Clay Mankin, 1955-2005, by Jeffrey Veen

Clay Mankin, 1955-2005

Photo of Clay Mankin

The cycling community lost a true friend this week, suddenly and inexplicably. Clay Mankin, owner of the City Cycle bike shop in my neighborhood, was one day into a 300-mile ride down to Santa Barbara when he collapsed at the side of the road. An autopsy showed that Clay had a heart attack as he was pedaling up Skyline along the ridge of the Santa Cruz Mountains. What a strange juxtaposition to have a life dedicated to enjoyment of cycling end so simply and quietly along one of the most beautiful roads in the world.

Clay was an inspiration to me in how he ran his business. Riding bikes is fun! The better your bike is built, the more fun you'll have! He was known for radiating that energy out through not just our local community, but the bicycle industry. I rode with Clay and the mechanics in his shop many times -- he built the bike I ride today. I'm really going to miss him.

There are more details at the City Cycle web site, including information on how to contribute to an education fund set up for Clay's young son, Riley.

This entry was written by Jeffrey Veen and posted 18 November 2005 at 5:57 PM. It was filed under Personal. | View blog reactions

Comments

1. On 18 November 2005 at 11:56 PM Jochem wrote:

Dear Jeff,

I am sorry to hear that you lost a good friend. Always sad to hear when great people callaps while cycling. About a year ago one of the Dutch cycling heros passed away during a ride with a few friends. His name was Gerrie Knetemann (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gerrie_Knetemann) a former world champion. I only know him from TV, but I am sure he was a great personallity for his friends and family as well.

Well, all the best and keep on biking!

2. On 20 November 2005 at 12:03 AM Craigk wrote:

Thank you, Jeff, for the kind words of tribute. Naturally, we're devastated, but Clay's message rolls on every time we swing the leg over.

Please join me for Clay's favorite ride celebrating Jimi Hendrix' birthday on Friday, November 25th, the day after Thanksgiving at 9:30am at the parade ground in the Main Post of the Presidio.

Your friend, Craig

3. On 21 November 2005 at 2:55 PM Adam Donovan wrote:

"Even in our sleep, pain which cannot forget falls drop by drop upon the heart, until, in our own despair, against our will, comes wisdom through the awful grace of god." Aeschylus, 6c.BC

4. On 21 November 2005 at 11:55 PM Brian McNitt wrote:

It goes to show that you just never know -- get out and ride your bicycle as often as you can. Clay's untimely passing is indeed a great loss for the San Francisco cycling community but Clay's love for cycling and kind spirit will never be forgotten. Skyline rides will now have new meaning, a place to reflect on what is important, and we now have the 'Clay and Jimi' ride to celebrate.

My girlfriend and I will be at the ride on Friday. I picture Jimi and Clay leading the group on a tandem, laughing. Thank you, Clay, for your kindness, patience, encouragement, and helping others to discover the joys of cycling.

Brian McNitt
Webcor/Alto Velo

5. On 22 November 2005 at 3:34 AM ARLYS VEEN wrote:

thank you for saying it was a heart attack..I don't like the obits. that say "natural causes" you don't die of natural causes at 49.
Sorry for your loss, Keep on Bikin'

6. On 22 November 2005 at 11:38 AM steven streight aka vaspers the grate wrote:

I'm sorry to hear of Clay's death.

I would have liked him if I had met him, since I am also an avid bicyclist, and author of the book Bicycle Fever: Peoria Races and Champions from 1890 to 1990.

His passing on was on a path of beauty, without prolonged suffering and loss of dignity, as happens to so many.

My bicycle right now is a rickety Sandpiper that needs some repair. So, I responded favorably to your remark that a good, well-built, high quality bicycle enables one to enjoy cycling more, and do it more often.

7. On 22 November 2005 at 2:55 PM Brian McNitt wrote:

My memory of Clay:

http://brianmcnitt.com/wp/2005/11/22/in-memory-of-clay-mankin/

Brian

8. On 25 November 2005 at 3:41 PM Steven L. Sheffield wrote:

And my memories of Clay:

http://www.flahute.com/2005/11/rider_down.html

9. On 26 November 2005 at 4:20 PM Ashley Bowers wrote:

Sorry to hear about you r friend Clay. Sounds like he dies doing what we loved.I only hope that I can die the same way.

10. On 5 December 2005 at 4:30 PM "spot" wrote:

clay is a beautifull man and spirit. i feel for his family and crew in my heart. we have lost one of the greatest most well rounded even keiled souls that i have ever had the pleasure to meet. thank you clay for your guidence and paitience with all of us bike geeks. i will miss you clay.
Thomas"spot"Rhoades

11. On 19 December 2005 at 5:55 PM Michael Pachis wrote:

I knew Clay when he ran MidTown Bikes in Memphis in the 80's. I just read in our local paper he passed away. In Memphis Clay and his partner Chris were a huge influence on bicycling in Memphis.

Clay was alway kind, attentive and encouraging. He will be missed.

Mike