Long time OCC member and former Club President Paul Swinburne passed away after a tough fight with ALS. Paul was a mainstay on OCC rides usually with a camera, a smile and a map.
(Paul racing at the Syracuse Race Weekend in 2008)
(Paul racing at the Syracuse Race Weekend in 2008)
(Paul kept riding while the effects of ALS forced him onto a trike. Thanks to Kate Stewart for the photo.)
The OCC Gallery is filled with photos that Paul took on our regular weekend and Wednesday night rides. Paul would be the man who always knew the directions on a ride since he held a map in between the aero bars on his Cannondale.
(Paul on the Capitol Mall in Sacramento, CA at the Tour of California Prologue)
A memorial service will be held at Northside Baptist Church, Liverpool, New York, on March 19, at 11 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Paul’s memory to b.i.k.e.-Syracuse, P.O. Box 15192, Syracuse, New York 13215-0192 or the ALS Association, 890 Seventh North Street, Suite 108, Liverpool, New York 13088.
(Paul with friends)
In honor of Paul please leave a comment or memory of riding with Paul Swinburne.
Tonight 8/23/12 I looked over all the loving comments……they give me strength to go on. Gail
In 1986 a national corporation was the sponsor of a bicycling fund raiser. Local bike clubs (110 as I recall) would organize a bike ride. There would be lunch and a live broadcast in a threatre of a concert with the bikes receiving police protection outside. I thought it was a dumb idea, but I wondered if my resposibilities as president of OCC caused me to participate. My dilemma was resolved when Paul volunteered to organized the affair. Everything was scaled to about 100 times the number of participants present. I ended the day with a large bag of wire twist ties.
We thought that if Paul could manage a fiasco that well, we should have him manage a successful ongoing operation. So we made him president of OCC. Paul later told me that he knew someone in another bike club which had declined to participate. I recall that we agreed that we wished we had been that wise.
But the twist ties are the theme of my story about Paul. I still have that bag of twist ties. There have been deposits of twist ties and withdrawals of twist ties since the summer of 86. Everytime that I oil a chain on one of the numerous bikes that live here, I withdraw one of the originals to mark the start of oiling. Once per week I withdraw one of the newer and longer twist ties to tie up the garbage which I then drive to the bottom of the gorge. Whenever I withdraw a twist tie, I am reminded of Paul and I often think of him as I drive the garbage to the bottom of the gorge. Thus it has been since 1986 and thus it will be for the rest of my life. Jim Price
While I have know Paul for sometime, we rode together only briefly. That was because he was fast and I am slow. However, as others have pointed out, he frequently stopped to take photos. I think what I will remember most was his determination and courage. At last year’s banquet (Jan 09) he was given the Little Engine that Could award. He had crashed during a ride and fractured his hip. However, he kept riding and from what I heard there were several significant climbs. He did them all with a fractured hip. That’s determination. As for courage, he showed it all during his illness. Every time I went to Paul’s he was upbeat. He loved riding, even that Trike. You should have seen the smile on his face after a new lever was installed on it so that he could once again use all the gears. I think he went around the circle 10-15 times smiling all the while.
Good bye Paul
Mike + Nancy Lyon
For a while I lived in a warehouse in California with Paul’s son and his future daughter-in-law. The first time he came to visit, I woke up one morning to find him spontaneously working on the derailleur of my Schwinn Varsity. Throughout his visit, he put a lot of work into that bike, for no reason other than his love of bicycles and his natural kindness. A few weeks after he left, I received a box full of old parts — wheels, gears, derailleurs — culled from his basement, all suited to the Schwinn. It was pure generosity. Since then, I don’t think about bikes without thinking about Paul Swinburne. He was terrific.
I have a lot of fond memories of Paul over the years with OCC. I have been a member since 1983. Like a lot of people have said, he always was at the head of the group and would stop to take pictures. I felt that he was a very caring person and knew that he enjoyed being on his bike. He was always smiling. I finally met Gail on one of the many rides to Fair Haven. She was more my speed than Paul was. Bob would try to keep up with Paul, but always wound up behind him. Gail and I would be “bringing up the rear.” One of my favorite memories was at his and Bob’s class reunion in November 2008. Gail wanted to dance and he was acting like he really didn’t want to. Then, he came over to join the three of us on the dance floor. He was all smiles and would stop if he got tired. He was having an all around great time, just being there. My heart goes out to his whole family and know that he will be missed, but he will be with us in spirit. Plus, he’s feeling a lot better, now, too.
