RIP Frank Papp

Picture of Frank on the Douglas 400 last year

It is with great sadness that I advise that Frank Papp died on 22 June, several days after colliding with a kangaroo while riding at night in northern New South Wales.

Frank was one of the nicest people you could ever hope to meet and loved riding his bike. He would always go the extra mile to help out and was in the middle of planning a 1000 for next year - we still plan to run it in his honour so look out for Beaches and Beyond in Queensland the first weekend in September 2012.

A strong rider, he had mastered the art of not wasting time at controls while always having enough time for a chat. He maintained a cheerful demeanour whatever the circumstances even on the recent 400 where the flood-damaged roads destroyed 2 tyres and 5 tubes. He still finished well in time!

Having qualified for PBP, Frank was looking forward to it keenly. Such a shame he won't be there.

This is an article Frank wrote last year about his recovery after a previous serious injury:

http://www.cycling-inform.com/reader-stories/288-just-racing-again-is-achievement-enough

The last para is particularly poignant now:

"As bad as my injuries have been, I know there are others out there who have sustained worse and recovered. I take my hat off to them. I hope my story inspires others to just give it a go. You only get one chance in life, or in my case, two!"

Vale Frank. We'll miss you.