Western Wheelers Bicycle Club Beloved Member: Troy Folkner

Strava Comments on Troy's Last Ride

Mon, 28 Jan 2019 23:52:53 GMT

It so emotional to see your last ride posted. Rest in Peace! https://westernwheelersbicycleclub.wildapricot.org/page-1863789

Don Johann

You were the best, Troy. I will miss you

Roger Stenerson

Wow, so sad! You will be missed.

Ron Wolf

Honored to have had the blessing of trying to keep up with Troy. Thankful to the Western Wheelers for making that possible & fun.

Stuart Kreitman

Troy, you were a strong and responsible rider. It is painful to say goodbye this way. May his memory be a blessing

David Feiler

Farewell Troy

Betty D

You always had something nice to say to me every time you caught me and passed me by. I loved your pictures on Strava; sometimes I'd try to find the things you took pictures of to give myself goals on the bike. We're going to miss you terribly.

James Porter

Troy, you were such a kind person and strong rider. It was always so fun to ride with you and hear your refreshing take on things. You will be sorely missed.

Hal Steger

This is unbelievable! So sad! Troy will be sorely missed.

Warren Chan

I will miss you Troy. It's ironic that Strava recorded your riding right to it's unexpected and tragic end. I will miss the never ending upbeat energy you always brought on our rides.

Jimbo Williams

Troy, very saddened to see you go. You were always amicable, thoughtful, witty and entertaining. The life of the ride and I'm sure in evrrything you did. I can only aspire to be more like you.

Megyn Lansing

Troy, you were always so nice to me, the newbie. I will miss you.

Marshall Jackson

Rest in Peace, my friend.

Samir A.

So sad news. Troy will be dearly missed. Deepest Condolences to his family and friends.

Gary Premo

It was a joy and an honor to have counted Troy as a friend. Rest in peace Troy.

The Green One

Will miss your company on rides and our many chats on old cars. Unbelievable!

Cindy Asrir

So very sad you're not with us anymore, Troy. Rest in peace, my friend.

Tom Wisdom

Troy was such an encouraging and friendly guy who always chatted it up with me. I will miss him greatly! Prays for his family...

Steve Dowd

Truly awful news. Troy will be missed.

Chantal Aboulhouda-Olivier

So sad and so difficult to believe.

Doreen Wagner

so sorry to hear.

Denis Lynch

Ride on in peace, Troy. Your memory will always be a blessing!

Samir Gehani

Deeply, deeply saddened by this shocking news. A programmer. A wine lover. And an avid and powerful rider! My most esteemed and idolized neighbor, I will miss you. Thank you for inspiring me with your superhuman riding power, humor, wit, and being an unwavering beacon of niceness. You will be so dearly missed.

Michael Gonzales

May the wind always be at your back!. Rest in peace Troy.

Jeffery Nilles

This is a bit of a shock. Once in a while Troy and I would split off and do some extra loop. He was faster than me but stuck with us. I also remember that he would make coffee in the bike hut. And since he made a pot, I would drink it. With a little reminder from him.

Dave Cherne

I am so sad we lost such a wonderful soul. Troy you will be sorely missed.

Cheryl Prothero

So hard to believe. I will always cherish the memories of riding with Troy.

Dave Collet

Troy - you will be missed. Thanks for all the advice you used to give me years ago regarding work, and cycling. So sad to hear about this. You were/are such a great person. Rest in peace, sir.

gary virshup

Truly sad news. Troy was one of the friendliest people on our WW rides. It was always a joy talking to him, if I was lucky enough to keep up with him. His photos and comments were both insightful and joyous. I will miss him.

Steven Anderson

Rest In Peace.

Mona Schorow
You always rode with us. Now, you ride with us in our hearts.

Unforgettable Troy

Sat, 26 Jan 2019 16:47:49 GMT

This is Steve Jones, Valerie's husband: I met Troy only briefly, on two occasions. But the second meeting I will never forget. He was at our house for Valerie's fall HRS lunch. Troy noticed the mural we had painted over our mantle, and wanted to know all about it. He asked about the Indian basket designs, where they came from, how we designed the layout, how we got the pattern on the wall, things no one had ever asked me before! Then he took a couple of photos. I was really touched that Troy showed so much interest in our decoration. I will always feel honored by his attention. Troy's memory will now always be part of our mural.

