While on one of the rides that we have done countless times, Darlene lost control of her bicycle and crashed under a guardrail while descending Quimby road (off Mt. Hamilton). Darlene died almost instantly from major chest trauma, fortunately she did not suffer. On that ride Darlene was with her husband Bill,  close friend "Uber" Song Wrensch, and Ryan Hata.

 I met Darlene in 1994 when her and Bill purchased their first road bicycles from my bicycle store in Milpitas. We became friends as Darlene's passion for cycling grew and she absorbed cycling information from me like a sponge. What started out as Saturday morning group rides, developed into a special friendship that I will always remember.  I shared many great times with Darlene and her family: skiing, rafting, hiking, yoga, dinners, and of course cycling. Most of all, Darlene was one of the most genuinely caring people towards me that I will probably ever meet in my lifetime. She  made a tremendous impact from the thoughtfulness and caring that she always showed me.  Darlene will be missed and was loved by all.

I'd like the memory of me to be a happy one. I'd like to leave an afterglow of smiles when day is done. I'd like to leave an echo whispering softly down the ways; of happy times laughing times and bright sunny days. I'd like the tears of those who grieve to dry before the sun; of happy memories that I leave behind when day is done.