After publishing obituaries for Alan Paulsen and Clement Salvadori in our June issue (“In Memoriam,” Exhaust Note) and on our website, we received an outpouring of comments from readers. The following are just a sample. –Ed.
Thank you for publishing the obituaries for Alan Paulsen and Clement Salvadori. Feels almost like friends passing and I only read their writings.
Rex Easley Jr., via email
RIP Clem and Alan. I ran into Clem a few times here and there. Always greatly enjoyed his writing, friendly and full of information and insight. When he wrote for Road Rider, he did the early test of the weird ’81 BMW R80G/S and rode it to the bottom of Copper Canyon and back. They will both be missed.
Greg Gibson, via web
Sad news about Alan and Clem. I just re-read Alan’s story about riding in Newfoundland. Of course there were many stories from these adventurers on two wheels. I crossed paths with Clem in the 70s, he on a BMW, me on a Guzzi. Ride in peace, guys!
John Sullivan, via web
As a friend and colleague for 40 years, Clem was always a pleasure to ride with, have a chat, share a glass of wine. I called him the road scholar, and we always gave each other our latest books. My review of his book No Thru Road is available on Motorcycle.com. A celebration of life for Sue and Clem is planned for Aug. 2, 3-6 p.m. at Atascadero Lake Park, California.
Tod Rafferty, San Luis Obispo, CA
I worked with Clem at Rider. Even though I served as publisher, I was removed from day-to-day editorial operations because the editor at the time, Mark Tuttle, was excellent at his job. I only met Clem a few times. He was very interesting to talk with. His knowledge of many things ran deep – especially motorcycles.
Today my son works for a motorcycle magazine doing what Clem did for Rider, only in video format.
I’m sure Clem had no idea how much I admired him. Nor did he ever know that he influenced my son’s love of riding.
I hope the roads of heaven are long and winding, hilly and steep, switchbacks to your heart’s content with a beautiful cool breeze always keeping you comfortable. Ride forever free, my friend.
Stacey Marmolejo, Indialantic, FL
So very sorry to read about Sue and Clement Salvadori’s passings. They were two warm and exceptional people. I was a longtime fan and religious reader of Clem’s writings, and through Whitehorse Press I purchased his book 101 Road Tales, a compilation of his columns in Rider. We connected through Facebook and enjoyed several pleasant conversations, culminating in my purchasing his book No Thru Roads. I was surprised when he gifted me with a Tibetan prayer banner.
Bill Sellier, via web
I’ve read Rider since 2007 and always enjoyed Clement Salvadori’s articles. I wish him and Sue the best in heaven. They had a great history and life together.
Robert Carter, via web
No one could write about motorcycling like Clem. He was by far my favorite motorcycle writer of all time. I’ve read all his books and articles. It didn’t matter what he wrote about, it was always a joy to read. I’ll miss you, Clem. I always wished that I could have met you. I hope the roads in heaven are smooth and full of adventure!
Phil Kerswill, via web
I met Clem through “Fireball,” one of his best friends. I was to accompany Clem to Death Valley, and when I rode to his home, Sue had a cement mixer going and was building a stone wall. I asked Clem how he could leave with such a project happening. In that lovely Boston accent, he said, “We leave quickly and quietly.” He was a gentleman extraordinaire, and along with many friends, I miss him already. Vaya con dios!
Michael Callahan, via web
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