Condolences
Here are some of the messages we have received from people touched by this
tragedy.  I'll do my best to keep this updated as new messages come in.  Thanks
for your support and condolences:

Every race season, the women’s race scene sees one rider fly through the ranks within an impossibly
short time span: they uncomfortably increase the pace in the beginner/intermediate Cat 4 races, handle
the expert Cat3 expert races with ease and settle in gracefully to the pro/semi-pro Cat1/2 competitions.

As a woman Cat4 racer who’s been a bit stuck in the beginner/intermediate category longer than I’d care
to admit, I have become well adept at identifying that one woman bound to effortlessly succeed as she
pulls up to the line for the first race of the year. Three years ago it was Lisa Penzel, two years ago it was
Shelly Olds. This year, it was Kristy Gough. When she showed up at the Early Birds, I took one look at her
and thought to myself, “yep, that’s her”… and since I was merely observing the race from the sidelines
that day, I thought to my racing teammates, “good luck, girls.”

I didn’t know Kristy personally, but knew that she was the focus of my team’s competitive “fear” and
inspiration. Hence, we intensely discussed on our team forums whether Kristy would be racing with us
during our first “real” road race of the season, Snelling, and debated how to collectively (I’m talking 10
women here) compete against her in the race. Imagine the small sigh of relief when we found out she
had upgraded to the next category up.

It’s only with Kristy’s passing that I have learned more about who she was, outside of that symbolic
woman at the start of every race season she represented to me. Knowing she was my peer, if only for a
moment, has made this tragedy all the more difficult to bare, but just as much, it has made it all the more
important to carry on in her name. My heart goes out to Kristy’s family, friends and gracious Third Pillar
teammates. You - and Kristy - are in my thoughts.  Ride free, my friend.

Meredith Obendorfer
women's road team manager, Roaring Mouse Cycles
__________________________________________

I never had the honor of meeting Kristy but this story has truly touched my heart. I'm so sorry for your
tremendous loss she must have been an amazing woman. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family
and friends of Kristy Gough.

God Bless,

Steve Wharton
__________________________________________

I did see Kristy Gough once, winning the 2008 Merco Road Race.  Just before the finish of the category
3/4 race, the race announcer speculated if this newcomer to cycling will breakway from the pack, like she
has done in her previous races.  On cue, this lone figure emerges from the last corner, winning in front
of the pack by at least 15 seconds, that person was Kristy Gough.

My heart goes out to the their families and friends and those who knew Kristy and Matt.  Reading about
them, on their memorial websites, they were fantastic people.  Eventhough they have left us, the way
they lived their lives is inspiration to us all, even those like me, who had never personally met them.  

Dale (Los Gatos Bicycle Racing Club)
__________________________________________

In 1989 and 1990, I had a job as an afterschool playground leader at Roosevelt Elementary School in San
Leandro, CA. Kristy was a 5th grader who (for the next two years) regularly attending my program. After
hearing about her tragic accident last week, I went through a box of pictures from those days. Kristy is in
many of them and they brought back so many great memories. Kids like Kristy made my job so much fun!
Our games of Capture The Flag and Softball, Blindfolded pudding eating contests, trips to Duffy's Ice
Cream, Roosevelt Track Teams etc...

A few years ago, I saw Kristy at Trader Joe's. We talked of those days and then she told me about life as a
triathlete. She was so passionate about her training routines and how she travels all over for her
competitions. I'm now a PE teacher at John Muir Middle School in San Leandro and I told Kristy  that when
her traveling slows down, she'll have to come talk to the students. She is such an inspiration for many.
Kristy, you are missed. But, never will be forgotten.

Don Paxman
__________________________________________

I lost my sister 20 years ago in a car accident when she was 28 and had two kids.  Now after all these
years I still sometimes think about her and miss her.  But the pain of loss will go away little by little by
time. I have realized we do not choose the time we come into this life and the same applies to our time of
departure.  I never point finger to anyone to blame but others in my family for a while blamed someone in
her accident.  I always ride and hike on that route, and although I did not them at all, my heart was totally
broken by this sad sad accident.  Few days ago I saw an old lady crying out-loud at the seen with  flowers
in her hands, I told her I am very sad about this and asked her if she is the mother or knew them. She
replied: None.  I am not from America and I had never seen an american lady crying so much for someone
that she does not know at all.   Somehow,  many people have been touched by this and this indicates,
their souls were great souls.  Please accept my condolences and know that many others are sharing this
saddness with you.  I wish them happy souls.  Poems from a poet named Khayam from 700 hundred years
ago helped me a lot to deal with my sister accident.