I was saddened to hear at work a week ago that Paul had passed away. The service yesterday was a good tribute to his life. Paul was a true gentleman, excellent in his abilities and never boastful of his skills as a cyclist, a technician, or, more importantly, a family man. I knew Paul from his cycling with the Onondaga Cycling Club from the time I first joined when I moved to Syracuse in 1986. He would always talk to you and help you along when you were getting tired. He never seemed to get tired, except when he started becoming ill in 2008. I can always remember him speeding up the hill out of Camden to stop and take pictures of the rest of us as we made our way to the top, trying to look as if the journey was not difficult for us either, though it was. One of my most memorable moments was in the 1990’s during the summer vacation rides. I had heard about a one hour climb out of Ticonderoga during that year’s Adirondacks trip and I said that that I was going to make the climb west without using my “granny gear” which I had avoided for the entire trip. Paul said he had to see that so we went ahead of Jack, Joan, and the rest of the group and started the climb. We kept each other company all of the way to the top and we could see west over all of the Adirondack mountains we we crested the summit just over a half hour later, as a school bus went by. He told the rest of the group that I made it, but of course so did he, which I indicated to the rest of the group. Paul always made it to the summit. I will always remember him as one of the kindest people I have ever known. I was the ride leader on that 2008 when he crashed and broke his hip. It was after that ride when he was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). There are no known cures for ALS and current treatments only prolong life by a few precious months. Hopefully someday that will change. We can all remember Paul for the person he was, and hope to be as helpful to others as he was to all of us.
Paul, you will be missed.
Rich Veenstra
Echoing what so many others have said, I also have spent many miles riding the roads with Paul since I first joined OCC about 18 years ago. I have benefitted from both his strong pulls in the group and his wealth of knowledge. I particularly remember one ride some years ago when the regular Sunday AM group was cruising casually out near the Finger Lakes. Not being a native of CNY I asked the group in general why so many of the town names in this area have classical origins. It was Paul who answered, giving me the history of the Military Tract survey process after the Revolutionary War and how a few of the surveyors are responsible for the majority of these names. Since then I have repeated Paul’s explanation to quite a few others and each time I do I remember that ride and where I first heard the story.
I met Paul on one of my first club rides over 20 years ago and have shared many of the experiences recounted in these remembrances. He did indeed have a wealth of information he readily shared about places and things we encountered on the rides.
It was on a ride with Paul that I first saw a tandem with a child stoker kit, ridden by a father and his 6-year old son. Inspired by that encounter, later that year I got my own tandem, with a child stoker kit for Adam. We put many miles on that bike and another in the years since. Although Adam outgrew the child stoker kit years ago, I’ve always thought of Paul whenever we ride the tandem.
To Paul’s family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you…I’ve been thinking about Paul quite a bit this week. His resiliency and courage were remarkable despite a devastating and horrific illness. I sensed he truly appreciated the visits, emails and friendships. One of my earliest memories of Paul centered on the Rideau Lakes Cycle Tour put on by the Ottawa Bike Club. I rode the Metric while Mark, Paul and others rode the longer course. We all met in Kingston at the end of the first day. Paul was very encouraging, supporting what was my first “century”. He always had a kind word. OCC, as well as the community as a whole, has lost a dedicated, generous and loyal man. Paul will be dearly missed.
Thank you all for your comments. Paul will be missed as a husband, father, brother, and a biker. All he wanted to do was bike ! Sometimes it caused friction between us because he was always biking. He did always come for dinner though.
I’ve got more Paul stories than anybody…but I’ve got to say that he was a shy person……..but when he was with bikers……..he could “work the room” he was with his people.
In the weeks and months ahead……I hope I will be seeing many of you and when my knee is ok………I hope to begin leisure riding…… I wil see you on the bike.
Went for a ride tonight. One of the first of this new, promising season. Was a gorgeous, warm day with a cloudless sky. All my thoughts on the ride were with Paul. I find I do some of my best thinking while on a bike. It’s pretty amazing to think how much time I’ve spent with Paul over the decades and how much his presences has meant to me while doing something we are both so passionate about. To share so many great times like that with someone is very, very special.
