llsm-@veloski.com

Fond memories will long linger in my mind of my first ride with Joe. In my

very early years of racing while living in Seattle I road my first track

race on the boards of "C" Track (short for China Creek Track) in Vancouver,

BC. I think it was about 1973 or 74 and I was trying out my new Raleigh Pro

bike. I rode with the "A's", since I was riding "A's" on the road by that

time. I think the first event was a "Miss-n-Out", which I won by riding off

the front after several laps. I'll never forget the sensation of riding

around the banks and looking through the wheels of my competitors to the

apron below us. I was riding near the top of the track, because there were

less people up there!! Well, after the race Joe asked me why I was riding

so far up the track. I said it was my first time on a track and it seemed

easier to stay away from everyone up higher. He then explained a little

about track etiquette and tactics, which I took with me for the remainder of

my years racing on the tracks around the Northwest. He also explained the

advantages of shaved legs in the event of crashes....something about hair

shredding the skin like a brillo-pad caught my attention. Years later we

continued to laugh about those early days of our mutual pursuit for cycling

excellence.



I know Joe's infectious enthusiasm for the sport of cycling will be missed

by all of us. I pray that all of us will remember to embrace the joy of

life lived large each day. And remember, the guy that crosses the line

first is not always the winner in the important things of life; it's the guy

who laughs long and cheers loud just for the joy of riding that's the real

winner. And above that, understanding our place in God's universe through

Christ is the true meaning of living life full.



God Bless and Keep You Safe until we meet again....



Larry Smith