tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20049785.post7692866983062610774..comments2024-01-16T11:36:11.701-08:00Comments on California Triple Crown: Frank Neal's Fan Club PageChuck Bramwellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16951106066968334017noreply@blogger.comBlogger59125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20049785.post-45119259512915055962018-08-08T07:59:26.868-07:002018-08-08T07:59:26.868-07:00Frank reminded me of a trick I knew but had forgot...Frank reminded me of a trick I knew but had forgotten on a Fall Solvang ride. Tyvek envelopes: carry and use like a newspaper the pros stuff in their jerseys on a cold descent, or any chilly section, except you can quickly fold and stick in a pocket and use again as it won't be shredded like newsprint when it gets wet from sweat or ambient moisture.Lenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06238711253943903890noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20049785.post-3554254039877237172018-08-08T02:51:38.779-07:002018-08-08T02:51:38.779-07:00I first met Frank when my right shifter suddenly b...I first met Frank when my right shifter suddenly broke at mile 76 on the Hemet Double Century. I tried on the fly fixes...nothing! I started calling bike shops...but was far from any real mechanical know-how --or much else at that point. I thought I might be able to finish this relatively flat century with just two gears -- big and small rings in the front, if I positioned the chain in a middle gear in the back...but then, magically, Frank drove up in his mobile bike repair shop and patiently worked out a fix: he jury rigged a bar-end shifter to replace my 'brifter' which still did work as a brake. That allowed me to shift into all but the lowest two gears -- plenty for Hemet's lack of steeps. All throughout the work, Frank regaled me with tales of Doubles past: people, places, events.... The only other time I got to meet Frank was when he was hard at work again, supporting the Grand Tour that I had volunteered to help with too, but for far fewer hours than did Frank. <br /><br />I was moved by this small man with a huge heart and endless energy to help others enjoy the sport he loved. Scotthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07832584927286302727noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20049785.post-35384665438811209232017-05-08T22:40:52.400-07:002017-05-08T22:40:52.400-07:00Phil Auriemma wrote:
"The first few times I ...Phil Auriemma wrote:<br /><br />"The first few times I remember running into Frank were at the check-ins for the rides. He was behind a California Triple Crown table ready to answer questions. We would say hi to each other, but not much more.<br /><br />Some time later Frank started driving support for the rides and we crossed each other's path much more often.<br /><br />The last time I remember seeing Frank was at the 2016 Hemet Double. We were leap-frogging each other throughout the entire first loop. Not far into the second loop I got a flat. I was almmost done fixing it, and then Frank pulled up. We joked about finally catching each other. We joked some more about the floor pump Frank had with him; It was on its way out, but I insisted on using it rather than keeping the 'air' in the tire from the CO2 catridge. We commented to each other about a what we though must have been a wedding party in a horse drawn carriage. I think I got a coke from Frank, and then we said we would see each other down the road.<br /><br />It was always good to see Frank."Chuck Bramwellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16951106066968334017noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20049785.post-27473519613843194622017-03-23T10:26:58.869-07:002017-03-23T10:26:58.869-07:00SDSR starts tomorrow. Frank will be missed greatl...SDSR starts tomorrow. Frank will be missed greatly as he always volunteered Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05997035397163057300noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20049785.post-45490798306517503762016-11-24T21:20:26.029-08:002016-11-24T21:20:26.029-08:00I saw Frank at several of the Marin Century / Mt. ...I saw Frank at several of the Marin Century / Mt. Tam DC rides working at his booth in the start / finish area. He never seemed to mind that it was a long drive for him to get there from his home. I am surprised to learn we lost him when