My friend of 30 years, Bill Keith, commuted home from work - from his job at SRAM to his kick ass place with his kick ass wife a few blocks from the lakefront in Chicago Thursday nite. He was found shortly after, rushed to the hospital and died that nite. Camelhead, or Bus - Stop as Bill was known sold me the Jamis Dakar that I rode cross country on in the summer of 1984. I remember working Super Sale at Orange Cycle Works in the mid-80's with Bill and Wham-o, his wife. I remember racing triathlons in the heat of Florida in the later 80's. I could crush Camel in the swim, but he would take ma apart on the bike, and especially on the run. Bill could do a 70 mile ride in 90 degree Florida heat, and hop off and head out at a 6 minute pace. No water. No fatigure. Hence, the term Camel-head. I think the bus-stop reference refers to a time when Bill ran into the large side mirror of a bus, on a ride. Camel hammered me. He was better, faster, more focused. That was 30 years ago. He played through with that focus. I raced with Bill and our whole crew throug the 80's. I did my last Ironman in 1989. Camel did his last Ironman last year. In his 50's, he was faster than when I was 21. Fucking animal. I remember like 10 years ago in crested butte, finishing I think what was Deer Creek and coming down through Gothic, and Bill was fucking hammering. I was hanging on by a thread and he was killing me and I live at 8,000 feet and he lives at sea level. Damn, dude - I said - let up. We had a slight tail wind heading back into the butte, to beers and showers and food and rest, and he said: "As long as there is a tail wind....might as well hammer". More recently, I think '07, I can't remember if it was Mexico or Panama on a surf trip - Bill was always first in the water and last out. Enthusiast and positive force.
So, Camel. For 3 decades of punishing me (I am grateful for that) for your enthusiasm for bikes and life and surfing and beer and sun and fun and commitment and focus. Dude. I am shattered, but still here. I rode today, here in the high country of Colorado, and as I stared down at my front tire...which I think is something that has occupied my view for at least a third of my life....I thought of you. I could say it was the winter wind that was making my eyes water - but that would be bullshit. I was re-playing all the times you buoyed me up and reminded me that I am tough, tougher than I think. And I am so sad that you are not here, blessing us with your presence. But I know...that you are hammering right now....85 miles into a century in 98 degree Florida heat. Accelerating as the rest of us fade and beg for mercy. And while everyone else is lamenting the pain and the heat, and talking about other things...you are just psyched to go rip out a half or more run in even more brutal heat. And I will be there - only behind you, as I was never as gifted. And I will be filled with admiration and awe and fucking MAD respect. For you. I hope I can catch you - for once - so I can high five you as you surge and I fade. That I can just say Thank you. You introduced me to bikes. And bikes - and LIFE and verve - have been one of the major things that keep me alive. Travel safe dude. You will always be in us and with us. I will see you soon, if I can catch up......
Incredibly hard to deal with the loss of some one who is so strong and active. He'll be remembered. A privilege to hag with you an so hard a day. but the sun is goin' down and it'll go up again tomorrow, Thanks
Posted by: JH | January 19, 2013 at 10:29 PM
Sorry to hear about your loss D, sounds like a heck of a person.
Posted by: michael | January 20, 2013 at 02:42 AM
Awesome write up of your friend Dave. Thank you for sharing this. He sounds like a great man, and I wish I'd known him. Keep your head high Dave, and realize he's taught you well, because a lot of us could write this same thing about you. Give your wife and kid a big hug, and keep on raging.
I'll see you out there soon. - DV
Posted by: DV8 | January 20, 2013 at 02:54 AM
Dave, It is times like this that make me wonder why things happen. I had forgotten about camel head and bus stop but now the thought of those nick names make me smile. I do remember every time Bill would call me a "Stand up sissy" when I didn't have the ass to climb in the saddle. I ride the same roads we rode all those years ago and it is rare that I do not think of what Bill and Pam taught me. You are right...a great person died and I am incredibly sad. He showed so many people how a life should be lived. I am glad that I was one of them.
Posted by: Bill Blackton | January 20, 2013 at 12:32 PM
DK ~ Thanks for sharing your memories of Bill. I didn't know him well..., but got to know him a bit riding with him on the Chicago north shore group rides. As we'd wind down and toodle back to the city..., I had the opportunity to chat with him about the bike, SRAM, the ride, the city, et. al. My recollection of him was an extremely fit, soft spoken, really sweet guy. I'm glad that I was able to attend the memorial for him today. He was well liked by many, (many!), and will be sorely missed. Hope you're well... ~ FJL
Posted by: Fred Lindstrom | January 20, 2013 at 07:01 PM
Never forget an 82 miler I did with Bill, Jeff Cuddeback, the Ruke'ster, Kish and several others. Averaged 26.8 on a breezy day, temps were above 95, sweat was pouring out of us like faucets. Even with all the Exceed I carbed up with, drinks on the bike and 2 extra bottles... I couldn't help from cramping up. We were getting close, coming up a rise 4 miles from the school and I was about to shatter... started to slip back - and who was left - behind me ? Nobody, I thought. This is it, I'm not going to finish with these Gearheads on the fastest long ride I've ever done. But no, BK is back there. Comes up and gives a little push to my back and tells me 'we're almost home'...
I survived that ride. Boasted to my friends and teammates what an intense ride I was on. And how I was cracking and he saved my butt. Wish I could have returned the favor somehow, but he never needed it. To Bill, glass held high, someday I hoe to repay you somehow... your inspiration, courage, intensity and devotion. Nobody I know has ever surpassed it. You are the man and we're gonna miss you !
Posted by: JD Howell | January 20, 2013 at 10:09 PM
such touching words. he will be remembered.
Posted by: Frank Hwang | January 21, 2013 at 07:50 AM
Hey, Dave! It's been a long, long time since I've seen you. What a great tribute to Bill. I'm still in shock over his death. He was a great guy and a blast to run and ride with. Like someone else wrote above, I, too, remember him putting his hand on my back and giving me an assist with a push every now and then. My favorite memory of Bill, though, was running in Winter Park after a swim workout. Anywhere from three to eight of us would run after swimming, and Bill was notorious for running just behind someone and pulling their running shorts down when traffic was approaching. You quickly learned to never run just in front of him. I haven't seen him in a long time, but I always thought he'd pass me on the bike one day in a future triathlon. I'll never forget him. Those late '80s and early '90s were some great days.
Greg Nelson
Posted by: Greg Nelson | January 21, 2013 at 08:04 PM
Thanks for the great stories of Bill.
I am a SRAMmie that is currently riding a bike that Bill practically gave to me in the spring of 2012. Every time I ride it I will remember Bill's generosity and big heart.
We rode together on lots of Judson rides north of Chicago and he was always the guy I looked for so I could sit on his wheel.
Once I said to Bill, "You know, you seem like a pretty intense guy." He grinned and said, "I get that a lot."
We are still shocked that he is gone and will miss him as long as we can turn a pedal over.
Posted by: SteveCourtright | January 23, 2013 at 01:56 PM