For those out there that knew Richard Long, Co-Founder of GT Bicycles and/or can appreciate what he and Gary Turner did for the sport of BMX, there is a blog for people to post comments on the 10th anniversary of his passing on July 12, 1996 on his way to the Big Bear Norba National.

I know there are a lot of people on this site that either rode for GT, got beat by them, did business with them or just envied the way they kicked *ss at BMX, FS, and Mountain Bike events since just about day one.

Please check out the blog at: http://richard-long.blogspot.com/

There are some nice thoughts and inside stories on this great "man among men". His family really likes seeing the comments.

Ya'll be cool,

Todd Huffman

I do remember him. Great guy

[ July 04, 2006, 10:16 AM: Message edited by: Brad Apold ]

Hands down the best businessman our sport has ever seen.

It sucks that I worked for him and couldn't get it together to learn from him...

Wow, 10 years.

Jeff,

Thanks for posting a nice comment on Richard's blog. I remember when you came to work in the TI dept at GT. I was really stoked you worked there. I thought I would post a reply to keep this up to in case people might miss it over the long holiday weekend.

What are you up to these days?

Take care,

Todd

I just left a message. All of the messages from friends and family brought tears to my eyes. I really miss Richard.

Thanks for letting us know about this blog Todd. Maybe we can all get together someday soon.

Deanna Jamieson (Edwards)

Deanna,

I just saw the message you left. It was really nice. Right behind you Woody Itson left one as well. I know all of us, particularly Wanda and Chris appreciate the thoughts from everyone else. I have my own tears reading these. He was the best and I miss him tons.

Have nice 4th and I hope you and your family are well.

Best,

Todd

Hey Todd, after I quit GT I went back into aerospace. worked at Boeing in the test lab in H.B. as a weldor until I got laid off in 99. then went into drag race chassis building.

I get to drive drag cars too!

Good to see you around.

JU

Todd,
I have enjoyed reading all the posts on the blog. Some old names on there for sure. How is the family doing? I haven't talked to Wanda in some time. Can you possibly send me some contact information? I would like to catch up with the family. I'm going to IM the blog information to Geoff Scofield, Gary Scofield and In Hee Lee. We need to get more BMXers putting their memories of Richard on there.

I heard a comment yesterday that in some way rings true, atleast to me and many that knew Richard. "BMX racing died the day that Richard passed away" I look at the sport now and although many things have changed the numbers have just died. Richard had a passion for his company but he also had a passion for BMX Racing and would invest and keep magazines and sanctions afloat by sponsoring some major events. Some may argue it was business but if you knew the guy he truly loved any form of cycling but Racing was where his roots were.

He is missed in this sport. R.I.P. Richard.

Deanna,

I think you are so right. Richard and GT were always there when a magazine needed support, or an ABA or NBL National needed sponsoring. He thought TV was important and made things happen to see that BMX was on TV in front of new audiences. I told Wanda about the Olympics and we may all plan the trip. Richard would be so stoked to see his beloved BMX racing in the Olympics. He loved all types of cycling competition but BMX was his passion. He started the Orange Y and Azusa BMX tracks as well as the IBMXF that became the ABA. Even in the later years at GT when he had so much on his plate for a $200M company, he came to BMX nationals and would stay till the very end to see what Bill Nelson's team score produced. Usually a win. He just loved the sport that much.

Thanks for getting in touch with those other folks. I hope Greg Hill and some others see it as well. They would be happy to see all the comments.

Best,

Todd

Todd,
Just wanted to let you know I sent an email to Oz, Greg Hill, Craig Bark, Geoff Scofield, Gary Scofield and Charles Townsend. That's about all the riders that I have contact information on. I thought Bob Osborn would like to read up on the blog also.

Kevin Hull comes online every once in a while. I don't have an email address for him but will give him a ring to have him take a look at the blog at work and post something if he chooses.

Take care and we'll speak soon I'm sure.

Right on Deanna!!!

I just took a look at the blog again. Word travels fast via email.

Gary Scofield, Charles Townsend and Jim Melton have all signed the blog. Good to see some BMX people writing in it. I was thinking the mountain bike world had taken over.

RIP Rich! Our thoughts and prayers are with the Long family this difficult time of year.

Pardon my ignorance, but I did not hear about Jeff's death? Was Jeff with Rich on the day he was killed? The First post on the Rich Long blog mentions that Rich and Jeff are missed tremendously? Sorry for my lack of knowledge...

Billy Patterson & the Patterson Family of Austin, Tx

[ July 04, 2006, 11:08 PM: Message edited by: Billy Patterson ]

Jeff was not with Richard when he died.

Thought this thread could use a bump as it was falling off the first page.

Richard Long was awesome, I am honored to say we were very good friends and had so many good times early on in my career. Thank you Todd for making this blog happen.

10 years...Whewww

Greg,

Nice post on the blog. I don't know how you could've raced just getting that news. I hope you are well and maybe we'll see you soon.

Richard's son Chris is a chef now the OC. Has a baby girl too.
Wanda is doing well too. Might have lunch with her soon.

Best,

Todd

P.S. The blog was Doug Martin's idea and start. Kudos to Duclos!

Thanks to all those who have posted. For those who didn't know Richard he was a great human being, husband and father as well as a driving force in this sport.

Amongst the special thoughts to Richard and his family, a neat inside perspective on the history of GT is evolving. Worth checking out. Thanks again.


Todd

I miss him too.. that's all I can say after posting, cuz the tears flow too freely..
Thanks Toddly..
Love ya bro..
C-Ya..
OM

Scotty,

Thanks for contributing. You guys were the pioneers of the BMX biz world...riders and dealers making it happen and improving the equipment we would all ride later.

Hope all is well with ya.

Best,


Todd

Hey gang! Flip the Richard Long blog to other who may not be on this site via regular e-mail or other forums. There maybe bike dealers and other industry/racing folks out there that might like to read and contribute.

Thanks for all the thoughts.

Todd

http://richard-long.blogspot.com/

Just FYI all,

Tomorrow, July 12th is the 10th anniversary of the passing of GT's Richard Long. His family and this sport/industry misses him very much. Keep the thoughts coming.

Todd

Well, the day after tomorrow. Sorry, kust keepin' this thing towards the top for a bit.

Take care all!

I've spent quite a bit of time thinking about Richard and his family today. Such a great guy that meant the world to me. I really miss him.