Loss of an American Hero

Today marks a tragic day in the history of motorcycle racing, especially for those of us here in the US. Nicky Hayden, the most recent American to race in MotoGP and who was currently in the World Superbike series, has passed away due to injuries sustained in an accident while riding his bicycle in Italy.

While I never met Nicky in person, this is affecting me more than I would have thought. He was one of our own, one of only a handful of Americans competing at the international level. One of the "good old boys," he was never involved in drama, and was well liked by everyone who met him. A genuinely nice guy, who was also an amazing rider.

Life is so short. We are never promised tomorrow, and this is one of those instances when it becomes so abundantly clear. Someone who has spent his life competing at the top levels of a sport that is known for it's dangers, and he's lost to us due to an everyday activity that almost no one would consider a "dangerous" thing to do.

The loss is not only hard from the standpoint of being a racer, but also from being a human. Seeing both sides of this, we racers all accept that there are risks with our sport. Having someone so talented taken in such a mundane way makes you realize that life has no promises.

I challenge readers to live your life. Even if other people think it's dangerous - or boring - or crazy - or stupid - if it makes you happy and you have a smile on your face at the end of the day, then go live your life. As long as your joy doesn't come at other people's direct expense, then do what you love to do. None of us are getting out of this life alive, and none of us are promised tomorrow.

Nicky was living his life to the fullest. I can only imagine the pain that his family and fiance are going through right now having him torn from their lives, but I would hope that they can take a small consolation in the fact that he was someone who chased his dreams, and inspired thousands if not millions in the process. He will live on in the hearts of his fans, rivals, and many who never even met him.

Ride in Peace Nicky.

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