I learned yesterday that Skinny Tom died a few days ago. As far as I know he was not on DT, but was known by almost everyone, and was seen and greeted by all at Calavera on a regular basis. In college one of my best friends was named Dan, and because of his red hair, was called Red Dan to differentiate the two of us. I assume Tom C became Skinny Tom to differentiate him from Tom F (tfitz), another regular we all know. I never knew Skinny Tom outside of stopping to talk to him on the trail, which we always did. He was unfailingly friendly and quietly polite, pleased to talk a little while. He obviously loved to ride and to see friends along the way. He was inspirational to me, as he was older than me,* yet still riding strong and having fun. My condolences to his riding buddies, friends, and family. I will miss him out there, but your loss is immeasurably more.

[*edit: I was wrong. Tom was actually five years younger than I am. Which only reinforces that we never know how much time on earth we will be given, so we should appreciate and enjoy life and our community of friends while we can]

_________________
Thus, if we are to understand the world, we should live somewhere between judgement and amazement — Alfredo Lopez Austin

Tom was great guy, really going to miss him.
Years ago we rode Calavera on Tuesdays and Thursday,
Tom was always there and we had some great days.


I'm thinking next Saturday or Sunday we do a ride
to celebrate Tom's life and love of mountain biking.
Let me know which day works for you all?






Ride in peace Tom.

_________________
I never would have thought that Harley would end up being my inspiration. (well..maybe a little).

avidtest


"it makes mountain biking fun again"

Ozzer

I don't think I knew him. Which guy is he in those pics?

Light blue jersey in first photo,
Honda jersey in second.

_________________
I never would have thought that Harley would end up being my inspiration. (well..maybe a little).

avidtest


"it makes mountain biking fun again"

Ozzer

He is in the background in both photos, which I think is how he liked it.

_________________
Thus, if we are to understand the world, we should live somewhere between judgement and amazement — Alfredo Lopez Austin

Looks like Toms ride will be next Saturday,
February 5th at 8:30 on Skyhaven.

_________________
I never would have thought that Harley would end up being my inspiration. (well..maybe a little).

avidtest


"it makes mountain biking fun again"

Ozzer

I am in

_________________
We'll ride it till they pave it. -Clyde

In recent years Tom would have been seen wearing his orange jersey while riding with Kevin.

I'm in for Saturday.

Thanks. I do not think I ever ran into him out at Calavera. Unfortunately I have plans on Saturday with my kids and cannot make it to the ride. I hope you guys have a good ride in remembrance of him!

Tom was a very good guy. See you there, our condolences to his family and friends. We ride honoring his ride through life.

_________________
"We'll ride it until they pave it."

-Big Clyde

That first picture. Tom, a very sensitive guy, not like the others in that group who thought it was funny to put the black guy next to the "Little Black Loop" sign.
Tom was beet red after that one

_________________
"Just stop this walking shit and let's get this done"
Avidtesty (Arch 2019)

In