July 2007 Issue - Cycling Utah

JULY 2007 cycling utah.com 3
Utah News
Utah Rider Victim of Hit and Run
TOURIng
Antelope by Moonlight Bike Ride
By Jonathan Morrison
Marty Kasteler's story is one of
tragedy and triumph but we need
your help with the ending.
Marty Kasteler is not only one
of the nicest people you will ever
meet, but he is also an avid cyclist.
Just weeks ago he was training for
the Durango MTB 100 for which he
purchased a new Santa Cruz bicycle.
Like the rest of us he is still in love
with his childhood sweetheart -- the
bicycle; a life-long passion most
Cycling Utah readers can relate to.
Sadly, Marty's plans for Durango
have been derailed.
On Sunday, June 17th around
2 a.m. Marty and his wife, Nicki
Kasteler, were enjoying a nighttime
bicycle ride home after visiting
friends. As they approached the
intersection of 600 East and 2460
South, an older white delivery truck
almost ran them off the road. At
which point Marty slapped the side
of the van alerting the driver that
cyclists were in their blind spot.
Instead of yielding, the driver did
something none of us can rationalize
or understand. They turned around
and intentionally ran over Marty.
They then crashed into a steel railing,
backed up and sped off leaving
Marty for dead with his wife looking
on in horror. The van and driver
are still at large*.
Thanks to Nicki, Marty was
rushed to the Intensive Care Unit
at LDS Hospital (LDS). Without
going into great detail, his pelvis
and internal organs were crushed,
his leg was almost severed, and he
had to be revived 5 times due to
blood loss. In the following weeks
spent at LDS, he has undergone
countless surgeries with many
remaining unknowns. Still, full of
smiles and hope, and a picture of a
bicycle above his hospital bed, he
even talked about making the Josie
Johnson Memorial Ride his new
Durango. This small example of
strength, courage, optimism and the
spirit of Marty and Nicki Kasteler
is turning tragedy into triumph and
generating support from Salt Lake
and across the country.
So that Marty and Nicki can concentrate
on the healing process, the
community is raising funds for the
challenges in the months to come.
Family, friends, Salt Lake residents,
businesses and strangers touched
by his story are coming together in
support of Marty. Benefit concerts,
bicycle rides, art shows, bake sales
and even bikini car (and bicycle)
washes have been being organized
everywhere in his honor. To make
a tax-deductible donation, see a list
of scheduled fundraiser events, or
to schedule your own visit www.
helpmarty.com (.org works too) or
call 801-FAT-BIKE. Checks can
be made out to the "Salt Lake City
Bicycle Collective" with "The Marty
Kasteler Fund" in the memo field.
Bikes fill the Antelope Island Causeway at the Antelope by Moonlight Bike Ride on June 29th. This year,
there were 1115 riders. The ride raised at least $12000 for Antelope Island State Park. Photo: Rusty Healey
Mail them to:
Salt Lake City Bicycle Collective
ATTN: The Marty Kasteler Fund
PO Box 2400
Salt Lake City, UT 84110
* There has been a $3000.00
reward issued for information leading
to the arrest and conviction of
the driver who ran down Marty. If
anyone has any information pertaining
to the location of the van, or
the identity and whereabouts of the
driver, they are asked to call the
Salt Lake City Police Department at
801-799-INFO. Callers may remain
anonymous.
How many
miles per gallon
does your bike get?
Winning never goes out of style.
232 N. Main Kaysville | 801-544-5300 | Mon: 10-4 Tues-Fri: 10-7 Sat: 10-5 | bebikes.com
www.bebikes.com