Mark Sheehan

I received sad news about the passing of Mark Sheehan, a long-time participant with Pennsylvania Randonneurs.

Calling hours are planned for next Saturday, June 9, at McInerny Funeral Home in Elmira:
http://mcinernyfh.com/
Viewing is 2-5:15, memorial service @5:30

Obituaries have been posted here:
http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/star-gazette/obituary.aspx?n=mark-l-sheehan&pid=157954346
... and here:
http://mcinernyfh.com/Mark%20L.%20Sheehan.html


The following was forwarded to me from Crista Borras, who writes:
"I'm sorry to be the messenger of some very sad news.  Mark Sheehan, an accomplished randonneur from Elmira, New York with whom many of you have ridden and shared hours of good companionship on our local brevets in past years, collapsed and died during a group bike ride in Florida a couple of days ago.  Julie Riplinger forwarded this note from Bill Lodico.  I don't have any additional information as of now but will forward any that I do receive.  I know that all of us who knew Mark feel a deep sense of loss.  "

-Crista Borras

**** Remembrance From Bill Lodico: *****
As some of you may know by now, we lost one of our best yesterday.

Mark was doing what he liked to do most, riding his bike, when he stopped, got off the bike and fell to the ground.  I don't know precisely what happened, but by my understanding it was heart-related and  was over very quickly, before he hit the ground.

It's hard to believe that something like this could happen to a cyclist who has racked up as many long, hard miles as Mark:  three PBP's, who knows how many BMB's, numerous Quadzillas, countless brevets, not to mention a pretty fair allotment of Diners Club centuries.  In his last email to me a couple weeks ago, he was complaining about his form on the bike, but it had been good enough to let him rack up 3000 miles for the year by mid May.

Many of you have shared long rides with Mark, and you remember his steady, no nonsense approach to covering the miles.  His approach to friendship was very much like that.  No nonsense about it, and you could count on him when you needed him.  His steadiness was leavened by a  sense of humor perfectly fitted to the long efforts associated with randonneuring:  subtle, understated, and economical.  HIs version of a belly laugh was an upturning at the corners of his mouth, a sidelong glance, and a twinkle in his eye.  I don't think I ever managed to get him to laugh outright; and when I complained about it, he told me I just wasn't funny enough.  He, on the other hand, got me laughing plenty of times.

There's no way to know why something like this had to happen to Mark, to his family, or to us.  What I do know is that I am happy and grateful to have had him as a friend.

-Bill Lodico

**** Remembrance From Rick Carpenter: *****
During my first ever 600, I found myself off solo winding my way up the lonely desolate Lackawaxen stretch towards Wallenpaupack, literally nodding off and on while pedaling through the silent afternoon heat.  On this stretch Mark stealthily approached alone & unnoticed to me.  I'll never forget him belting out "For a Fast Guy, you ride pretty damn slow!", abruptly startling me into full vigor. Mark and I continued on together and reached the Youth Hostel around 22:45 that evening as the heavens opened and the downpours began.  While my pals Joe, George, and John were already in, showered, and on their way to getting a few hours shut eye, you informed Mark & me that Pavelka was already back out on the course.  With me already nervous about completing my SR for PBP qualification, that was the spark needed to send the both of us immediately back out into the rain without even touching our drop bags for a change of kit.  I was so thankful and relieved to have the company of Mark alongside as we re-entered into the expanse of that dark, wet night in hopes of catching Ed.  Such good memories that I'll always keep and treasure, thanks to Mark's camaraderie.
- Rick Carpenter

*** Remembrance From Guy Harris ***

I first met Mark on the 2010 edition of the PA1000K that he rode and for which I was a support volunteer doing the course sweep.  I was in Carbondale at the Dunkin Donuts controle checking in riders before the last leg of the day to a sleep stop in Halstead.  Mark was the last one in, somewhere around midnight, and riding alone. He was obviously hurting and since I didn't know him I was a bit concerned. That concern quickly faded after speaking with him for just a few minutes. Clearly this was rider I needed to have no concerns for, a big relief after the events of that day.  He had been there before and was not only riding well within his abilities but having a great time.  
- Guy Harris

*** Remembrance From Jim Reed ***
At this link:
http://www.zifflaw.com/NYBikeAccidentBlog/a-riding-friend-who-will-be-missed/
.... and comments:
http://www.zifflaw.com/NYBikeAccidentBlog/a-riding-friend-who-will-be-missed/#comments

