- December 2009 -
Dear
ACTVCC members,
It is our very sad duty to report this tragic
event:
Last Thursday morning (Christmas Eve) we lost
one of our
most commited clubmates in a fatal accident. Peter McLennan
was struck
by a power boat on the Murray River at Casey's Bend near
Echuca in Victoria
at around 9:00 am while swimming with other family members.
His injuries
were severe and have proven fatal, although every attempt was
made to
save his life at the scene and en route to specialist care. He
was taken
from the Murray by helicopter to Royal Melbourne Hospital
where surgeons
were unable to revive him. His loss is keenly felt, and
devastating
for members of his family who will receive any assistance or
support
we can offer.
The following news item from Canberra Times (26
Dec) refers
to the incident:
" Speedboat kills ACT man in Murray
DAVID STOCKMAN
26 Dec, 2009 11:10 AM
A 45-year-old Curtin man has died after a
speedboat
hit him as he swam in the Murray River on Thursday. The
Canberra man was flown from the scene near Moama to the
Royal Melbourne
Hospital, but died later that day. Police
interviewed a
24-year-old Victorian man over the incident yesterday
after a public
appeal for him to come forward.
The Devon Meadows man contacted police
shortly
afterwards and was interviewed and released a short time
later.
The incident occurred between 9am and 9.20am, with
witnesses reporting
hearing a thud and seeing blood in the water. The
speedboat failed
to stop after the initial incident at Caseys Bend, between
Moama
and Echuca.Shortly after the incident, the man was flown
200km to
the Royal Melbourne Hospital where he was operated on, but
he died
about 3.40pm.
His name has not been disclosed. It is
believed
the man's family had travelled from Sydney and Canberra to
spend
Christmas together in the Victorian town of Echuca. Members
of the man's family are believed to have witnessed the
tragedy.
Police said they were continuing investigations
into the
death and would prepare a report for the coroner."
Clearly there are many more details to be
learned and
disseminated. An autopsy is in progress and a coronial inquiry
may follow.
I will endeavour keep you all informed as news comes to hand.
Arrangements will be made for Peter's funeral at
Nimmitabel
at which ACTVCC members will be active contributors to the
ceremonies
of the day.
Nick Boylan and Richard Gorrell
Peter
McLennan – Tribute to a Full Life
(In response to several requests, here follows the text of
Bill Frost's
funeral eulogy given at Nimmitabel Community Hall, 31/12/2009)
"It was a sad privilege to deliver a eulogy for
Peter
McLennan, who packed so much into his short life.
I first met Peter in 1994, when we worked on the same floor in
Tuggeranong.
Peter had a great sense of humour. He and I joined the ACT
Veterans’
Cycling Club together at Queanbeyan. He loved to tell the
story of how,
three days later, they threw him out for being too young! He
had always
assumed that a male cycling veteran was 30 years or over and
had handed
over his form and his money in good faith.
He was always a friendly and welcoming person and it didn’t
take
long before we were riding at lunch time, then longer rides
each week.
My first climbs of Mt Ainslie, Black Mountain and Fitz’s Hill
were with Peter and we did Fitz’s Challenge together.
Unlike me, Pete was a fearless descender. He used to back off
the other
side of Fitz’s to get a little more launch speed at the top,
then
try and hit 95 kph on the way down. One time he and I compared
notes
after descending Mt Ainslie in the rain. I was probably a bit
annoyed
I had exceeded 40 kph. He was a bit annoyed he hadn’t exceeded
90 kph!
Peter finally joined the ACT Vets in 1998. He cut a
distinctive figure,
racing with an original red 1980s stack hat and an Allen
carbon frame
that was 3 sizes too large and he had paid a small fortune
for, stuck
in a bidding war at the police stolen property auctions. He
quickly
became interested in pursuing a criterium facility and to
further this,
formed a group composed of ACT Vets, Canberra Cycles,
Triathletes, CORC,
PedalPower and speed skaters and wrote a submission that
quickly grew
to 15 pages. He organised lobbying meetings with every
relevant state
or federal politician and pressed them for a suitable venue.