Take care
__________________________________________

I didn't know Kristy personally, but as a cyclist I believe we are all connected in some way.  My prayers
are with Kristy's family, friends and teammates.  

Fred Villaflor
Maricopa Arizona
Wheelsport Cycling Team
Kent, Washington
__________________________________________

I live next door to Dave Worm, Kristy's stepdad. I knew Kristy as a little girl and then did not see her very
often until last year. Dave had hired her for a major painting/wood refinishing project at our home. I was
impressed with how focused and detailed oriented she was. Even though she was not a "professional"
painter, she brought the same dedication and passion as she did with her athletic endeavors.

During the 3 weeks that the project took, I had an opportunity to have extensive conversations with
Kristy and I was amazed at how wise and worldy she was for such a young girl. I was in awe about her
sense of adventure and all the international travel experiences she had. She sure packed a lot of living
into her short life.

She brought by her friend Klaus by when he was visiting from Europe so that he could see the project
she completed for us. Kristy took such pride in her work, regardless of the project. She had such a "can
do" attitude.

Her death reminded me of Princess Diana's - another life cut short, but a life that was full and rich and
touched so many people. Like Diana, Kristy was at a point where she had found happiness and fulfillment
in her personal and professional life. And at the actual moment of her death, Kristy was doing something
that she loved and excelled at.

While most people who knew Kristy personally may remember her for the outstanding athelte that she
was, I will remember her every time I look around my house and can feel her spirit in the beautiful paint
job and refinished wood. Her presence will always be with me as long as I live in this house.

Judi Henderson Townsend
__________________________________________

I heard her name on the news and immediately an image of her in Bancroft Jr High Schools P.E uniform
popped into my head. I only knew her for a couple of years but she left a good impression in my mind. I
can remember picking her number one to be on my ultimate Frisbee team because she was such a great
athlete and quietly confident girl. I can even remember having a little crush on her back then. My
thoughts go out to the friends and family. I know what it is like to lose someone so young who is close to
you, and it just is not fair. Even after all the years that have passed by I still remember Kristi Gough, and I
always will.

Sincerely, Jerry Kleven
Bancroft; class of 92'
__________________________________________

To the family and friends of Kristy Gough

I’m feeling old and tired.  The days seem a little dimmer and the nights are very dark and quiet.  Food has
no taste.  A light has gone from the world and we all feel a chill in the air. We go though the tedium of our
daily tasks because we do not know what else to do.  These tasks distract us for a few moments from the
pain and heartache that we all feel.

As a parent, the loss of our child is a fear that we hide in our deepest subconscious.  It’s the pain that we
dread the most because we are afraid that we will never heal.

We will all miss this wonderful spirit who was taken from us so tragically, we will miss her wit, her
perseverance and strength.  

It is from her strength and perseverance however, that we now must draw.  She would not want us to
give up, to stop because the task of living is too hard, or too painful.  Her training was about overcoming
pain and going to that special place that helps to get through the most difficult task.  

That special place is different for everyone.  For some it may be church or prayer for others it may be
going to the ocean, or the mountains, watching a sunset.  We also have each other and our shared
memories of this very, very special person.  

This has been a very hard ride.  Although I do feel old and tired I do know about the importance of
recovery.  We must celebrate Kristy’s life and accomplishments and from that we will re-gain our strength
and our will to be the best that we can be.  

With all my Love,

Steele Willinger
__________________________________________

Dearest Gough Family,
I have not seen or heard from Kristy in years, however, I feel as though I have lost a good childhood
friend. I remember meeting Kristy in elementary school. At such a young age she was already a stellar
athlete. We spent a lot of time together and really enjoyed each other's company.  From during school,
recesses and after school recreation to spending the night at each other's houses.  I remember when
she moved to the big house in Oakland, but we still were hanging out outside of school.  Kristy and I
were good friends and I feel as though the world is not only going to miss out on an exceptional athlete,
but along with everyone else, a wonderful person.  I send your family my deepest regards and hope you
all make it through this tough time, but I want you to know that Kristy touched my heart as well in her
lifetime and I am a better person because of it.