***Rememberance from Russ Loomis ***

This is sad news.  I met Mark on my first Quadzilla and rode some of those miles with him.  I think we end up riding three QZs together.  I also rode many miles with him on a few BMBs.  I looked forward to seeing him on events and passing the time with his wonderful wit and humor.  He will be missed by many.
-Russ



SHEEHAN, Mark L | Big Horn Velo | 932011

Cert No.	Type	Km	Date	Organizing Club or Permanent Route	Time	Medal
2012	annual total=200 km
349573	ACPB	200	2012/03/12	Hell Week Randonneurs / 943037	11:15
2011	ACP SR, annual total=2107 km
326782	ACPB	200	2011/03/14	Hell Week Randonneurs / 943037	10:49
118384	ACPB	300	2011/03/18	Hell Week Randonneurs / 943037	19:22
82505	ACPB	400	2011/05/28	New Jersey Randonneurs / 930029	20:53
62999	ACPB	600	2011/06/10	New Jersey Randonneurs / 930029	36:40
RUSA-T16216	RUSAT	204	2011/06/18	NY: Steuben 200K / 920	10:30
RUSA-T16890	RUSAT	200	2011/07/06	NC: Tar Heel 200 / 589	08:52
RUSA-T16909	RUSAT	203	2011/07/17	NY: Canandaigua 200K / 1003	11:15
2010	ACP SR, annual total=3060 km
RUSA-B05557	RUSAB	200	2010/02/20	Pennsylvania Randonneurs / 938017	10:14
297866	ACPB	200	2010/03/27	Pennsylvania Randonneurs / 938017	10:05
108919	ACPB	300	2010/04/17	Pennsylvania Randonneurs / 938017	14:15
72451	ACPB	400	2010/05/01	Pennsylvania Randonneurs / 938017	26:20
US-2010-314	ACPF	min 360 actual 380	2010/05/14	Rochester Bicycling Club / 932030	24:00
6828	ACPB	1000	2010/08/26	Pennsylvania Randonneurs / 938017	72:45	Y
59150	ACPB	600	2010/09/04	Bicycle For Life Club / 933057	33:59
2009	annual total=660 km
103952	ACPB	300	2009/05/02	Northeast Sport Cyclists / 921033	14:05
US-2009-9165	ACPF	min 360 actual 422	2009/05/14	Northeast Sport Cyclists / 921033	24:00
2008	annual total=2260 km
RUSA-B02305	RUSAB	200	2008/01/12	DC Randonneurs / 946012	10:24
96506	ACPB	300	2008/02/02	Central Florida Randonneurs / 909062	12:45
RUSA-B02324	RUSAB	200	2008/02/23	DC Randonneurs / 946012	11:34
65720	ACPB	400	2008/03/08	Gainesville Cycling Club / 909005	19:04
266552	ACPB	200	2008/03/30	Upstate NY Brevet Series / 932034	09:37
267187	ACPB	200	2008/04/19	New Jersey Randonneurs / 930029	10:27
US-2008-8173	ACPF	min 360 actual 365	2008/04/24	Pennsylvania Randonneurs / 938017	24:00
66167	ACPB	400	2008/05/03	Randonneurs of the Mid-Atlantic / 946013	23:53
2007	ACP SR, annual total=2505 km
254186	ACPB	200	2007/03/25	Northeast Sport Cyclists / 921033	08:50
91260	ACPB	300	2007/04/01	Northeast Sport Cyclists / 921033	13:40
US-2007-7079	ACPF	min 360 actual 402	2007/04/19	Northeast Sport Cyclists / 921033	24:00
59539	ACPB	400	2007/05/05	Pennsylvania Randonneurs / 938017	20:21
43238	ACPB	600	2007/05/19	Pennsylvania Randonneurs / 938017	31:24
RUSA-B01724	RUSAB	645	2007/07/14	Onondaga Cycling Club / 932027	37:55
2006	ACP SR, annual total=1860 km
237779	ACPB	200	2006/04/29	Onondaga Cycling Club / 932027	09:24
US-2006-6135	ACPF	min 360 actual 423	2006/05/06	Northeast Sport Cyclists / 921033	24:00
84693	ACPB	300	2006/05/13	Onondaga Cycling Club / 932027	12:20	Y
