John passed yesterday. His writings here gave him so much joy, especially to know that people cared. Thank you all for making his life so much brighter. - Evan, his son.
My heart is broken to hear this news. John brought much joy to my life, whether through his writing or personal conversations in which I felt loved and appreciated. It was mutual. I pray for you, Evan, and your mom, Katie, and your sister, Aubrey, that you all will know God’s peace and be held in love.
Truly a tragic loss. He selflessly did so much good for so many people, especially the vulnerable. He was great support for our kids through the school years. I will miss him.
Kate, Evan, and Aubrey… I am shocked and saddened to hear about John. There are no words and my heart breaks for you. He was an amazing human and impacted so many people through his writing, kind words, genuine smile, and wonderful stories. I’ll never forget how much I learned from him about both biking, and life… and how much time I enjoyed with him and others on grimey, dull days riding our bikes through the hills of the south towns. He’d always have a way to brighten a ride, and share tales of his roadside findings. John was so very proud of you all… I always enjoyed hearing about what you were up to and all of the great things he told me about his kids and wife. Your dad, and husband was a treasure of a human who I’ll never forget. Your family is special—kind, humble and good, and I’ll forever appreciate all that John did for the cycling community over the years. Thinking of you all. Much love, Casey Kelly Perez
My time spent with John was always a joy. I looked up to him and was always happy to hear his take on most any subject. His writing was different and so well put together. I pray for you all, family and friends. Our time in Spain was some of the best moments. Thanks for the love brother 💔
It is with a heavy heart reading about the passing of John Roden, a cherished friend and fellow cycling enthusiast for over two decades. John's passion for cycling was infectious, and the miles and events we shared together created memories that I will forever treasure.
John leaves behind his loving wife, Katie, and their children, Evan and Aubrey. To them, I offer my deepest condolences during this difficult time. May the love of family and friends surround them with strength and comfort.
John's absence will leave a void in our cycling community, but his spirit will forever be present on the open road. Ride in peace, John.
Kate, Evan and Aubrey, I am nearly at a loss for words for which John had great skills at using clear expository prose in his writings. I read every Substack newsletter with joy and learned so much about things or issues not particularly relevant to me but John could make any subject interesting (or funny). A legend in his own time. Peace Dr. John Roden.
I was just telling some fellow riders about how I feel like I've been living in John's brain after I somehow became subscribed to this newsletter. But there was something truly addicting about hearing this good man's perspective. ... My family and and I will always remember how John made last year's West Falls CX race special for my 9-year-old daughter Finn. And John's repetitive advice to me to always take advantage of any opportunities to ride with my daughters (as those opportunities will fade) impacted me from the first time he said it, and I will remember his advice forever. Thank you, John. You will be remembered as great man, husband and father who left a positive impact on so many others beyond what you would have imagined.
Dear Kate, Evan, and Aubrey, my deepest sympathies to all of you on the loss of John. What a kind person and supremely articulate writer John was. It was always a delight to speak with him when I got to Orchard Park to visit, and to keep up with his thoughts on SubStsck. It’s hard to believe his intelligent voice now is silent. Sending prayers and loving thoughts to you.
I cannot think of a person who had a larger influence on my life than John. Throughout the decades,we’ve known each other I found myself speaking like John, thinking like John, and having my life improved through his influence. He was truly some of God‘s best work. I pray that you and your family find peace.
Please know that you have our profoundest sympathy for the loss of your father. He had such great influence on all of us in our group with whom he shared his writings, his wit, and his wisdom. I am so sorry for your great loss. We all had him in our lives for too short a time, but he will always stay in our heart and consciousness. May you be able find peace in the remembrance of this extraordinary man.
Knew John many years ago from Nordic and orienteering. I remember conversations when expecting his first born and being an athlete. Many fun times raving and watching his kids at events. Life is truly short but believe he lived it.
I’m so saddened to hear the news about you dad. My thoughts are with you and your family. Reading his writings here was a highlight of my week. I’ll miss him, riding with him, and reading his words. Peace.
So terribly sorry to read the news this morning. I have been friends with your Dad for 40+ years in that odd way men can be squeezing years of news into occasional phone calls and feeling all was in order. Wrap each other up in the deep, felt love and attention I know your father has for you and your family.