Troy Memory

Wed, 23 Jan 2019 15:22:59 GMT

Troy was a more powerful rider, but I managed to keep up with him when he was not pushing it. I remember asking him "how's retirement" in 2013. His response - "every day is a vacation". I'm grateful to have ridden with him on occasion years ago. He inspired me in two ways - to ride/climb hard even at 60+ and to retire as soon as possible so to more completely enjoy life.

Kind, generous Troy

Thu, 17 Jan 2019 23:38:52 GMT

Troy always took the time to chat with the slower riders, so I had the pleasure of getting to know him even though I couldn’t keep up with him on the bike. We talked about cats, funny things we saw and took pictures of while riding, and wildlife. He emailed me videos of the wildlife in his backyard that he sometimes caught on camera. It was by accident that I found out that whenever someone in our biking group was injured, Troy sent the person a gift and signed it from the whole group. Kind, generous, smart, fun Troy. I will miss him always.

Troy Folkner

Mon, 07 Jan 2019 23:26:57 GMT

I clearly remember meeting Troy in Shoup Park. I found him to be extremely friendly and vary inspirational with his bike knowledge and humor. I told him that he has the physical build of a professional bike racer, but I could instantly tell that he would join in conversation and ride with most anyone, including me. Troy replied, I do not compete with anyone in WW Club, I compete with myself, using Strava. He then told me that he likes to start a ride at a slow to moderate pace and then later catch up to the faster D riders. A moment before the start of our ride, Troy's humor put me in the mood to sing a few lyrics, Bob Dylan Two riders were approaching and the wind began to howl. Troy responded with The Doors, Riders On The Storm. This was my first and last meet with Troy, but I will never forget it.

Goodbye Troy

Mon, 07 Jan 2019 00:15:52 GMT

We Miss You Troy

Wed, 02 Jan 2019 16:59:01 GMT

Troy was probably the strongest rider in our Wednesday group. Yet he chose to ride with the social group. He was everyone’s friend. He knew every persons name. He always had something interesting or funny to say. He was joy to be around.

From Tom Wells, Troy's long-time friend

Mon, 24 Dec 2018 19:39:31 GMT

Hi I’m Tom Wells.

I became fast friends with Troy and Laura in 1974. I continue hold them as dear and beloved friends. I was stunned when Laura called me the other evening. Add this tragedy to the loss of her brother last month and I can’t imagine what she is going through. I have spoken with her daily for the last few days and she is so composed and upbeat. I’m amazed.

I left California in early 1989 and missed Troys first major bicycle accident where he broke his back. I was astonished at his resolve to rehab and get back on the bike. He so loved to ride and climb the hills surrounding his home. Before his bicycling days we used to ride motorcycles over those same roads. Highway 9 and Skyline, over to Boulder Creek, Santa Cruz, up to San Francisco etc. those were some fantastic times.

Troy was a unique individual. His dry sense of humor was something to behold. He sometimes thought on levels I did not fathom. He never let that high intelligence interfere with being a down to earth friend. We were a small group of friends during the 70’s and 80’s. Maybe 12 or so. We got together often for dinners, BBQ, parties for what ever might be the occasion. Halloween parties were a sight to behold as all of us dressed up in various costumes and themes. We almost always shared Thanksgiving with each other. Troy finally turned me into a pseudo wine snob. In truth, I just liked drinking wine!

I could go on and on about my relationship with Troy and Laura. Suffice to say I am deeply saddened at his passing. I do know that his friendship with the cycling group was very dear to him and I know you all are hurting as well. Please know I appreciate all of your concern and caring about Laura’s welfare.

In addition:

I am praying for Steve’s healing and comfort as he recovers from being involved avoiding Troys accident.

With sadness,

Tom Wells.

Houston, TX.

December 2018.

Ode to Troy

Mon, 24 Dec 2018 01:27:02 GMT

His sunny disposition, with a keen eye for the overlooked usual and unusual on each ride. The ability to tell stories and command attention. Always dapper, a smiling, accomplished and effortless rider. Great to ride with and chat, listen to his projects and his few travails and marvel. It was palpable that the group was a little thrilled when Troy showed up at a ride, almost a cheer: “It's Troy!”.

I always looked up to Troy for these qualities, that, and he was usually ahead of me on a climb. I'm still seeing Troy when I know I can't, remembering he's gone in a thunderclap.

