Ed Boltz RIP
 

Not sure if any of you people on the east coast knew him, but Ed Boltz died from a massive heart attack during the pre-ride of a 1000K. Follows is the message Hamid posted on the Perms List. I met Hamid when I did his 200K in King George, VA back in March:

Thanks to many of you who have reached out to me and showed me your support & your thought & prayer for Ed's family.
I know that you have many questions and you want to know every little detail since you care. Ed did not die because of any cycling accident by the car or anything else. Ed & I were 5 miles in the ride on Friday June 7 at 4:20am when he had a massive cardiac arrest. He received every medical attention that he could get but at the end his brain damage was to sever that he could not survive. According to his team of cardiologist, he could have a stress test the day before and his heart rupture could stay undetected. Life is so precious & we should not take it for granted so enjoy every moment & let's love each other since we don't know when we leave this earth. With his family permission, I will provide you their contact info so you can send them your condolences & support. Hamid

Sad to hear, condolences to his family :(

If you don't know what condition your heart is in, I advise all of us guys to get a CT scan of it. I did last year, caught plaque starting to form in the widow maker aorta. But caught it in time and treating it so that it does not become a foreseeable problem.

I rode with Ed on a 1000k in North Carolina a few years ago. A group of us rode most of the distance together, going fairly slowly to keep together. Out of the blue, Ed just launched away from the group. Somebody who knew him said, "sometimes, Ed just bolts." It was a funny moment. He came back; he just needed to feel some speed, I expect.

On the inaugural Natchez Trace 1500, I rode far behind Ed. My ride strategy was to ride fast and sleep lots. Ed's strategy was different; I understand he rode the 1500 kilometers straight through.

I can't say I knew him, but I know he was a strong rider and tough randonneur. He was just a couple years older than me; far too young.

RIP Ed.

Yes, he was too young. I am too slow of a rider to have ridden with him, but scanning his results, I'm not sure we were ever on any of the same rides. He started randonneuring after me, but had twice as many miles. He really got around, he had rides in the Southeast, Texas, Michigan, New York, Mn.

I'm also sorry for Hamid, he's a really nice guy.

There is going to be a memorial service as part of this week's 1000k.