Bob (Robert Francis) Carson
Elder statesman of the Baltimore Bicycling Club

April 5, 1934 — January 14, 2023

https://www.staufferfuneralhome.com/obituaries/robert-carson

A TRIBUTE TO BOB CARSON

Click here to see Bike Bob video by Thomas Lutz of Cycling Seniors

Bob Carson, elder statesman of the Baltimore Bicycling Club (BBC), died on January 14, 2023, at the age of 88. Always vigorous, Bob was active in the BBC for 50 years. During those years he epitomized what it means to “give back”-to give his time, energy, effort and knowledge to those in the BBC and greater cycling community.

Bob was a tremendous asset to the BBC in so many ways including club president, event leader for Kent County Spring Fling (KCSF), Civil War Century rest stop leader and route marker, casual ride coordinator, giving committee member and BBC overseas trip leader.

Bob ran the 1984 Great Eastern Area Rally (GEAR) weekend at Towson State College (now Towson University). The 1700 participants enjoyed rides up to the 100+ mile ride to Gettysburg, in addition to workshops, guest speakers, entertainment, meals and more.

Bob also designed routes for the very popular Cycle Across Maryland (CAM) events.

The Baltimore County senior cycling program was another love of Bob’s. He put together their annual ride schedule and organized outings and weekends for the group.

At the national level, he was on the Board of Directors of the League of American Wheelmen (now League of American Bicyclists) representing Maryland, District of Columbia, W. Virginia and North Carolina. He was a nationally certified “Effective Cycling Instructor” (ECI) and trained and certified other riders to be ECI’s.

Bob loved all things outdoors from cycling, hiking, skiing, swimming, canoeing and camping. He and his recumbent bike traveled all over the world. He fondly reminisced about snorkeling in the Great Barrier Reef. He hiked the entire Appalachian Trail from Maine to Georgia over several summer vacations from his vocation as a physical education teacher. He was a vital member of the Mountain Club of Maryland for 50 years and led their canoe and skiing trips.

An early member of the BBC Hall of Fame, Bob left a big mark on the club and all who knew him. With his booming laugh and recumbent bike, Bob stood out at every BBC event.  Always welcoming and an encyclopedia of knowledge about the BBC and all things bicycling, Bob is irreplaceable. Still very ably leading the KCSF well into is 80’s, Bob was a volunteer extraordinaire.

We will miss him.

Evie & Michael Reinsel