July 29/04 9:06 am - Tragic Loss in Nova Scotia

Posted by Editor on 07/29/04
 

Tragic Loss in Nova Scotia
Courtesy Mark Foster

A tragic loss for the Nova Scotia cycling community

On Thursday, July 29, 2004, Colin Gash died of a brain aneurism. Colin was 25 years old, and as many of you know, he has been active in the cycling community for many, many years.

As a cyclist, Colin started at age sometime around age 14, racing the Bicycle Nova Scotia XC series. His love of cycling continued and most recently Colin was involved heavily in downhill racing and freeriding. Colin was always at the top of the sport, no matter what the dicipline. In 1995, he was racing with 18 year olds as a 14 year old in xc, and later claimed multiple provincial titles in downhill racing. Colin was also one to give back to the cycling community, as a commisaire at various mountain bike races over the years. Colin also worked as a mechanic at The Bike People, and was highly regarded for his wrenching skills.

His easy manner made him one of the most likeable guys around. Colin has many friends from many different areas. Many cyclists may not know that he is also an accomplished artist who just graduated from TUNS with an Architecture degree on July 23, 2004 at the top of his class. He was on his way to do his master's degree this fall.

Many of you will also know Krista Koval, Colin's long time girlfriend. Krista has also been involved with cycling for years and this is a tragic event for both Krista and Colin's family. Please offer your sympathy to Krista if you see her this weekend. My fondest memory of Colin and Krista is from the 8 hours of Gore event a few years back. The two of them raced together and my girlfriend Melanie and I were racing head to head with them through all 8 hours. It was a great time and the whole day all of us had a huge smile on our faces. As usual, Colin came out on top, and he and Krista got to spray the champange over the crowd.

Tomorrow (July 30) at TUNS on Spring Garden Road opposite the library at 8:30pm, there will be a gathering of all his friends to view his portfolio of work. At 9:30pm, some video footage that he worked on will be shown.

Family, friends from school, high school as well as the bike community will all be attending. All people who want to attend are welcome and encouraged to attend. Please tell your friends. At times like this, there is nothing better than support. Please bring any pictures or written stories you may have.

There will be a memorial mtb ride on Sunday morning @ 10:30 am Aug 1 @ Whopper Drop in Bayers Lake Industrial Park by Burger King. Everyone is welcome. Ride will be light paced and social.

The funeral will be held on Monday August 2, 2004 at Mattadal Funeral Home on Portland Street, Dartmouth. Please call 461-0700 for particulars. Once again, all are welcome and encouraged to attend.

Pictures of Colin can be found on www.ecmtb.com. Memories of Colin can be posted on the ecmtb.com forum, a web site where many of his cycling friends frequent.

Our deepest sympathy to the family and Krista.

Mark Foster - BNS President