Mike Klute: RIP - We loved you
MIKE KLUTE (4th from left) - passed away on the RMT 2/11/13
Hello Everyone,
It saddens me very deeply to report the cyclist that passed away on the River Mountains Loop Trail yesterday was Mike Klute. A very good friend of mine and many of you who have ridden with BLV.
Please keep his family and friends in your prayers. He was a good man, with a very good and kind heart.
Mike… if you can see and hear me up from heaven… tailwinds to you forever more. I love you.
–Written by Lisa Caterbone on Google
Tags: mike klute
February 12th, 2013 at 3:52 pm
I constantly ran into Mike on the same trail that I rode on Saturday’s whenever I rode by myself. I am completely speechless. I am shocked to find out that it was him. I am so sad. He was such a great guy, such a friendly guy. He always stopped to talk with me every time I ran into him. I am really shaken.
February 12th, 2013 at 3:53 pm
Mike- What a kind man- gentle heart, always had a smile- You will be missed….
February 12th, 2013 at 3:53 pm
Wow…major bummer. Godspeed Mike. Condolences to the family. Wishing you all downhills with no car traffic in your next life. Peace brotha.
February 12th, 2013 at 3:58 pm
I can’t even begin to express the sadness I feel right now. Mike was one of my best friends and I loved him dearly. I was just riding and laughing and joking with him on Sunday at the BLV Cake Ride. I hugged him goodbye and said I would see him later in the week. Mike was always a steady wheel for me to follow and I don’t know what I’ll do without him and his wheel to hold on to when the riding gets tough. I will miss my friend so much. I love you Mike…
February 12th, 2013 at 4:15 pm
I am shocked to find out about Mike. I didn’t know him super well, but he was always very nice and a kind person. Rest in peace, Mike.
Tomiko
February 12th, 2013 at 4:17 pm
This is very sad. I loved riding and talking with Mike. He was one of my favorite people to ride with. We have lost a wonderful person here. I guess if he had to go, he went the best way, doing what he loved. Goodbye Mike. I’ll remember you in so many places.
February 12th, 2013 at 4:18 pm
I just can’t believe it and at a loss for words. What a great guy and I will really miss him. The first time we met was on RMTL. I always looked forward to seeing him more than anyone else on BLV rides. He will be missed and my prayers are for him and his family.
February 12th, 2013 at 4:20 pm
Wow this is shocking and sad! Mike was a very strong and great cyclist! My best memory of Mike was sitting down with him and eating the after ride lunch and having good conversation last spring at the Tour De Cure, an event that was very dear to his heart! Rest in peace Mike! The Las Vegas cycling community has lost a legend!
Lisa, in the next few weeks after Mikes services, please put together a cycling memorial ride for Mike perhaps on the RML the place in which we know he loved! It would be a great way to honor him as fellow cyclists….
February 12th, 2013 at 4:23 pm
WOW! It’s never easy when one of our own falls! I’m sure I’ve met Mike on a BLV ride before but don’t personally know him but anyone who rides a bike is AWESOME and will be missed! He really looks young too! He passed doing what he LOVED doing and that’s the best! RIP Mike and Prayers coming up to you and for your family!
God Bless,
Gina W.
February 12th, 2013 at 4:27 pm
Shocked to hear that it is Mike who died. I always enjoyed riding with him. One of my “best day ever” rides was in a small group with him in October 2012.
February 12th, 2013 at 4:39 pm
We’ll remember you every time we ride the RMT…RIP, Mike!
February 12th, 2013 at 4:39 pm
Just heard the news. Mike was a great guy. We were doing the Cake Ride a few days ago and discussing some future trips. You will be missed my friend. RIP Mike Klute.
February 12th, 2013 at 4:52 pm
I am deeply saddened by Mike’s passing. He was always kind to me and we rode together quite often with BLV and would hang back with me when I was just starting out so that I wouldn’t get too far behind and be alone. He was a good friend, RIP Mike!
