Messages of support in memorium of Andrew Wolf

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Here are a sample of the outpouring of letters received at the office:

The week following the Highland and Islands tragedy, I was part of a small get-together of Oteshites in Victoria, with Steve (Coast to Coast 2003), Leah (Sunshine Coast Tour 2007), Gregg (Algonquin Tour 2008), and Josh (Prairie Sky Tour 2009).

We were speaking about how the news of Andrew's death's hit us; why were we so touched, even though none of us had ever met him? And one of us nailed it:

"As soon as I saw his picture, I recognized him...  He was that Otesha friend that I just hadn't met yet."

- Bike Tour O-lumnus

I had never met Andrew or heard of him until yesterday, but I do know some things about him, as each person who signs up to an Otesha tour has these things in common:

  • An incredible spirit.
  • A thirst for adventure.
  • A belief that the world can change for the better.
  • A belief in themselves. 
  • Strong thighs, strong heart.
  • A deep sense of morality.
  • A smile.
  • An inherent optimism and appreciation for people, beauty, nature, life.
  • The ability to meet a stranger and soon enough, call them "family".
  • An open mind.
  • A need to prioritise what's important in life - people, experiences, contentment, our earth -
     over prestige or money. 
  • A goodsense of humour.
  • An ability to laugh at themselves. Playfulness.
  • A desire to connect with young people and pass on what they've learnt.
  • A desire to stand up and be counted.

The world has lost another who was trying to change it for the better. Please, please, let's do all we can to make cycling safer for ourselves and our loved ones.

 - Hannah Thomas (staff, Otesha UK)