From the day I joined the club, Paul was right there as a mentor, riding partner, competitor and friend. My very first ride with the club was a July 4th century. It started at Green Lakes, went to Cincinnatus and back. It was a very difficult ride for me. Paul was right there giving advice and in his usual manner making interesting conversation, taking my mind off my exhaustion. Since that day we’ve shared our riding careers together.
Recently, Paul and I, with our competitive natures played a little game with each other. We call it the “Lance Look” game. Whenever we came to a hill one of us would pass the other and look back with “the look” and challenge the other to keep up to see who could get up to the top first. We had lots of laughs about “the look” but we also knew that it made us stronger riders. Paul was always working be the best rider he possibly could and in doing so encouraging me to ride my best too.
Yep, Paul was with my on my ride this evening. When I approached the next hill, I gave “The Look” and Paul and I rode up it together. Paul will be on many rides with me for the rest of my days on a bike.
I just got in from a ride and I thought about Paul the whole time.
I thought about a ride that impressed me more about Paul than any other. It was after I had found out about his condition and he was riding ahead of us! All I could think of at the time was that this guy was just unstoppable.
Paul will always remain an inspiration to so many of us because of his spirit. He was sick for a long time before any of us knew it and that was the way he wanted it.
It was his toughness and his spirit that I always admired. He never bragged, boasted, insulted anyone or complained. He was above that. It just came naturally to him to be a nice guy and yet he was the toughest of all of us.
Your spirit lives on through your family friends and those you have touched. And this is never more true than the man who could leave us all behind when he wanted to but would always wait and help if you needed him.
I have known Paul through OCC rides for many years, but it was after he was diagnosed with ALS, that I talked to him personally for the first time. On a summer day in 2009, I found Paul and Gail at the Barnes and Noble on R31, looking through his favorite cycling magazines with a Frappuccino in his hand.
Since then, I had opportunities to spend time with Paul time to time: some times for tweaking my bikes in his basement and receiving his advice, another time to ride a bike around his neighborhood, and another time to be on TV (!) with him. More recently visiting Paul meant just having a small conversation, which he participated through his speech generator. Our conversations were mostly about bicycles, but some times about teaching programming, something that we found we had in common. Conversations with Paul were always a pleasure, because of his intelligence, sense of humor, and that he was just a great conversationalist. As much as I wish I had talked to Paul a long time ago, I feel fortunate that I had talked to him and Gail, on that summer day. Paul, it was great to know you and I will miss you.
Paul was full of good advice when I was a new rider with the club. He was always looking out for the stragglers on long rides. I was always amazed, when riding with Paul and thinking I was pushing him..lol, he would stand up and attack the hills(every one of them) on 100mile rides. Strong and focused, but always caring and aware of fellow riders. I didn’t know Paul that well, either, but my impression is of an athlete who would truly be a good ‘role model’.
I only knew Paul Swinburne from Onondaga Cycling club and not very well from there because he always rode faster than I could ride. He was always up ahead. Paul rode with and did a lot of
volunteering for the club over a period of about 25 years. He was
especially active shortly after he was diagnosed with ALS. For example, He manned a water stop on a 100 mile ride. He will be
missed. Memories of him will linger on for a long time.
I first met Paul (Gail too) on an ALA (American Lung Association) charity ride in 1986. Gail was a tireless sag wagon volunteer in those days!
I have learned a lot from Paul’s example and expertise over these past 20+ years.
Paul would lead us through Oswego County reciting local history lore to keep it interesting. Our own personal tour guide…!
Every time I ride through the O & W Railroad Tunnel in Oswego, NY, on my way to Fort Ontario I will think of Paul…! The O & W Ride is only one of the many rides he designed and calculated the mileage for.
I will remember Paul and all the good times associated with our friendship. Paul was truly an amazing person in every respect.
I did not know Paul well because I tend to hang with the geezer pack. I assume the club is and has been a welcoming and knowledgeable place because of his involvement as a member and a leader. Paul as well as all the great riders have been an inspiration during my 20 year membership. His presence will be missed but his essence and influence will be remembered and felt by all who continue to carry on his passion.
I can’t remember first meeting Paul, since we’ve been riding together on so many rides since the 90s. He was a strong rider who loved going on the front and pulling others along. He had an Engineering mind that analysed ride maps and would always keep his group on the right path. It was great talking to Paul on those long weekend rides and battling it out with him on the Wednesday night riders where he would put the hurt on racers.