My heart is broken to hear this news. John brought much joy to my life, whether through his writing or personal conversations in which I felt loved and appreciated. It was mutual. I pray for you, Evan, and your mom, Katie, and your sister, Aubrey, that you all will know God’s peace and be held in love.
Truly a tragic loss. He selflessly did so much good for so many people, especially the vulnerable. He was great support for our kids through the school years. I will miss him.
Kate, Evan, and Aubrey… I am shocked and saddened to hear about John. There are no words and my heart breaks for you. He was an amazing human and impacted so many people through his writing, kind words, genuine smile, and wonderful stories. I’ll never forget how much I learned from him about both biking, and life… and how much time I enjoyed with him and others on grimey, dull days riding our bikes through the hills of the south towns. He’d always have a way to brighten a ride, and share tales of his roadside findings. John was so very proud of you all… I always enjoyed hearing about what you were up to and all of the great things he told me about his kids and wife. Your dad, and husband was a treasure of a human who I’ll never forget. Your family is special—kind, humble and good, and I’ll forever appreciate all that John did for the cycling community over the years. Thinking of you all. Much love, Casey Kelly Perez
My time spent with John was always a joy. I looked up to him and was always happy to hear his take on most any subject. His writing was different and so well put together. I pray for you all, family and friends. Our time in Spain was some of the best moments. Thanks for the love brother 💔
It is with a heavy heart reading about the passing of John Roden, a cherished friend and fellow cycling enthusiast for over two decades. John's passion for cycling was infectious, and the miles and events we shared together created memories that I will forever treasure.
John leaves behind his loving wife, Katie, and their children, Evan and Aubrey. To them, I offer my deepest condolences during this difficult time. May the love of family and friends surround them with strength and comfort.
John's absence will leave a void in our cycling community, but his spirit will forever be present on the open road. Ride in peace, John.
Kate, Evan and Aubrey, I am nearly at a loss for words for which John had great skills at using clear expository prose in his writings. I read every Substack newsletter with joy and learned so much about things or issues not particularly relevant to me but John could make any subject interesting (or funny). A legend in his own time. Peace Dr. John Roden.
I was just telling some fellow riders about how I feel like I've been living in John's brain after I somehow became subscribed to this newsletter. But there was something truly addicting about hearing this good man's perspective. ... My family and and I will always remember how John made last year's West Falls CX race special for my 9-year-old daughter Finn. And John's repetitive advice to me to always take advantage of any opportunities to ride with my daughters (as those opportunities will fade) impacted me from the first time he said it, and I will remember his advice forever. Thank you, John. You will be remembered as great man, husband and father who left a positive impact on so many others beyond what you would have imagined.
Dear Kate, Evan, and Aubrey, my deepest sympathies to all of you on the loss of John. What a kind person and supremely articulate writer John was. It was always a delight to speak with him when I got to Orchard Park to visit, and to keep up with his thoughts on SubStsck. It’s hard to believe his intelligent voice now is silent. Sending prayers and loving thoughts to you.
I cannot think of a person who had a larger influence on my life than John. Throughout the decades,we’ve known each other I found myself speaking like John, thinking like John, and having my life improved through his influence. He was truly some of God‘s best work. I pray that you and your family find peace.
Please know that you have our profoundest sympathy for the loss of your father. He had such great influence on all of us in our group with whom he shared his writings, his wit, and his wisdom. I am so sorry for your great loss. We all had him in our lives for too short a time, but he will always stay in our heart and consciousness. May you be able find peace in the remembrance of this extraordinary man.
I met him on Reddit, he referred me to an amazing podcast about the grieving process.
I can’t thank him enough for his insight and work.
Would you please share the recommendation?
Knew John many years ago from Nordic and orienteering. I remember conversations when expecting his first born and being an athlete. Many fun times raving and watching his kids at events. Life is truly short but believe he lived it.
I’m so saddened to hear the news about you dad. My thoughts are with you and your family. Reading his writings here was a highlight of my week. I’ll miss him, riding with him, and reading his words. Peace.
So terribly sorry to read the news this morning. I have been friends with your Dad for 40+ years in that odd way men can be squeezing years of news into occasional phone calls and feeling all was in order. Wrap each other up in the deep, felt love and attention I know your father has for you and your family.
RIP John. He made it clear through his writing how much he loved his family - my thoughts are with you all.
We are so saddened to hear this. My heart is with John, and his family. I am so sorry, Evan.