Photo by Amy Gibbs
Veteran Washington DC bike
messenger Chris Soda passed away on April 27, 2014 after a
difficult battle with cancer.
The shoes you wear are impossible to fill, wish we had more time.
You made my world complete when you stayed with me out west
recently. I know you felt the same. We bonded again as
brothers..as best friends, you were my oldest friend and now- my
immortal friend. You are Legend, that of which dreams are made of.
It brings me peace knowing this and still, i'm missing you even
more every minute you're not around (physically). I love you so
much!! Until we meet again, Rest peacefully little brother - Dan
Soda
hey Chris... I miss ya
I miss our chance meetings...
I miss our impromptu hang outs...
I miss the surly Chris who did not like having his picture taken
but immediately put that image as his profile on facebook
I miss the Chris who would come into my house for a glass of water
after a long ride and just kick it with me and my kids
I miss pre head trauma Chris
I miss post head trauma Chris
I miss running into Chris in the park
I miss riding along side of Chris until our trajectories took us
different down different paths
I miss Chris and his off color sense of humor
if I miss Chris... there must be some people who really really
miss Chris
-Joel
Gwadz
Chris Soda and riding with no hands
For a year or two, I saw Chris Soda probably more than any other
person I didn't live or work with. He was that ubiquitous
downtown. I knew it was him because he never touched his
handlebars. He really should've just forgone the whole front
end of his bike; every part of the bike north of the seat tube was
unnecessary for that guy. Just give him some pedals and a
wheel, and he'd rip through traffic unharmed.
I've been waiting in vain for Chris to pop up here and be like
"Christmas Miracle" and he's ok... "just joking"...
"gaaaawwwwd"...
Kinda given up on that. After so much adversity in his life I just
expected him to beat this.
Chris is one of the first dudes I met in the streets when I moved
to the DC area in 2004. Right away when I saw him jone'in on
"these WAXERS in the park" in Jas Woadie and Andy Zalan as we were
meeting up in Faragut before Clarence gave me a radio... I knew
the kid was a firecracker. Nevermind, more like TNT.
We were fast friends and I have a million memories... China Town
Bus to NYC for Worlds in 05... Major failure trip to NACCC the
next year... lol. Localizing the SSG, and generally just having
more fun than work in the District.. I swear he danced with my
sister at my wedding!
I missed him a lot when I basically retire from courier work when
my daughter was born.. we'd run into each other when we could in
later years.. I was happy to see him blossom as a courier racer
and finding great folks who enabled him to get into "legit"
racing.. He was always happy on the bike even when he was
suffering. Dude was a strong mother.
When I think of my time on the bike and in the streets in DC I
will always have Debt riding right there beside me... talking
shit, making hairpin U turns to get a double take on some
beautiful girl walking down the street... (in squeaky voice) "Hi,
my name's Chris..." "Ok... never mind, bye..." Haha. ..
Love you Chris Soda. I will always rep for you my road dawg.
- Matthew James Ryan
Christopher L. Soda, Feb 24. 1978 - Apr 27, 2014 Christopher L.
Soda of Waldorf, on April 27, 2014; beloved son of Daniel and
Pigoon Soda, brother of Daniel R. Soda III, Grandson of Daniel R.
Soda Sr, nephew of LaVonne (Soda) Haley and Robert Soda; also
eleven cousins. Chris previously worked as a Bike Messenger in
Washington D.C for ten years, was a competitive bike racer and was
also an avid artist. Visitation Friday 2-4 and 6-8 p.m., Huntt
Funeral Home, 3035 Old Washington Rd, Waldorf, MD 20601. Service
Sat., 9:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the
American Cancer Society
Amen
