But, despite it being eight years since his ALS/Motor Neuron Disease diagnosis, he left on his own terms and in a good place.
Given that the disease has no cure, and usually kills in a couple of years, Colin carried on for four times that – and not just ‘lingered’ or ‘suffered’ but thrived. He got married and gained a family, had a child, continued to phone me up to talk about strong, dark beers, and I’m also sure he also got a glimpse into just how loved and well-regarded he was, within the bike world, the photography world, and just among his many, many friends.
Colin rose to prominence in the ‘golden age’ of pre-TV and Red Bull mountain bike World Cup racing, as a race photographer. He was one of those characters who knew every racer, knew every line on every downhill course and just where to set up for the perfect shot, starting early and finishing editing photos late on race day, only to repeat it all again the following weekend in a different country and different race track. In between, he found time to shoot landscapes and bike photography for magazines and brands, and occasionally he got to ride his bike too.
The current issue of Singletrack World Magazine has one of Colin’s last ever interviews, and I was proud to have been able to spend the time chatting to him in what was a very gloves-off and heartfelt interview, and that we could get a print copy over to him in the States while he was still around to read it.
Colin leaves us with a couple of lessons. Make the most of every day, every chance and every friendship. And always drink quality booze.