Robert Winder

We live in a beautiful area of the world, great for our chosen past-time and passion. Sometimes in our beautiful sport bad things happen. There are no words to make up for the loss of a fellow rider, I’ve tried in the past to the nearest and dearest that would never again see the shaved legs going up the drive for a quick ride before dark.

The only way to justify the loss is to look at their passion. Their passion drove them to ride, to race, to train, to be friends and teammates. For any rider taken whilst doing what they love, don’t feel sorry for them, rejoice in their last moments whilst they were doing something they loved.

Dear Friends and Family of Cal Cycling,

Corinne Crawford was taken off of life support this evening at 6pm so that she could give the gift of life to those in need. We have lost a true friend, a fierce teammate and a bright spirit today.

On Sunday, June 24th Corinne and Christian Claussen had gone out to ride to the summit of Mt. Diablo. They conquered the 4000 ft climb, took some photos and headed home. They stopped at a red light at the intersection of Olympic and Newell Ave in Walnut Creek. They were in the cross walk, facing north. An elderly man was driving eastbound on Olympic and was startled by something he thought he saw out of the corner of his eye. He swerved and lost control of the vehicle, striking Corinne and Christian. Christian is ok; he has a concussion and deep abrasions. Corinne was taken to the Neuroscience Intensive Care Unit at John Muir hospital in Walnut Creek. Her father and sister spent her last days with her.

On Saturday, June 30th, we will do a ride in Corinne’s honor. We will meet at Sproul Plaza at 9:30am, team members will say a few words and then we will leave at 10am. We plan to arrive at the site of the accident at 12 and leave flowers and anything else you would like to bring there. All are welcome to join us. It is an approximately 20 mile ride to the intersection. Those not wishing or unable to do the ride are welcome to join us at the intersection at noon.

If you are unable to join us, you can leave your thoughts on her CaringBridge website: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/corinnecrawford

Corinne was a true renaissance woman. She was a dedicated and caring teacher, had a singular gift for languages, and was a red-belt in Hankido. She was also a gifted cook and knitter, as well as a musician and she even dabbled in classical radio DJing. She was a brilliant scholar, a tender friend and a feisty, unstoppable spirit.

If you think it appropriate, please forward this message to members of your team.

Yours,

Arthur Ogus, BBC,
faculty adviser to the Cal team