Cyclist dies after falling off bicycle

[DenzelM]

Rest In Peace...

[shah]

RIP

[Smurfy]

RIP

I am glad that he was not riding alone when this happened, and that others were around to help and call for medical assistance. Lets tell our cycle buddies our allergies and blood groups incase accidents happen.

Dont have ICE band, but I have emergency name number and blood group on the side of my helmet.

[HOEKVLAG]

RIP

[Fast Forward]

The cyclist was Christo Vd Linde, the owner of Pro Deo Cycling Acadamy in Ermelo - a great friend and mentor to the whole cycling community in and around Ermelo. I'll try and give perspective - if only to inspire others and to vent my sorrow. Christo was a big man - I'd guess around 105kg, he loved road cycling. He once told me that he took up cycling just to be closer to his 2 sons that were also avid cyclists - they were part of the Mecer team. Looking at his size one would not think that he could cycle for long distances - let alone on a road bike. Many of us soon realised our mistakes as he made us eat our words. He could hold his own and was a very strong and experienced cyclist. He was always cycling at the front doing all the hard work for the rest of us. My 9 year old son always marvelled at his calves - big enough to kick start a Jumbo Jet. The past few year he started involving school kids in cycling with great results. Two of his juniors participated in the National champs at Durban this year with podium finishes. We were still joking the day before his passing that we'd better get their signatures now before they become famous. He also involved the Ermelo schools in the Spur MTB series this year with great results in the first round. On Friday afternoons he would always invite all for a braai at the shop. Saturday was our last MTB ride together. I had just purchased a new bike for my son and he was laughing at me when we realised that I had to put in some effort to keep up with the youngster. He was so excited about the difference the bike made and commented that he cannot believe there are still people that argue that equipment does not make a difference. After the ride we had coffee as usual and discussed Darryl Impi's predicament. Like Andrew McClean, Christo believed in his innocence and still mentioned how he personally knew Impi and talked to him on the day of the TT at the nationals and how Impi made time to talk to his 2 riders and inspired them. That was the last day I would see Christo. A group ride was arranged for the Sunday - this was in preparation of the Jock coming up. They would ride the Ermelo-Lothair-Amsterdam-Ermelo route - some 180km. A very scenic route. They had a back-up vehicle. His son was also present. About 90km into the ride - some 3 hours later they were on a decent, hitting speeds between maybe 60 - 70km/h. This was when it all happened. It is not known yet why he fell off the bike. it is speculated that he may have had a heart attack, but an autopsy would have to confirm this. It can be said that, despite the media report, there was no mechanical problem with his bike. His regular road bike was a Merida Scultura 907. It seems that when the first person reached him, within seconds, he was already dead. I was on my way to Musina at the time and only learned of his passing the next morning on facebook. I'm devastated. He was only 45. My sincerest condolences to his family. In true fashion the Pro Deo team, with his son(s), will still participate in the Jock tomorrow. RIP Christo, you will be missed dearly.

[Fast Forward]

Part of his legacy...now to pick up the pieces and try to get these youngsters back on track.

[Gadgetman]

So sad, rip Christo..

[Guest DieBees]

The cyclist was Christo Vd Linde, the owner of Pro Deo Cycling Acadamy in Ermelo - a great friend and mentor to the whole cycling community in and around Ermelo. I'll try and give perspective - if only to inspire others and to vent my sorrow. Christo was a big man - I'd guess around 105kg, he loved road cycling. He once told me that he took up cycling just to be closer to his 2 sons that were also avid cyclists - they were part of the Mecer team. Looking at his size one would not think that he could cycle for long distances - let alone on a road bike. Many of us soon realised our mistakes as he made us eat our words. He could hold his own and was a very strong and experienced cyclist. He was always cycling at the front doing all the hard work for the rest of us. My 9 year old son always marvelled at his calves - big enough to kick start a Jumbo Jet. The past few year he started involving school kids in cycling with great results. Two of his juniors participated in the National champs at Durban this year with podium finishes. We were still joking the day before his passing that we'd better get their signatures now before they become famous. He also involved the Ermelo schools in the Spur MTB series this year with great results in the first round. On Friday afternoons he would always invite all for a braai at the shop. Saturday was our last MTB ride together. I had just purchased a new bike for my son and he was laughing at me when we realised that I had to put in some effort to keep up with the youngster. He was so excited about the difference the bike made and commented that he cannot believe there are still people that argue that equipment does not make a difference. After the ride we had coffee as usual and discussed Darryl Impi's predicament. Like Andrew McClean, Christo believed in his innocence and still mentioned how he personally knew Impi and talked to him on the day of the TT at the nationals and how Impi made time to talk to his 2 riders and inspired them. That was the last day I would see Christo. A group ride was arranged for the Sunday - this was in preparation of the Jock coming up. They would ride the Ermelo-Lothair-Amsterdam-Ermelo route - some 180km. A very scenic route. They had a back-up vehicle. His son was also present. About 90km into the ride - some 3 hours later they were on a decent, hitting speeds between maybe 60 - 70km/h. This was when it all happened. It is not known yet why he fell off the bike. it is speculated that he may have had a heart attack, but an autopsy would have to confirm this. It can be said that, despite the media report, there was no mechanical problem with his bike. His regular road bike was a Merida Scultura 907. It seems that when the first person reached him, within seconds, he was already dead. I was on my way to Musina at the time and only learned of his passing the next morning on facebook. I'm devastated. He was only 45. My sincerest condolences to his family. In true fashion the Pro Deo team, with his son(s), will still participate in the Jock tomorrow. RIP Christo, you will be missed dearly.