After one
of these meetings, with Wilson Tuckey, who thought we could
perhaps
use a bike path somewhere, some of us questioned whether we
really had
a chance. Completely undeterred, Peter decided to enhance the
submission
with a bit more marketing. He borrowed the club’s video
camera,
hired a light plane and with the window open, flew around
filming suitable
venues. In those post 9/11 times, it wasn’t long before the
AFP
asked the control tower to radio the pilot and demand that he
stop flying
slow circles around Government House!
Eventually, the Stromlo facility was built and if you drive by
and see
thousands of mountain bikers, hundreds of road cyclists or
parents cycling
with their young children, then this is as Peter McLennan
envisaged
it.
Peter also developed and maintained a software package that
holds details
of riders and races and automates a lot of the event
management tasks.
This is used by three Canberra clubs. Results are generated
from a web
site called raceforever.com and I think this phrase typifies
Peter McLennan’s
approach to life.
Race forever Pete!
Bill Frost, December 2009.
Postscript - I’d also like to share a story that shows Peter’s
‘never give up’ determination:
Many years ago Peter asked me and another work colleague if we
would
like to go caving. Anticipating a nice walk looking at bats
and glow
worms, I agreed. When Peter turned up with a ladder, three
sets of coveralls,
three hard hats and three miners’ lamps, I wondered if he had
the same idea as I did. When we climbed the ladder and reached
the start
point, he explained that his kids had previously been able to
get through
a narrow passageway but he had been unable to do so himself.
He wanted
another try.
I went first and soon reached the narrow part. Then it got
narrow; very
narrow. I relaxed, exhaled and concentrated on easing my left
rib cage
through. I then relaxed, exhaled and tried one hip, then the
other rib
cage and so on. Peter encouraged me but did mention that cave
rescue
in these circumstances was a little difficult. Eventually I
gave up
and Peter and Kevin tried, with the same result.
So that was it, I thought . . . But Peter was never one to
give into
a challenge, so he stripped to his underpants, rubbed Vaseline
liberally
front and back and made it through. And back!
This only left us to find the ladder. I won’t even describe
the
sensation of keeping your hips, arms and torso firmly on the
ledge,
legs dangling in the darkness, swinging back and forward with
the toes
to try and locate the top of the extension ladder. Knowing how
high
you were above ground but also knowing that it was necessary
to drop
a few cm from the ledge to position yourself on the top rung
of the
ladder. Trying not to think of the consequences if we missed,
we all
managed it successfully.
Needless to say, when Peter mentioned his next expedition
which involved
abseiling, crawling through a passageway that was completely
underwater
and typically took all day to travel 300 metres, I regretfully
declined!"  |
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Peter's funeral was held in Nimmitabel on 31 Dec
2009.
It was attended by many of the ACTCC club members and others
from the
ACT cycling community who knew him as a friend, competitor and
enthusiastic
volunteer. Over 80 vet club members on their bikes and dressed
in club
outfits preceded the funeral vehicles to the cemetery just
outside the
town and then formed a guard of honor either side of the
access road
to the grave side.
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Tributes to Peter
Along with members of the ACTVCC and the wider cycling
community
in Canberra I was shocked to learn of Peter's death. On behalf of
club members
and myself I want to pass on condolences to Peter's family at their
great
loss.
The cycling community mourns his death as well. Peter
was the
ultimate clubman. We all saw his contribution to race meets both as a
rider
and constant helper with the Rider Management System that he
developed and
maintained for the club. But beyond that he was always thinking of
ways to
progress cycling and in particular race cycling. The Gunning Two Day
saw its
greatest success when Peter directed and promoted the race. Over 150
participants
and some great racing resulted from the detailed way he approached
the event.
Perhaps his greatest legacy though will be the Stromlo
Criterium
Circuit. Peter had a great part in lobbying and planning for this
facility
that all Canberra cycling clubs now enjoy. Our Vets races there will
not be
the same though without Pete attacking again, and again!
I met Pete almost as soon as I joined the club 6 years
ago.
First I met him as a racer but later as a fellow committee member.
It was
Peter who suggested to me that I might think about a committee role
and it
was Pete who suggested I follow him directing his pet event at
Gunning. His
mentoring and advice will be sorely missed by me and many others. I
spent
a lot of time riding with Pete at races and socially. Even on social
rides
he gave it everything. And this is what I will miss.
Rob Diamond
President ACTVCC
I am deeply shocked to hear of the tragic death of
Peter McLennan.
