Tragedy has befallen the 2014 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb->ke1001 as we lose one of our two-wheeled compatriots. Bobby Goodin, a 54 year old biker from Texas was competing in his second Pikes Peak event when he lost control of his bike shortly after finishing his run yesterday afternoon. The top of Pikes Peak has a large gravel lot, and the Triumph Daytona 675R appeared to be carrying a bit too much speed to make the required stop.

The resulting crash->ke2368 saw Goodin land on an outcropping of rocks after becoming airborne. On site paramedics administered CPR and Goodin was evacuated to the nearby Penrose Main Hospital by Flight for Life. Sadly, Goodin succumbed to his injuries and passed.

This is a most tragic end for a veteran biker. Goodin was able to claim an impressive third place in the 1205 Pro Class last year; his first ever appearance in the event.

The Pikes Peak->ke1001 Hill Climb has claimed a few lives over the years, but Goodin is the first biker to lose his life to the mountain since 1982 when Bill Gross perished.

The thoughts and well wishes of everyone at TopSpeed->ke1001 go out to the family and friends of Goodin.

Click past the jump to read more about the Pikes Peak.

Why It Matters

The world of racing and petrol-powered adrenaline boosting has become hundreds of times safer than it was in the past. This doesn’t mean that we should become complacent, however. Yes, modern cars can have a dozen or more airbags, motorcycle helmets are incredibly durable, and inventions like the HANS device all but remove the chance of neck injuries, but the laws of physics still apply and we all take a certain level of risk.

As a 54-year-old rider and previous podium finisher of Pikes Peak, Goodin’s tragic accident also highlights the fact that experience will not protect us from all things.

Stay safe out there friends. We are all one large gasoline-drinking family, and just like any other family, it hurts when we lose one of our own.

Pikes Peak Hill Climb

The Pikes Peak International Hill Climb is a yearly hill climb that has been taking place since 1916, making it the second-oldest event that motorsports in the U.S. has seen. If you don’t recognize the name, it is often referred to as The Race to the Clouds.

The event takes place every summer and it sees competitors blast up nearly a mile in elevation in just over 12 miles of road. The course features 156 turns, and until 2011 the road was only partially paved.

Pikes Peak is one of the last great bastions in “old-school” motorsport. Thanks to the Unlimited Class, you can create essentially any type of car you wish you so long as it conforms to a few safety regulations. No motor restrictions, no size or drive restrictions. It is completely open.

The same goes for spectators. As long as you are standing with both feet on the ground, and you are not touching the tarmac of the course, you can stand anywhere you want. Want to be on the outside of the blind turn where six drivers have gone off in the last 7 runs, have at it.

It is this wild nature of Pikes Peak that draws such a crowd every year, but it is also what makes it a dangerous event.