Apr 25, 2008
A well-known San Jose mountain bike racer and innovator was killed during a world-renowned mountain bike festival in Monterey over the weekend. He died of head and neck injuries, a Monterey County deputy coroner said Monday.
Mark Reynolds, 48, crashed into a dirt embankment on a relatively flat portion of the downhill course during the Sea Otter Classic on Saturday at the Laguna Seca Recreation Area. He was taken by helicopter to Natividad Medical Center in Salinas, where he died.
An autopsy conducted Monday revealed that Mr. Reynolds suffered fatal injuries in the accident, deputy coroner Thomas Jenkins said. Initial reports that Mr. Reynolds, an amateur racer, may have suffered a medical problem before he crashed were incorrect.
The accident happened near the finish line of the downhill course which, according to race organizers, contains "a great mix of jumps, turns, pedaling sections and hi-rev speed traps" and "rewards racers who demonstrate fitness, precision handling, braking and pedaling skills."
In the downhill race, cyclists compete one at a time against the clock, and the course usually takes 2 1/2 to 3 minutes to negotiate.
Mr. Reynolds was racing in the amateur category for 40- to 49-year-old men and had competed in past years, said Frank Yohannan, president of the Sea Otter Classic.
"We're deeply saddened," Yohannan said. "Mark was an avid cyclist who loved the sport and who was a mentor to a lot of kids. He was a wonderful representative of the sport of cycling."
According to Yohannan, hundreds of competitors raced on the course without incident, and the downhill route had been inspected and certified as safe. Mr. Reynolds, like all competitors, was wearing a helmet.
Mr. Reynolds, a software developer, was the inventor of the Dualrailleur Guide, a $125 plastic device that attaches to the front derailleur of a mountain bike and ensures smooth gear shifting under race conditions. He sold the device at biking events and by mail order from his home.
He was a native of Redwood City and a frequent cyclist in the Santa Cruz area. Fellow riders called him inspirational, devoted and helpful.
"He would make you feel like you could do anything on a bike," said his friend Kris Vantornhout. "He was such a gentle and beautiful soul."
Mr. Reynolds was also a snowboarder, a golfer and an airplane pilot. His death is believed to be the first in the 18-year history of the Sea Otter Classic, which this year drew 45,000 fans to the four-day competition.
He is survived by his wife of 13 years, Margo Maida, of San Jose, and by a daughter, Kristin Reynolds, of Sunnyvale.
Plans for a memorial service are pending.
Complete story at: www.sfgate.com
The accident happened near the finish line of the downhill course which, according to race organizers, contains "a great mix of jumps, turns, pedaling sections and hi-rev speed traps" and "rewards racers who demonstrate fitness, precision handling, braking and pedaling skills."
In the downhill race, cyclists compete one at a time against the clock, and the course usually takes 2 1/2 to 3 minutes to negotiate.
Mr. Reynolds was racing in the amateur category for 40- to 49-year-old men and had competed in past years, said Frank Yohannan, president of the Sea Otter Classic.
"We're deeply saddened," Yohannan said. "Mark was an avid cyclist who loved the sport and who was a mentor to a lot of kids. He was a wonderful representative of the sport of cycling."
According to Yohannan, hundreds of competitors raced on the course without incident, and the downhill route had been inspected and certified as safe. Mr. Reynolds, like all competitors, was wearing a helmet.
Mr. Reynolds, a software developer, was the inventor of the Dualrailleur Guide, a $125 plastic device that attaches to the front derailleur of a mountain bike and ensures smooth gear shifting under race conditions. He sold the device at biking events and by mail order from his home.
He was a native of Redwood City and a frequent cyclist in the Santa Cruz area. Fellow riders called him inspirational, devoted and helpful.
"He would make you feel like you could do anything on a bike," said his friend Kris Vantornhout. "He was such a gentle and beautiful soul."
Mr. Reynolds was also a snowboarder, a golfer and an airplane pilot. His death is believed to be the first in the 18-year history of the Sea Otter Classic, which this year drew 45,000 fans to the four-day competition.
He is survived by his wife of 13 years, Margo Maida, of San Jose, and by a daughter, Kristin Reynolds, of Sunnyvale.
Plans for a memorial service are pending.
Complete story at: www.sfgate.com
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69 Comments
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nick94
(Apr 25, 2008 at 1:05)
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sorry to hear it. RIP
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It's hard to understand stuff like this when you see people taking huge crashes and walk away. Very sad. Condolences.
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I pray you.. RIP
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This truly as sad story, especially for his family. I had to read the whole thing to be sure this wasn't just another stupid stunt by pinkbike.
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sorry to hear that, scary thought tho u never think about dieing when ur on ur bike, i spose u can die doing pretty much anything but its still worrying. RIP.