56427	ACPB	400	2006/06/03	Onondaga Cycling Club / 932027	21:30
41399	ACPB	600	2006/07/08	Boston Brevet Series / 921030	35:07
2005	ACP SR, annual total=3660 km
229040	ACPB	200	2005/04/09	DC Randonneurs / 946012	09:00
US-2005-5084	ACPF	min 360 actual 412	2005/04/16	Northeast Sport Cyclists / 921033	24:00
81418	ACPB	300	2005/05/07	DC Randonneurs / 946012	15:14	Y
54389	ACPB	400	2005/05/21	DC Randonneurs / 946012	17:45
39843	ACPB	600	2005/06/11	DC Randonneurs / 946012	31:44
40187	ACPB	600	2005/07/09	Boston Brevet Series / 921030	31:10
US-2062	RM	1200	2005/08/18	Boston Montreal Boston / 921003	74:55
2004	ACP SR, annual total=3060 km
218658	ACPB	200	2004/04/24	Northeast Sport Cyclists / 921033	07:56	Y
79137	ACPB	300	2004/05/08	Northeast Sport Cyclists / 921033	12:09	Y
US-2004-138	ACPF	min 360 actual 423	2004/05/22	Northeast Sport Cyclists / 921033	24:00
53226	ACPB	400	2004/06/12	Boston Brevet Series / 921030	18:13	Y
38975	ACPB	600	2004/06/26	Potomac Pedalers Touring Club / 920010	28:35	Y
4420	ACPB	1000	2004/08/19	Boston Montreal Boston / 921003	58:28	Y
225267	ACPB	200	2004/08/22	Boston Montreal Boston / 921003	10:13	Y
2003	ACP SR, annual total=1860 km
206614	ACPB	200	2003/04/12	Potomac Pedalers Touring Club / 920010	09:47	Y
US-2003-061	ACPF	min 360 actual 386	2003/04/19	Potomac Pedalers Touring Club / 920010	24:00
72368	ACPB	300	2003/05/03	Potomac Pedalers Touring Club / 920010	13:49	Y
48779	ACPB	400	2003/05/17	Potomac Pedalers Touring Club / 920010	18:38	Y
37477	ACPB	600	2003/06/07	Potomac Pedalers Touring Club / 920010	30:10	Y
2002	ACP SR, annual total=3260 km
US-2002-50	ACPF	min 360 actual 372	2002/03/30	Potomac Pedalers Touring Club / 920010	24:00
195993	ACPB	200	2002/04/13	Potomac Pedalers Touring Club / 920010	08:31	Y
196053	ACPB	200	2002/05/04	Onondaga Cycling Club / 932027	08:55	Y
68757	ACPB	300	2002/05/18	Onondaga Cycling Club / 932027	17:15	Y
45947	ACPB	400	2002/06/22	Onondaga Cycling Club / 932027	17:45	Y
33168	ACPB	600	2002/07/20	Rochester Bicycling Club / 932030	35:49
US1601	RM	1200	2002/08/22	Boston Montreal Boston / 921003	82:53
2001	ACP SR, annual total=3700 km
191307	ACPB	200	2001/04/21	Potomac Pedalers Touring Club / 920010	08:52	Y
67425	ACPB	300	2001/05/05	Potomac Pedalers Touring Club / 920010	13:50	Y
44581	ACPB	400	2001/05/19	Potomac Pedalers Touring Club / 920010	18:27	Y
32109	ACPB	600	2001/06/09	Potomac Pedalers Touring Club / 920010	30:16	Y
3650	ACPB	1000	2001/07/01	Potomac Pedalers Touring Club / 920010	64:30	Y
US1182	RM	1200	2001/08/16	Boston Montreal Boston / 921003	81:26
2000	ACP SR, annual total=2700 km
184710	ACPB	200	2000/04/15	Potomac Pedalers Touring Club / 920010	10:00	Y
65673	ACPB	300	2000/05/06	Potomac Pedalers Touring Club / 920010	15:41	Y
43662	ACPB	400	2000/06/24	Boston Brevet Series / 921030	20:09	Y
31561	ACPB	600	2000/07/22	Rochester Bicycling Club / 932030	39:44
US1011	RM	1200	2000/08/17	Boston Montreal Boston / 921003	69:49
1999	annual total=300 km
59613	ACPB	300	1999/05/01	Potomac Pedalers Touring Club / 920010	14:20
Grand Total	31192 kms