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Remembering Ed
Physiologist Ed Burke died Thursday, November 7, of an apparent heart attack while on a bike ride near his home in Colorado Springs, Colorado.The 53-year-old Burke was on a group ride and collapsed at the side of the road. He could not revived by friends or emergency medical personnel who appeared at the scene.Burke earned a doctorate in exercise physiology from Ohio State in 1979 and quickly joined the staff of the United States Cycling Federation, serving as an Olympic team staff member in 1980 and 1984. Burke built a strong reputation for making cutting-edge research in his field accessible to a general audience and wrote extensively for cycling publications, including Winning, Bicycling and VeloNews.Burke also authored and edited several books on the scientific aspects of cycling and served as the editor of Cycling Science. He is survived by his wife Kathleen.Contributions can be sent in Burke's name to either:
1420 Austin Bluffs Pkwy
Colorado Springs, CO 80918
telephone: 719-262-3000orUSA Cycling Development Foundation
1 Olympic Plaza
Colorado Springs, CO 80909
telephone: 719-866-4581
Remembering Ed
Ed left us suddenly on Thursday, while doing one of the things he loved most-- riding his bicycle with friends.
We don't know why it happened...why he was taken from us so unexpectedlyand so early in his life, but we miss him dearly, and we ache to see hisbeautiful smile again.
Ed loved life. He loved the family he was born into, and the family he marriedinto. He loved his work: writing, researching, and teaching. He loved toride. Most of all, he loved his "little one," his wife, Kathleen, with whomhe shared 14 beautiful years.
In this fast-paced world of high technology and constant movement, Ed wasa very special person. A quiet and gentle man who loved nature, he possessedan uncanny sense of humor and an amazing ability to make you feel special.
Through his research, his writing, and his teaching, he touched the livesof thousands upon thousands of people, so many of whom have called or writtento express their sorrow over his loss. He was a good man who left the world,and everyone he touched, a little bit better. He will be missed, and he willbe remembered.
We love him, and we always will.
Kathleen Burke and the Rand and Burke families.
Sure, we all knew Ed was supposed to be some sort of doctor, back whenI knew him. But, that was a side issue. Almost
every one liked hanging out with him because he was one funny bastard.He could crack up the most serious meeting with one of his deservedlywell placed barbs whenever anyone's hubris got the
best of their pretentiousness. That's what I remember and also watchinghim grind it out in the 1st ever Pikes Peak climb for bikes during the'86 Worlds. We cheered him on to the top.Adios. You were an "original."David Pelletier
Salem, MA
Ed Burke was a master of balance. Through science and common sense,he understood better than any other sports physiologist the need to balance hard effort with intelligent recovery.And he applied that concept to life off the bike, as well,
balancing his gruff exterior with the soul of a true softie.He always had time for my dumb reporter questions and eagerly sharedhis vast knowledge of endurance cycling. Last Wednesday, I made a mentalnote to call Ed about a project on older athletes I was working on. I gotbusy and never made that call. I wish I could have told him what he meantto all of us, but I know that we'll talk again whenever my quads are burstingon a steep climb and I want to get off and give up. And Ed will say, ashe often did, "Get with the program!"Sal Ruibal
USA Today
It was a genuine pleasure to meet Ed Burke at last.He was at Phil Liggett's Interbike party at the Bellagio in Las Vegasand I had Ed almost to myself for the whole evening. He later emailedme and I looked forward to an ongoing correspondence. I'm stunned by hisuntimely death. I was about to write 'what a waste', but, of course, Edhad accomplished so much in his 53 years on this planet.Carlton Reid
I was at work when I read of Ed's passing, and just had to sit quietlyin the office and reflect for awhile. My mind drifted to the many timeswe had met as a group at the Starbucks on Tejon street in Colorado Springsto go ride; times when we would be
rolling down Marksheffel Road at a cross-eyed pace in the middle ofNovember and Ed would be barking commands (to no avail, usually) at thefront to remind those who were leading what time of year it was.I remember riding behind Ed, always curious about that suspension roadframe he'd ride; asking him about what flavor of Endurox was next;inquiring about the goings-on in his world.In the physiology world, Ed's name was household- we'd refer to himlike people do to Lance, or Greg, or Miguel. Ed was a mentor to peoplehe never came in contact with- Ed WAS the man.Today, there was a void at that Starbucks on Tejon Street- a quiet emptiness.But for a few moments before the ride rolled out, we laughed, we shared,we remembered Ed.Dave McIntosh
Carmichael Training Systems
Remembering a friend, a fellow educator and a fellow bicyclist: Dr.Ed Burke.It is the death of a friend that hurts us. But its not of death I wantto talk of today. While good men die, the contributions they make do not.I have chosen to talk about the living and giving ... as these are my remembrancesof Ed."A successful man," observed Albert Einstein, "is he who receives agreat deal from his fellow men, usually incomparably more than correspondsto his service to them. The value of a man, however, should be seen inwhat he gives and not in what he is able to receive."In one word, Ed Burke was a man who gave.He gave us encouragement, educated us and shown his wit and humor tous on each occasion of his company. He gave us time. He gave us laughter.Yes, Ed gave us encouragement, time, laughter. Only the time is gone. Theencouragement and the laughter will remain. Even in this time of greatloss, those lines that Ed would utter brings a smile to my face and, I'msure to yours.I recall Adlai Stevenson's comment about a man and his contributions:"It is not the years in a life that counts; its the life in the years."Ed Burke lived!!! I and we will miss him - his inspiration lives throughthose to whom he was a mentor; those with whom he shared wisdom; thosewith whom he rode. This Ed I say, so long my friend.Robert H. Coleman, Ph.D.
