The second Shimano Mountain Bike Grand Prix for 2019 was held at Wingello State Forest on 18 May and more than 250 racers from all over NSW and the ACT took part in the four and seven hour competitions. The seven hour race was stopped immediately when a severe medical incident occurred shortly after 2pm. Sadly, local racer Kevin Simpson from Bowral passed away at the scene with race crews, fellow racers and emergency services by his side.
Since then the mountain biking community has been offering condolences and memories of a passionate mountain biker and trail advocate to his family and team mates. Here we may share some of the messages we received via the online condolence page – thank you to each and everyone of you for taking the time to write to us. We will share all messages with the family.
Kevin was the “king” of Welby…he was not a club “member” as such, but in his own way, has been “looking after” the Welby trails for the past few years.
Meg Patey, fellow rider and Willo event founder
A group of riders would meet, twice a week…Kevin was the leader. They would ride for a few laps, then go to the Eden Brewery, or a cafe in Mittagong, like clockwork, same time, same place, every week. Kevin would always bring cheese and biscuits for the men to have with their beers. That was the sort of person Kevin was.
He began organising a few working bees, to look after the trails. And because it was Kevin, there were always lots of helpers! Kevin was not part of club racing at Welby (thought he did participate every year in the Willo) – he just did things his way and he got a lot done.
That was what he was like.
Kevin will be missed hugely by the mountain bike community in the Southern Highlands and Welby Mountain Bike Trails wont be the same without him.
My condolences to all Kevin’s family after this tragic accident to such a fine bloke. I wasn’t racing yesterday but, as coincidence would have it, his van and my ute arrived at the same time at the crossing in Wingello village; Kevin en route to the forest, me to Goulburn. We tooted horns and waved…….
Huw Kingston
“I did have the pleasure to meet him but Mountain bike has part of my entire life and even I lost my brother in a terrible accident involving him riding his bicycle for the last time… Still riding my bike and inviting as many people as I can to join this Elite club . I saw a little bit of me in Kevin( as it has been described by people who knew him ) trying to bond people to this beautiful sport and Lost people like, it’s also a lost of all of us who r trying to make the world a little bit more enjoyable.
Ruben B from ACT
I know that all his memories will pass from generation to generation. .. Thus, he will live for ever .. . Hugs. “
“On behalf of myself and the team I would like to pass on our most heartfelt and deepest condolences to Kevin’s family and friends. Such a tragic incident and loss of a great man who obviously loved mountain biking and life in general.
Kev – President – Jet Black MTB Race Team
This incident has rocked the MTB community and Kevin will be in the hearts and minds of all.
May he rest in peace. “
I wish I could take away your pain. You have my deepest, sincerest sympathy.
Paul Craft , MC
I am so sorry to hear of Kevin’s passing. Although I did not know him, we all shared the common passion of mountain biking. I pray that you are all comforted by the knowledge that you are in the thoughts and many prayers of this wonderful community that Kevin was such a big part of.
Ben Go
“We didn’t really know Kevin, though my partner Ray had chatted with him at Welby on occasions about him riding his Municycle around Welby.
Ray & Helen (trail snailz)
He would see his van at the trail head and he knew the “gasman” was out on track…which guaranteed a smile and wave as their trails crossed…
We were riding on Saturday in the event at Wingello…
RIP Kevin, “the gasman” we never knew but won’t forget…our thoughts are with all of Kevin’s family and friends…”
So sad, deepest condolences
Paul and Jacob van Egmond
I’m so shocked to hear this terribly sad news. My heart goes out to Dawn and the boys and I’m so sorry for their loss. I have known Kevin since 1982 where we both worked at AGL in Bowral and he was an apprentice. Over the years he regularly serviced my gas appliances and for a long time we would see each other and chat and catch up on weekends at Welby where he would ride his bike and I walk my dogs. Once again, my condolences to his family and all who were close to him.
Monika Fassone
As a parent of U19 junior Matthew Vassilieff I would like to pass on my thoughts and prayers to the family of Kevin. I didn’t know Kevin but I do know that he passed away doing what he loved. All of our heartfelt sympathies.
Nicole, Vlad and Matthew Vassilieff
I met Kevin on the trails at Welby many times, as he rode with his friends. He was a true gentleman who loved riding. My condolences to his family and friends at this tragic time. Sincerely. Keith.
Keith McKellar Stewart
Our most sincere condolences on your loss, Kevin’s light will shine bright in our hearts.
Jeremy
“Dear Dawn, Mitchell and Nicholas,
Jo, Nick and Kait Smith
We are so sad to hear of Kevin’s passing. You are in our prayers and thoughts. Kevin was such a energetic, caring and giving man – always a smile and ask how we all were. We are so sad for your loss. Go gently. We will speak soon.
Kindest regards and much love”
Our most heartfelt thoughts are with you.
Franz & Barbara Wisata (parents of Martin)
What can I say? He was my riding buddy, training/racing partner and friend. Kevin was a role model to me. He was one of those rare people that move through life with purpose, enthusiasm and honesty while still taking time for all those around him. Saturday was a very difficult day for me having to stay calm and do what little I could to help but not able to go to his aid. My thoughts and condolences are with Dawn, Nick, Mitch and the rest of Kevin’s family. I am comforted that Kevin, Mick and I were having a wonderful day until that tragic incident. I will always remember Kevin’s beaming smile and our funny conversation while riding at Welby. Ride on Kevin ride on!
Bruce Clarke
Very sad news. I always have huge respect for passionate MTB riders and Trail builders. RIP Kevin.
Phil White
What can I say? He was my riding buddy, training/racing partner and friend. Kevin was a role model to me. He was one of those rare people that move through life with purpose, enthusiasm and honesty while still taking time for all those around him. Saturday was a very difficult day for me having to stay calm and do what little I could to help but not able to go to his aid. My thoughts and condolences are with Dawn, Nick, Mitch and the rest of Kevin’s family. I am comforted that Kevin, Mick and I were having a wonderful day until that tragic incident. I will always remember Kevin’s beaming smile and our funny conversation while riding at Welby. Ride on Kevin ride on!
Bruce Clarke
On behalf of all of our team here at Shimano, we offer our deepest condolences and sympathy.
Shimano Australia
Dearest Kevin, may the sun rise to meet you and the wind be always at your back. Thank you for being a #rockytrailracer and for being such a passionate rider and trail advocate! You touched so many lives and you should be so proud of what you have achieved. We didn’t know you very well and all the messages from your friends and riding mates have been so incredibly thoughtful and emotional, that we wish we had. The way your sons remember you will forever make us inspire us as parents and we promise that we’ll stay in touch with them and your wife Dawn because like you they will forever be a part of this amazing mountain biking community.
Juliane and Martin Wisata
>> Further messages via Facebook post via THIS LINK or by clicking on the comments tab below
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