When I joined the Vets Peter took a fatherly interest in making sure
that
I, as I am sure he did with many other newcomers to the club,
enjoyed the
cycling, did it safely and importantly made new friends. Through the
Vets,
please pass on my sincere condolences to Peter's family."
Peter Power
"I 'googled' Peter's name along with Stromlo and this
one
came up:
http://www.raceforever.com/Stromlo/CyclingAward/Peter%20McLennan%20ACTVETS.jpg
It details Peter's more than five years of close
involvement,
with others, in getting the Stromlo cycling facility from a germ of
an idea
(originally to be at Yarramundi) to completion, and to something we
all now
benefit from. While others stepped into the lime-light at the
opening of the
centre, Stephen Hodge certainly acknowledged Peter's major efforts
and contributions
when he made his speech at the opening. I remember Peter, who was
standing
well back, reservedly nodding his head at the mention of his name.
We will miss him personally, miss him as a strong competitor across
B, C and
D Grades (I always loved beating him especially, and he in beating
me), miss
him as a great club worker, but most of all we will miss him as
someone who
loved his cycling with a passion only matched by his passion for the
'Canberra
Vets' club.
Finally, my lasting memory of Peter will be the race this year in
early July
at the Uriarra course when we both made a very early break-away with
Rick
Fitch. Fitchy didn't last too long and despite my strong
protestations, Peter
encouraged me to keep the pressure on and we were still away at the
second
turn. I realised further complaining was not going to work so we
knuckled
down to a 40 kilometers breakaway duo. At 150 metres from the finish
line,
I told Peter he better let me have the victory as it was my birthday
that
week. He obliged and let me take the lead 70 metres out, but then I
heard
that 'puffing billy' train blowing stream off my right shoulder.
Pete was
sprinting, making me earn my birthday victory. I won by a quarter
wheel, but
nearly threw up just over the line!
Sadly, I have not had, nor will I get the opportunity to return the
favour.
Vale Peter McLennan."
Alex O'Shea
Quite apart from the countless contributions Peter
generously
gave the club in his life time, I pay a special tribute to the
dignified attitude
he took when losing the election for President two years ago. He
graciously
accepted the members’ decision and unselfishly maintained his
never-ending
contributions up to his very last days. I respectfully salute a
truly great
human being.
Aurelio
"I have just arrived back home from Xmas with my
family
and like everyone else am extremely shocked and saddened to hear of
Peter's
passing. I don't think I've ever come across anyone more passionate
about
his sport than Peter nor have I come across anyone in any of the
sports I've
been involved in more willing to support and help his fellow
participants.
I've raced with Peter for 3 years and could recount several stories
similar
to Alex O'Shea's. My most memorable though and the one which I think
best
marks the character of the man was a race out at an even windier
than usual
Gunning. I hadn't raced for a while and I struggled to stay with the
bunch
even with the howling gale at our backs. At the turn around in
Breadalbane
I was inevitably dropped by the bunch. I was a good 20 - 30 metres
off the
back when Peter saw where I was, dropped back and rode me back onto
the bunch.
There was the usual nagging in my ear that many others will remember
and as
usual at the time I just wanted it to stop. But also as usual, it
worked.
It got me back onto the bunch, kept me there and gave us something
to laugh
and jibe each other about after. If memory serves me correctly, I
think that
was the day when Peter went on to break away with another rider
(David Rowe,
I think it was) and at the end insisted that the other rider take
the win.
I've worked with Peter for the last 3 years and I just can't imagine
what
its going to be like to not have him around. He became a good
friend. We didn't
always see eye to eye at work or out on the course but I always knew
his intentions
were right and that he had a heart of gold. I'm going to miss him
and those
Monday morning post race analysis meetings terribly. My sincerest
and heart
felt condolences to his family, especially to his children."
Greg Shaw
"I was very saddened to hear of Peter's death. He was a
great club man and will be sorely missed by his friends. My
condolences to
his family and fellow club members."
Howard Galloway
"As a mark of respect and because we are proud to say
we
have enjoyed being part of Pete's cycling life, Anita and I would
very much
like to take part in the procession at the funeral."