he seemed to have many years ahead of him.Shawn Mehaffeynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20049785.post-8751103366153439942016-11-23T10:20:31.212-08:002016-11-23T10:20:31.212-08:00Rest in Peace, gentle spirited Frank. Seems that n...Rest in Peace, gentle spirited Frank. Seems that not only was he at every double I've done, but he also seemed to be at every rest stop as well. What an amazing example to everyone in the cycling community of giving back to the sport he truly loved.Bruce Wesselsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20049785.post-55093344993434723852016-11-22T06:10:18.426-08:002016-11-22T06:10:18.426-08:00RIP Frank Neal,(The Triple-Crown Guy) We lost a go...RIP Frank Neal,(The Triple-Crown Guy) We lost a good friend in the cycling community. In the twenty nine double centuries I have completed, I think Frank was at every one of them. He always had a smile and a few words of encouragement. Frank loved cycling and giving back to the community. He volunteered many years at San Dimas Stage Race, two years ago at the time trial he sat all day at the stop light and never saw the race. He told me if I wanted him to come back next year he wanted a better spot. I told him the next year he would be at the top of the time trial so this last year he was at the top all day. He thanked me at the end of the day and said it was the best day of racing every! Frank is one of these guys I look at and say When I grow up. I want to be like just like him. RIP my friend now you can ride forever!<br />Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05997035397163057300noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20049785.post-13448160781608156232016-11-21T18:58:36.339-08:002016-11-21T18:58:36.339-08:00As a relative newcomer to the double-century commu...As a relative newcomer to the double-century community (only 4 doubles in 2016--my first double-season), I got the opportunity to interact with Frank at many of the rest stops along the miles. I remember how proud he was of his hand-made custom roof-rack. His vehicle seemed to be everywhere along the routes. He was a kind, gentle, methodical, helpful, personable, inspirational, giving soul. I will miss seeing him smiling at the rest stops and hearing about his experiences along the way. His SAG support was tireless and always right-on-time.<br />As soon as I read about his passing, I felt a loss of air in my chest and a tear in my eye.<br />God bless those you've left behind Frank, as I'm sure you're waiting for them in heaven.<br />---Gabe Gonzalez, Ride With Javi DCT, San Diego, CAAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20049785.post-59650899364153116482016-11-21T10:52:48.049-08:002016-11-21T10:52:48.049-08:00I was lucky to hang out with Frank as I worked a S...I was lucky to hang out with Frank as I worked a Sag stop at the Heartbreak Dbl. He left an everlasting memory.<br /><br />The long distance community has lost an icon but gained a legacy.<br /><br />Tailwinds all day Frank!<br /><br />eric mUnknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11304429226395730219noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20049785.post-59209896947846249132016-11-20T14:00:56.241-08:002016-11-20T14:00:56.241-08:00Holy cow... What a loss... Frank loved cycling, ...Holy cow... What a loss... Frank loved cycling, supporting cyclists, and making impossible rides, due to equipment failures, successful. I can only hope that shortly after his transition he was greeted by an heroic, bearded gentleman with "Give my van back!" <br /><br />Paul HausslerPaul "trash nazi" Hausslernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20049785.post-75425147262124205672016-11-20T11:44:52.941-08:002016-11-20T11:44:52.941-08:00I couldn't believe when I heard the news about...I couldn't believe when I heard the news about Frank. The first time we met was at the Solvang Double. We were both volunteering and didn't know that we were sharing a room that weekend. I learned how much how Frank loved cycling that weekend through some very interesting conversation. Him and his passion will certainly be missed. RIP Frank.<br />Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06203768342093912791noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20049785.post-37862023616204219642016-11-20T10:07:33.502-08:002016-11-20T10:07:33.502-08:00Everlasting Rides From Now On. RIP, Frank.