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Gosh, Rest in peace mate, Even wearing the full gear cant save you, wear pads and helmet always No ones Imortal....
The Bikers Prayer
"When i die bury me deep
with my bike at my feet
and put my helmet on my head
so i can ride when i am dead"
RIP Bro
"When i die bury me deep
with my bike at my feet
and put my helmet on my head
so i can ride when i am dead"
RIP Bro
Mark was one of the coolest guys I have met in a long time and his passing saddens me. I got to go ride for him yesterday, I suggest you all do the same. A great guy that will be dearly missed. RIP, Mark.
I talk to him about 5 min. before his run started, and he seemed just fine. He was a great rider and I don't know why e would have just fallen like that. RIP
this is horrible. I hate it how all these super nice guys, with families and real good character are getting killed. Whats up with that? I mean, there are plenty of murderers and bad people out there.
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So sad to hear! At least he was doing something he loved, i know thats the way i'd want to go! I feel for the family. Rest in peace.
You just never know. I broke my tib-fib on an all-mountain trail at Syncline last year that I usually just bomb down without even thinking about it. All it takes is one little loose rock, a slick root at just the wrong angle, that little 3 foot drop you always considered a "nothing drop," etc. You just can't ever take it for granted. Ever. As stated before, at least he was doing what he loved.
Safe travels to you from this world to the next, Mark. Rest in peace.
Safe travels to you from this world to the next, Mark. Rest in peace.
He will be missed, no doubt. The man was awesome. God Speed my friend. He did go with honor and in the eyes and tradition of the true DH warrior. Few of us should be able to pass from this world to the next being so lucky to leave in such a way. To pass into the next doing our passion and to bring that passion and inspiration with us to the next adventure. We'll meet up again along with all of our fallen friends and family and rip the great single track together!
Poor guy! Like huckoverduck said why is it all the good people ? When there are enough arseholes out there.
Rest in Peace DUDE
Rest in Peace DUDE
you know whats f*cked up is I doubted this articles authenticity for a moment because of that stupid fake death report that pinkbike posted like a month ago.
r.i.p
r.i.p
I was there ...
Sitting there at the top of the DH course waiting to race, I had no idea the hour long medical hold was for Mark of Wicked Racing. All the riders knew at the time of the accident was that someone went "limp" before the wooden bridge that swept left and went straight off. This was not a difficult section of the course by no means and was seconds from the finish line. Unconfirmed news of a heart attack traveled fast up the hill as my class was getting ready to race. Once home, I came up on the article through a Google search and my heart sank to my stomach when i saw the picture of Mark in front of the Wicked Racing logo. Mark had stopped by our shop in Santa Clara numerous times to collect feedback on his chain guides or whatever he happened to be happily tinkering with at the time. It was always rewarding and simply a pleasure to talk to someone so genuinely thoughtful and concerned with what you had to say. You gave back so much to so many who love to bike ... we will never forget!
Sitting there at the top of the DH course waiting to race, I had no idea the hour long medical hold was for Mark of Wicked Racing. All the riders knew at the time of the accident was that someone went "limp" before the wooden bridge that swept left and went straight off. This was not a difficult section of the course by no means and was seconds from the finish line. Unconfirmed news of a heart attack traveled fast up the hill as my class was getting ready to race. Once home, I came up on the article through a Google search and my heart sank to my stomach when i saw the picture of Mark in front of the Wicked Racing logo. Mark had stopped by our shop in Santa Clara numerous times to collect feedback on his chain guides or whatever he happened to be happily tinkering with at the time. It was always rewarding and simply a pleasure to talk to someone so genuinely thoughtful and concerned with what you had to say. You gave back so much to so many who love to bike ... we will never forget!
It's not about how he died, it's about how he lived and what he gave back not only to the biking community, but also to those close to him, those he loved and treasured the most; his family. Many happy memroies Reynolds family. May you be together at this great time of sorrow.
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man thats a terrible thing to have happen. i wonder if anyone got to him to help him out or did he pass on instantly... i hope for his sake he didnt suffer.
man thats a terrible thing to have happen. i wonder if anyone got to him to help him out or did he pass on instantly... i hope for his sake he didnt suffer.
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not to make light of the situation but.... leatt neck braces can save a lot more than just the feeling in your legs. just lost a good riding buddy of mine back here in Kansas, terrible loss.
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There is an account setup on wickedracin.com to help the family build a bike park in Mark's name. Hopefully we can all help them out in their time of need. RIP Mark.
Mark was awesome, he inspired me to go big, and now ive come along way in the year since ive met him.RIP
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Let us not morne the loss of a great man, but rather thank God for giving us such a great man-if only for a short while.
God bless you and your family,R.I.P
God bless you and your family,R.I.P
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