Thank you for compiling anecdotes, etc on Ed. What a shock and a reminderto us all to not take anyone's presence on this planet for granted.My acquaintances with Ed were from my early days of mountain bikingand testing at the OTC in Colorado Springs. The "before" and "after" Edis simply amazing in my mind and I'm sure he would agree that his qualityof life just got better every day. I am referring to the changes in hisbody once he started training for the Leadville 100.He was always a respected individual from an athletes perspective andI loved hearing him speak about HR training and marveling at how MTBershad efficient pedal revolutions compared to road cyclists. He helped usfeel at home at the OTC before we had much respect from the Federation.He was someone I could call up anytime to chat about the latest nutritionaspects or strength training for cyclists.I have always enjoyed his many periodicals he has written over the yearsand his legacy will continue to grow although he is physically no longerwith us.Although I knew him only from small interactions, I felt like he reallycared about my opinions and my life. The feeling is certainly mutual. Ifeel honored to have met someone like Ed Burke along my career-path andI will miss the opportunity to just pick up the phone and give him a ringwhenever I have a training question.Sara Ballantyne
CTS coach
"MTB-turned-Adventure-Racer"
I just read the message about Ed's passing. I am one of the many individualswho was privileged enough to have known Ed for almost 20 years. I firstmet Ed in 1982, when I began working as the team psychologist for the U.S.Cycling team.Ed and I were together almost two months a year from 1982 thru 1986.Ed and I worked together with the National team during all of those yearsand went through everything from the Olympic triumphs in 1984 to almostevery kind of challenge imaginable. I am deeply saddened to hear of hisdeath. Over the past several years we have spoken about twice a year andhe still had that goofy laugh, yet, was still the same old "Turkey Burkey".Whether it was dealing with Eddie B, the team pursuit squad or any ofthe myriad of issues we faced together, he was always steady in his beliefs,upbeat about the future, and determined to do whatever he could to makeU.S. Cycling a success. Ed loved cycling, probably more than anyone I haveever known and would find whatever topics he could write about or do researchon to investigate what would make a cyclist better.His research will live on and it is a shame that he has left this worldat such an early age. I owe a tremendous amount to Ed, because he gaveme a chance to prove what a sport psychologist could do.Thank you,
Andrew Jacobs Ph.D.
What a difference it makes when you get to know someone! And how muchharder it makes it to accept their untimely passing. I had, as many others,only knew Ed from his writings, before meeting him at a cycling camp.
Edmund R Burke, III quickly became just another Ed in our group. Itwas really amusing one morning when he and the other Ed (Pavelka) bumpedinto each other leaving the parking lot, resulting in both of them on theground.
