Obituary for my mountain bike

(The family respectfully request that you click on the video above so you can listen to the music while you read about our dearly departed friend.)


Specialized Rock Hopper, born December 1995, died March 2009 in Humboldt County, Calif. It was 13 years of age.

An aluminum mountain bike, Rock Hopper passed away peacefully after suffering a fatal frame crack which rendered its bottom bracket useless.

Rock Hopper was a friend to all and will be missed.



Rock Hopper spent its early years cruising the Hammond Trail, with occasional excursions into the hills east of McKinleyville.

In the summer of 2006, Rock Hopper was converted to an electric-powered bike and, for a short time, had its own blog – Jack’s Electric Bicycle.



By early 2007, Rock Hopper was converted back to a regular mountain bike and became an almost daily commuter. With its fat, knobby tires, Rock Hopper went off the beaten path and explored many of McKinleyville’s nooks and crannies.




In the last six months of its life, Rock Hopper spent quality time communing with nature on the trails of the Arcata Community Forest.

Rock Hopper is survived by an English Hawthorne 3-speed, a Navara Randonee, a vintage Cannondale road bike, a Schwinn unicycle, The Goddess’s Trek Navigator and a Hobie skateboard.

In lieu of flowers, the family request that memorial contributions be made to Jack’s bicycle fund or the charity of your choice.

Before interment at a recycling center, Rock Hopper will undergo an extensive organ harvest, with its parts destined for a new mountain bike once a new frame is acquired.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.