Rich Rau Memorial Bicycle Tour, Virgina

Losing someone in the prime of their life to a tragic accident would be emotionally difficult for anyone.

This was true for the Rau family when Rich Rau, a well respected community leader in Cross Junction, WV was suddenly killed while doing what he loved – bicycling with a friend during lunch one day.

Since this very sad day eight years ago, the Rau family - brothers, sisters, spouses and kids - host a ride in his honor, bringing together the entire community in support of the Laurel Center, a shelter for abused women.

“We can’t bring my brother back but we can help remember him and benefit the community in his memory,” says his brother Tom Rau.

As we filmed the various sections of the course, you could hear members of the family and community whisper under their breath as they struggled up one of the more difficult inclines.  “Come on, Rich, get me up this.  I know you are with me.”

They say that human beings are truly gone when your name is spoken for the last time.  I imagine Rich Rau will be with us for a very long time.