The second year at 'camp' Ed was my roommate for a week. Polite, humble,friendly are the words that come to mind, but they do not really do himjustice. That was the year one of the other 'instructors' chose to attackEd's objectivity and the accuracy of his research. Ed ignored it, wenton with his presentations, and never said anything bad about his critic.I will never forget our last day. Something he ate in Douglas, a small
Arizona town on the Mexican border did not agree with him and he didnot eat breakfast a day later when we were riding about 90 miles from SierraVista to Tucson. He really looked bad at lunch, and I pulled for him allthe way after lunch because he was not going to get in the van.Laying in our Tucson motel room he was too sick to pack his bike orgo out to eat. And what did Mr. Nutrition want for dinner that night whenhe was feeling do bad? Just what any other PhD physiologist knowledgeablein recovery from athletic stress would order: a cheeseburger, fries anda shake.What a shame it is to lose someone who was so friendly to everyone.Steve Scholl,
St Paul, MN
I goofed up at Interbike this year, for sure: my last day there, dog-tired,I saw Ed down one of the aisles. Every Interbike, for the last ten years,I would meet up with Ed and invariably he'd introduce me to yet anotherlegend- an Olympian, a RAAM soloist, a writer.Invariably, he'd convince me to add them to what he called my "swaglist," and of course I would. When I saw Ed down the aisle at Interbikethis year, I was on my way for the exit.I told myself I'd send him an e-mail after the show, a "sorry I missedyou" note. I never sent that e-mail. Ed, let me know if you need anythingup there, will you?Dana Friedman
PR guy
What a shock to learn that Ed Burke died. We attended Ball State Universityin the early 1970s, when he was doing graduate work in physiology at theHuman Performance Laboratory and I was recently returned from Vietnam andtrying to get my life on track.A decade later, we contributed different kinds of articles to WinningMagazine and VeloNews. I always enjoyed talking with him on the phone.He was generous with his time, and shared physiological insights and assortedinformation that he delivered in a street-wise way and a shot of wry.Peter Nye
Dr. Burke made the most of his life by sharing his diverse body of knowledgewith those in the field of sport science and with aspiring athletes aroundthe world. His numerous publications reached first timers to world-classathletes. His impact is significant and will live on through his gift ofknowledge.
His passing is a reminder to live life to the fullest, as he exemplified.Thank you, Dr. Burke, for your passion for sport that has enhanced ourlives. We will miss you.
The Personal Training Staff at RallySport Health and Fitness Club
Boulder, CO
It was with stunned disbelief that we learned of Ed's passing lastweek. He has been a Polar advocate for ten years, and in that time he hasdone more to help people understand about heart rate and training thananyone in the industry.The loss for us is felt way beyond the loss of an advocate or a spokesperson.Ed was a part of the Polar family and a good friend. His quiet demeanorwas an endearing quality, but was displaced with an honest, passionatetone whenever he spoke about training to the throngs of people that wouldcome to our booth just to see if they were doing it right. I recall anincident just this October at Interbike. A gentleman came up to him andspent ten minutes laying out his very detailed training plan. While hewaited for an affirmation, Ed's response was, "Why are you doing that?"After the patented Ed Burke laugh, he proceeded to spend the next fifteenminutes redesigning his program with him.There are cyclists out there who can ride a little longer, climb a hilla little faster, and train a lot smarter. That's just a part of Dr. Ed'slegacy.Our condolences to his wife Kathleen.Goodbye Ed.Corey Cornacchio
Polar Electro Inc.
Cycling truly lost one of its great “influencers” this past week. EdBurke had a great impact on us here at Carmichael Training Systems. Manyof our coaches have benefited from learning directly from Ed via USA Cycling,clinics and literature. However, being located here in Colorado Springs,we often had the benefit of impromptu visits from Ed, to share new ideas,what was going on in the cycling world, or simply wanting to know if anyonewas up for a weekend ride. Additionally, Ed always had business ideas forus to think about, and in his well-known way, always challenged us to thinkabout trying different things.
We will miss Ed, and thank him for the impact he has had on all ofus.
Jeff Webster
President and CEO
Carmichael Training Systems
Colorado Springs, CO
I was shocked when I came in to work this morning and one of my coworkerstold me Ed Burke had passed away. I am 45 years old and have only beenan avid cyclist for two years. In those two years I have cycled 9500 milesand have completed six centuries, four with The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society'sTeam In Training Program.I could not have accomplished all that without the books Ed had published.The "Complete Book of Long Distance Cycling" and "Optimal Muscle Recovery"I have read twice and each time I read it more of the subject matter "finallysinks in". I will probably be reading them another time or two.I am sad that I will never have the opportunity to meet the individualwho has shared so much valuable information that has helped me to pushmy body further. Ed will never be forgotten though, as he will be withevery cyclist on every ride!Keith S. Safford
Sr. Programmer and avid cyclist for
Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's
Team In Training Program
How do you remember a man who did so much? Certainly the books he wrote,the lectures he gave, and the research he published all have made a largeimpact; but most importantly Ed had an amazing enthusiasm for what he did.He loved to learn about cycling and for those of us that worked withEd his genuine enthusiasm for the sport he loved will not be forgotten.In a profession full of critics, many with bad attitudes, Ed was funand inspirational. That is why the athletes and coaches liked him so much.I will miss reading Ed's articles about new and innovative aspects of cycling,I will miss seeing Ed at the scientific conferences, I will miss his occasionalencouraging email, but most of all I will miss the Ed's attitude and support.Thanks for everything Ed.David T. Martin, PhD, CSCS
Sport Scientist - Australian Institute of Sport
My deepest sympathies to his wife, family and friends.I must confess to having never heard of nor read any of Dr. Burke'swriting before his passing. His death brings to mind that of Jim Fixx thejogging "guru" who, as well, died while practicing the activity which hehad done so much to inspire.