February 12th, 2013 at 5:03 pm
R.I.P. Mike. Our brother in cycling. Ride many miles in the heavens. Mike & his family will be in my family’s prayers.
February 12th, 2013 at 5:32 pm
I am stunned and saddened to hear of Mike’s passing. I spent many pleasurable miles riding, and chatting, alongside Mike. I can’t remember many BLV group rides where I didn’t spend at least part of the day talking with him. He always had a smile and enthusiastic attitude toward life and cycling. He was an excellent cyclist and a true gentleman. The road will be a little lonelier without his wheel. Rest in peace and Godspeed Mike.
February 12th, 2013 at 5:56 pm
I am so sorry to hear of this. Prayers and strength to his family.
February 12th, 2013 at 6:14 pm
Mike was such a great guy. He was always good for chatting up on and off the bike. We seem to always show up early for the rides around the same time and I was always happy to see him. He inspired me with his strong riding and knowledge. I was thinking just last week about playing hooky from work one day soon and asking Mike if he would like to do RMT with me. . . Mike, I am going to miss you.
February 12th, 2013 at 6:25 pm
You will be missed Mike. I believe I met Mike the first time I rode the RMT with BLV. He was always so kind and so willing to help and share his knowledge. Not sure I could have made the last 15 miles of the Park to Park century without his strong wheel helping me along.
February 12th, 2013 at 6:49 pm
I am so shocked to hear of his passing. He was a great rider and one of the few people I can actually draft off of. I cannot believe that I was just talking to him on Sunday about recovering from his thumb.
My best memory is helping him out with a flat on a Thursday night ride then riding back together to the start. Your family will be in my thoughts for the coming days. I’m going to miss you.
February 12th, 2013 at 6:51 pm
Very sad news. Mike was always friendly and kind. You will be missed.
February 12th, 2013 at 7:23 pm
What Happened ?? I didn’t know him, but I do ride the rmt, just rode it today. Sorry to hear of this news. Condolences to his family.
February 12th, 2013 at 8:04 pm
My sincerest condolences to his friends and family. It
’s so shocking! I didn’t know him personally but regardless it’s a huge loss when one of us is lost.
February 12th, 2013 at 8:09 pm
I didn’t know him very well and I am so sorry to hear this. It’s very heartwarming to see all his friends pay tribute to him.
February 12th, 2013 at 8:22 pm
My sincere condolences to Mike’s family.
His jovial character will be missed by me and a lot of others.
Mike, it feels good to know that you are in a beautiful and spectacular place, but I wish you hadn’t left us so soon..
February 12th, 2013 at 9:20 pm
As many have already stated, Mike was a great person to have on a ride. I rode countless BLV rides with him and he always seemed to make his way over to me before the ride to say hello and we usually wound up riding a number of miles together on long rides. He always seemed happy and enjoyed talking about riding. I think it was during the RTC ride this last year that he was telling me about different out of state rides he went on and enjoyed. He told me how much he loved retirement because that meant more time on the bike. He always seemed to have some advice for me to improve my ride.
I will miss having his wheel and his friendship on our rides. May you always have tailwinds, Mike. Deepest sympathy to his family.
February 12th, 2013 at 9:58 pm
I’m so sorry to hear this news. I only met Mike twice, in 2011 and 2012 at the Park to Park Century, but I could tell he was a very friendly and likeable guy. I know my mom (Bev) will also be very saddened by this news because he was so friendly to her as a newbie century rider. My prayers tonight are for all his family and friends. I know he’s in a better place, but that doesn’t always make it easier for those of us left behind.
February 12th, 2013 at 10:12 pm
My fondest memory of Mike was at the inaugral Park 2 Park ride in 2011. I was amazed at the speed and power he generated during the last 20 miles on the way back. I remember wondering how long I could stay on his wheel after 80 miles of a tough ride…he was like a locomotive and I was grateful for the tow. I was thinking, he’s 10-15 years older than me…how does he do it?! I will miss him, cycling will miss him…Rest in Peace MikeK.