Everlasting Rides From Now On. RIP, Frank.<br />Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03411071401559055872noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20049785.post-31571059751128625902016-11-20T10:05:51.473-08:002016-11-20T10:05:51.473-08:00I am saddened to hear of Franks passing. He was t...I am saddened to hear of Franks passing. He was the personification of the Triple Crown spirit. A true inspiration.<br /><br />Dave ClemesAnonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14361823866196785968noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20049785.post-63434619827593664322016-11-20T09:48:49.905-08:002016-11-20T09:48:49.905-08:00He leaves a great set of footprints for all of us ...He leaves a great set of footprints for all of us to follow! He will be missed. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20049785.post-14696246885732069972016-11-20T09:43:51.550-08:002016-11-20T09:43:51.550-08:00I'll always remember Frank for taking the time...I'll always remember Frank for taking the time on Hemet DC to show me the contents of his tool boxes. It inspired me to start carrying many additional spares to try to be a better SAG driver. I'll also remember the times we worked the water stops on Breathless together, and many other times.Andrew Maynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20049785.post-78116674546448344052016-11-20T09:33:41.515-08:002016-11-20T09:33:41.515-08:00I only had the pleasure of Frank's company a f...I only had the pleasure of Frank's company a few times, before or after events where he was volunteering. I immediately admired him for his gentle and kind manner, and his obvious love for cycling. He also helped me greatly when I was forced to retire from long distance cycling due to back and leg problems. It was a very difficult time for me and his calm words of wisdom have made a huge difference in my attitudes towards life. Thank you Frank.Jim Poppynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20049785.post-29669679742659661352016-11-17T08:47:25.265-08:002016-11-17T08:47:25.265-08:00Adam Bramwell here - Chuck's son. As you all ...Adam Bramwell here - Chuck's son. As you all know, my Dad knows the majority of you crazy long distance ride riding folks in Southern California - and as a result, people are always approaching me to say hi. Not to slight anybody else, but as has been said above, Frank is a man who's kind and gentle spirit stood out amongst tons of people in bike attire. A truly kind a great man.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20049785.post-31920948261415609122016-11-16T23:23:02.136-08:002016-11-16T23:23:02.136-08:00Lorie McCormick wrote:
"Such a kind hearted ...Lorie McCormick wrote:<br /><br />"Such a kind hearted man, he will be missed. :( "Chuck Bramwellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16050221514298415322noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20049785.post-90604181264687793982016-11-16T23:21:25.296-08:002016-11-16T23:21:25.296-08:00Al Ceron wrote:
"So sorry, he will be missed...Al Ceron wrote:<br /><br />"So sorry, he will be missed."Chuck Bramwellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16050221514298415322noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20049785.post-16754003544769418612016-11-16T23:20:29.588-08:002016-11-16T23:20:29.588-08:00Bill Becker wrote:
"He will be missed."...Bill Becker wrote:<br /><br />"He will be missed."Chuck Bramwellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16050221514298415322noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20049785.post-12545882289023008792016-11-16T23:19:19.005-08:002016-11-16T23:19:19.005-08:00Bill Monsen wrote:
"This is very, very sad n...Bill Monsen wrote:<br /><br />"This is very, very sad news. RIP, Frank."Chuck Bramwellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16050221514298415322noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20049785.post-91844013010737565072016-11-16T23:16:56.146-08:002016-11-16T23:16:56.146-08:00Isabelle Drake wrote:
"I am shocked and so s...Isabelle Drake wrote:<br /><br />"I am shocked and so sad to hear this. Frank was an incredible cyclist, amazing crew person, and most important a great friend ..."Chuck Bramwellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16050221514298415322noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20049785.post-10372796475436698342016-11-16T23:15:20.812-08:002016-11-16T23:15:20.812-08:00Rick Schoephoerster wrote:
"So sorry to hear...Rick Schoephoerster wrote:<br /><br />"So sorry to hear. <br />Prayers to family and friends."Chuck Bramwellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16050221514298415322noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20049785.post-63970107350183217932016-11-16T23:13:49.495-08:002016-11-16T23:13:49.495-08:00Mike Deitchman wrote:
"So long and thanks fo...Mike Deitchman wrote:<br /><br />"So long and thanks for tirelessly supporting the CTC family Frank!"Chuck Bramwellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16050221514298415322noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20049785.post-43393571237281418652016-11-16T23:12:06.873-08:002016-11-16T23:12:06.873-08:00Anna Stewart wrote:
"Oh no. I am so sorry to...Anna Stewart wrote:<br /><br />"Oh no. I am so sorry to hear this."Chuck Bramwellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16050221514298415322noreply@blogger.com