SA cyclist Chris Barker remembered after Indian Pacific Wheel Ride tragedy
A South Australian cyclist is being remembered for his love of the sport after he was struck and killed while taking part in a cross-continent ride from WA.
SA News
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A South Australian man has been charged with manslaughter over the death of an endurance cyclist in Western Australia.
Chris Barker was struck by a vehicle on the Nullabor on March 21 as he was taking part in the infamous cross-continental ride the Indian Pacific Wheel Race.
The 62-year-old was about 190km west of the South Australian border.
Western Australia police confirmed a South Australian man, 36, was charged with manslaughter over the incident.
He was remanded in custody to reappear in court on April 3.
There has been an outpouring of tributes for Mr Barker after the incident, with many posting of a man who was kind and supportive of every rider taking part in the 5500km ride from Fremantle to Sydney.
He was about 1300km into the ride.
His son Aiden Baker took to the Indian Pacific Wheel Ride (Dot Watchers) on Thursday to confirm the tragedy.
“Dad was doing something that he loved,” he said.
“Thanks for the respect regarding today’s incident, I can’t thank you enough.
“I’ve never heard dad talk so much about this one event in my life, today my family lost a great person and so did his IPWR family.
“My heart is broken.”
Avid cyclists and supporters of the arduous ride have paid tribute to Mr Barker and his family.
“He was one of the nicest blokes I’ve met – a great friend and a true adventurous soul with an eye for the beauty in life,” one wrote.
“Aiden and family, my heart goes out to you for your loss.”
Other people took to the race tracker website to show their support for the family.
“Rest in Peace Chris – you are and always will be an inspiration to us all. I didn’t know you sadly, but your Facebook posts in the Dot Watchers group were always so supportive, happy and kind. I’m sending all my love to your family and friends,” one person wrote.
His partner Laanie issued a heartfelt message on the platform.
“My darling Chris, my heart is broken and the pain is unbearable,” she wrote.
“I love you and will forever miss your golden heart. Thank you for all the adventures we have shared together.
“Sleep well my love, I’ll see you in the morning.”
The Indian Pacific Wheel Race holds unofficial status and is a self-supported ride for participants, but riders are supported along the route by people dubbed “trail angels”.
In 2017, UK cyclist Mike Hall was struck and killed by a car about 500km from the finish line in Sydney.
His death was subject to a coronial inquiry.
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