An angel has joined heaven
On Sunday July 10, 2005, Julia Sit’s life ended. Who is Julia Sit? She was Vancouver’s ambassador to motorcycling. She was a friend to everyone. She was a pillar in our community. She was a mother, a daughter, a widowed partner, and a fiancee. In a tragic twist of fate, Julia died on the same day her beloved Bog was buried one year ago. Bog was her life partner until he crashed and died on the very same highway that Julia passed. To make this even more tragic, she was riding with her fiancee, Robert, and they were to be married on August 6th.
While many have read the stories about Julia in the major local papers, the Vancouver Sun and the Province, many people probably passed over the articles. If you ever took up motorcycling, you have probably heard of Julia and the Flying Swan Coffee House. In any given week, there were 3 rides. Tuesday saw the Hot Chicks ride. Thursday’s were the Newb rides. Weekends were reserved for the loop. She would hold all of these rides in hopes of helping her fellow riders. Girls have a tough time learning to ride a motorcycle. I heard her stories over and over again. Newbs have a tough time too. They require guidance so they don’t kill themselves. The weekend rides were also for newbs wishing to test their endurance. An 800km trip full of twisties. It’s with great sadness that these rides are on an indefinate hold. While these rides are important, this past winter saw the start of the New Riders Network, or NRN. Every second Monday, she would hold a seminar for newbs. Everything from storing a bike over the winter to fixing a flat tire. She even provided free food for the hungry riders. All out of the kindness of her own heart.
While many people read about these events, they never got to know Julia in person. She knew, literally, hundreds of people. She made each and every one of them feel like a good friend. She’s scream your name when you went for breakfast. She’d introduce any newb to the group of old friends and basically hold your hand until you got comfortable. She always had a smile for you. Her smile was only eclipsed by her heart. She helped 2 major charities, and 1 non-profit organization. She was monumental in the sportbiker’s Burns Camp ride. At least 200 motorcycles travel up to Whistler, and then back to Vancouver. She started the Big Sisters’ Charity Weekend Ride. A good 50 riders participated. It was a blast, from what I hear.
How would you know Julia from the other girls in the community? Well, for starters, she had her signature colour. Mauve. Not pink. Every girl who wants a “signature” girl colour picks pink. She wanted Mauve, with silver flames. She had a mauve Suzuki Hayabusa, race modified mauve Honda F4i, a cruiser, and she was about to become the proud owner of a brand new mauve Suzuki GSX-R 1000. Robert had purchased it since December, hidden it from her, and just recieved the personal plate (4 Julia) and the custom paint on the fairings. How else could you spot her? She had her friends and fans around her. She was a petit asian that looked younger than her age, and acted even younger. She had a huge spirit. She would also be the first to introduce herself if she didn’t know you.
Julia will be missed. She was a celebrity amoung riders. Corrie Miller and Dagmar, of local fame knew her. The local racing community also knew her well. Bernie Ryan, Steve Dick, Misty Hurst, and countless other ameture racers and race officials. She will truely be missed.