Paul’s picture taking while riding prowess is seen in the photo gallery where we can all get to see the world through his eyes. Most of the image gallery are his photos.
When the devastating effects of ALS starting taking hold, I was impressed at how much he tried to fight it and live out his life. He kept riding whenever he could, going to the Tour of California. When two wheels were not enough he took to a trike with a special shifter.
One day I was looking through a set of photos of the 2008 Syracuse Race Weekend and came upon a photo of Paul racing the road race in peak form. My heart broke since it showed the effects of ALS and how quickly they take hold. The photos are now posted on this page and are a reminder of the classy rider that Paul was.
RIP Paul
When I think of the word “gentleman,” I think of Paul. He truly was a gentle person, but also a person of strength and conviction. He was a person who commanded respect through quiet dignity. He always made people feel welcome in his company. Many a new rider to OCC got to know the club through Paul. I know I did. On one of my first club rides in the mid 1990’s, I was introduced to Paul by Mark Wheeler. I quickly found Paul to be a great conversationalist, a knowledgeable cyclist, and a very strong rider! Over the years, I always enjoyed riding with Paul and chatting about many subjects. His presence will be very much missed, but I know that his influence will live on.
Paul will continue to be an inspiration to all cyclists who had the pleasure of riding with him. He was always there with a smile on his face and friendly words to offer. His love for cycling, and for life, was obvious to all. His strength and bravery through his battle with ALS has been heroic. He will be greatly missed, and I am sure he will be attending the OCC group rides in spirit. Thank you Paul for all you have given us.
Having just returned from a ski trip, I was saddened to hear of Paul’s passing. Checking some old club records I see that Paul joined the club in January of 1984. Paul first became a Board member in 1986 and that year he took on the responsibility of the “Kodak Liberty Ride”, a fundraiser to save the Statue of Liberty. This was my first opportunity to see Paul’s organizing skills and his ability to focus on all the details. I suspect this was from his Engineering training.
Paul became President in 1987 and that was my first year on the Board. Over the years we worked on many projects. Always pleasant and helpful, Paul was truly a valued friend.
Although I couldn’t keep up with him on the bike I cherish the memories of all the time we spent volunteering.
I very well remember my first year with the OCC in 1999. On one of my first club rides, I rode with Paul the “Wolcott-Cato Metric Century” out of Weedsport. From the very first ride, and on many to follow, I noticed how knowledgeable and observant Paul was about the environment and the history of where we were riding. He was always able to give any information one can think of, such as how the apples in Central New York are harvested, that a trail leading through a forest used to be for railroad tracks, or that we were just passing a watershed. A great cycling comradeship developed between Paul and me, not only because we used to enjoy long distances (preferably century rides) but, most of all, because he was such a wonderful and helpful person, a great guy to share your time with on the bike. By the way, he was the only rider I knew of who carried a spare spoke with him, elegantly hidden, taped to the inner side of one seat stay. And you could never get lost if you rode with Paul; he always had a map between the aero bars. As others already mentioned, Paul was a member of the “OCC crew” at the annual Rideau Lake Ride many times, and for a number of years, he organized the registration for the OCC group. When I became involved in some of the club events, I learned to appreciate Paul’s willingness to help and volunteer.
In the fall of 2007, I once ran a little late for ride leading so Paul picked me up at home already on his bike (I live close to the Manlius ride start location). I think it was one of his last club rides, and only shortly thereafter, I learned about his disease. As most of us, I was struck with shock and disbelief. Now looking back, I have to say I admire the strength, courage, and dignity with which he fought the battle. I sincerely will miss him.
I hardly ever rode with Paul because he was too fast for me. But we always talked in the parking lots before and after our rides. One day I remember well just a few years ago. I was volunteering at the Club’s annual race at Song Mountain. Stationed at the bottom of Song Mountain Road at Otisco Valley Road, the racers came down the hill, turned right and did two long 25 mile loops that included some nasty climbs. When they came by the second time I directed UP the BIG hill for the finish. Fifty plus challenging miles, in the heat and then they had to climb a steep, wicked hill to the finish.
I heard many strong, young, racers groan and definitely a few swear words when they saw that finish. And I watched quite a few of them fade and just crawl up that hill. Who could blame them ?