Thomas Gorman
Dr. Edmund "Ed" R. Burke: a great physiologist, athlete, teacher, author,friend and mentor. I am privileged to have spent a great deal of time withhim through my master's and a good part of my ongoing doctoral work. Foras long as I live, he will be in my heart and in my work. He can neverbe replaced.William "Billy" L. Elliott
We have had the pleasure of living next door to Ed and his wonderful wifeKathleen for many years, sharing meals, holidays, and walks with our dogs.
Ed was one of the most accomplished yet most humble men we knew -- we werealways amazed by the accomplishments of this shy individual. His wife
Kathleen and dog Jazz were the lights of his life -- and just the eveningbefore his passing he was out walking Jazz and saying how eager he was tosee Kathleen back home after an outing to Denver with her sister.
The biking community has lost a great teacher, his wife has lost a lovingpartner and we have all lost an outstanding friend. If God truly wants thisworld to be a better place, I would like to ask that He not take people suchas Ed -- we need them too much here.
To Kathleen and Jazz in memory of Ed from your loving neighbors,
Helen, Milo and Katherine
I have been fortunate to know Ed.
His wisdom, passion, knowledge and constant push for excellence has inspiredme for about 15 years.
One of my favorite memories of Ed was a talk he gave in Feb of 1997 to acoaching conference in Colorado Springs. He was supposed to summarize Project1996.
He instead started in on a "top 10" rant. He challenged us all about thefact that if you weren't striving towards being the best you were wastingtime.
Ed was and will continue to influence generations of cyclists (recreationalto competitive) to be their best in the wonderful sport of bicycling.
Happy Trails Ed! Thank you!
Erik Moen PT
Carmichael Training Systems
In August, I bumped into Ed at the hotel we were staying for the MastersTrack Nationals in Colorado Springs. We chatted about the USPS Masters teamand bicycle racing and discussed the possibility of working together withthe USPS Masters team.
Having read all of Ed's books, I respect him as the authority on the sciencebehind cycling and we share a similar philosophy about the sport.
It's ironic that on the day Ed died, I had just signed a lease on an apartmentin Colorado Springs and was looking forward to working more closely withEd. Now I wish we would have had one more chance to chat before he left us.
I don't believe there is another individual who understands both from a scientificas well as at the personal level the physiology of cycling better than Ed.The cycling community has lost a true "guru" of cycling. He will be dearlymissed.
Glen Winkel, Ph.D.
U.S. Postal Masters Cycling team
Ed was a coach at PACTour Desert Camp a number of times. He was a terrificteacher, and could explain well enough so that he didn't have to dumb-down.
He never put on airs. He was great to ride with in a group, the kind of personwho watches out for the well-being of everyone.
I hope he knew how much we appreciated him.
Lulu and Charlie Weschler
I was shocked at the news about Ed Burke's passing away. I started off readingcycling literature though his book 'Serious Cycling' and he has helped mein many indirect ways through his book as well as his articles which I hadstarted reading months before I bought any cycling books.
I am really sad at this news and I still can't believe it!
I am an Elite non-pro road cyclist and mountain biker from Malta and I amgrateful to Ed for all his work and research done in cycling.
I have to admit that we lost a valuable asset to our sport and I hope hewill rest in peace and guards us all. I hope there will be many others whichwill serve as he did and give us a good example.
Best Regards,
Ishmael Muscat
This morning I learned of Ed's death. It took the wind from me. I was ona group ride with my friends and talking about the latest cycling gossip.I couldn't believe my ears when I was told the news.
Twenty-two years ago I was on the Junior National Cycling Team and had thehonor of meeting and learning from a man whose wisdom has touched so manypeople's lives. Just three years ago my wife Maryann and I took a tandemcycling vacation and decided to go to Colorado Springs.
I wanted so badly to see the Olympic Training Center facilities again sowe made that our first stop. While in the gift shop I purchased a book Ededited. The following day we took our first ride of our vacation and afternot being in the Springs for 20 years, I promptly got us lost.
We pedaled along and noticed another cyclist up the road and chased him downto ask directions. We caught him and after talking for a couple seconds Isaid “Ed? Is that you?”
Sure enough, out of all the people in Colorado Springs we hooked up withEd Burke. His enthusiasm for cycling was just the way I remembered. It wasfun riding with him and he gave us a guided tour to Manitou Springs. We saidour good-byes, thanked each other for the great ride, then Maryann and Icontinued to ride through the Garden of The Gods. That day really shook loosesome great memories I had of the days I spent at the training camp and theguys I trained with.
