SAN CLEMENTE, CA (BRAIN)—Dave "Crash" Collins, a Bootleg Canyon race promoter, died on January 8 after a battle with Melanoma cancer.
"I told Dave a few weeks ago that he was a total inspiration for the way he'd ride his big-hit bike on our XC trails, just lookin' for the next jump to hit, or drop to go down," said industry veteran Steve Boehmke. "He even got air on his road bike whenever he could—reminded me of being 12 again. Free and fun. That's why we do this, right?"
Collins had just announced plans for the Dam Cold Downhill, a new pro-am with a $20,000 prize purse. The race, scheduled for this weekend, was an opportunity to give local racers the chance to ride against pros like Sam Hill and Cedric Gracia.
Just a year ago another Bootleg Canyon legend passed away, Brent Thomson. He succumbed to complications from heart bypass surgery. Thomson was known for promoting the trails of Bootleg Canyon as well.
"He knew that Bootleg Canyon has the potential to be an even greater destination than it already is," Boehmke said of Collins. "The town of Boulder City was super inviting to Dave when he'd ask them for sponsorship. They really appreciated his vision of what BC can become. His next project was going to be bringing criteriums to the city center, and I'm sure the course would have been as gnarly as the downhills at Bootleg."
A memorial service will be held from 7 p.m. - 9 p.m. Saturday, January 16 at the San Clemente Community Center, 100 North Calle Seville, San Clemente, California, 92672. Those wishing to make suggestions for eulogy remarks, remembrances or activities for the service are asked to send their requests in an e-mail to frknsty04@yahoo.com.
—Jason Norman