And then here comes Paul. He actually took the time to yell “thanks Dick, for working”, and then charges straight up that hill passing a few exhausted cyclists. And he was in his mid fifties !
We not only lost a very strong cyclist, but an even nicer man.
Paul
Strong of heart, gentile of sole, so very giving, yet so very strong, and focused; incredibly intelligent, yet so very modest; so very, very courageous, so very passionate about life, and so deeply in love with Gail after all these years. These are but a few sides of the man I came to know in all too short a period of time.
That strength of heart, passion for life, courage and deep, deep love were repeatedly exhibited by Paul in an almost indomitable way even when he was at his weakest.
One of my strongest memories of the indomitable Paul is a recent one. He was leading a pack of his friends while riding on his tricycle. He was pushing himself very hard, so very determined to prove to himself and others what he was still capable of accomplishing. Indeed, he was breathing as hard as any athlete driving towards the line. Indeed he was breathing so very heavy that I pulled along side and mentioned that he needn’t push himself so hard. However, as you might guess, he would have no part of such a suggestion.
That drive, that fight, that life reaffirming courage was a part of Paul in all his glory. It was Paul doing what he loved and had loved to do so many, many times before when riding; in life; in testing his limits; and, in enjoying the company of friends and all that was about him.
However, it’s only a part of what I remember of Paul – now and will forever more – as the life of a sole lives on after its departure. It lives on in your life and the life of those who remember.
I, like you and many others, will remember him well.
With much love for Paul and with much love for Gail, Drew and all the family.
Paul and I rode frequently together not only because we happened to keep the same pace but, more importantly, because we enjoyed in being in each other’s company. I cannot say when we first met, he was always there at the rides, both of us being very dedicated and committed riders. He had a knowledge of the history of many of the places we rode through, from Pre-Emption Rd in Geneva, NY to Vienna Rd. in Verona Beach, NY. But he was also an engineer, so he could talk about the mysterious numbers appearing on those green posts on county roads, as well as about nuclear energy. A true gentleman. It seems that the best are the ones who take their leave first and always too early, doesn’t it?
I was just perusing the TT data from 2007. Paul, 57 at the time, smoked riders nearly half his age, and that includes some racers.
I’ll remember Paul as probably the most interesting conversationalist in our club. It was alway easy to find a topic to chat about. I’ll also remember him as an amazingly strong rider. He pulled me through on a couple long rides when I was shot. He loved the Oswego rides – like the one through the fort when they were doing the Civil War reenactment.
Some quirky and amusing things… Paul always had his camera and cleat covers. I don’t ever remember seeing him off his bike WITHOUT those dang covers. I’ll bet his cleats are 30 years old.
Here’s the lesson I learned from Paul. If you’re going to do something, give it your all. That’s what I saw in him…
The kindest and nicest of club members. You would never get lost riding with him. I can remember some rides when Paul yelled up the road: “Hey! What are you guys doing?” (saving a bunch from missing a turn.) I was amazed to learn that he and I had been engineering co-ops at the same aeroacoustic lab at the Carrier Corporation some years apart. Also that part of his family stemmed from Montreal (like mine), and that he had grown up in the Strathmore area of Syracuse (Charmouth Dr.) near some family friends of ours. An authentic and personable guy who gave very much. I truly miss him.
Unlike many club members and local cyclists who have known Paul for many years, I first met Paul only about four years ago on one of my first club rides. He led this ride and a number of subsequent rides I participated in. Paul made me to feel welcome and a part of the group…but that was Paul.
I really came to know Paul when I became an officer of the club and Paul joined the Board. Even though he had been diagnosed with the early stages of ALS, Paul took on the challenges of the Board and worked diligently as a part of the team to support the club. He did not let this disease rob him of his spirit and enthusiasm.
Once the disease limited Paul’s travels, I had several opportunities to get over to his home and visit with him and Gail. These were always great visits for me and I only regret I could not visit him more often. Whenever I left for the drive home , I always felt as though my spirt had been lifted by the time I spent with Paul.
As we got to know more about one another, I realized that Paul and I both shared a history in Nuclear Power. I remember one visit when we started going over the “old days” and reminiscing about some of the friends and acquaintances we had in common from our work…small world!
It saddens me greatly that we have lost Paul but I think we will all have special memories he gave us that will carry on with us into the future. The club has lost a great friend and supporter. We will all miss you.