For weeks after, I couldn't stop thinking about that chance meeting we hadwith Ed. I really respect Ed for his unbelievable craving for knowledge andhis willingness to share it. His wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm for cyclingnot only affects us cyclist but people involved in all sports. I gave uptrying to figure out why some people are taken from us so soon. I'll alwaysremember what my good friend Tom said this morning after he informed me aboutEd's passing...enjoy every ride.
Steve Manthey
Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin
I, too, had the privilege of some personal instruction from Dr. Burke atan Arizona training camp group seminar several years ago.
However, my most educational moment was an 80-mile ride from Phoenix to Tucson,and I was absentmindedly drifting toward the center of the roadway. I wastired. Dr. Burke (believe me, we were never on a first-name basis) came aroundme on his bike, looked at me incredulously, then zipped on. I will alwaysremember his expression. He messaged: "Girl, are you crazy? Get with theprogram!!"
And without a word, I have often thought of that "look" and have followedthe "program" to the best of my ability, both in how I ride the bike andhow I train. His advice, based on real science, was rock solid. He made mea better cyclist--and he never knew it.
Karen Martin
Kentucky
I can't really say that Ed was a good friend except that, in my limited timewith him, he made me feel like a good friend. He was one of the very fewpeople who are truly inspirational. I will miss him.
John Neugent
SaddleCo
My condolences to Ed Burke's family. I will miss his writings. It amazesme that my brief contact with him as a junior racer 20 years ago was whenhe was younger than I am now, his wisdom and intellect are ageless and willcontinue with his writings. He was the friendly and approachable other EddyB. and has continued to be involved in the sport. He left this world practicingwhat he preached and the cycling world has no one to replace him with.
Chuck Hill
I was stunned to read at VeloNews.Com yesterday the unfortunate passing ofEd. I have read his columns and articles for many years. So, I had an ideaof the man and how he seemed to write. I enjoyed his writing very much.
It is with sweet feelings reading in the articles above and below me in remembrancesof this man. I rode today for about 10 miles. It was nice out and I thoughtof Ed a few times while out on the road. I am sure many will miss him. GodSpeed.
Lou Frankel
Atlantic City, New Jersey
He was an inspiration to be a better cyclist and scientist, without havingever met him
Michael Ross, MD
Newton, MA
When I moved to Colorado Springs to study exercise science under Ed Burke,I walked into his office and announced that I wanted his job someday.
Ed didn't even bat an eye - he hired me as his editorial assistant, and lateras his assistant editor for a different publication. He provided me withinvaluable guidance over the years, and I can honestly say that he influencedmy career more than any other single person.
Whenever I've had a big decision to make, I'd call Ed and ask his advice.He always had something useful to say, even if it was only "go for a rideand stop worrying about it." I like to think that he was not only my teacher,but also my friend.
Ed was one of the smartest people I've ever met, and more than that, he hadvision. His approach to exercise science has helped to shape the sport ofcycling in this country, and his influence on the sport will be felt fordecades to come.
When I first met Ed, he didn't ride very often because he was busy workingwith the U.S. Cycling Team and teaching the rest of us about the scienceof cycling. He eventually cut back on some of his work in order to make timeto ride, and every time I spoke with him during the past four years, he toldme how happy he was that he finally could ride as much as he wanted to. Iknow I am only one of many who will think of Ed Burke every time we go fora ride.
Rebecca Milot-Bradford
Communications Director, National Strength and Conditioning Association
Ed's work not only inspired this Southern California rider, but has helpedme to more effectively sustain myself through years of riding -- workingto further develop my whole self -- inside-out!
My passion and advocacy for cycling is in part due to Ed -- and for thisI'm truly indebted!
Thank you, Ed!
Jeffrey Courion
It seemed like Ed never missed a weekend ride, I new him only as a fellowcyclist passionate about the sport and suffering from the same age imposedlimitations. In spite or our years he would be near the front and this inspiredme to try harder. I will miss you Ed.
J.P. Neuteboom
Colorado Springs
Dr. Burke was my professor at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs.He took a great interest in his students and their future.
He would tease those of us who are "Sports Health/Wellness" majors, jokingthat he had no idea what we were going to be when we grew up, with this degree.He helped me get an internship this past summer in Cardiac Rehab.
Just last week when I saw him in the Science building at school, I threwsome fake punches at him and he replied "God, haven't you graduated yet?"
When I was new to Colorado Springs, it was Dr. Burke who told me the "goodspots to ride.” My fellow students and I will truly miss this great man.I still say he sounded like "Norm MacDonald" when he'd lecture in class.Dr. B would always crack me up!!!
There will be a memorial service for Ed Burke at the University of Coloradoat Colorado Springs this coming Wednesday at 5p.m.