Mark and Anita Taylor
Peter McLennan made a difference to cycling in the
ACT, was
instrumental in building the Vets' club and was an informal coach to
so many
newcomers to the sport. Pete made me feel so very welcome when I
joined the
club and gave me much tactical advice. I enjoyed racing when Pete
was there
(which for him was most of the time). I knew an event would run
smoothly and
that results would be out promptly along with all manner of
statistical information.
But the best was racing Pete. He would keep the bunch talking and he
knew
the benefit of working together yet he would keep you guessing as to
when
he would sprint. The news of Peter's death has shocked me beyond
belief. I
am profoundly saddened and send my deepest sympathy to his family.
Cycling
in the ACT has lost one of its 'greats'."
Henry Thomson, 299
"Pauline and I were shocked to hear of Peter's death.
The
ultimate club man, he did a huge amount of work for the club, he was
welcoming
to all and a man who loved his cycling. We are not able to get to
the funeral
but our thoughts are with Pete's family at this difficult time."
John & Pauline Thorn
"I too have vivid memories of the "puffing Peter"
who could launch a spectacular attack (after his customary three or
four feints
during the race) 600 metres or more from home. On this day at
Stromlo he was
so totally committed to victory that both the pain and the oxygen
deficit
were clearly audible to those of us in the stands. The opposition
appeared
helpless in his wake, but Pete rode himself to jelly as he gasped
and grunted
over the line, only to realise he had gone a lap early. I had to
laugh, as
I am sure he did when he could breathe again, for I had done exactly
the same
the previous weekend.
Last lap or not, his total commitment was typical, and
the Peter
McLennan I knew was always enthusiastic and an optimist. And I never
knew
him to be other than an honest and generous competitor, a true
sportsman in
the old-fashioned use of the term. Our loss is great."
Richard Gorrell
"Peter was a mover & shaker within bikedom. The
crap-est
seems to happen to the best-est. No sense in it?"
Ian Downing
From CCC, via Canberra Roadies Site:
"Peter, whilst not a member of any CA affiliated Club
in
the ACT, would be well known to many in the Canberra Cycling
community. He
was a very proud and committed member of the ACT Veterans Cycling
Club and
a strong advocate for Cycling in the ACT over many years. On behalf
of the
Canberra Cycling Club and its members I wish to express deep sorrow
and sadness
at Peter's passing.
Jason Parkes, President , Canberra Cycling Club (who
will represent
CCC on Thursday).
And from the Vikings' Camp:
"Canberra Cycling has lost a gem right there. Pete was always only
too
ready to help whenever I had a question and would always go out of
his way
to dig up queries from the RMS for me, as well as offer some great
advice
on race directing when I was fleshing out details for the Masters
Champs.
Rest in Peace mate. My sincere condolences go out to those he left
behind."
J. Young
"This is a real tragedy. OK, I might have had a few
run-ins
with Pete in the past over different views about racing culture, but
he did
a heck of a lot for cycling in the ACT. Whereas too many of us just
have strong
views, he backed his up with prodigious effort. For that he will be
sorely
missed. Very sorry to hear about the loss."
Simon Niemeyer
I am deeply shocked and saddened by the tragic
accident which
has claimed the life of Peter McLennan. Peter was a great asset to
cycling
in the ACT and was a mountain of the strength for the ACTVCC. The
ease at
which the ACTVCC runs races, and the excellent and timely results
were from
the efforts of Peter and his Rider Management System (RMS). Although
our opinions
regarding bicycle racing often differed, Peter was definitely his
own man
and worked prodigiously for the benefit of the ACTVCC and cycling in
the ACT,
Stromlo Forest Park being an ongoing testament to Peter amongst
others.
>
> Peter was very gracious, professional and passionate about
cycling. Who
can ask for more? I personally, and the Vikings Cycle Club, mourn
the loss
of Peter. We will all miss his advice and input on the Vikings
forum. Most
sincere condolances to Peter's family".
Simon Claringbold
"Very sad news, I too had similar experiences with
Peter.
He put a hell of a lot his time into the sport we all love.
Condolences to
his family and friends."
Tony O'Connor
"I was shocked and devastated to hear the news
of
Pete. I remember the early days when I first started riding track at
Queanbeyan
and was quite new to the club. The only roadies at this time were
David Hope,
myself and Pete. At this time I was riding F grade and told Pete
that I would
not put myself up to E unless I was made to go up. He looked at me
and had
a big grin on his face and said 'You shouldn't say that to the
handicapper!'.
