Chad Dorn was an amazing human. I was proud to call him a great friend, and was extremely lucky to have had him in my life. Unfortunately, on July 25, 2024, this world lost Chad. While I am not sure that Billy Joel’s song “Only the Good Die Young” is completely accurate, it sure as hell is in this case. Chad was only 47 years old and there is no one better.
Chad and I met in August of 2018 at a group mountain bike ride and picnic. From the moment we started talking, I knew he was exceptional. I’d like to share a few amazing memories of Chad that partially illustrates his greatness and unbelievable character traits.
Teacher
For a part of Chad’s life he was a teacher by trade. However, I would venture to say that Chad was a teacher his entire life. He was the kind of guy that had depth of knowledge. Knowledge that he freely shared with the world. Here are a few of the many examples.
Both Chad and I had a shared passion for the outdoors. Chad was a cyclist, but he also avidly hiked, camped, paddled, downhill skied, nordic skied, and so much more. I hadn’t camped in years, but we wanted to go on some overnight adventures in the woods. Chad patiently talked me through the basics I needed for our first trip. However, he said, bring clothes, nutrition, and yourself. I’ll take care of the rest. This was during the pandemic, so we drove separately to our meeting spot in the Bald Eagle State Forest district in Central PA. I showed up, and there Chad was with gear for the both of us. He walked me through setting things up, he showed me the gear necessary to cook, how to build a fire, and so much more. From that trip, I had the confidence and knowledge to make it on my own in the woods. Each camping trip, I think of Chad as I am completing tasks that he taught me how to perfect.
The next winter he spent over an hour talking me through the gear I would need to XC ski. I used to downhill ski, but hadn’t been on skis in years. When I got a pair of XC skis, Chad made it a special point to go out with me to show me the skills necessary to have a good time. And a good time we had that day on Laurel Ridge. No XC ski trip takes place without Chad on my shoulder.
Just before the pandemic lockdowns in 2020, I lost my job. At that time, I was trying to making a career switch of industries, but was lost on how to do it. You probably guessed it. Chad was there to give me his insights on networking, on resume building, and the like. One tip he shared was on the above XC ski adventure. He shared a simple, but important tip that his Dad, Bob instilled in him. That is, don’t be afraid to ask for what you want because at the end of the day you can’t get something if you are afraid to ask for it. Although that may be obvious, I needed the advice and push. In the end, it helped me achieve the referenced career move.
When pondering a life choice, I often think to myself, what would Chad do. I venture to guess that I will continue to do so for my remaining days.
Humble
Chad may be the most humble and genuine person I have had the pleasure of knowing. The gear necessary for outdoor sports is expensive. It is easy to get caught up in buying everything marketed to you. The bike and the specific clothing, glasses, shoes, etc. Chad resisted that urge. I, on the other hand, am a sucker for said gear, and don’t always resist that urge.
On our last trip together a week or so before his passing, we were riding in an event in West Virginia called the Gravel Ride Up Spruce Knob (GRUSK). We were rolling out of the start venue and Chad was talking about titanium bottle cages and how gimmicky they are. He said I would never fall for buying those just to save some weight. I’d just trim my toe nails. I turned to Chad and said, hey, I have titanium bottle cages. He realized he might have made me feel bad (he didn’t), so he pivoted and made a comment to couch his prior retort. We all laughed.
I have fond memories of Chad’s interesting cycling jerseys. He’d often wear a button down plaid shirt or an old cotton polo shirt. He resisted material things. I personally think there is a lesson there. You may be able to afford certain things or want to buy tons of gear, but be humble. Chad was certainly that.
Loyal and Supportive
Chad was a loyal and supportive husband, son, brother, uncle, and friend. Chad and I would meet up and ride often, but he made sure that Kate, his wife, came first (as should be the case). There were times he’d say I would love to ride, but Kate and I are going here or riding there. Chad demonstrated (without saying it) how much he respected and loved Kate (and the rest of his family as he talked about them often).
He was one hell of a supportive friend too. As mentioned above, he supported me through a career change. It took me years to make it happen. Most of that time I was unemployed, which I was embarrassed about. Chad wouldn’t let me feel that way when we were together. He gave me pep talks. He would tell me that I was on the right track, and to not give up. To believe in myself because he believed in me. That support made a difference, and it is something that I will pay forward. If for no other reason, to carry Chad forward.
Thoughtful
If the above doesn’t clearly demonstrate Chad’s thoughtfulness, I will provide a few more examples (and there are more where they come from). In years past, I participated in ultra endurance distanced cycling events. There is a lot of training involved and it can be taxing mentally and physically. I am a middle of the pack guy, and so I would often question whether I should be spending the time training. When I said as much to Chad, he would always encourage me and tell me to seize the day. He supported my ambitions.
One such moment was when I participated in a 205 mile grave bike race in the middle of Kansas. I traveled out there alone. I was nervous and doubting my decision. Sure enough, Chad messaged me the evening before the event and told me that “everyone is routing for you”. I finished the event, which took me over 14 hours. Chad’s words helped me push through 60 miles of cramps. The next day, who messaged me with even more encouragement? You guessed it, Chad! I will always remember to encourage others, even if it doesn’t seem like it is important. That’s what Chad would do.
Patient
Chad always demonstrated patience. One example was on an early season ride in February 2020 near Ohiopyle. I planned an (overly) ambitious ride in the 65 mile range coming off of a light winter of riding. Chad was in, but by the end (and a few mechanicals later) I knew he was over it. He beared with me (and didn’t lash out), even though I know he (and I) was spent. At the end of the day, we shared some food and a few beers. I will always try to demonstrate the same level of restraint/patience because the positive memories will likely outweigh the short-term discomfort.
Athletic and Enthusiastic
Chad was a gifted rider. His endurance and bike handling skills were amazing. I got many of views of Chad’s rear end (and believe me I didn’t want those views).
As Chad’s funeral service approached, I was asked to provide some pictures. I took a lot of video on our last trip together at GRUSK, so naturally I viewed it to get some pictures. Unfortunately, the only video I got was following Chad. While not worthy of material for a slide show at a funeral service, it was fitting because I got that view a lot.
A week or so later and just under a week before Chad’s passing, we met up at Frick Park to trail ride. It was a hot day, and I failed to bring enough water/nutrition. I was struggling. Chad wasn’t. He was nimble on the bike. He took some hairpin corners at speed. I was in awe (as I always was when watching him on the trails). Regardless, Chad would always slow up for me. Make me feel less slow. At one of the stopping points on that ride, I made a grouchy comment about people yelling too much. With a huge “Chad smile”, he said I yell all of the time. . . . When I am ripping a trail, I always yell “yeehaw”! I laughed at the time, but now always give a big “yeehaw” for Chad on every ride.
Chad went above and beyond in so many other ways to make my life more enriched. There are so many other amazing qualities I could write about Chad. Chad may be gone from this earth, but he and those qualities will live on through me.
Ride easy (and rip), my friend. Your life and memories are a blessing! Much love!
-JB