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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Haven't been on the site in... a couple of years. Logged on to find this. May he rest in peace, and I hope that somehow, in some way, he's aware of the community of riders that still thinks of him.
I've been feeling a little vulnerable on the bike lately, and this is certainly not going to help.
Easy metric century in the rain and the wind yesterday, sempre con noi.
I've always been struck by the tightness of the bond cyclists have with one another. It may be from the interdependence we have in each other in our collective safety while on a ride but I suspect it is much more. That bond is evident here and in the previous posts.
I came to this party after Jon left, and certainly regret that. Yesterday though, I had a great but short ride with a friend I see only twice a year. Perfect for the circumstances.
A year ago, having read Jon's story on this forum, I decided to name one of our toughest mid week, pre work training rides in his honour. Kicking off at 5.15am on a Tuesday and Thursday come hell or high water, and at 50k and 1300m it's a short, sharp, fast session of tough hill repeats with beautiful Sydney harbour views and a decent coffee before work.
The Cani Pazzi itburns ride has a small but dedicated following and a growing reputation locally. Any velominatus in Sydney who fancy joining us are welcome - just drop me a line.
Course profile : https://www.strava.com/activities/169109606
Respectfully in memoriam , Jon.
Nicely done tribute. I wonder on nearly every ride if it will be my last. I consider if it is really worth the risk to me, my friends, and mostly to my family. I don't have an answer in my head yet, but I keep swinging my leg over the top tube anyway.
@Mike_P
How true. I didn't even think of that. Both gone too soon. And my apologies for the mistype(s)..."One mighty cyclist came into the world, one mighty cyclist departed this world."
Let us all get busy livin', life if short.
VLVV.
Thanks Frank for this thoughtful piece.
A-Merckx. A year on, this article and the posts in response provide a fine tribute to itburns and a testament to the community. Marcus Aurelius comes to mind: "Perfection of character possesses this: to live each day as if the last, to be neither feverish nor apathetic, and not to act a part." In modern parlance, "Go hard out but keep your head and keep it real." RIP itburns. Be safe, all.
Such a respectful tribute and appreciate that it graced your front pages for a day or two. Nice work Keepers. I think of @itburns every time I wrap my road Id to my wrist, the one and the same that was ordered the same day I read of Jon's accident.
I still miss Jon aka @itburns. Today is the anniversary of his passing. I'll go on a vigil ride this evening in his memory. Come home safe, everyone.