The following week I remember I had been put up to E grade. I also
have fond
memories of the handicap at Queanbeyan: Pete used to always turn up
just in
time for this race. We were all stuffed, having just raced the 10
lapper,
and like clock work Pete would turn up just as we were lining up on
the fence
- legs fresh as daisies. I will miss you Pete."
Ally Roche
"The ACT Cycling Federation passes on to Peter's
family
its sincere condolences at this time and
wishes to record its appreciation of Peter's contribution to cycling
in the
ACT. His work in relation to Stromlo Forest Park and his enthusiasm
generally
for the sport of cycling will be a lasting legacy and for many
people long
lasting and fond memories of him."
Malcolm Paterson
Secretary, ACTCF
"I am unable to attend Peter’s funeral, but would
appreciate my condolences being conveyed to his family. His passion
and commitment
will be greatly missed by our cycling community, but his work on our
behalf
will be a lasting legacy."
Jim Veal
"Trish, Kayla and I were shocked to hear about
Pete
and our hearts and thoughts go out to his family and friends. Pete
loved his
cycling with a passion and was no doubt one of the most dedicated
contributors
and supporters of the sport I have met, not only with the Vets but
the whole
Canberra cycling community. Although Pete was not a member of the
Vikings,
he helped us out on many occasions at race meets, with setting up
the Race
Management System and providing great advice. Nothing was too much
trouble
for Pete.
You may have heard some of us referring to Pete as “The Hat”.
This nick name came about many years ago at a Vets crit. He turned
up for
B Grade realising he had left his race helmet at home. Moments later
after
rummaging through his car he rolled up to the start line wearing a
80s style
Red Stack Hat. Gold!!! I am also going to miss, as I am sure many of
you will,
the tap on the back and those words “come on, lets hit em”.
Mark Stevenson (VCC)
"I never raced with Peter, but many times his
determination
served as inspiration. My favourite memory of Peter comes from
Apollo Road
the first time I raced there. I'd been reduced to walking in the
later part
of the climb, only to hear: "If you can walk that fast, you can
bloody
well ride the rest of the way" as Peter went past. Cycling has lost a
stalwart. There might have been times when Peter's approach to an
issue was
at odds with others' but he always had an approach and he always
gave his
best. We are all better off for knowing Peter and for the
opportunity to work
with him. Thanks for everything Puffing Pete!"
Peter Leach
"Pete was unfailingly friendly and helpful to me and I
frequently sought his advice on race conditions, tactics and other
cycling
maters. I enjoyed some great races with him, exchanging comments as
we rolled
through the pack. If fit enough I would try to get away from him on
the hills,
knowing that was the only way I could beat him. Early this year I
had a lead
of a couple of hundred metres with a kilometre to go, but it was
insufficient
to keep out Pete's steam train finish. He was truly one of nature's
gentlemen
and I will miss him.
Rad Leovic, our octogenarian member, will be unable to
attend
Pete's funeral and does not have a computer, so has asked me to pass
on his
tribute to Pete. Rad met Pete about 25 years ago when Pete used to
collect
his trash pack from his home as a part-time job. When Rad joined the
Vets
Club a few years ago he was delighted when Pete reminded him of
these earlier
meetings. Rad was new to vets cycle racing and Pete took a close
interest
in his welfare, and continued to do so. After the last race Pete
chased after
Rad, concerned that he was not going to attempt to cycle home."
Bob Harlow
"I am a long time friend of Peter's, having known
him
from primary school, high school, sea scouts, and living with his
family before
I left Canberra for Sydney. Much of this time was spent riding with
Peter around
Canberra, down to the lake or going on bike camping trips. I am also
part of
a riding group in Sydney. My wife and I will be attending the funeral
in Nimmitabel
on Dec 31st and I would appreciate if I could participate in any
memorial ride
that may be happening on the day"
Brett Greenwood
"Please extend my heartfelt condolences to Peter's
Family.
He was a tremendous person who was always very welcoming and helpful
to everyone
at Vets. It is an absolute tragedy and he will be sorely missed."
Mark Hurwitz
I haven’t been in the club long enough to have known
Peter
all that well, but was shocked to hear of his tragic death. This
year I raced
with him quite a bit - first breakaway I ever had was with Peter,
and he has
helped me back to the bunch on at least one occasion. He was always
full of
encouragement to me and his commitment to his racing and his club
was evident
every race day. I can only imagine the deep loss felt by his long
time racing
buddies, friends and family."