May the road rise to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back,
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
May the rains fall soft upon your fields,
And, until we meet again,
May God hold you in the hollow of His hand.
As a relatively new member of the club, I had met Paul on a number of rides. He led a number of the rides I first rode with the club, always making me feel welcome and a part of the group. I really came to know him when I became a club officer and began to work with him on the Board.
When he was diagnosed with ALS, he did not let that stop him from enjoying his great love for cycling. Things became more difficult for Paul as the disease progressed but he always retained his spirit and sense of humor. He never gave up to the disease.
On the occasions I had when I could visit with Paul and Gail, I always felt lifted by his continuing spirit and resolve. I only regret that I could not have spent more time with him.
Having spent a good part of my career in the construction of Nine Mile Point II, Paul and I were able to reminisce about many friends we shared in common. These were great sessions that I’m sure Paul enjoyed and that I will always remember.
The club has lost a strong supporter and we have all lost a great friend and fellow cyclist. I will miss you Paul.
Whenever I pulled into the parking lot at the start of an OCC ride and saw Paul’s truck in the parking lot I knew I would have someone to ride with. Which is a big deal on an OCC ride because if you don’t know someone you can easily find yourself riding alone! Paul always knew where he was going so I would just follow him and try to hang on to his wheel, which wasn’t always easy. I remember riding with him and Jochen on a ride, feeling like I was going to pass out, wondering how are these guys so strong. Then Paul made it worse by telling me he had done a century ride the day before!
Paul was also one of those people who you could ride with and there didn’t seem to be any need to make idle conversation. It was enough that you were just out there riding and sharing the experience. I don’t really have the words to describe how sad it has been to see a good person who was so healthy and strong go through a battle with such a tough disease. He has left a strong impression on me to enjoy everyday and to get out and ride your bike when you can.
I got to know Paul and his wife better after he had stopped riding. He got rid of a lot of his bike stuff after he couldn’t use it anymore. Which I imagine most of us would do as it makes you sad to see all your stuff sitting there and you can’t use it. He gave me something, and all though I felt horribly guilty and uncomfortable taking it, I’m glad I did. Now I have something to remind me of him every time I head out to an OCC ride. We’ll miss you Paul.
I remember Paul as a good strong rider and always with a positive outlook on everything. He was a long time member of OCC.
I did not know Paul as well as others, but after reading these high accolades of him, I wish I had. I do recall having a specific conversation with he and Gail after a ride, in which she talked about being a leisure rider. Unfortunately, I did not get to know him a little better until after his diagnosis, from visits with other club members, and his attendance at Board meetings.
Clearly based on everything I have seen and heard, he was passionate about cycling, and he lived his life doing what he loved.
He will be missed by many people who have known him throughout the years, and they will have fond memories to remember him by.
My heart goes out to his family.
I never got to know Paul as well as many of you. Primarily I know Paul as the guy that had perfected taking digital pictures on the move. At the start of most rides, Paul would get an early start and take some quality pictures with an inverted camera. I’m sure that took some practice!
By the time Paul and I joined the OCC board, ALS had started to take its toll, but Paul’s love of cycling and the OCC continued to shine through. Paul pursued his passions in the face of tremendous adversity, and even took a tumble or two because the mental benefits of riding clearly outweighed the risks.
I only knew Paul as a cyclist, and I’m sure he’ll be missed on many fronts, but clearly the world of cycling has lost a great friend.
I remember the first time I did a club ride. I was quite apprehensive and didn’t know what to expect. Paul was very welcoming and introduced me to other members. This set the tone for what I came to expect on other club rides. I had a great time.
My father had ALS so I know first hand what a cruel disease this is. His efforts and personality will certainly be missed. Ben D.
I only knew Paul from the OCC rides, he was always an enjoyable person to ride with, especially when he’d drop to the aerobars and let loose on some long, flat, section of road. I was always amazed how fast Paul could ride when he got going. And, me being a smaller rider, Paul was great to draft behind.
Like others said, Paul always had some interesting facts to pass along about the area the rides went through and you never had to worry about getting lost if Paul was with you.
