![]() His intense love for cycling and connecting with people was paramount to who he was.Īlthough he could have risen in the ranks as a professional cyclist, Richard chose community and adventure first and simply LOVED riding with friends of all levels and disciplines. Whether by email, Facebook, phone call, visit, or text, Richard always responded reliably and unconditionally. The advice, encouragement and support he gave were limitless. You asked for a recommendation, he’d send you 5 links to products with comparisons on each.Ĭonversely, if you ever gave him anything, he was like a kid in a candy store and forever grateful. You had a quick question, he gave you an hour. Saddles, socks, shoes, streamers, bike bells, bike parts - you name it, he gave it – and then some. You needed a water bottle, he gave you five. He gave bikes to kids who otherwise would not have one. He shared the wealth of his cycling knowledge and connections and access to "schwag" with anyone possible. Since moving from his home state of Alabama in 1993, Richard spent 20+ years as a professional bike tour leader and mechanic with Vermont Bicycle Touring and as a retail manager at Earl’s Cyclery.īoth as a professional in the industry and as a devoted friend, Richard motivated, inspired, supported and touched countless lives. His eyes lit up and his smile broadened in any conversation about cycling. Richard's compassion and generosity were behind everything he did. ![]() The purpose of the ride was to celebrate Richard's life and profound legacy in the Vermont cycling community, as well as to create a unity of cyclists of all disciplines and ages. His extraordinary impact on our cycling community was clearly represented just a week after his passing when more than 400 cyclists participated in the "Ride For Richard" in Hinesburg. ![]() The Richard Tom Foundation was formed following the tragic loss of Richard when he was struck by a speeding vehicle near his home in Vermont on a peaceful Sunday morning, April 26, 2015. Richard Tom was the most devoted and passionate ambassador to cycling many have ever known. Richard had an incredibly positive influence on countless cyclists, young and old, novice to expert, mountain bikers, road bikers and anyone with an interest in cycling. Richard was beloved by many in the Vermont cycling community because of his genuine warmth, thoughtfulness and passion to inspire and motivate cyclists of all disciplines and ages. ![]()
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