Thanks for the time you shared with us "Dr. B",
Rich Burton
Ed Burke was a beacon of light for me as I became interested in cycling andbegan my search for answers to my questions about the science of cycling.
His enthusiasm to share his knowledge and continue to investigate the nuancesbehind cycling physiology inspired me and has allowed me and countless othersto enjoy their cycling passion to a much more fulfilling degree.
I am deeply saddened by his loss to the cycling community and I knowhis work will inspire generations of cyclists in the future. I will misslooking for the next Ed book. Cycle with angels we will all miss you.
J.Nicolaus Martens, M.D.
Miami, Florida
Goodbye, Ed. All of us in cycling will miss you.
Joe Friel
I had just arrived into Austin, TX for my first Ride for the Roses and headeddirectly to the expo. While browsing around, I recognized Dr. Burke walkingthrough the aisles.
I remember stopping him and having the chance to chat ever so briefly beforehe had to head off, but he offered to meet me again the following day atthe CTS booth. When my wife and I did come by the following afternoon, heintroduced both of us to Marie Holden and took the time to talk with me aboutmy training and some ways to squeeze a little more "juice" out of my timeand efforts on the bike. I found Ed to be a very engaging and knowledgeableperson, and was looking forward to the chance to ride with him in the 2003RftR century ride.
I feel like we've not only lost a great mind, but a terrific human being.We'll miss you, Ed. My thoughts go out to his wife and his family, whichcontains anyone who was ever active in their lives.
Peace,
Mark Consugar
No one ever questioned whether Ed Burke was 110% committed to the sport ofcycling. We used to razz Ed a lot and he always was good spirited enoughto muster his sly little chuckle. I can hear it now.
Bronxy will be missed by all of us, but his teachings will remain with usforever.
Tom Schuler
Team Sports
Waukesha, WI
I never met Edmund Burke personally. I was supposed to, once, at a conference,but an unfortunate family emergency kept him from attending. That will foreverbe my loss.
I only knew him through his books and as my virtual coach, but his impacton my training and cycling performance was incredible. The cycling worldindeed suffers a great loss with his passing. I guess there's only one thingto do: go for a bike ride (after consulting my training plan).
M. Roberts
Cat 3 racer
Olympia, WA
Though I did not know Ed Burke personally, I felt I did through his manywritings, from which I have learned an incredible amount from. His advancedresearch provided knowledge for every coach and athlete to draw from, whetherelite or amateur. Through his creative presentation methods and writing techniqueshe conveyed his knowledge generously to those of average IQ, and his earlydeath has immediately created a void, not only in cycling and physiology,but the world. God bless.
Chris Wentz
Physiology student
Very sad reading that such a great contributorto our sport has passed on.
We will miss you Ed.
Sincerly,
Old Gerr
I remember sitting with Ed watching the 1984 Olympic Trials at the 7-11 Velodromein Colorado Springs. I was 16 years old, unknown and didn't really have aclue about much of anything. Eddie B. had told me earlier that Ed was theOlympic team's physiologist, I thought, "great, he can teach me how to mentally prepare for races!"
After I asked him a bunch of really dumb questions about mental toughnesstraining and visualization training, Ed gave me a strange look and said inhis usual gruff voice, "Freddy, I'm a sports physiologist, not psychologist."
Ed took the time to help out an unknown junior rider when he was also trainingriders who would be competing in the Olympics within a few weeks. Ed wasinstrumental in helping me go on to win two national championships. He wasreally one of those guys that would always find the time and practice whathe preached. I'm glad to see that he was riding his bike until the very end.Freddy Boos
I was totally shocked to see this headline on yourpage. I have read and reread Dr. Burke’s training books and articles forthe last couple of years and loved every one of them. I use his Accelaradeand Endurox products regularly with great results. I do not know him likehis family and friends yet I am very upset and shocked at his passing, welost a great teacher.My deepest condolences to his family and friends.Happy Trails Dr.Burke,thanks for all your work,Tom(cyclist)
I think I forgot to say thank you.
I forgot to say thank you for inspiring me to study physiology after I readyour books and to pursue my dream of becoming the next cycling physiologyguru. I forgot to say thank you for saying yes when I wrote that letter 7years ago asking you to "please, please, please let me come out and do aninternship with you."
I forgot to say thank you for giving me the greatest opportunity of my lifewhen I worked with the physiologists and coaches at USA Cycling and for helping me achieve my dream job of working sports science for the US cycling team at the Olympics. I forgot to say thank you for giving me the chance at graduate school when you knew I didn't have the grades to get in anywhere else.