Paul took the time to slow down and offer some friendly advice to me when I was a totally clueless new rider a few years back – because that’s kind of guy he was. I said to myself – some day I’ll be able to keep up with that guy. After lots of work I eventually caught up with Paul on the bike – although he would occasionally smile and pick up the pace just for the joy of it – and in conversation soon realized there was plenty more I could learn from him. It was an honor to have known you Paul – and I know you’re still taking your pulls up front. Peace – Dave
I’ve been riding with the club since high-wheelers, and knew Paul for many of those years. One of my favorite photos is a leaner, but still gray me riding a newer bike, taken by Paul, which my son (who didn’t, when younger, always say laudatory things about me) captioned “Samurai Dad”. I don’t know that I ever thanked Paul properly for that wonderful picture. He alway had a smile and gave more than he took. His wisdom and grace will be greatly missed.
When you are standing over your bike waiting to start at Time Trials, have you ever noticed the hairs standing up on your arm? Looking up at the huge power lines and sub-station I once mentioned to Paul the “High Voltage feel”. He proceeded to tell me
what voltage was on every line, where every incoming or outgoing
line came from and finally not to worry that the insulating factor for
air at this distance (in feet) was really quite safe! A great mind with
an art for discription. Then there was the ride to the north country
arriving via the old railroad routes into Oswego. What a history lesson for the small group. I grew up in Fulton and spent plenty of
time in Oswego and knew not one detail previously. Paul was stuck with me on another club ride returning from the north. We were facing primarily south with a 25 knot head wind. He coached
all the way back…the art (and science) of drafting and taking turns to conserve. Everyone trusted and could count on Paul. You wanted him riding near you as you knew he was a safe and consistant wheel. We’ll never forget …forget?!…we shall always
remember Paul with the fondest of all possible memories. Mark Gummer
Paul had a lot of Loyal Friends, but that’s because he was a Loyal Friend to all of us. It was always a pleasure to see him on bike rides because he was so happy to be out there. Paul had a zest for life and kept a good attitude when we visited him or through e-mail. The life he had was cut short, but the life he lived, he lived well. It was a pleasure getting to know Paul and Gail over the years. Gail, you did a great job and we will never forget Paul. He will be with us on many more bike rides in spirit. Gloria Wagner
Paul was one of the first people in the club I rode with and he took the time to welcome me and teach me a few things about club riding. Our ability levels allowed us to ride together frequently and I will be forever glad for that time.
I particularly enjoyed the many historical facts he knew and would share about the many places we rode. He seemed to know where almost every ride and location got it’s name. I learned much about Central New York from Paul.
May you rest in peace. I, OCC and Syracuse will miss you terribly.
I’ll always remember Paul as the friendly face I looked for when I started riding with the club. I would ask Paul all sorts of questions about bikes from indexed shifting to clip in pedals to frame materials. He never tired of my questions and his dry sense of humor and wry smile were great.
The best club ride I was ever on was the Chimney Bluff’s Tour with Paul. Again we were talking about bikes on the way there. When we got to the bluffs, Paul grapped the frame on my bike showed me how the steel flexed. I was pretty amazed. On the way back, I rode in my first pace line and was thrilled to hang in with the group. When we got back, Paul said a few nice words and it really felt great. It just doesn’t get any better than the fun I had that day.
Thanks Paul.
I first met Paul when he called me to ask if he could donate some of his time to the children of b.i.k.e.-Syracuse. We met at Starbuck’s downtown to chat about our riding club and his compassion for biking and for others, especially children, was so apparent during this meeting. From there, Paul and Larry Bishop, another biker and volunteer of our club, embarked on a ambitious goal to evaluate every bike that we had (over 45 of them!) to be sure that every bike was in good condition for the children to ride. Paul spent many hours going through our bikes and repairing the bikes that could be repaired. He would show up to bike club on Saturdays with his bike hat and riding jacket. The kids would ask me why Mr. Swinburne was there when he didn’t feel well…..by example, Paul taught the children compassion and love. We were all overwhelmed by Paul’s compassion. The children understood that Paul’s illness was terminal, and we answered many questions from the children about Paul and his illness..questions that centered around fear…fear of life ending, fear of the unknown….and fear of the streets. Paul taught the children, through example, courage to face their fears and through that example, a silent bond was forged between Paul and the children. Paul walked the walk (or should I say ride the ride??) and talked the talk….It was a privilege and honor to call Paul a friend.
