RIP, the Wolf- Dave Wyandt

 A mythical racer on the team- really much more than just a bike racer- has passed. Dave Wyandt was only on the team for a few seasons and newer racers might not know his name but anyone who raced CX in the years from 1998-2010 would know his name. Dave started racing young and was a top junior MTB racer at 16. He went into cyclocross not long after and was on the legendary Clif Bar team in the early '2000's. He was good enough to podium at a UCI race and race pro on the road.

Starting a family meant that Dave had to give up his cycling career and work closer to home. It was around 2007 that I invited him into the team and immediately he changed the dynamic of the elite team adding his experience and wisdom. Other racers on the team really appreciated his low key take on CX and his sense of humor. He seemed to be the smartest person in the room without any arrogance. He mostly worked to help his team mates win, even in races where he was clearly the strongest. 

Dave was usually holding court at team parties and led animated discussions about much more than racing. He had depth as a person and was an original thinker , seeing things that most others overlooked. 

On our team socks there's always some sort of ironic saying and it changes every year. This year's saying is "It's never too late to be late " . A favorite from 2008 was "We're not happy until you're not happy" . Dave came up with one that summed up CX racing with just three words. The team was at the Sierra Point night race, an event that can draw 800 racers. The sad truth is that 95% of these racers have no chance at a win and little chance of getting anywhere near the podium. Several of us were at the course and as usual, music was blaring loudly and not the kind of music that Dave appreciated.A Journey song came on :" Don't stop believing" . Upon hearing this dave uttered :" Don't start believing " . The irony of this illustrated the futility of most people's racing experience while at the same time was a hilarious parody of the song. I had to put this gem from Dave on the team socks and the next order I did. 

Dave will be missed by many, even those that didn't know him that well. He did not live long but seemed to have been on the CX scene forever. Even people older than Dave referred to him as the "Old Man". In the ultimate irony, he didn't live to be old and died way too young. Rest in peace Dave and shred the great beyond. I sure hope the music is better wherever you are now.......