David Stewart-Thomson
"I am utterly devastated by the news of Peter’s death.
My sincere condolences go to the McLennan family.
Peter was at virtually every race I ever entered, we
shared
countless lifts to races and he was always upbeat no matter what was
going
on in his life. That grin, the chuckle, the leather floppy hat, the
mountain
of white bread sandwiches for his pre-race meal, the puffing billy
sound or
snort as he pushed himself to the max during a sprint, the fixation
on race
statistics, the never-wavering invitations to go on training rides
and offers
of lifts to races, the encouragement that made me push harder, the
occasional
hideous mismatch of knicks and jersey colours, the ferrying of
Conner and
Eilish to school on their bikes, the rushing around Coles Curtin
looking for
groceries, and the chugging up Adelaide Avenue on his way to work
were just
some things to remember him by.
If you measured Peter’s cycling ability by just guts
and
enthusiasm, then he was right up there with Merckx and Armstrong.
Although
he loved his racing, and probably made at least one attack in every
race he
ever entered, it was supporting cycling in Canberra and for getting
bums on
bike seats where he was most passionate. Well before the bushfires
of 2003,
Peter was out scouring Canberra for sites that could easily be
transformed
into a criterium circuit. As anyone who reads the Canberra Times
readily knows,
dealing with the National Capital Authority is not an easy task. I
can remember
Peter explaining to me how he unsuccessfully tried to convince the
folk at
the NCA that although the road at Barenjoey Drive would be sealed
for bike
racing, the ACT cycling community would not be claiming ownership of
the land!
They couldn’t comprehend that all he wanted was to have a safe
course
where you wouldn’t have to deal with ACTION buses coming on the
circuit
every 30 minutes. There was no hidden agenda, but he initially got
nowhere.
We now know that his idea eventually gained momentum, and we have
the magnificent
Stromlo circuit as proof of his and many others’ great efforts.
Another of Peter’s great loves was the Gunning two-day
tour. His dream was to have every senior rider in NSW turn up, but
the reality
was different. The problems with differing race licenses, threats
from masters
clubs to black ban Cycling Australia licence holders who took part,
the inability
to get the race on the race calendar at the same time each year and
troubles
with road approvals were too many hurdles to overcome, and much to
his dismay
the race didn’t even occur this year. Drives with Peter out to
Gunning
were a great chance to catch up on each other’s families, cycling
politics,
a review of international cycling events and who was the most recent
cycling
official somewhere in Australia to “blow a gasket” at him for
one of his proposals or actions. No matter what happened in his
life, he always
was able to retell a story without bitterness, and managed to see
the funny
side of an incident even in the most dire or bizarre of situations.
Peter had raced in A, B, C and D grades in the time I
knew him.
Many of his solo attacks didn’t amount to much, and the bunch would
enjoy letting him sit off the front to “stew”, but if he was in
contention for the sprint or a group breakaway he would always give
his all.
His most audacious tactic was to call back newer riders to the bunch
if the
pace was getting too fast but this was much to the ire of the more
experienced
who knew it was not a club rule but a ploy so he could get back into
the bunch.
He used to love organising handicap bunches during races, but in
addition
to yelling out orders was also willing to lead by example.
The last few months were a bit of a purple patch in
his racing
career, with Peter achieving victories in C and B grades. His June
20 breakaway
and second place as described by Alex O’Shea was a testament to his
gutsy determination. I was in the chasing bunch, and although we
were a complete
shambles in terms of organisation, we kept up a solid pace trying to
catch
the two.
Peter and I began working together in races back in
the criterium
season of 2000-2001 at Kingston. As members of the Canberra Cycling
Club,
every week we’d turn up with a new tactic to get a C grade victory
(or
even a place) in the 12-minutes-plus-three format. One week it would
be attack
from the gun, next week at about at six minutes, another time it
would be
in the last lap, and finally after Mark Carter had promoted
virtually every
other rider up to B grade, we snared success with Peter and Chris
Short blocking
the bunch to a snail’s pace while I pedalled away to victory. Peter
never forgot his magnanimous gesture and always used it as the basis
of why
I should lead him out for sprints on other occasions.