I forgot to say thank you for letting all your class lectures digress into stories about bike racing. I forgot to say thank you for being patient with me in all the years it took me to finish my degree. I forgot to say thank you for passing my meager attempts at writing a master's paper so I could finally graduate. I forgot to say thank you for the career I have in cycling today. And I forgot to say thank you for all those times you towed me back up to the group when we'd get dropped on the group rides. Thanks, Ed.Renee Eastman
M.B.S. Exercise Science
Cycling Coach
Ed's books have and will continue to inspire meand explain things in a way that's easy to understand and apply. He nevermet me but he made me a better rider.
Thanks Ed. Hank Greenblatt, MD
Ed Burke was a producer. He had the enviable abilityto utilize his incredible intellect, to live out his passion. That passionwas cycling.
Ed tailored his life so that he could help the public gain the same joy outof cycling that he did, as well as find the time to continue enjoying thesport himself. He was a fixture on the Colorado Springs group rides and whenthe hammer was dropped, Ed was right there.
When the suffering subsided, you would simply hear him mummer "Grrrrrrrrrrrdon't you know it's January!" We knew, and so did he but as with many cyclists,self-control was easily lost. Ironically on the morning prior to Ed's passing, out on a ride I was thinkingof Ed and how he had saved my life. Well not really life-saving, but at thetime it surely felt that way. It was a cool fall Colorado day and I was farfrom home, many hours in, cold, no food, no money, headwind, the whole deal. Suffering along, wallowing in my own misery with 35 miles to go I heard the roar of mountain bike tires on pavement. Out of nowhere Ed had exited the mountains and by odd coincidence caughtme in my sorry state. I whimpered and he gave me the entire lecture aboutcarbs, proteins and hydration that I had heard so many times before. A miledown the road Ed's car awaited and he got me home. Thanks again Ed. Ed thank you for making a difference and touching so many lives. You willbe missed by many. How could we miss that grin and grumble. Goodbye. Simon Essl
Proud Friend
Tiburon, California
Dude I have never written in to anything, but Ihave been reading Burke articles for it seems over 20 years and I would oftenfind a Burke article that I previously cut-out for reference. (I just noticedthe "dude" at the beginning; please accept this from my heart.....)I'm sure that many cyclist besides myself have spoke out loud about wishingfor the time to come while in the saddle! I still have about ten bikes inmy garage and Ed Burke helped me ride them to their fullest. Amen,
OneSpeedDrew
I have only been riding seriously for barely ayear, but, have come to appreciate the beauty of the sciene behind cycling.When I read tonight that Ed Burke, Ph.D, had died while riding in ColoradoSprings, it suddenly hit me that I had bought one of his books.
WRONG. I have bought THREE of his books! I never met him, but, I did knowhim, indirectly. And, I have learned a lot from each publication.
I can see, of course, that 26th Street in Colorado Springs is not your averagecity street. My TopoUSA v 3.0 shows it to be the first 1.4 miles of the roadheaded up Bear Canyon, with the middle half mile hitting nearly 7 percent.That's just about as steep as my 52 year old body can handle. It's maximumwattage, maximum heart rate territory for many of us. And, yesterday, toomuch for Dr. Burke.
What a shame. I was waiting for his next book.Alan Birnbaum, MD
Fresno, CA
I had the distinct honor of working with Ed Burkeduring the 1994 World Cycling Championships in Sicily, Italy. The first words that come to mind are "Consummate Professional". His dedication to the sport of cycling has enabled many of our elite athletes to reach the zenith of their sport. The world of competitive cycling has been dealt a severe blow. To you, Ed, I say, farewell.Claudio Iturriaga
University of Phoenix Online
I'm one of the many thousands of cyclists thathave benefited from Ed's contributions to the sport of cycling.
I consider myself fortunate to have spent time with him several years ago.In 1999 I was working for RockShox as Product Manager. Greg Herbold and Iwere doing product seminars at the bike industry trade shows. That year theEast Coast trade show was held at a resort in New Jersey. Somehow Ed endedup being our roommate. I think it was because Greg may have been helpinghim with an OLN piece or something. I remember staying up late over beersand talking suspension, fitness, and all things cycling. I was struck byEd's passion for cycling at every level. He was not just concerned aboutthe science of cycling, but every element.As mundane as it may sound, it remains one of my best memories. I remember seeing him from a distance atInterbike this year but I did not want to bother him. I wish I had said hello.Dan Tedford
Ed Burke was the key element in getting my offmy butt and on my bike and making it my life. His knowledge of the sportand ability to explain very complex subjects in a way that even I could understand made me realize not only what I needed to do but how to do it and why. Once I went as far as I could with his concepts on my own, he encouraged me to seek real coaching in order to take it “to the next level” and was responsible in large part for my working with Chris Carmichael of CTS.While I didn’t know Ed for a long time, his book, “Serious Cycling” was myfirst introduction to him and his style. Just a few weeks ago at InterBike, he appeared vibrant and very well. I was shocked and saddened to see the news today. In an ironic way, and I’ve said this myself, when I have “togo”, I want to go “on my bike”. He left us physically doing what he lovedto do. His cycling spirits lives on.Bryan Holley
Carmichael Training Systems
Chris Carmichael – Coach
Ed Burke, Phd., intelligent and wise... teacherand advisor... definitely the smartest person in American bike racing...a huge loss...best wishes, Ed.
