tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1375539417670322258.post301363845680629659..comments2016-03-09T10:09:09.336-08:00Comments on Remembering Matt: Thoughts & love for Matt Petersondphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17576787723664447240noreply@blogger.comBlogger286125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1375539417670322258.post-20885257685904580662016-03-09T10:09:09.336-08:002016-03-09T10:09:09.336-08:00Thinking of Matt. Sending love, light, and prayers...Thinking of Matt. Sending love, light, and prayers. <br />Aubrey (stepsister to Kristy).The Miller Familyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07467459862209976188noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1375539417670322258.post-59400073582298470132012-11-26T13:20:26.405-08:002012-11-26T13:20:26.405-08:00Still remembering Matt...such a great person.Still remembering Matt...such a great person.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1375539417670322258.post-67691555723911193582008-05-27T14:38:00.000-07:002008-05-27T14:38:00.000-07:00I am so sorry to read about your loss. One thing t...I am so sorry to read about your loss. One thing that has helped me since we lost <A HREF="http://www.remembernatasha.com" REL="nofollow">Natasha</A> to a horrific murder is I have memorial keepsakes of her. I bought memorial jewelry that I wear in her memory so I can talk about her when someone comments on my jewelry. I have also planted a memorial garden with a water pond. The task at first seemed huge and expensive but I found a lot of affordable memorial statues and memorial jewelry here at <A HREF="http://our-memorial-garden.com/" REL="nofollow">Memorial Jewelry and Statues</A>. They have affordable memorial items, urns, plaques, and statues that can be so expensive if purchased from a funeral home. We could barely afford to bury our sweet Natasha so I know how hard it can be. You and your family are in our prayers during this difficult time.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1375539417670322258.post-13426707813274683222008-05-10T07:46:00.000-07:002008-05-10T07:46:00.000-07:00I just heard about this tragedy today! That so inc...I just heard about this tragedy today! That so incredibly sucks. I will keep Matt and Kristy as well as their families in my prayers.PEANUThttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01084132705399321019noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1375539417670322258.post-420474432863832882008-03-31T06:00:00.000-07:002008-03-31T06:00:00.000-07:00To Matt's family I wish peace at this terrible tim...To Matt's family I wish peace at this terrible time. Matt was a great person as you know. <BR/><BR/>I knew Matt was different when we first met at Wal-Mart in Bentonville. I had just started a new job and Matt had come it as a new buyer to Optical. Well he did not dress like a buyer and was in a Hawaiian shirt and very casual. I was kind of nervous about meeting him since he held our business in his hands but this shirt and his personality put me at ease. We had a great meeting and he explained what he needed me to do for the future of the business and then he was off to a party (I think). <BR/><BR/>At this meeting we also talked about biking and he actually had me wanting a bike of my own. He loved the sport for the freedom, excitement of the road and I guess adventure of it. Matt was a people person too...So he enjoyed explaining the rides he had been on and would light up when we talked about it. <BR/><BR/>As a business person Matt was very strong and fair with a built in modesty and honor. I knew he would go far if he wanted to. He was excited to go to CA and be on the dot com team and the new ride opportunities that would give him. <BR/><BR/>I liked Matt as I hope you can tell. Matt was a great man and I will miss him. Even though we lost touch over the past several years. I felt I needed to say something about the Matt I knew and would greatly miss. <BR/><BR/>I wish his family comfort and peace. <BR/><BR/>Brett MizeAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1375539417670322258.post-25574401301268911002008-03-23T23:13:00.000-07:002008-03-23T23:13:00.000-07:00Matt,I am speechless. I have never met you or kne...Matt,<BR/>I am speechless. I have never met you or knew of you, but I just feel terrible. Every time I hit the road on my bike I wonder "will today be the day?". This does not stop me and it certainly did not stop you either. I am glad that you got so much out of cycling. As I mount my bike the next time, clip in and begin to roll, you, Kristy and Chris will be in my thoughts. <BR/><BR/>To the families; Just know that your loved ones were doing what they loved so much when they left that sunday morning. I only hope when its my turn that I am doing something that I love. Take care, someone in San Diego truly cares.Italian + Mexican = Wopsicanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15262093650733375947noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1375539417670322258.post-40096696315439396822008-03-20T09:14:00.000-07:002008-03-20T09:14:00.000-07:00My thoughts are with all friends, family, teammate...My thoughts are with all friends, family, teammates and everyone connected with this sudden tragedy. <BR/><BR/>Live, love, ride.Eightzerohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02326301095221867947noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1375539417670322258.post-39280470836147068612008-03-20T00:32:00.000-07:002008-03-20T00:32:00.000-07:00hey man, i'm glad i was able to have known you for...hey man, i'm glad i was able to have known you for the past year in the bay area. i know you're up in heaven now biking everyday and playing wii strikers... we'll scrap together some wins (plural) next year in rec soccer for ya bud.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07861106016628820098noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1375539417670322258.post-80704244527233153692008-03-19T10:00:00.000-07:002008-03-19T10:00:00.000-07:00Being in Sacramento, I only heard of this tragedy ...Being in Sacramento, I only heard of this tragedy at the start line of the Bariani race this past Sunday. All the Roaring Mouse guys were wearing ribbons showing thier solidarity. My condolences to Matt's family and friends.<BR/>Dave Smith<BR/>Rio Strada RacingAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1375539417670322258.post-24491245182826619652008-03-18T17:04:00.000-07:002008-03-18T17:04:00.000-07:00Dear San Jose Mercury News Editor:The horrific dea...Dear San Jose Mercury News Editor:<BR/><BR/>The horrific deaths of two accomplished adult cyclists on Stevens Creek Canyon Rd. by a patrolling Santa Clara County Sheriff's Deputy has sparked enormous discourse, exhortations and rhetoric among cyclists and motorists. Unfortunately, animosity has only increased between both users of our public roads.<BR/><BR/>Long before competitive cyclists Kristy Gough and Matt Peterson were hit head-on by Deputy James Council's patrol car, cyclists were well-aware of the hazards of our county roads. In fact, at age forty-seven, I consider myself lucky to be alive today. During my thirty-four year cycling career, I can attest to intentionally being run off the road innumerable times, yelled at, spat upon, dirty diapers and beer bottles thrown at me, and even a pistol put to my temple by a passing motorist who laughed outrageously when the trigger was pulled. Surprisingly, each incident happened not in Kentucky but here, on our lovely Peninsula. <BR/><BR/>During my more youthful years, I bike-camped throughout California and to the Mexican border. I also competed with Greg LeMond who, along with 10,000 others, witnessed me crashing at 50+ mph into a pedestrian who stupidly ran across the finish line of the Nevada City Cycling Classic in 1980. So, as a "more-than-an-avid" cyclist myself, I have always been extremely wary when riding: wary of narrow country roads, rented motorhomes, big rigs, road rallies and even the occassional bicycle century due to the possibility of creating ill-will between the motoring and cycling publics.<BR/><BR/>But, NEVER have I been wary of an oncoming patrol car. Actually, I'm one of those who waves and smiles at oncoming peace officers. Really.<BR/><BR/>With all this said, what happend to Kristy and Matt is tantamount to a peace officer hitting two pedestrians in a crosswalk just outside of town. I challenge what the reaction would be if two pedestrians had been fatally hit (and a third critically wounded) while legally walking in a crosswalk versus the derisive blame-game that cyclists are hearing about in this latest fatal incident in a designated bike lane.<BR/><BR/>I/we are extremely vulnerable when cycling: either we're invisible to pedestrians, ill-considered by motorists or simply a "pest" to others who believe cyclists should ride on sidewalks or not use "their roads." Our margin of error is between 12 and 48 inches. Some motorists incorrectly suggest we should even ride "facing traffic." <BR/><BR/>More than a few of my friends have had nice memorial services after being struck by motorists. Other such tragedies abound in our cycling community with different names and lives destroyed as a consequence.<BR/><BR/>Simply put, there are too many avoidable fatalities to describe here yet too few to be forgotten. Thanks for covering this issue so diligently.<BR/><BR/>Sincerely,<BR/><BR/>Fritz KnochenhauerAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15357327457781830659noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1375539417670322258.post-6766933253720497352008-03-17T14:52:00.000-07:002008-03-17T14:52:00.000-07:00I didn't know Matt or Kristy but after reading abo...I didn't know Matt or Kristy but after reading about Matt I felt like he would have been a kindred spirit. I can only imagine how great he must have felt after Merco, like scaling Everest I would think!