Richard Long, one of the 2 founders of GT bikes, and its visionary, died in a motorcycle accident on Friday afternoon, July 12th. He was riding his a motorcycle up to Big Bear for the NORBA race when he hit a Cal -Trans semi-truck. Apparently Richard was killed instantly.
He was being followed by a GT vehicle driven by representatives of the Sanfar Bicycle Factory in Taiwan. They were un-familiar with how to summon emergency services and rushed to the NORBA race site looking for the first recognizable face, which was Bob Morales.
Bob Morales (owner/founder of Kore), was Richard's long time friend, since Bob's boyhood as early teen freestylist. He was called upon to make the identification after having to convince police that he was Richard's son-in-law.
People who have known Richard over the years, know of his affection for fast cars (Ferrari) and motorcycles (several). He had chosen to go up the backside of the mountain to the race considered far safer than the winding road and traffic found on the front side. Just a day or so before the accident he took delivery of a new Valkyrie. This was its break-in ride. The newness of the machine and his personal lack of familiarity with that specific ride are thought to have played a part in the accident.
The industry people at Big Bear were all in shock throughout the weekend. Everyone spoken with have nothing but incredible respect for Richard. From a bike store in Anaheim 20 years ago, he created a partnership with Gary Turner and lead GT to present size.
Richard was the behind the scenes genius, that only those in the industry new about, and the last of the CEO in the industry to have personal attachment and involvement with the retail distribution chain. Gifted in his insight, brilliant in his strategy. There is no known living equal, and discussions among others in the industry doubt that his work, success or presence in the industry can ever be replicated again.
Upper GT personnel met over the July 12th-14th weekend to discuss immediate actions to be taken due to the untimely death of Richard. Rumor is Michael Haynes the Chief Financial officer, has been named CEO of GT Bicycles
"I am very bummed out by this, he was exceptional" - frank
