Shit news, stand down Marsdenman..

Awful news.

My thoughts are with his family and friends.

RIP

Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there. I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning’s hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry;
I am not there. I did not die.

Such sad news, such a lovely guy, words kind of fail me still. So I’ve done as others did and dug out a couple of pics.

I’m sure in the group pic Chris wasn’t really saying “bad bike, naughty bike, you must learn to climb faster” it’s just how it looks!

That is really bad news.

Reading through this thread and his original one, he really came across as a nice bloke and very ‘together’ – as does his partner.

My thoughts are with his family and friends.

I’ve found it nearly impossible to find words to describe how I feel.

Chris made the most of his short life. Mainly thinking and doing things for others.
His caring, kindly nature, intelligence and humour endeared him to many.

I shall miss all these things.
Rest in peace Chris, for peace is what you deserve.

Our thoughts are with you Sharon.

Jane x

I’ve followed all of these threads and been very touched despite not knowing Chris or even conversing him. I haven’t posted as I’ve not known what to say and still don’t, really.

All I can say is that after reading this I’ve booked a couple of days off work, told my girlfriend to do the same and will spend the time riding and visiting family.

To the living, I am gone.
To the sorrowful, I will never return.
To the angry, I was cheated,
But to the happy, I am at peace,
And to the faithful, I have never left.
I cannot be seen, but I can be heard.
So as you stand upon a shore, gazing at a beautiful sea – remember me.
As you look in awe at a mighty forest and its grand majesty – remember me.
As you look upon a flower and admire its simplicity – remember me.
Remember me in your heart, your thoughts, your memories of the times we loved,
the times we cried, the times we fought, the times we laughed.
For if you always think of me, I will never be gone.

I recalled his thread while we were bikepacking last week thinking how precious our health is. A brave, courageous and generous spirit, lights that bright can’t fail to inspire. Sobering stuff.

Very sad… Thinking of his friends and family…

Sad news indeed… Nothing can be added that hasn’t been said. Sleep well….

Really sad news. Thoughts go out to his family and friends.

Dammit. Rest in peace chap.

I was hesitant to open this thread, as usual, but thought I’d share a thought as a result of discussing such matters as death and cancer a few weeks ago.

My partner’s mum lost her fight against cancer last year and although it was shorter than expected, it allowed her the opportunity to say farewell to her loved ones. In the same year I lost a mate to a road accident and never had the opportunity to say goodbye. It’s the only ‘merciful’ aspect of cancer I can find.

Sad times…

So sad . RIP Marsdenman
Hope the wind is at your back and the sun on your face , the trails are dry and there is cake in your pack.

Tragic news.
I hope his friends and family get the support they need.

Balls! Feel so sorry for all his family and friends. An example of how to hit it head on.

Thoughts with his family and friends

Sad Sad news 😥

Great bloke with a fantastic sense of humor. I’ll never forget being invited in for soup after a STW ride.

Take care Sharon. Our thoughts are with you.

So sad. RIP fella 🙁

Such sad news, I am still utterly in awe of his bravery to make that decision. It isn’t one I would like to take, or have to take.

My thoughts are with his friends and family.

Terribly sad news
RIP

Sad times . . . RIP Chris. Hope friends and family can find some comfort in the kind words posted here.

Awful news
Condolences to family and friends

Very sad to hear this. Condolences to the family 🙁

Sad news – lost my little brother to the big C last year, so sadly I know exactly how his friends and family feel right now.

Much love, Matt x

Lost for words. I did think on Saturday that I hadn’t seen anything on here recently. Sleep peacefully. Condolences to family and friends, who will miss you, so much.

Always terrible to hear such news of a fellow biker and a fellow human. My thoughts go out to you the family and friends.

Obviously this isn’t Marsdenman (Chris) posting – it’s Mrs Marsdenman (Sharon) – I’m too tired to sort out my own log in.

STW and all his friends through here were very special to Chris and he would have felt comforted (and humbled and in a bit of disbelief) with the sentiments you’ve expressed on here.

Chris was gutted that he hadn’t been able to get out on his bike for so long and thought that he had “lost it”. What he didn’t realise was that he was putting more effort into getting through each day than it ever took on one of the rides and he showed more strength each day and not less.

We’d talked about a soup reunion ride, with him leading off on the red rocket – well you know who you are from previous so hopefully we can do that again, I’ll make the soup ….

You’ve put some really lovely pictures up of him – hope you don’t mind if I pinch them

And thank you to all for being there for him x x

Very very sorry to hear this news.

My thoughts to those left behind.

Never knew him in person. But what an amazingly strong brave inspirational guy. RIP and thoughts to all friends and family.

Just skimmed the original thread and am amazed at the strength and positivity shown. Very reminiscent of a friend who lost his battle almost exactly a year ago. I may even have a little water in my eyes, but then again it is hayfever season…

I never met you, but RIP Marsdenman; thoughts very much with family dealing with the loss.

I cant decide if this thread and the original one is a great positive story of one persons strength and courage or a sad tale. I’m trying to think of it as the former. RIP

RIP Marsdenman. I never knew you, but one thing I do know, you’re one brave man.

Today’s ride will be in honour of you and your family.

Weirdly dusty in the office suddenly.

I read the original thread when it first went up, but didn’t follow it that closely with updates, gutted that it turned out this way.

Best wishes to all involved and close to Marsedenman.

It puts a lot of the petty stuff on here into perspective very acutely!

+1 🙁

Nothing I can add other than if we take anything from this it’s to make sure we live every day to the full and be awesome to those around us as we never know what’s around the corner.

+1 to that BoardinBob

A friend of mine passed away on 16/6 from a heart attack @ 41. You just never know what each day is going to bring, so make sure you take the time to tell the people that matter how much you love them.

Ride in peace Marsdenman, and ride in peace my friend Andrew Kellett. I for one will be taking a moment to think about you both the next time I’m out on my bike.

RIP Marsdenman, never met you but the positivity and honesty on here can teach us all a thing or two about lifes troubles.

Mrs Marsdenman, stay positive. You can feel very proud about your man.

After the original thread I was sure that this would have a better outcome, anyone displaying the courage the Chris did should be out riding now… it just doesn’t seem fair. I didn’t get to meet Chris but he sounded like a great guy.
Much love to his friends and family.

Thoughts go out to family and friends. RIP fella.