<BR/><BR/>My sincerest condolences to the families, friends and team mates of Matt and Kristy.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1375539417670322258.post-75549762420912504442008-03-17T08:46:00.000-07:002008-03-17T08:46:00.000-07:00I wanted to let everyone know that I only met Matt...I wanted to let everyone know that I only met Matt once through my work, and I instantly liked him. As others have said he was full of tremendous energy and full of life. A huge loss.<BR/><BR/>My prayers and thoughts to his family, friends and loved ones.<BR/><BR/>-PeterAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1375539417670322258.post-22547274718846448062008-03-16T14:46:00.000-07:002008-03-16T14:46:00.000-07:00I am a fellow South Bay cyclist. My sympathies an...I am a fellow South Bay cyclist. My sympathies and prayers go out to Matt's family and friends during this time of great loss. I feel the loss as part of the cycling community that rides these roads.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1375539417670322258.post-5412012867488182822008-03-15T22:10:00.000-07:002008-03-15T22:10:00.000-07:00LET GOD BLESS YOU .....LET GOD BLESS YOU .....ericsoohoohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03609666833654764382noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1375539417670322258.post-13683750035122818422008-03-15T22:06:00.000-07:002008-03-15T22:06:00.000-07:00LET GOD BLESS YOU .....LET GOD BLESS YOU .....ericsoohoohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03609666833654764382noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1375539417670322258.post-31373319201523883552008-03-15T22:05:00.000-07:002008-03-15T22:05:00.000-07:00LET GOD BLESS YOU.LET GOD BLESS YOU.ericsoohoohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03609666833654764382noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1375539417670322258.post-61390101620300089852008-03-15T17:42:00.000-07:002008-03-15T17:42:00.000-07:00Photos of March 16 Memorial Ride taken from Loyola...Photos of March 16 Memorial Ride taken from Loyola Corners:<BR/><BR/>http://www.fototime.com/inv/A510370DE48EB00 <BR/><BR/><BR/><BR/>Instructions:<BR/>Click on a picture.<BR/>Under "view", select "small" or "medium"<BR/>You can then select "slide show" to see all the pictures or manually scroll<BR/>through them. Pictures shown in all views but "original" are compressed.<BR/>To download originals:<BR/> <BR/>To download, select "original / current"<BR/>Right click, and select "copy"<BR/>Then paste it into a folder on your computer.<BR/><BR/>Randy RhodyAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1375539417670322258.post-53952405515833119802008-03-15T04:48:00.000-07:002008-03-15T04:48:00.000-07:00I haven't seen Matt since college, but he had a sm...I haven't seen Matt since college, but he had a smile (and laugh) that burned into your memory the first time you met him....not to be forgotten over years or distance. Matt - I am so proud of you for all of the wonderful things you did with your life! I wish you peace 'Lil Bro'...miss you. JanaAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1375539417670322258.post-73071737430334088432008-03-14T19:27:00.000-07:002008-03-14T19:27:00.000-07:00We didn't know Matt very well, but were still shoc...We didn't know Matt very well, but were still shocked and devastated when we found out about the accident. At the Menlo Park Grand Prix Willem raced with Matt and after the men's Cat. 4 race Anna was kidding around with Matt together with one of her teammates. A day later Matt lost his life. Our hearts go out to his family and friends. He'll be in our thoughts when we're out riding. <BR/><BR/>Anna Voorthuijsen-Woldring - Code 3 Racing<BR/>Willem Voorthuijsen - Squadra Ovest RacingAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1375539417670322258.post-17111925497538909842008-03-14T19:24:00.000-07:002008-03-14T19:24:00.000-07:00I was profoundly touched by the deaths of Matt and...I was profoundly touched by the deaths of Matt and Kristy the moment the news was announced. My heartfelt sympathy is extended to the large circle of family and friends that are hurting very badly. <BR/><BR/>It’s twofold, really. As a youngster, my family lived during the late 1950's-60's on what was then called South Stevens Creek Canyon Road in a big rambling cream adobe between Ricardo and Miramonte roads. My sisters and I daily walked that rough road on the way to the bus stop. No shoulders. No sidewalks. Very little safety from speeding cars or busy gravel trucks. Often my heart was in my throat as another car approached from behind us. Yet nothing terrible ever happened to us.