Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

FIRST PERSON/OPINION

Via e-mail:

Please forward my deepest condolences and sincerest regards to the Emde family. I cannot unfortunately find the words to express my sadness at the loss which has been put upon us.

As another rider, who happened upon the scene moments after it occured, I would like to address something. After my emotions have settled, I have come to the realization that I was not prepared to try and help in an emergency situation. I was ill prepared to be of much help, other than running traffic after the initial 911 calls went out. I urge you (Roadracingworld.com), to ask people to take emergency medical/accident training classes. I will be taking emergency classes shortly, so that if I ever encounter another situation again, I will be able to help.

I ask you, to ask people to take basic emergency assistance courses so that the number of these tragedies can be lessened. It’s a terrible feeling, to feel that you should have been able to do something, anything, and were not able to. It’s a feeling, that for one incident in my life, I will never be able to forget, that I should have been able to help and wasn’t. I will however be prepared the next time, and I ask that our fellow riders be prepared as well.

I would also like to personally thank the local neighbors who were very helpful and kind. We appreciated your concern over a fellow rider, and your support in getting help. There was a gentleman passerby, who I would like to thank as well for his efforts. The EMT/Fire/Ambulance crews, thank you for your devotion to your jobs. I know that it was greatly appreciated by all. Thank you all for all your help.

May God welcome you with open arms, Dave.

Gordon Rayburn
Ramona, California