Everyone's bestie, Troy

Sat, 22 Dec 2018 00:43:30 GMT

Each ride with Troy was a learning experience - about music ("those booties are attribute to a Paul Simon song" ??? from A-Shun and me. "Diamonds on the soles of her shoes!"), New Mexico ("Las Vegas? Get the stacked enchilada plate at the Hillcrest restaurant on old Route 66. Best in town!"), iPhone camera lenses, Clif Family winery - a bunch of obscure topics of which he had wide knowledge. On Wednesday, we chatted about holiday plans and he coached me on descending Kennedy and Shannon with wet roads. As I look through my pictures, he's always smiling and usually laughing - such a joy to be around.

I'll miss you, my friend.

Troy

Sat, 22 Dec 2018 00:07:33 GMT

I found Troy to be kind and gentle, smart and fun, inquisitive and never falling into the trap of telling you the answer.

Troy holds a special place for me on Tunitas Creek. One of the last times I climbed it with him, we got over taken by Francine and Bruce and then rode with them. Troy told me that he was going to take it easy but the next thing I knew I was watching his tail light. He was waiting for me at the top and with no comment about my performance but I certainly gave him an ear full about taking it easy. The photograph is after trying to stay up with Troy and Michael Gonzales. Straight after the photograph I had to lay down.

He intrigued me. I learned that he had had back surgery that did not work out as intended. I was intrigued how he appeared to be coping with this setback but I never heard him complain, a lesson for me.

I will sorely miss Troy and the fun and life he brought to our lives.

...

Fri, 21 Dec 2018 23:26:20 GMT

Troy and I aren't very close, but I'm glad we were able to share a few rides together. Like others here, I know Troy for his witty banter, his sense of humor, and his love of sharing that special set of lenses attached to his phone.

My last ride with Troy, we were going back and forth in providing examples of what is paradox vs. oxymoron. Of course, we were going uphill, so he did most of the talking while I was trying to just keep up.

Troy, I will always remember and miss you. Thank you.

Heartfelt Condolences.

Fri, 21 Dec 2018 23:00:08 GMT

I am so saddened to hear the news of Troy accident and passing. Troy was such a great guy; Strong rider & A true gentleman. Troy will be missed dearly.

My deepest condolences to his family and to all his friends.

With love and friendship

Samir.

Too soon. . .

Fri, 21 Dec 2018 22:32:14 GMT

I can't comprehend losing such a good friend. Our rides together were always so full of gabbing about Ridge Winery, remodeling kitchens, de-fleaing dogs, New Mexico, fish-eye lens attachments for iphones, and sometimes tegaderm. I can picture him smiling ear-to-ear at the beginning of every ride. He was one of those positive people who you always wanted to be with. We'll miss you, Troy. Rest in Peace, my friend.

Always Cheerful

Fri, 21 Dec 2018 19:19:42 GMT

I just can't process what has happened. Troy always had a kind word or a corny joke, he was always ready to help without a second thought. He was a kind soul that made our rides better. I was several riders behind him when he went down. When I got home my wife called out with "Did you have a good ride?" like she always does and I just broke down.

A sad twist of fate

Fri, 21 Dec 2018 17:41:49 GMT

So sad to lose a friend on the whim of fate. I did not know Troy well, but he was always friendly and cheerful. Let's let his passing being a message to all of us to live every day to its fullest and to cherish those we hold dear every moment of every day...

Last Ride with Troy

Fri, 21 Dec 2018 02:53:07 GMT

I never dreamed it was going to be my last ride with Troy/ I have been riding with Troy ever since I started riding with HillsRUs after retirement. He was always much faster but he was also very social and even after the social group split off from HillsRUs he would always start off the ride with the social group and switch to the faster group later in the ride which is what he did on the last ride. One memory of Troy – he liked musical references and would often put them in his Strava ride titles and one time last spring when I posted a ride with the title “Riders Before the Storm” he instantly caught the reference and complemented me on it in his ride comments. I will miss you Troy, always

Very sad about losing Troy

Fri, 21 Dec 2018 00:30:32 GMT

I was very sad to hear the news about Troy. He was a very upbeat person, always ready with a light joke or something interesting to say. I was chatting with him on a recent ride and he told me he had met his yearly goal of riding 10,000 miles and doing 1 Million feet of climbing. Wow. He took great pictures on rides, even submitting a picture to the Photo contest of a “Roadside Kiss” with Mona and me. He greatly added to the joy of riding HRU. I will miss him.

I wanted to do something, so I put up a wreath on the road near where the accident happened. It's on the side of the street going North on Los Gatos-Saratoga Rd (Hwy 9) at Carnelian Glen Ct. It’s just about across the street from the turn off to Villa Montalvo.