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In memory, cyclist still inspires

The Olympian who set an example for 75 years is remembered after his death at 92.

By Times Staff Writer
Published January 15, 2006

When the Legend died, hundreds came to mourn.

They gathered at the Gee & Sorensen Funeral Home on Saturday to say goodbye to John Sinibaldi, a 92-year-old cycling legend.

He was an Olympian and a fixture on the American cycling scene for 75 years, winning national championships right up until last year.

As Mr. Sinibaldi lay in his casket, beside bouquets of red roses and sunflowers, his two sons spoke to a standing-room-only crowd, telling stories about the formidable athlete, devoted gardener, loyal friend and old sage.

While Mr. Sinibaldi inspired his friends, he also changed the lives of strangers, hundreds of whom e-mailed his son, John Jr., after Mr. Sinibaldi died in his sleep Jan. 10.

One e-mail came from TitaniumBob, a man who had health problems but decided to climb on a bicycle after reading a story about Mr. Sinibaldi's daily rides in the newspaper some years ago.

If Mr. Sinibaldi could ride, TitaniumBob thought he could, too.

One day he decided to ride over to Mr. Sinibaldi's house to thank him.

He saw Mr. Sinibaldi gliding down the street and rode to meet him. They pedaled together for a few blocks, and TitaniumBob asked Mr. Sinibaldi how he kept up his stamina after all these years.

"If you want to do something for the rest of your life, just do it every day," Mr. Sinibaldi replied.

That's what Mr. Sinibaldi did: He rode 20 to 25 miles a day across St. Petersburg until recently, when he was diagnosed with lung cancer.

After the funeral, friends gathered at his home to eat, remember and celebrate a life well lived.

[Last modified January 15, 2006, 01:46:05]