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Day Two of AIDS/LifeCycle was
dedicated to the memory of Tom Gilder, Cyclist
#4735 in AIDS/LifeCycle.
Tom, 57, of San Francisco, was pronounced dead
Monday at approximately 2:45pm in Half Moon Bay.
Tom had completed about 58 miles of the event's
first day when he was seen to suddenly stop pedaling
and fall over.
A local ambulance was on the site within minutes
to bring Tom to a nearby helicopter pad for transfer
to a hospital. He was pronounced dead before being
moved to the helicopter. A cause of death is unknown
at this time, however it is confirmed that it
was not caused by any type of cycling accident.
Cyclists and Roadies who visited Mission Nuestra
Senora Soledad de la Soledad on Day Two will not
soon forget the touching welcome and memorial
arranged by Nicola Bianchi, whose family has long
been associated with the Mission's rich and colorful
past. All were invited to write remembrances on
a specially placed and beautifully decorated altar
that also featured a single white candle burning
in memory of Tom Gilder.
Tom was a long-time volunteer at Project Open
Hand, where he performed an estimated 2,300 hours
of service. Donations to Project Open Hand in
Tom's memory will be appreciated, at www.openhand.org/pages/join_donate.html
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