In Memoriam,
Mike Schnegelsberger
It is with tremendous sorrow that I write that on September 21st, I, along with the central Ohio cycling community and COP, lost a close and dear friend in a tragic cycling accident.
When I think of Mike, I remember most riding with him at the end of the really tough rides. CFC, Calvin’s Challenge, the Birthday Ride, and some adventurous TOSRVs ridden well off the published route. Those were the rides where Mike’s essence came through. As smooth, strong and steady at the end as he was in the first miles.
Riding with Mike was always a pleasure. His positive attitude was as steady as his cadence. Neither slipped, no matter how many miles were behind us that day. Mike was remarkably tolerant of my occasional lapses in route planning, map reading and mileage estimating. Once when a missed turn added 20 miles to a hilly 100 mile ride, he just chuckled. Mike was just happy to be riding.
Those who knew Mike saw that he prepared meticulously for whatever he did. Everything he did was done right; what he touched was in order. His bike was always clean and perfectly maintained. We couldn’t help joking that the back of his pickup truck was cleaner than most folks’ living room.
After he was gone, Mike’s wife Jan shared with us how much Mike loved riding with his many cycling friends. We dearly hope that Mike knew how much we loved riding with him.