Riders down, one dead, Calabogie Motorsports. :(
- Thread starter stormcat
- Start date
RIP Calvin...my heart goes out to your family and friends 
Chick Racer
Member
Just an update on the other rider, the gentleman that was airlifted was in stable condition yesterday with a shattered pelvis and will be fine. He was from the states and his friends told me they were anxious to get him home soon. And Calvin will be missed by all of us.
socially distorted
Well-known member
RIP rider and my condolences to his family and friends. And thoughts to those at Pro6 and my fellow marshals at Calabogie who I'm sure are having a difficult time with this.
Chick Racer
Member
We would all like to say thanks to the marshals there and the Pro6 team everyone was great at the way it was handled.
details of the service can be found here
http://www.yourlifemoments.ca/sitepages/obituary.asp?oId=514157
http://www.yourlifemoments.ca/sitepages/obituary.asp?oId=514157
I'm posting this for Chris:
-------------------
On behalf of the Essex family and myself
My name is Chris "Crashburn" Washburn. I have been great friends with Calvin and his son and Calvins brothers for over 15 years now. Not only did i see the whole thing go down but we
also planned to attend the event together, travel together, room together etc for this get away trip. I have been one of his closer friends for years now and have seen sides to him that he
wouldn't share with anyone else.
He was a straight shooter but a simple guy. He lead his life as the tough guy but friendly on the out side. A mans man. He was rough and tough on the outside but had a soft side that nobody
was able to see because he wouldn't want to show weakness.
Case in point .... we got together a few weeks back and sobbed about the passing of his best friend. His dog Tyson.
For all the years that I've known him, there was only 3 things that he was completely devoted to. First and for most he was devoted to his son Colin. Second to Colin was his dog Tyson. The rest of his life was devoted to his love for motorcycles and riding them. He would tinker and fine tune his machine for hours and hours to make sure it was perfect. Spending countless hours researching information for every different angle and aspect of the bike. He would spend all of his time in the garage fine tuning his ride. He wanted to have the best machine that he could.
I need to thank a number of people from that day and the days to follow and then i will tell a story of the time we had.
THANK YOU ALL
To Pro6: You guys run a great event each and every time that I've been. Also running some track days myself i understand all that goes into it and the details that many don't notice.
I know there are countless efforts to make for the safest day possible. Sandi, Sheena, and all of the staff from pro6 were very supportive after the tragedy occurred. I thank you very much for
your support that day and none of it went unnoticed. You are very professional people and i believe you to run a very safe day. I have other days booked and will be attending without hesitation.
To all the flag marshals: Your job is taken for granted sometimes but please be reminded that myself and every other rider out there respect the service you provide. You are there for our total safety. You are the control of the track and no track day should be held without the professional service you provide. I thank you for your track control, response times and professionalism while dealing with this situation that happened.
Also Bonnie at the track entrance for having a sharp eye and making sure that all equipment was properly worn before going out onto the track.
EMS: Although non of us want to see you during the day (understandable) your sharp reaction and training are a necessity for all of the track day events. All of your efforts to bring Calvin back to life were awesome. With your skill and abilities i don't think that there was anything else you could do. I thank you for everything.
Rescue: From top to bottom. All of the police, rescue workers, ambulance attendants, helicopter staff..... The efforts and response to my friend are greatly appreciated.
Bogie Track: The woman from management was very supportive and helped me in the time of need. Your genuine concern is appreciated. Sorry for soaking your shirt in tears.
Calvins and my friends at the track: Everyone was so helpful, joining together to deal with the situation at hand. Helping with support and anything that needed being taken care of.
Thank you all that helped out including Dennis, Donald, Deborah, Phill, Debbie, Darryl. Also to all the other track day people that offered help and support.
A STORY
I was already booked into the Bogie event with some friends. Calvin wanted to come out to the event with me so we signed him up. As usual he spent a couple days going over the bike and equipment in preparation for our trip away.
He was pumped up to get the bike out and have a great couple days doing what he loved to do.
We loaded up all of the bikes, gear and supplies the night before and met up the next morning to leave.
A long 7 hour drive we had talking mostly about bike the whole way.
We stayed at the golf course that night and got a good sleep and rest for the day ahead.