February 12th, 2013 at 11:08 pm
I am shocked and upset about the recent passing of Mike Klute. I will post a comment when I’m ready to do so. At this time, I mourning and offering my condolence and prayers to Mike’s family and friends. You will be missed my friend, RIP.
February 12th, 2013 at 11:41 pm
I was trying to figure out who Mike Klute was, as the photo won’t load in my computer… And I was hoping it was not the BLV “Mike” that I have known since I was riding with the group. Alas, I have found out that it is the “Mike” I knew and loved. He was a constant presence in most of the BLV rides I attended. The first time I rode the RMTL, as usual, I was left in the back.
Mike waited for me and rode almost 20 miles with me in that trail. He was like a guardian angel, guiding me through the grueling ascent towards the end of the trail, and he was the one who took my picture at the top. He lived in Henderson, and rode the trail often, and was enjoying his retirement. I will sure miss him. He was one of the good guys. Rest in peace, dear Mike!
February 13th, 2013 at 1:12 am
OMG Mike My Friend You will be SADLY MISSED My Biking Brother !!!!
February 13th, 2013 at 5:53 am
Wow….I’m stunned, saddened and at a loss for words….
February 13th, 2013 at 6:49 am
First, thanks to Lisa for posting this information. I am shocked and very saddened to hear of this news. I have ridden with Mike as recently as December on the RMLT and I see him almost every weekend riding with others. He was the most helpful, encouraging riders you could be around. He will be missed. Which bike store did he frequent the most, does anyone know? It could be a possible sponsor for his honor ride. Lisa, please when you get the ride organized to honor him, let me know. This man truly deserves his fellow cyclists appreciation.
February 13th, 2013 at 7:38 am
Mike we all love you so much. You are the person we would always look for when we would show up for a ride early. We would always talk before, during and after the rides. I liked hearing about your trips and the plans for your next trips. We will all miss you my friend, both on and off the road. Mike you are a strong and gentle man that lead [and pulled] by example.
Love Always
Steve & Karen Nichols
February 13th, 2013 at 8:57 am
Mike, You will be forever missed by all of us. I enjoyed talking with you Sunday at the Cake Ride.
God bless you and your family. RIP
Mike & Dee Clark
February 13th, 2013 at 8:59 am
My condolences to Mike’s friends and family, he will be missed. Enjoy the ride, Mike!
February 13th, 2013 at 9:03 am
Mike was kind and gentle man. My last big ride I rode the last part of 2012 Viva Bike Vegas and Mike was such an inspiration. RIP. We’ll remember you and your family in our prayers.
February 13th, 2013 at 9:44 am
I was shocked and saddened to hear of Mike’s passing. I still can’t believe it.
I first met Mike at the 2011 Park to Park Pedal. He stood out to me because he was such a strong rider. Over the last year I got to know him better. In the summer he shared his hiking Wheeler Peak story with me because I was heading to Great Basin. For the 2012 Park to Park Pedal we camped, rode, share drinks by the campfire, hiked and had a great time. I could always count on Mike to be there on the rides to look out for us and to share a laugh with.
Mike, you are gone too soon. You haven’t finished telling me of the hikes you’ve been on. You will be missed!
February 13th, 2013 at 5:53 pm
R.I.P Mike. A complete shock. Enjoyed our chats on rides and stops at lookouts. You will be missed. God be with you. My condolences to Mikes family.
February 13th, 2013 at 6:29 pm
My thoughts and prayers go out to Mike’s family. Rest in peace, Mike! You will me missed by all on everye Biking Las Vegas ride.
