Mountain Biker Dies in Routt County Accident

(June 25, 2010) STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, Colo.—Dave Blumenthal of Montpelier, Vermont passed away on June 24, 2010 from injuries sustained in a cycling accident in Routt County, Colorado. Colorado State Patrol stated the accident happened Wednesday morning on a narrow dirt road in rural Routt County when Blumenthal collided with a truck travelling in the opposite direction. The accident appears to be a no-fault accident according to authorities.

Blumenthal was racing in the Tour Divide Race, which is a self supported race starting in Canada and finishing at the US and Mexico border in Antelope Wells, NM. This was his first time riding the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route, although he was also an accomplished athlete and outdoorsman.

A Harvard graduate and engineer/designer by trade, Dave was heavily involved with his community and a long time member of the Green Mountain Club. Dave’s reputation of friendliness and his great attitude was cherished by many and will be missed by all. He was truly a great person, and living life to the fullest while out on the Divide.

He is followed by his wife Lexi and four year old daughter Linnaea. Dave's family would like to thank the Tour Divide community for their thoughts and support through this tragedy. They ask that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in his memory to the Green Mountain Club. Letters of condolences can be sent to lexi.shear [@t] post.harvard.edu

On behalf of the Mountain Flyer Magazine staff, our thoughts and condolences go out to his friends and family.

This photo was taken in the Great Divide Basin of Wyoming on June 21, 2010 just after completing the dirt section of the Atlantic City to Rawlins leg. Even after spending the previous 14 hours under the sun and in the saddle, Dave was still having a grand time riding his bike and living on the Divide. It was my last photo of Dave and one I’ll never forget. –Eddie Clark