I have ten thousand miles of memories of Wally. When I first started riding the Tuesday night ride was from Elkview. I remember Wally riding beside me, coaching me and encouraging me. He was such a big help to me and no matter how slow I was he had a way to make me feel so good about myself. He always had a positive word and a compliment.
I love the downhills and Wally did too. I remember one time on the front side of Snowshoe mountain, I passed him on the downhill, and the key words here are “one time”. As I passed him I looked over and said “beep beep”. He never let that happen again! From that point on, it was a race downhill between us and, man, was it fun!!! As he passed me he would flash me with that smile. His face lit up when he smiled.
He was so caring. He not only hosted us for the Winter party (where he educated us about “shit”) and the Pool party, but anytime anyone wanted to ride from his house he gave us a parking place, a bathroom and a cold beer! Lots of times he would just join us. One time it was just Jack and I. I guess everyone else watched the weather channel because Jack and I got caught in a horrible thunderstorm complete with bolts of lightening. We found shelter until the lightening passed but it was still pouring rain. All we could do is try to get in. As we started down the hill, who do we see coming up in his truck but Wally. He knew we were out there and came to rescue us! What a sweetheart. He even brought towels! I told him he was my hero. Yes, I have ten thousand miles of memories of Wally and I will cherish every one and I will ride ten thousand more and remember him with every one. Ride on, Wally, ride on!
Cindy Stewart