In Memory of Paul Bebe

10 Nov 1967 - 04 Apr 2008

I met Paul in ’96 when we started working together. He was quiet and it took a while to get to know him but he became one of the best friends I have ever had. He was friendly, generous and kind, always willing to lend a hand in his typical laid back style. Nothing was ever too much trouble. He was a man of few words but the ones he used were well chosen. His one-liners were sure to have you in stitches. This went with a mischievous streak that you always had to watch out for. You could be sure to end up with a smile on your face when he was about.

On a stag do in ’99 Paul and I found our love of mountain biking. Out on bikes in high winds and horizontal rain we messed about the whole ride, enjoying being covered in mud and having a laugh with friends. I went straight out and spent £300 on a bike I thought looked good but Paul wisely took his time and bought a 2nd hand Patriot. My bike fell apart over 6 months and was gradually replaced while the Patriot just rolled on.

Over the years our riding improved until we were confident enough in our abilities to explore the island on two wheels. With maps as our guide we rode over the hills and mountains, through valleys and dales. It was a great adventure, not knowing what treasures we may find. We had a lot of great rides through the stunning and varied landscape, experiencing it in every season. 

We shared many a happy ride with people we met on our travels. Some of them became good friends. But the constant was always Paul and me, out on the trails, riders and best mates.

Although my collection of bikes was expanded and upgraded Paul’s Patriot stayed the same.  His silhouette became well known and he gained a lot of respect for dragging that heavy bike over the mountains. The bike was niche but not to him. Riding up Snowdon or on a 100k marathon, flying through the local woods or down the Alps, he did it all. I don’t know how he managed it.  When hike'a'biking up the Nan Bield Pass one hot day I offered to lighten his load. After swapping bikes I lasted 10 minutes until it brought me to my knees. I never made that offer again.

His strength was something that showed in everything he did, no matter how hard the task he just got on with it and never complained, even when diagnosed with cancer. He never backed down and quietly got on with fighting the disease. While undergoing chemo and surgery he was still planning ahead. He wouldn’t be able to ride the big bike straight away, not after losing so much weight and strength, so he bought a P7.

Paul’s recovery went well and after some months he was back on the trails, back where he belonged. Unfortunately it wasn’t to last. His all clear became terminal in a matter of weeks. A few months later and he was gone.

I know there was more he wanted to do but in the time he had we rode so much, experienced so much and had so much fun his life had been full.

Although I will keep riding it will be without the sound of his bike. Never again will we share the buzz of a descent or the laugher of falling off. He won’t be there to encourage me up a steep climb or dare me to do something stupid. I will always miss him but that means I will always remember. He has left his mark on my life and for that I am grateful.

Paul Bebe - A great mate, top rider and loved by everyone

10 Nov 1967 - 04 Apr 2008

He will live on in my memory

Sleepless in the Saddle 2008 - Memorial Ride

I paid tribute to Paul's life by taking part in 'Sleepless in the Saddle' on 8th - 9th August 2008 to raise as much money as possible for 'Cancer Research UK' and the 'Hospice of the Good Shepherd'. I entered this grueling 24hr mountain bike event in the 'solo' category, riding as far I could between 2pm on Saturday to 2pm on Sunday around an off-road course in Catton Park, Staffs. It was wet and very muddy and one of the hardest things I have done. To find out how the ride went have a look at my SITS 2008 gallery page.

My Justgiving fund raising pages closed on 9th Oct 2008 and the final amount raised surpassed anything I could possibly have hoped for.

The final figures were:
Cancer Research UK - £1428.45 (plus £345.23 Gift Aid)
Hospice of the Good Shepherd - £1656.45 (plus £436.62 Gift Aid)

Thank you so much for all your wonderful donations. From your comments I know how much Paul meant to all who knew him and how much we will miss him. I was astounded by the response of those who had never met him and still gave so generously. I would like to thank everyone who helped me in my efforts especially my family who stayed up for 24hrs cleaning my bike and keeping me fed while I competed in Sleepless. I couldn't have finished with out them. Also Paul's family who were always behind me and who I was so proud to do this for. Chipps and everyone at Singletrack for all their help with advertising my cause and all those on the forum who pledged so much. To everyone who dug deep in their pockets after coming into contact with me, my family or Paul's family. A big thank you must go to the mountain bike community who proved what a great bunch of people they are by donating so much and giving me so much support. Without you all this tribute would not have been the success it turned out to be. I will never forget your generosity.