# Clay Sturman

*by Aaron Lutze*

Nathan Clay Sturman was one of the finest riders I
have ever had the
privelege to meet, ride with, and hang out with. Not
once did a
negative word come from his mouth, and he was always
encouraging the
less skilled younger riders to try bigger moves and
to push
themselves. In a way, I think that Clay was always
pushing
himself...his riding reflected that. Whether it was
cross country,
downhill, BMX, or even trials, he was constantly
raising his level,
and the level of the riders around him. From riding
with Clay, I
learned many valuable lessons. I learned many new
skills, but above
all else, I learned that it is important to have as
much fun as
possible, no matter what you do. I have taken that
lesson into my
daily life, to always have a good humor about
everything possible,
which I think was Clay's secret to success. Clay had
fun, and
delighted in everything that he did...even those
nasty scabs and scars
he had on his legs and knees that he recieved from
having just a
little too much fun with his trials bike!
I looked up to Clay like a brother, and he was a
really great friend.
He was an excellent role model for riders of any age
or skill level,
and saying that his passing was tragic can not begin
to describe how
everyone feels. Clay was among the best, and we can
only know that he
is with the best, riding the best terrain, and
having the most fun
ever... in trials heaven.

Aaron Lutze

Schwinn/TrialsinUSA

ccanas@yahoo.com

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