I was recently married and I had my fears about committment and trust…..but when Paul and Gail visited our home and I had the honor to witness their love and devotion to one another…I put my fears to rest….that was a very special day for me and it is a day I will remember for the rest of my life. I pray that Tom and I have the kind of love that I witnessed that day and the courage to face all that life throws at us with the same dignity, courage and love. Paul is the change I wish to see in the World….and I will miss him very much.
I knew Paul before our days in the OCC, as Paul and I were both graduates of Corcoran High School Class of 1968. Go Cougars!!!
One of my fondest memories on rides with Paul was when he used to take his then little son Drew along on the ride. Drew, sitting tucked in his cart, was often armed with a water bottle, which he often used for purposes other than fluid replacement! And with Paul being the faster rider than myself, I often reaped the “benefits” of Drew’s antics. Hey, it felt great on those warm, humid days.
Godspeed to you, Paul!
I worked with Paul for 19 years and rode wih him on occasion. His work as an engineer was superior. I will remember him as a kind and gentle man who knew the most inportant thing about cycling was to enjoy the ride.
Paul Swinburne was my brother in law and I admired him so much. Not only did he love my sister. Gail, he loved and adored my nephew, his son Drew.
Paul loved many things, and one of them was to ride his bike. He would jump out of bed during the weekday and bike to work in the early a.m. hours. He loved to ride to the plant, and ride back home. He loved to work out and stay in shape and looked forward to long distance rides.
One special memory of him that I love was when I went on a long three day bike ride with him and my sister in the Adirondacks. I was about 22 years old and he was about 30, and an experienced rider. He helped me throughout the entire ride, encouraging me, drafting when he could and talking me through the hills. I couldn’t have made it without him.
He was like that the entire 30 years that I knew him. A wonderful husband and caring, thoughtful father, and a great brother in law. I will think of him every day of my life, and pray with all my heart that he is riding in heaven every day. Thank you SO much to all the OCC riders who visited with him during his illness. Love, Marie, sister in law.
I rode many, many hundreds of miles with Paul over 10 years in OCC, as we were the same age and we rode at pretty much the same pace (though a few seasons before he was diagnosed with that horrible disease, he slimmed down, turned into an animal, and commenced dropping me consistently).
One ride I will never forget was on a Rideau Lake Tour, I believe in 06. For those who don’t know, this tour consists of a 110 mile ride from Ottawa to Kingston on Saturday, spend the night, then ride back on Sunday. We left Kingston Sunday morning and hooked onto to a group which included a past President of the Ottawa Cycling club, which sponsors the event.
Unbelievably, the locals got us lost half way to Ottawa. Once they figured out they were off the route, the locals wanted to backtrack. Now Paul, as many of you know, always carried a map on every ride in a plastic map holder between his aero bars, so he pulled it out and started plotting. While the locals headed back, we OCC’ers followed Paul, who had figured out how to get back to the main route to Ottawa without any backtracking.
If Paul wasn’t there navigating, I, not having a clue where I was, would probably still be somewhere in Ontario trying to figure out how to get home. I just put my trust that he knew where he was going, put my head down, and pedaled. Even avoiding backtracking, we did over 120 miles that day.
I will always remember that ride fondly, and now with a tinge of sadness. Adieu, buddy.
Paul was like a lot of us, someone who just LOVED to ride his bike. He drove a long distance from Oswego to attend a heck of a lot of our club rides. Riding his bike with the club probably was, I’m guessing, one of his favorite things to do – and he was always there with the camera carefully balanced as he pedaled up to the front to photograph all his buds in the saddle.
He did also seem to know an awful lot about all sorts of stuff that one seems to wonder about while on a long ride, like what all those small green signs on the edge of the road with numbers on them mean, or how some geological formation was made…I had my most memorable ride alone with him in the rain the day he told me about his diagnosis. Amazingly, we talked a lot of politics that day too, and I was both relieved and amused when he told me his opinion of Sarah Palin.
Our beloved OCC peleton has lost a noble riding pal. In his OCC jersey, a smile on his face, and pedaling furiously with shared glee in one of those amazingly perfectly running pacelines in which some of us club riders have had the pleasure to ride —that’s how I choose to remember Paul.
While I didn’t know Paul as well as the lot of the OCC; the time I was able to spend with him made me marvel at his bravery, his love of life and his love of the friends he had in the cycling community. Paul will be sincerely missed.