In the morning i think he was the first awake and had coffee brewing for the rest of us.
We made our way to the track and got set up for the day. We had to sign the wavers for the track, register in with pro6, sound test the bikes and go through tech inspection before we could join the days riding.
Calvin actually missed the first session of the day for our group. He was frustrated that he didn't get on the ball faster but wouldn't go until everything was perfect. The tires had to be up to temperature from the tire warmers and the tire pressure was adjusted just right.
When the second session for our group came up, we promptly got ready and headed toward the track entrance. One by one Bonnie checked to ensure we had our wristbands, back protectors, proper gear. Making sure that we were properly zipped, buckled and ready to go.
Once past her, we approached the control marshal for getting on the track. He held us for a short moment and signaled up to get moving when there was a safe space to do so.
Calvin and I stayed close together in single file and took the first lap mild to get warmed up and settled in. As the laps progressed, so did the speeds. By the third lap we were running at about 90% and making laps.
We rode off line in the straights to avoid being in the way to faster riders while we were ramping things up. Just after we went around turn three i noticed a pack of faster riders coming up from behind and i moved to the outside. Calvin followed me to the outside 12 inches of pavement to stay out of the way. One minute later, all hell broke loose.............
I did witness the entire situation and how it went down.......... I don't think there is ANY need to finger point at all. Calvin was also a man to call a spade a spade!
It's very simple. We all know the risks associated with what we do. We all know there is potential for crashes etc. It was a total fluke that this has happened and it's very sad that it did. However in the grand scheme of things, this it the safest enviorment for us to ride motorcycles.
He was a R.A.C.E. series racer with more than enough experience. He rode motorcycles on the street and dirt bikes for as long as i can remember.
99% of the time when there is a get off, we slide across the ground in our full gear, get up and then we are just ****** off at the damage to the bike. In some cases you brake a bone or
rash a finger etc. This was a total fluke and the media should not blow this out of proportion. I am very ****** off at the uneducated way that the media is portraying this story.
From Colins Family
Thanks to everyone that helped in their efforts. It was greatly appreciated. If he could choose a place to die, i know it would have been at the track doing something that he loved.
Every ones best wishes and help have been great.
Thank you for all of your support in this time of need.
In a neat personal touch from Colin his son: He's having his dads race number (162) cut out in vinyl and (Cal) in script cut out in vinyl for his dad coffin.
From The Essex family and Friends
Visitation is on Friday in Goderich and the funeral is on Saturday in Goderich.
-------------------
On behalf of the Essex family and myself
My name is Chris "Crashburn" Washburn. I have been great friends with Calvin and his son and Calvins brothers for over 15 years now. Not only did i see the whole thing go down but we
also planned to attend the event together, travel together, room together etc for this get away trip. I have been one of his closer friends for years now and have seen sides to him that he
wouldn't share with anyone else.
He was a straight shooter but a simple guy. He lead his life as the tough guy but friendly on the out side. A mans man. He was rough and tough on the outside but had a soft side that nobody
was able to see because he wouldn't want to show weakness.
Case in point .... we got together a few weeks back and sobbed about the passing of his best friend. His dog Tyson.
For all the years that I've known him, there was only 3 things that he was completely devoted to. First and for most he was devoted to his son Colin. Second to Colin was his dog Tyson. The rest of his life was devoted to his love for motorcycles and riding them. He would tinker and fine tune his machine for hours and hours to make sure it was perfect. Spending countless hours researching information for every different angle and aspect of the bike. He would spend all of his time in the garage fine tuning his ride. He wanted to have the best machine that he could.
I need to thank a number of people from that day and the days to follow and then i will tell a story of the time we had.
THANK YOU ALL
To Pro6: You guys run a great event each and every time that I've been. Also running some track days myself i understand all that goes into it and the details that many don't notice.
I know there are countless efforts to make for the safest day possible. Sandi, Sheena, and all of the staff from pro6 were very supportive after the tragedy occurred. I thank you very much for
your support that day and none of it went unnoticed. You are very professional people and i believe you to run a very safe day. I have other days booked and will be attending without hesitation.
