2015 Numb Bum Ice Race

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Wangchung
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2015 Numb Bum Ice Race

Post by Wangchung »

I'm sure a lot of people know by now that a long time racer has lost his life this past weekend. One of the nicest men I have ever meet.
R.I.P. Troy Ritchie

Taken from the Edmonton Journal

"Father of two dies after motorcycle crash at Numb Bum Ice Race

A father of two from Lacombe died in hospital Sunday after crashing his motorcycle during a 24-hour race on a frozen lake west of Morinville.

Troy Ritchie, 51, was a veteran motocross and ice racer, said Jeremy Caissie, spokesman for the Pembina Dirt Riders Association.

His team, Team Shrinkage, was leading the 26th annual Numb Bum Ice Race when he crashed in a turn called The Snail, nearly six hours into the event.

The event is billed as the world’s longest, coldest race of its kind. No other riders were injured.

“The rider that was behind him on the track saw the headlight do a flip in the air, then he arrived on the scene within seconds, as did a couple other riders. They were able to get in contact with the race officials and the ambulance right away,” Caissie said Tuesday.

Ritchie was treated by paramedics at the scene then airlifted to University Hospital in Edmonton, where he died Sunday night, organizers said.

The Pembina Dirt Rider Association and the Alberta Endurance Ice Racing Association cancelled the remainder of the race following the accident, later posting a message on its Facebook page informing participants of Ritchie’s death.

“We are deeply saddened to inform everyone that Troy Ritchie passed away due to his accident at the Numb Bum Ice Race,” the message reads. “Troy left us doing what he loved, was leading the race and will always remain first place in our hearts.”

Caissie said nothing this serious has previously happened at the race.

Riders wear protective gear, helmets, and have studded tires for traction, he said, but they can also reach speeds of up to 150 km/h.

Caissie said there has been an outpouring of support from the motorcycle community for Ritchie’s family. On the night of the accident, riders raised close to $2,000. Organizers are now working on setting up an account to collect donations for his family.

The event is held on a plowed 18-kilometre course set up on Sandy Lake, which is just west of the Alexander First Nation. There were 121 racers signed up for the weekend races."
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cedric
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Re: 2015 Numb Bum Ice Race

Post by cedric »

I didn't know him, but still sad to hear this news. RIP.

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AJRJ
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Re: 2015 Numb Bum Ice Race

Post by AJRJ »

Definitely a hard pill to swallow for anyone that loves racing motorcycles (or anything else for that matter)

Deepest condolences to the family, and all of the people involved at the Numb Bum, first responders, etc.

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