RIP Tony Lang

Ginger

I just heard .. shocked.. he was the guy that trained me on my bike. Amazing guy extremely competent on his bike..

Such a great loss

http://www.unison.ie/irish_independent/stories.php3?ca=9&si=1686880&issue_id=14635

Hotblack Desiato

Indo wrote:

Leading motorcycle safety trainer killed while biking in France


A LEADING campaigner for motorcycle safety has died while biking in France, writes Allison Bray.

Tony Lang, director and spokesman for the Irish Rider Training Association, (IRTA) was killed on Friday when struck by a car while motorcycling in Normandy.

The married father from Limerick was with a group of Irish riders who were travelling around France when the accident occurred in the village of Bayeux, the Department of Foreign Affairs confirmed last night.

His remains are to be flown home today.

Stephen Reilly, a fellow member of the IRTA, said Mr Lang's death had hit the motorcycling community and everyone who knew him very hard. The IRTA paid tribute to him on its website, extending condolences to his family.

"Tony was without doubt one of the most steady and conscientious riders in Ireland," he told the Irish Independent last night.

He said the young businessman was a very keen advocate of motorcycle safety, who had devoted the past two years to the organisation to help improve motorcycle safety and training.

"It's a huge blow to the association and to each of us individually. We're absolutely gutted," he said.

"He was an instructor who did it for altruistic reasons. He wanted to pass on his knowledge and experience to others," he added.

He added that Mr Lang was a very likeable and warm person who will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him.

"When I picture him he was always smiling. He was a very gentle person," he said.

Less than a week ago another noted Irish motorcyclist, racer Darran Lindsay (35), of Dundrod, Co Antrim, was killed in Skerries, Co Dublin. Meanwhile, a motorcyclist died in hospital early yesterday after a crash yards from his home. Glen O'Toole (26), of Edenmore Avenue, in north Dublin, was found seriously injured near his overturned motorbike.

It is understood he may have hit railings on a footpath. He was the 23rd motorcyclist to be killed on the roads here this year.

Sad news indeed, RIP.

sutty

RIP
Its always sad to hear about a fellow biker been taken out. But when its an instructer, it just shows you, if a cagers going to be a fool. You dont have much of a chance.

zapata

May he rest in peace.
I did not know Tony Lang but he did seem (http://www.proridertraining.ie) dedicated to motorcycle safety. It just shows how vulnerable we all are on two wheels and it doesn't matter if you are a 'fair weather biker' (as KTRIC unfortunately highlights in his sig) or a more than qualified instructor. A biker is a biker. Ride safely.

Comfortdriving

ninja900 wrote:

Sad news indeed, RIP.

Today 16th Sept 06 I just happened to see the IRTA Website and shocked to hear the death of Tony Lang. Everytime my heart breaks when I hear about the death of a biker. I have never met Tony but heard a lot about his skills and wanted to meet him but missed the chance. I only got a chance to leave a msg in his voicemail. His voice sounds like he's still living. We have lost one of the most important person. Our deepest sympathies to the family.

Bikers.... everybody wants to get you. Ride safe we need each other coz we are a small family and can't afford to lose our members.

Daniel - Galway

Luimni

Hello all, this isnt the best thread to start off my first post with but i am new to this site which i have been using as research as i am about to buy my first bike and there is a lot of useful info for newbies and thanks to all for that.

My first post was going to be filled with stupid newbie questions which you have probably answered a thousand times before but i just had to respond to this thread.

As i said, i am currently awaiting my first bike (to be repaired before purchase), i have just recieved my provisional license and am rearing to go. I was given Tony's phone number for a starter course in biking and i gave him a call. He told me that he was heading to France the following day on a holiday and he wouldnt be able to meet me till the 17th (Yesterday). We had a good chat about buying safety gear, helmets, boots etc, along with engine sizes, insurances and answered many questions i had about getting started riding a motorcycle, he was extremely helpful and i was looking forward to meeting him. I only spoke to him once and the impression i got from him that he was a really nice guy who was genuinly concerned with the safety of other bikers (especially novices like me).

When i heard about the accident and even though i never met him, i was genuinly shocked by the tragedy and my condolences go out to his family,friends and all who knew him.

May he rest in peace.