Prentice Steffen, MD, FAAEM
PDS Sports Medicine, Inc.
It is with much sadness that I recall my relationship with Ed Burke, Ph.D. About twenty five years ago Ed called me to ask if I would help him put together a list of people around the country that could give medical coverage and adviceto bike races and racers. It's just the first example of how the good Doctor wasalways ahead of his time. Over the years Ed and I became great friends andcolleagues. We wrote books, gave lectures, shared our love for cycling and it's science, but most importantly we were able to laugh and ride our waythrough the good and bad times.In death he again is way ahead of his time, but as he always did he is delivering a message to his friends and students, "live life, love your friends, smell to roses, ride fast and for life". All of us whom Ed touched, have lost a great friend.
Andrew Pruitt, Ed.D
Director, Boulder Center for Sports Medicine
To start with, Ed first hired me in 1994 as an intern in physiology, this started our relationship which was mostly built on science of cycling. He was also my professor in the Masters program at Univ of CO. However, Ed taught me most about how to get things done and communicate with athletes and mostimportantly administration and staff. I was always battling with Ed about how to make things more scientific and provide the latest data. He would always argue that you need to give the basics and communicate your message. It took me years to figure out what he meant. Now, I communicate to my athletes, etc., just as he thought I should and I believe this gave me the expertise to tell the athletes exactly how to do things in a simple manner that they could the use and mold.I believe this had shown in great success in my coaching and and how to communicate science to everyone.This is just an example of how Ed affected me and I know this was the situationfor countless people through countless countries over countless year. Everyseminar, every Olympic, every coaching situation if you were with Ed or mentioned his name everyone new exactly what your were talking about. He is theone person in cycling that communicated and worked positively with every USA Cycling administration, Olympic team, cycling industry executives and athletes.I have never know or seen anyone else to do this.
His is the most written and read person in cycling world wide and this is just common knowledge, that's how much writing he did. It got to a pointwhere people would say "Oh Ed wrote another book" and then go buy it.
I think the most striking thing about his passing is that it was on the bike which is exactly what I believe Ed would have wanted.
Dean Golich
Carmichael Training Systems
Ed Burke died yesterday, doing what he liked. Riding his bike.
Ed was on a scheduled noontime training ride, with a group of Colorado Springs riders.
The weather was great. The group was climbing 26th Street, a local favorite, when Ed died. He showed no symptoms, nor complained of any pain before his death.
Ed truly enjoyed being outside with friends; He gave great advice, and lived the training programs he preached.
In addition to Ed’s teaching responsibilities at the University at Colorado, his myriad of responsibilities with the Olympic Training Center, and his consulting work within the industry, Ed was a genuine nice guy.
He took as well as he gave, and believe me, he took a lot. On those rare occasions, when he actually went to the front and pulled with our group, there were derisive cries from the pack. Conversely, he was nearly impossibleto leave behind. As riding careers go, Ed might have elevated wheel-suckingto an art form.
Ed will be greatly missed by all those who knew him. Not a day will go by, that he won’t be remembered fondly by those of us who rode with him.
Frederick A. Veitch
Garden of the Gods Breakfast Club - Colorado Springs, Colorado
As you know, Ed was a unique individual. At times he may have appeared to the curmudgeon with his gruff answers, bitching about the pace being inappropriate for that particular time of the year, but he continued come on the rides. At the very least, it seemed to give him an opportunity to bitch. He would hang onto the rides, gritting his teeth until his legs gave out, then a quick expletive and off he went.He loved riding his bike though, he would return each day for another ride even if it was the wrong type of ride on the wrong day of week, and headed in the wrong direction. Ed loved cycling and he wanted to share that love and enthusiasm with the world. He wanted to bring the sport to the masses, to help everyone enjoy cycling as much as he did.Although at times he appeared the codger, unapproachable, he was always willing to share ideas and help others improve their understanding of our sport. Ed has been a part of U.S. cycling for years, but his influence stretches much farther than that. His ideas and approaches to training, nutrition, and racing have reached worldwide audiences. He was a man who believed in what he was doing and stood by his convictions.We have lost a friend, but I know that we will never forget him and he will be with us each time we ride.
Jim Lehman
Carmichael Training Systems