To all the flag marshals: Your job is taken for granted sometimes but please be reminded that myself and every other rider out there respect the service you provide. You are there for our total safety. You are the control of the track and no track day should be held without the professional service you provide. I thank you for your track control, response times and professionalism while dealing with this situation that happened.
Also Bonnie at the track entrance for having a sharp eye and making sure that all equipment was properly worn before going out onto the track.
EMS: Although non of us want to see you during the day (understandable) your sharp reaction and training are a necessity for all of the track day events. All of your efforts to bring Calvin back to life were awesome. With your skill and abilities i don't think that there was anything else you could do. I thank you for everything.
Rescue: From top to bottom. All of the police, rescue workers, ambulance attendants, helicopter staff..... The efforts and response to my friend are greatly appreciated.
Bogie Track: The woman from management was very supportive and helped me in the time of need. Your genuine concern is appreciated. Sorry for soaking your shirt in tears.
Calvins and my friends at the track: Everyone was so helpful, joining together to deal with the situation at hand. Helping with support and anything that needed being taken care of.
Thank you all that helped out including Dennis, Donald, Deborah, Phill, Debbie, Darryl. Also to all the other track day people that offered help and support.
A STORY
I was already booked into the Bogie event with some friends. Calvin wanted to come out to the event with me so we signed him up. As usual he spent a couple days going over the bike and equipment in preparation for our trip away.
He was pumped up to get the bike out and have a great couple days doing what he loved to do.
We loaded up all of the bikes, gear and supplies the night before and met up the next morning to leave.
A long 7 hour drive we had talking mostly about bike the whole way.
We stayed at the golf course that night and got a good sleep and rest for the day ahead.
In the morning i think he was the first awake and had coffee brewing for the rest of us.
We made our way to the track and got set up for the day. We had to sign the wavers for the track, register in with pro6, sound test the bikes and go through tech inspection before we could join the days riding.
Calvin actually missed the first session of the day for our group. He was frustrated that he didn't get on the ball faster but wouldn't go until everything was perfect. The tires had to be up to temperature from the tire warmers and the tire pressure was adjusted just right.
When the second session for our group came up, we promptly got ready and headed toward the track entrance. One by one Bonnie checked to ensure we had our wristbands, back protectors, proper gear. Making sure that we were properly zipped, buckled and ready to go.
Once past her, we approached the control marshal for getting on the track. He held us for a short moment and signaled up to get moving when there was a safe space to do so.
Calvin and I stayed close together in single file and took the first lap mild to get warmed up and settled in. As the laps progressed, so did the speeds. By the third lap we were running at about 90% and making laps.
We rode off line in the straights to avoid being in the way to faster riders while we were ramping things up. Just after we went around turn three i noticed a pack of faster riders coming up from behind and i moved to the outside. Calvin followed me to the outside 12 inches of pavement to stay out of the way. One minute later, all hell broke loose.............
I did witness the entire situation and how it went down.......... I don't think there is ANY need to finger point at all. Calvin was also a man to call a spade a spade!
It's very simple. We all know the risks associated with what we do. We all know there is potential for crashes etc. It was a total fluke that this has happened and it's very sad that it did. However in the grand scheme of things, this it the safest enviorment for us to ride motorcycles.
He was a R.A.C.E. series racer with more than enough experience. He rode motorcycles on the street and dirt bikes for as long as i can remember.
99% of the time when there is a get off, we slide across the ground in our full gear, get up and then we are just ****** off at the damage to the bike. In some cases you brake a bone or
rash a finger etc. This was a total fluke and the media should not blow this out of proportion. I am very ****** off at the uneducated way that the media is portraying this story.
From Colins Family
Thanks to everyone that helped in their efforts. It was greatly appreciated. If he could choose a place to die, i know it would have been at the track doing something that he loved.
Every ones best wishes and help have been great.
Thank you for all of your support in this time of need.
In a neat personal touch from Colin his son: He's having his dads race number (162) cut out in vinyl and (Cal) in script cut out in vinyl for his dad coffin.
From The Essex family and Friends
Visitation is on Friday in Goderich and the funeral is on Saturday in Goderich.
Got something in my eye after reading that, RIP Calvin.
R.I.P. Calvin
Chick Racer
Member
Thanks Donald
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