Saint Sheldon

Our hearts are heavy here at the Big Ring Ministries World Headquarters.  Sheldon Brown was riding in The Big Ring before most of us had even graduated from Big Wheels to training wheels.  While many will point to the Eddy’s, Miguel’s and Lance’s as heros of the velo world I would argue that the Sheldon Browns of the world are the real hero’s.  He rode for the love of riding and he inspired countless others to follow his path.  He did not ride for money or glory, he rode to ride.  That in living in The Big Ring.  How many Tours would Lance have done for free?

Brother Fredette shared this with me today:

He should get honorary Saint status…..no question.

I’ve been following him since the internet started over 15 years ago…which is when he started on the internet.

And when plagued with a problem on my FSR brake setup, some 8 years ago, not only did he respond, he sent me a part I needed without even being asked.

I’ve never had an LBS give me that kind of service and the man didn’t even know what I looked like.

He embodied “passion for cycling”.

The Sheldon Brown website has been on Al Gore’s internet since 1995.  It is a gold mine of information.  Need to rebuild a freewheel, service an English 3 speed hub?  Brother Brown has got you covered.  Check out his bicycle collection. I don’t think he ever saw a bike he didn’t like.

Brothers and Sisters raise your glasses of Chimay  high for our departed brother.  He was fond of Haiku’s about his dog so I leave you with this:

Fixed gear rider
He don’t need no stinking gears
Big Ring in the sky

Update:

To be clear there is no honorary sainthood in TCOTBR.  Verily it shall be said that Brother Sheldon Brown will be known from this day froward for all eternity as Saint Brown of the Fixed Gear.  So it is written.