Dairy Flat was a course that suited us both well and
our last
ride together there on October 10 as C graders was our most
successful. Mark
Taylor had taken the early points with a breakaway. We then amassed a
few
together when we were off the front for about three sprint laps. He
was keen
stay in the lead for the rest of the race but I strategically
“vanished”
back to the bunch after one of the sprints to avoid getting a
lecture from
Peter about the merits of sticking it out in the lead to the end.
Peter eventually
folded, and the bunch regrouped for the final sprint. I went for a
long lead-out
knowing Peter would be sitting on my wheel. With the finish in sight
and me
neck and neck with Steve Schwenke, I imagined Steve thinking, “Ah,
I've
got Langridge, this win is mine.” This, however, was the point at
which
Peter applied the after burners and roared past us both. The points
tally
had Peter first and me second—our greatest ever team effort. An
email
exchange with Peter after the race read: Yes I owe you one, although
I thought
we had it sewn up in the two-man team time trial, until you dropped
off. Was
that a tactical "James Jordan grading move?"
[James is the club handicapper and Peter was referring
to the
fact that I might have been holding back as not to get noticed by
the handicapper.]
We were back out on October 13 for a freezing
criterium at Stromlo.
Peter had spent half the race off the front but had slowed to
walking pace
by the time the bunch caught him. On the back straight of the final
lap I
charged off knowing Peter would get on my wheel. Within seconds he
was shouting
at me to go faster, which promptly caused me to konk out by the top
corner,
but he powered on to win by 50m and move straight into B grade.
In B grade he rode courageously in every race during
October,
November and December 2009, often getting into breaks. He even had
the chance
to win an A/B combined race but played his hand a little too early
in the
four-man breakaway. I missed seeing his victory at AGSO but heard
the account
of how his great cornering and powering up the incline side of the
course
wore down the opposition to the point only four finished.
The Wheelrace and Bob Kent’s 500th race celebration on
December 8th was the last time we spoke. The speech to mark Bob’s
career
included the total kilometres Bob raced in each grade and the grand
total
of all kilometres. Older members marvelled at how Peter produced
such detailed
statistics on Bob’s achievements. Peter just laughed; pointing out
it
was the data base that did all the work.
Aurelio Biurra mentioned about Peter graciously
accepting defeat
in the election for president two years ago. He didn’t dwell on the
loss but on a number of occasions jokingly quipped, “it wouldn’t
have happened if we were in charge!” in reference to minor
organisational
stuff-ups that occurred within the ACT Veteran’s Cycling Club once
in
a while. Given that he had sounded me out about my volunteering
commitments
recently, no doubt he would have started lobbying me again in the
new year
to support him as secretary as he made another run for the
president’s
role. There would have been no stopping Peter!
I can’t imagine what it will be like not seeing Peter
at races or sharing lifts together. It’s a loss too large to
comprehend.
Goodbye Peter. It was a wonderful nine-year friendship; never
expressed in
words until now, but to be treasured forever."
Robert, Mayumi Emma and Geoffrey Langridge
"I have been a bit cut off from news over the
Christmas
break. When I opened at my e-mail and noticed there were many
tributes to
Peter McLennan my heart sank as I knew it could only mean one thing.
When
I read the details of Pete’s tragic accident I was stunned and
saddened,
particularly for Pete’s family. I last met Peter in the main street
of Queanbeyan, just prior to Christmas. He was with his family and
they all
seemed in great spirits. Although I had not seen Pete for some time,
he was
his usual friendly and congenial self. I tried to persuade him to
ride Queanbeyan
track in the new year. Typically, he was interested, despite the
fact that
he was obviously over committed with cycling events. I cherish the
memory
of that last conversation and the many times I participated with him
in Vets
club events. Pete was a first class human being, a real asset to the
Vets
club and undeserving of the cruel fate that has taken him from us. I
wholeheartedly
support the suggestions that the club honour Pete’s memory in its
racing
program."
Graeme O’Neill
I'm very shocked and saddened to hear about the tragic
death
of Peter. When I went to a race with the vets he was usually there
and I would
always have a chat because he was friendly and knew what was
happening. My
thoughts go out to his family and friends. He will be greatly missed
by everyone
who knew him.
Phil Martin #226
