Charles McTaggart: The Passing of a SoCal Legend...
It was with regret that I received an email last night about the passing of Mr. Charles McTaggart (1936-2012). A long time cyclist of the streets and racing circuits of Southern California, Charlie McTaggart, originally from Scotland, passed away October 1 following a lengthy illness. Mr. McTaggart raced for many years with one of the grand old clubs of the region, the Pasadena Athletic Association. Charles McTaggart followed his passion well into his 70s, something I know many of us hope we will be able to do. Though our paths may have crossed at some point while I lived and raced in the area, or during the few years I too raced with PAA, I can't say that I was fortunate to know him; from what I have read Mr. McTaggart was loved and respected by many.
a pair of Scots, Charles McTaggart and Bill MacGregor (I had incorrectly identified MacGregor as Greg Ibeas if you saw this post at an earlier date) at the Rose Bowl via Pasadena Athletic Association Cycling History blog
via Facebook
I post this with much respect to Charles McTaggart, his family and his friends.
Rest In Peace.
I was fortunate to ride many miles with Charlie and to have him as a friend both on and off the bike. His spirit is with me now on every ride and I can still hear him yell "Close the gap!". We will miss you, you crazy Scot!
ReplyDeleteThe other Scottish fellow on the right in the top picture, with the sunglasses on, is actually my father, Bill MacGregor. Greg Ibeas was definitely a PAA member, and I'm pretty sure was at that race (1969 Rose Bowl?).
ReplyDeleteMacRoadie, thanks for clearing up that mistake. Sounds like you have seen the photo before.
DeleteCharlie was a friend of the family and he mentored me in the early days of my racing career. RIP.
ReplyDeleteIsn't it great that we can look back with positive memories of people who impacted our lives in ways either great or small.
DeleteCharlie was a classic on the bike. He mentored me in my youth as I rose through the ranks of SoCal racing and taught me so much about cycling and life in general. He was like a second father to me.
ReplyDeleteOne of my favorite memories is riding down the road on a Saturday training ride and encountering some kid on a Schwinn Varsity coming the other direction. Charlie would yell "Hey kid, put it in a bigger gear!" He just couldn't stand anyone riding in what he felt was the wrong gear for the situation. Of course the kid had no idea why this mad man was yelling to him. He was probably on the way to his baseball game a block away!
Then he would turn to us and say something like "Geez, wha a tearkee (turkey)! Did you see that kid riding in that gear like that?" He was the epitome of a professional cyclist and yet a humble man.
So many great memories. Rest easy you old Scotsman.
Like the story, thanks for sharing it!
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