By PATRICK BORN
Dallas, Texas
When I relocated to Richardson just over two years ago, Shipeng was one of the folk who willingly shared bicycle commute related information with me.
Shipeng was an avid bicycle commuter, recreational cyclist, and a nice person. One day, seeing him get on his bike with extreme difficulty, I think I realized why he so loved cycling so; his bicycle freed him and gave him wings.
He had previously been involved in a terrible vehicle collision which left him in a lot more pain and reduced mobility than he’d admit to, I think. He used to stretch each day in the fitness center in order to keep his mobility.
Shipeng loved cycling. He rode the Hotter ’n Hell Hundred and the heat and exertion got to him so he had to stop and vomit; then he carried on riding. As I recall, he did this twice.
He said he’d like to bicycle from Plano to Houston some day. I would have loved to have accompanied him.
He logged over 15,000 miles commuting to work by bicycle.
He’d logged over 11,000 miles with his Garmin Edge bicycle computer.
Shipeng always had a ready smile and encouraging words for me.
He and I bicycle commuted together some mornings. I look back fondly on those early morning rides.
I can’t believe he’s gone. I’m hoping he’s got even better wings now…
Sincerely,
Patrick