Race reports are usually accounts of riders who rode hard and achieved personal goals, on difficult courses in tough conditions. The rider as hero.

BAM 2000 was different - a man died, pursuing his dream.

Michael Brady, 41, of Columbia, MO was killed when a pick-up veered and struck him as he was leaving Fulton on Route F. According to UMCA official Randy Johnson "at the time he was hit Mike was cycling up a very slight incline on a paved, two lane road with a very broad, paved shoulder while exiting the Fulton city limits. The sky was completely clear with the sun still high in the sky at that time of day. There was absolutely nothing in the nearby vicinity to obstruct the view of the driver."

Fulton police said that Aaron Shoemaker, 33, of Columbia was driving west when his pickup veered onto the north shoulder and struck Brady.

Brady hit the windshield of the pickup, suffering serious head injuries, although he was wearing a helmet. He was transported by ambulance to Callaway Community Hospital and then transferred by helicopter to University Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 4:51 p.m.

Deputy police chief Roger Rice attributed the 3:19 p.m. collision to driver inattention. Shoemaker was reaching down to the floor of the truck for a MacDonald's bag. Shoemaker was ticketed by the police. Prosecuter Bob Sterner is reviewing the case to determine what charges, if any, will be filed.

Brady had entered the RAAM qualifier division of BAM. Brady's wife, Elaine, and his two teenaged daughters, along with former RAAM finisher Scott Sturtz were there to support him. His daughters used chalk to write messages on the hilly roads to encourage Mike. "Go, Dad, Go" and "We love you, Dad". At the time of the accident, he was about 130 miles into the race, in second place behind Wes Wilmer, the eventual winner.

Memorial Ride
A memorial ride will be held on Sunday, Oct 22nd, 2000 beginning at 11:00 a.m. from the intersection of Highway 54 and Route F in Fulton. Participants hope to raise public awareness about cyclists' rights and promote safer roadways.

The ride is being sponsored by Citizens for Alternative Transportation (CFAT), a Kansas City based cycling advocacy organization and the Missouri Bicycle Federation, Inc. (MBF) with the assistance of the League of American Bicyclists, a national cycling advocacy organization. A short roadside prayer vigil and ceremony will be included during the ride at the scene of the incident.

For more information, e-mail CFAT founder Jason Peck or phone (785) 883-2483

[  BAM 2000:   Tragedy at BAM   |  Michael Brady Obituary  
|  Commentary   |   BAM 2000 Results    ]


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