God bless his soul.

[LOOK695]

Very very sad. I knew Christo and his family from their days here in Piet Retief before they moved to Ermelo. Condolences to his family. A man who loved his family and also who loved his God

[Swart Kat]

R.I.P. Sounds like a legend....

[urbanroyal]

RIP ...legend indeed ....

[Guest Frail4Life]

May his soul RIP

 

Condolences to his family and friends.

[Skylark]

Shame man, Condolences and strength to his family.

Man taken in his prime, RIP

[Fast Forward]

The post mortem confirmed the cause of death as a massive heart attack. According to some who were with him they 'attacked' each other on the decent and as he stood up to sprint he just slumped back and fell. Seems he was dead before he even hit the ground. I have followed many debates on health issues on the hub - especially about heart conditions. Christo was very fit and healthy. This just goes to show again - as you get older you need to have yourself checked out. If there are any signs - consult a doctor - do not diagnose yourselve. Ironically just a week before I consulted a specialist and discussed the findings with Christo. Basically what I was told is not to overtrain, rest enough, stop if you feel dizzy or uneasy whilst cycling and accept the fact that you are getting older. also, Check your heart rate - if any unusual heart rates - too slow or too fast, then consult your dr.

[River Rat]

The cyclist was Christo Vd Linde, the owner of Pro Deo Cycling Acadamy in Ermelo - a great friend and mentor to the whole cycling community in and around Ermelo. I'll try and give perspective - if only to inspire others and to vent my sorrow. Christo was a big man - I'd guess around 105kg, he loved road cycling. He once told me that he took up cycling just to be closer to his 2 sons that were also avid cyclists - they were part of the Mecer team. Looking at his size one would not think that he could cycle for long distances - let alone on a road bike. Many of us soon realised our mistakes as he made us eat our words. He could hold his own and was a very strong and experienced cyclist. He was always cycling at the front doing all the hard work for the rest of us. My 9 year old son always marvelled at his calves - big enough to kick start a Jumbo Jet. The past few year he started involving school kids in cycling with great results. Two of his juniors participated in the National champs at Durban this year with podium finishes. We were still joking the day before his passing that we'd better get their signatures now before they become famous. He also involved the Ermelo schools in the Spur MTB series this year with great results in the first round. On Friday afternoons he would always invite all for a braai at the shop. Saturday was our last MTB ride together. I had just purchased a new bike for my son and he was laughing at me when we realised that I had to put in some effort to keep up with the youngster. He was so excited about the difference the bike made and commented that he cannot believe there are still people that argue that equipment does not make a difference. After the ride we had coffee as usual and discussed Darryl Impi's predicament. Like Andrew McClean, Christo believed in his innocence and still mentioned how he personally knew Impi and talked to him on the day of the TT at the nationals and how Impi made time to talk to his 2 riders and inspired them. That was the last day I would see Christo. A group ride was arranged for the Sunday - this was in preparation of the Jock coming up. They would ride the Ermelo-Lothair-Amsterdam-Ermelo route - some 180km. A very scenic route. They had a back-up vehicle. His son was also present. About 90km into the ride - some 3 hours later they were on a decent, hitting speeds between maybe 60 - 70km/h. This was when it all happened. It is not known yet why he fell off the bike. it is speculated that he may have had a heart attack, but an autopsy would have to confirm this. It can be said that, despite the media report, there was no mechanical problem with his bike. His regular road bike was a Merida Scultura 907. It seems that when the first person reached him, within seconds, he was already dead. I was on my way to Musina at the time and only learned of his passing the next morning on facebook. I'm devastated. He was only 45. My sincerest condolences to his family. In true fashion the Pro Deo team, with his son(s), will still participate in the Jock tomorrow. RIP Christo, you will be missed dearly.

 

Fast Forward what a wonderful way to remember your friend. When all is done and dusted our deeds are what we will be remembered for and from your post it would seem that Christo will be well remembered. RIP

[tinei n]

Sad news MHSRIP