<BR/><BR/>Now Stevens Canyon Road is lined with multi-million dollar homes. Some sidewalks. A bike lane. Yet nothing protected Matt and Kristy from tragic, sudden and awful deaths while doing something they both loved to do - being out with their riding clubmates, another good bike ride on a beautiful day. <BR/><BR/>My only son is a professional triathlete, currently hard in training for the Arizona Ironman Triathlon next month. He rides hundreds upon hundreds of miles in the East Bay area on a weekly basis. Busy streets, fast boulevards, rolling hills - nothing seems to phase or concern him. Except careless or ignorant drivers, unaware that bicycle riders have every right to be on the roadways. He’s had to make acrobatic, twisting maneuvers to avoid being hit time and time again. While running, he’s actually had to run up onto passenger cars in order to prevent being run over.<BR/><BR/>Does it worry me? Of course. Yet, knowing that the soul of this man is a fast moving wind, I’d never ask him to stop doing the things he loves the most to do. Even after he was hit by a car while training in Colorado, breaking his collarbone & pelvis. We need to applaud that high level of passion and commitment, whomever displays it.<BR/><BR/>What happened to Matt and Kristy could happen to anyone in the cycling community. So I stand high upon my chair as a salute to their dedication to the sport, regardless of the inherent risks.<BR/><BR/>While the pain of losing Matt and Kristy has left an enormous hurt in the hearts of all who knew and loved them, they died doing something they loved to do. Take solace in that knowledge.<BR/><BR/>My sincere condolences at this time of unimaginable grief and loss.<BR/><BR/>Another rider’s momAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1375539417670322258.post-77388855349036503582008-03-14T11:13:00.000-07:002008-03-14T11:13:00.000-07:00My heartflet condolences to Matt's family and frie...My heartflet condolences to Matt's family and friends. I didn't know him, but am struck by his tragic loss. May you find peace and comfort in the midst of his loss.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1375539417670322258.post-17494656603835936242008-03-14T10:22:00.000-07:002008-03-14T10:22:00.000-07:00Although I only knew Matt through the stories told...Although I only knew Matt through the stories told by his sister Melinda, it's apparent he was a truly amazing person who will be forever missed by his family and many friends. My heart goes out to them all.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16888613051562700153noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1375539417670322258.post-34118614363213438312008-03-14T06:38:00.000-07:002008-03-14T06:38:00.000-07:00Watching the news on this tragic event, I had hear...Watching the news on this tragic event, I had heard the name Matt Peterson and was like I think I know him but it cant be....but turns out it was. I worked with Matt at walmart.com we werent close bugt I knew him. What I remember about Matt was his enthusiam especially when he would talk about his business or presenting. He was HILARIOUS whenever he had to present cause he was gonna make sure you thought his product was the best thing next to sliced bread. My prayers and heart felt condolences go out to Matt and his family. May GOD bless you Matt. RIP<BR/><BR/>TyreaciaAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1375539417670322258.post-30756102056537390132008-03-14T06:23:00.000-07:002008-03-14T06:23:00.000-07:00Dear Matt's family and friends,Like many others, I...Dear Matt's family and friends,<BR/><BR/>Like many others, I heard about Matt's death on the news. I wanted to send my condolences because, having experienced the shock of losing a brother in the same way you have lost Matt, I know this is a very painful time. After some time had passed, it helped me to know that, though my brother went entirely too early, he went doing what he loved. It also helped to remember that he would have wanted us to honor his life by getting on with our own. <BR/><BR/>You may be interested to know there is an International Ride of Silence remembering cyclists who died in auto accidents. The website, where you can post memorial information about Matt, is http://www.rideofsilence.org<BR/><BR/>My prayers are with you.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1375539417670322258.post-50638764064397823632008-03-14T04:40:00.000-07:002008-03-14T04:40:00.000-07:00I did not know either Matt or Kristy personally bu...I did not know either Matt or Kristy personally but this sort of tragedy hits so close in our small community. My dad sent me word of the accident (I live in Australia) and it wrenches my heart to think of the families and friends that have lost a good mate and a good person. There's no sense to any of it...it is truly devastating. I do find happiness to think of people gathering to ride in memorial. What a fantastic way to pay honor and spread word about the need for safety on shared roads.sassypantshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00864849182620147027noreply@blogger.com