At a Loss
Saturday was supposed to be one of those great cycling days. The weather was great, the legs were snappy and we had a solid group of riders heading out. It all went sour just 15 minutes after we left the parking lot in Lehi, UT. Bill Corliss clipped the wheel in front of him and fell beneath a passing vehicle. He was killed instantly.
Cycling has always been a life affirming activity for me. It is something I do to enjoy my environment, my friends and my physical abilities. It is an activity that renews the mind and body, the spirit and soul. It is a sport that is supposed to give life, not take it.
We stood in shock and disbelief at the scene before us. A sheet now covered Bill. We were helpless to do anything but cope with our own feelings and emotions. Boris was sitting on the side of the road sobbing, I put my arm around him, and not knowing what to say, I remained silent.
I still can’t believe what happened. The imagery shooting through my mind seems unreal, or surreal. It doesn’t feel a part of any memory, but rather something from an unwanted fear or nightmare.
Selfishly my thoughts turned to my wife and three kids. The horror of the reality that this could have been any of us in the group sunk in. I felt an odd sense of empty relief that it would not be my family receiving this horrible news. I felt ashamed feeling this way, at that moment. I knew that in Park City there was a wife and a son that were about to experience the worst of human emotion and grief.
Training and racing are important to me. But they can’t hold the wheel of my family. Not even for a moment. I have been hugging my wife and kids a little more often, and a little tighter today. I am still haunted with dark thoughts about things that could have been yesterday. The nature of the accident could have taken multiple riders down. We were grateful that was not the case. But we mourn for Bill and his family.
Later in the day a storm rolled into the Wasatch Front. The bright skies turned dark and heavy as the warm temperatures dropped. It was a dark ending to a dark day. I will forever be connected to the riders in that pace line Saturday morning. Some were long time friends, others, inlcuding Bill Corliss, were people I had just met. We stood speechless with one another on State Road 68 realizing that for a long time, if not forever, each time we got on our bikes we would think of this day.
7 Comments
StupidBike
March 27, 2006I am filled with sorrow for this, another father, hisband and cyclist is gone in Utah, too many this year, either while riding or sleeping, I remind myself to enjoy, live and love cause life is short.
peace.
Chris
March 27, 2006Adam,
That is so terrible. I don’t even know what to say other than I’m sorry. Even though I didn’t know Bill we are all part of the cycling family. I can’t imagine what his family and also all of you are dealing with. Bill’s family and all of you will be in the thoughts of my family and all our cycling community.
Guitar Ted
March 27, 2006Adam,
A blow to me this morning to read this! I am sorry. I will remember Bill’s family in my prayers. And you guys that were with him, too.
Life is precious, continue to enjoy it while you have it.
Jason
March 27, 2006Adam,
This took my breath away. I’m speechless. Please know that you, your friends, Bill and his family are in the thoughts and prayers of my wife and I. This is a sad day.
Please take care. Feel free to email if you need to vent or anything.
Jason Mahokey
Matt
March 27, 2006Hi Adam –
I am sorry to hear of the loss in your commnuity, and also to a friend. I can imagine the grief all of you are going through, but I would bet that Bill Corliss will long be enjoying the memories of your company in his new place of residence.
Matt
Bart G
March 28, 2006Adam Thanks- I can’t imagine the visual images running through your mind, hope you are doing well. Other than Boris, who else was with you on the ride? Anyway, hope to see you at chola, maybe we can burn a lap.
jeff
March 28, 2006what a tragedy. what an awful day for all of you, his family… reading your post i teared-up, as this could be any of us, any day. be well.