by Dean Lee
End of July brings to mind fond memories of one of my favorite group rides. I have been blessed to experience some great times with family and friends on this ride; however this year is bittersweet. This year marks the second year without one of my cycling buds, Mike Wilberding. The last moments I spent with Mike was riding the ‘Summit to Surf’, the annual fundraiser for the Oregon/ Washington Chapter of the American Diabetes Association. The ride is simply awesome for a number of reasons. I would say this ride is best described using 'Tour de France lingo. It's local but it's 'epic' in nature. Yep - I would be bold enough to say few rides in Oregon compare for the beauty, challenge and the feeling of accomplishment after successfully completing this ride.
Of the many memories from past ADA events my list of favorite *first time for this* events include the following:
- first long distance cycling event (over 50 miles)
- first (serious) mountain climb challenge
- first time experiencing a pace line (oh yea!)
- first time experiencing a downhill for extended periods (nothing like cycling downhill, especially > 40 mph for miles!)
I’ve shared great memories with a select group of friends, co-workers, family. Mike was one of those friends of mine. Mike was a quiet, friendly, simple, easygoing kind of guy. I always remember him smiling. Mike was accepting of most everyone, I never recall Mike to have a bad word or comment about anyone, which was one of the qualities I admired most about him. 
I don’t fully recall how I met Mike. I think we ran into each other during an event ride, such as this. We seemed to keep up with each other- same pace back and forth. By the end of the ride we discovered we both worked for the same high tech employer. As our friendship grew, we would hook up for weekend rides, birthdays or the typical Oregon bike season event list. Summit to Surf was always on our list.
As a cyclist, he was deceptively strong and consistent. Mike used to hang in the back with me at times. Truth is, I sucked Mike's wheel a lot. He seemed to go like the Ever-ready bunny. When my body would scream “slow the pace down! recover!”, Mike still had energy to go.
One of the many things I can thank Mike for was talking me into the ultimate cycling vacation, Cycle Oregon. Okay a VACATION. You know – something you do for relaxation. That is, if you like packing your tent, your clothing and essentials for a week of cycling, and sleeping on the ground with 2000 other crazed cyclists! Up and down, over hill and dale where no man (or very few) have gone before! Of course I shared the passion. I helped talk another bud into this band of cyclists. We, fellow Velo-ite Mike Stevens and I, wound up joining Mike W. and the rest of the “crew” for several years of CO cycling adventures.
Good times shared amongst good friends. This reminds me that life is a blessing that is meant to be shared with those around us. If there is a takeaway here, I hope I’ve encouraged you to get out and enjoy whatever activity you’re passionate about. Most of all, take the time to enjoy each other and savor the relationships with your family and friends.
So this July 26th I’ve chosen to honor Mike’s memory by completing the STS route we have ridden several times together. I’ll recall his bandana, his favorite Full Sail brew jersey, his smile and jovial nature. I’ll have to add the Rowena climb at the end, 'cause darn it, we bailed on Mike that year, preferring food to more climbing!
I’ll celebrate who Mike Wilberding was. Our many funny conversations, a loyal friend, a loving husband, a proud father. He is missed by those of us who knew him, certainly by loved ones closest to him.
I’m blessed to say Mike Wilberding was a cycling bud of mine.