John H. Elder IV
Following his MS diagnosis in 1995, John moved to Colorado Springs, CO, the place that ultimately became his true home and where John made his most lasting and endearing friendships, in the bicycling community. An accomplished and respected performance bicycle mechanic, John was beloved by many in that community, where he was known for his generosity, kindness, and good humor. In 2014 following a bicycle accident, MS flared up and John was forced off his bicycle, relocating to Richmond, VA where he had family able to provide him the devoted, loving care that he needed. John was an avid cyclist and bike mechanic for many years. He passed away from complications of multiple sclerosis in January 2024.
(https://obituaries.virginiacremate.com/obituaries/richmond-va/john-elder-11651002)
Lib Elder (Elizabeth Elder),
Lib Elder is John’s Aunt and one of his caregivers and artist for this award
Helping provide care to a person with MS can be a daunting task. Everyone is different, but everyone needs joy, lightheartedness, and the chance to try new things.
Woven glass? It sounds impossible, but obstacles are overcome every day. There are broken threads, bits that look unraveled and such, but there are also rainbows, and the blues and greens of the outdoors to balance the reds, yellows, and blacks of struggle and loss. It’s all woven into one piece; one life, beautiful and weird and solid, but fragile.
Sean Murray, best friend on John’s legacy:
When John and I first met, it was just a practical arrangement for shared living. Little did I know that this would blossom into the most profound friendship I have ever experienced. John embodied kindness, generosity, and unwavering care in everything he did. Despite his battles with MS, he remained a beacon of positivity, never letting his condition define him or diminish his spirit. John’s presence brought joy and inspiration to all who knew him, and his legacy of compassion and resilience will forever remain in my heart.
Kay Liggett, Colleague:
John brought out the best in people. When he began to experience difficulty with tool use, he moved onto the sales floor at the bike shop. Customers loved his kindness, and showed unexpected kindness themselves when he struggled with speech. He brought a joyful noise to the shop with his pirate moments and that wry sense of humor. Most of all, he loved riding bikes and made it contagious. I am forever grateful that he chose to work with us at Criterium.
Al Brody, cyclist, friend of John and volunteer for MS Bright Spots:
MS Bright Spots of Hope, a nonprofit organization based in the metro St. Louis area inspires, educates, and empowers those with Multiple Sclerosis and their care partners. Each September, they sponsor a group with MS and their support partners who participate in the “Bright Spots Adaptive Cycling Adventure” in Colorado Springs produced by Angletech.
The award will recognize the participant who best demonstrates John’s love of cycles, cycling, and his courageous spirit living with the challenges of MS. Please help welcome the participants in September 2024.
Amy Seltzer, coordinator ROLL Bike Art:
ROLL Bike Art is a Colorado tradition. With a humble bicycle at our helm, we remain fresh and creative. For our 20th Anniversary we remember John Elder, whose enthusiastic support set a course for ROLL which we have realized. We salute Pirate Johnny 4 with breathtaking woven glass which tests the edge of all possibilities.