Lance
February 13th, 2013 at 8:11 pm
This is a very sad day to learn of Mike’s passing. He was a true cyclist’s, and freind. Now we are all left with his memory, spirit, and soul riding along side of us on every ride. R.I.P. Mike
February 13th, 2013 at 9:01 pm
I never met Mike. But I’m sure we crossed paths on the RMLT many times. Rest in peace Mike. I’m sure the riding where you are now is stellar!
February 14th, 2013 at 6:55 am
Speechless! All the miles we ride, a story like this is devastating to hear. There will be a hole in the BLV peleton forever. My thoughts and prayers are with your family and the entire BLV group.
February 14th, 2013 at 8:25 am
So sad to hear about the loss of a great person and cyclist. Mike although I did not know you very well, our paths crossed on many rides throughout the valley. You will be missed by many. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Keep the wind at your back and never flat.
Jim and Lori
February 14th, 2013 at 10:39 am
Your kind words and prayers are appreciated by myself as well as my family. Thank you. I am not an avid cyclist but I am pretty sure Mike taught me how to ride my first bike. He will be missed by all who knew him.
February 14th, 2013 at 5:22 pm
Your comments are a comfort to me. It’s great to see he had so many friends to ride with. He has been an inspiration to me and I will really miss him. I just found out today and I’m still in shock and stunned because he was so healthy and athletic. (I’m one of his sisters)
February 14th, 2013 at 7:45 pm
I am so touched by your kind words. And thank you for your prayers. They will be needed in the days ahead.
February 15th, 2013 at 7:00 am
I can’t remember exactly when met him, but he was one of the most reliable guy to cycle with. I was nearly ready to give up at Park to Park, but he stayed in front of me and pulled me up the hill and told me that I can do it, pain is short lived. Just keep on turning the cranks. I was entirely grateful and I wasn’t gonna let a 60+ old man beat a youngster. He has obviously reached out and helped a lot of cyclists in various ways. He will be sorely missed.
February 15th, 2013 at 7:15 pm
It’s been great to read all of this support from people who knew my uncle. It’s not surprising he had this many people who liked him and cared about him. He was a great guy.
February 22nd, 2013 at 7:05 am
Hello Everyone. I received the information about Mike’s memorial service. It will be held on 3/2/13 at 1pm at St. Viator Catholic Church. Here is a link to the information and invitation from his son Jeff:
http://www.bikinglasvegas.com/cycling-blog/2013/02/22/mike-klutes-memorial-service/
Lisa
–signed in as admin
February 26th, 2013 at 11:57 am
MIKE YOU WILL BE MISSED, I REMEMBER MANY TIMES EITHER RIDING SIDE BY SIDE OR PASSING SOMEWHERE ON A DISTANT HIGHWAY IN THE LAS VEGAS VALLEY. OUR DISCUSSIONS WERE ALWAYS ABOUT WHERE WE’VE RIDDEN AND SOME OF THE MORE SENICE ROUTES TO ENJOY. IT WAS A PLEASURE AND AND AN HONOR TO RIDE WITH ON THE MANY OCCASIONS, SO WHEN YOUR SEATED AT THE RIGHT HAND OF GOD YOU MY LOOK UP AND SAY THAT YOU DID OUR BEST, YOU FINISHED YOUR RACE AND BECAME EVERYTHING GOD INTENDED YOU TO BE, GOD BLESS AND GOD SPEED. MIKE I WILL NOT BE ATTENDING YOUR SERVICE IV BEEN CALLED AWAY ON A WORK ASSIGNMENT, I SURE THERE ARE MANY OF THE BIKING LAS VEGAS PEOPLE WHO WILL ATTEND AND CARRY THE LIGHT TO YOUR PASSING. AGAIN GOD SPEED. BURT.
February 27th, 2013 at 2:57 pm
Mike,
I’m going to miss you. I’m new to the group, and counted on your wheel many times to get me back to the pack. Most recently on the way back from Paiute, we turned into a 20 mph headwind on the way back, but you took the brunt of it and didn’t let me drop! May you forever ride in Heaven! God bless you and your family!
McTodd