Kristy's childhood friend,
Sara Ostrom- San Leandro, CA
__________________________________________

Here I sit late at night reading all the soulful, heartfelt words written by everyone about my one and only
sister, Kristy, aka Kris Kros Apple Sauce.  I have been so speechless about this and still am having
trouble accepting that it is real.  How can it be that the closest person to me in my life is gone?  I will
never again sleep by her side, glory in the inexpressible bond of sisterhood, strength, wisdom and
commitment to growth that united us.  Of course, we will go on and continue striving to express the
balance of vulnerability and power that allows us to achieve our dreams with a sense of ease and
gratitude.  I know that Kristy is touched by all the love and admiration pouring out from the community.  I
know that all your expressions are making it easier for me in this way: I am so grateful that so many
recognize her as the beautiful, inspiring, brilliant, endearing, funny and caring woman she was. Not only
was she my "other half" for the past 30 years, but I took for granted that I would have the rest of my life
with her. I will be grateful for all the love you all have shown to her and our family for all the years to
come that I will be longing for the greatest love I have ever known.  I don't know how I'm gonna do it, but
I wouldn't dream of letting her down.  I know I have to continue the journey of learning to remove all the
ways I obscure my own beautiful light from shining forth.  Easier said than done!  I am so blessed to have
Kristy's example to guide my way.  Kristy, I am so so sorry and so proud of who you are and what you've
done.  I will forever honor you, love you, dream with you, and thank you for all you brought, and still bring
to my life.  Until we meet again, my love, tu hermana

Laurissa
__________________________________________

My brother, Ken Foraker, lost a leg to a drunk driver while on a bicycle training ride in March 1989, in
Santa Barbara.  The accident also took the life of another cyclist who was with them.

There are no words that express the sadness.  When I first learned of your loss, I was in tears.  I know so
well the pain, anguish and suffering.

My brother had 12 surgeries, hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of hospital bills, a dead frieand,
and an amazing amount of community support.

If there is ever anything my family or I can say or do to help you, please let me know.

Greta Dedmon
__________________________________________

I know very little of Kristy nor the tragedy but do know the love of a parent and I would like to tell you I
am so sorry. Everything I read about this young lady has always been extremely positive and I only hope
when it is my turn to see my maker I will be remembered like her. God Bless,

Mike Havelock, NC
__________________________________________

As I sit at my desk thinking of all what has happened in the last month, Kristy always pops into my mind. I
had the pleasure of racing with Kristy at the Snelling Road Race, where she left us all in the dust.  I was
so impressed with her riding and not only that, but the way she handled herself.  After the race Kristy was
walking toward myself and a teammate and we told her congrats on winning the race.  Kristy's response
was a nice, "Thank You."  She was very modest and sweet to ask how we did.  I will never forget her face
and she is always in my thoughts.  She was taken from us to early but she will not be forgotten.

Kim Wik
Code3Racing
__________________________________________

Dear Gough Family,
Over 3 months have passed.  How does one forget a spirit like Kristy's? Her spirit lives on and on. Please
know that so many souls have been touched by the angel you brought into this world. Kristy's
determination, her fighting spirit, her love is at this moment is being transmitted around the world and
beyond. She has a purpose, the greatest job of all: to touch much needed lives with her love.  Please
know she is working hard racing to enlighten those of us still on this earth.  Her life was taken, but she
will always be with us...always.

Love
One
__________________________________________
To everyone,

Thank you from the depth of my heart for sharing stories of my daughter Kristy.  As I read through them I
can't help but feel a lump in my throat knowing her true character was "seen" by so many.  I will never get
her out of my mind's eye, as she meant the world to me.  But knowing so many will keep her memory alive
gives me some peace.  Each thought of her keeps her spirit going.  The twinkle in her eye was truly
something to behold.

I felt privileged to ride with everyone on the memorial ride Saturday.  Thank you for helping me to bear
this burden.  

Karen Clarkson
Proud mother of Kristy Gough
__________________________________________
Dall'Italia calorose condoglianze alla famiglia di Kristy.

Cesare e papà Massimo Alberti
__________________________________________

To everyone,

Thank you from the depth of my heart for sharing stories of my daughter Kristy.  As I read through them I
can't help but feel a lump in my throat knowing her true character was "seen" by so many.  I will never get
her out of my mind's eye, as she meant the world to me.  But knowing so many will keep her memory alive
gives me some peace.  Each thought of her keeps her spirit going.  The twinkle in her eye was truly
something to behold.

I felt privileged to ride with everyone on the memorial ride Saturday.  Thank you for helping me to bear
this burden.  

Karen Clarkson
Proud mother of Kristy Gough

__________________________________________
Previous Page