't had fatal meetings with cars. Cars are assholes. And maybe I curse too much, oh well, too late now.
@ChrisO
Nice.
@Frank - thoughtful tribute. This morning's ride was solemn and introspective. The headwind may have had something to do with it. Roll with care.
@Xyverz
Mate, I went on my honorary @itburns ride today and had more near-misses than I can recall.
We have to be careful, every moment we're out there. It can happen to any one of us. Cars are clueless and even the best of them are likely distracted by a phone, passenger, or Big Mac they need to crush RIGHT THAT SECOND.
Scary business, this. But also the most beautiful sport.