Virtual bike ride planned in memory of popular Dubai father

Friends are getting on their bikes to pay tribute to Gavin Smith, 48, who died of cancer this week

Tributes have been paid to keen Dubai cycist Gavin Smith who died of cancer aged 48. Courtesy: Smith family 

Cyclists will saddle up in their front rooms for an hour-long bike ride on Saturday in honour of a Dubai father who died of cancer.

About 100 of Gavin Smith's friends are expected to log onto the Zwift cycling app to take on a virtual trip around the streets of London.

It is an unusual tribute in unusual times said Andy Fordham, a close friend who is leading the memorial to Smith, who lost his battle with lung cancer on April 21. He was just 48.

“Gavin had been living well, cycling regularly and we were in constant touch,” said New Zealander Mr Fordham, 55.

“It became clear his cancer was terminal so he decided to go back to the UK with his children where there was a wider support network for him, while his wife Nikki stayed here to work.

“Unfortunately Gavin passed away in a hospice in England.

“He was a bike nut like me, we admired their beauty and owned several each.

“He had spent two and a half years catching up with his friends, he never let on that it was the end. He wanted to go out on his terms.”

Smith was born on the same day the UAE was formed as a nation, December 2, 1971.

The Briton lived in Layan, near the Al Qudra cycle track, with his wife Nikki and their two children Dylan, 18, and Mia, 15.

Mr Fordham, an events manager, met Gavin in around 2013 after establishing the Giant duathlon endurance series of road and running events.

“Gavin’s son Dylan was just getting into the sport and was very talented,” he said.

“Like any doting parents, Gavin and Nikki were out supporting him and I was aware of Dylan as he showed a lot of promise.

“They became regular volunteer at the events, and Gavin would take photographs if he was not competing himself.”

The family would also look after Andy’s son, Adam, 10, when events were ongoing so the two families became close.

A decade ago, Mr Fordham set up the Dubai Cycling Community as a forum to talk cycling, racing and to buy and sell bikes.

Smith, who worked in recruitment, was diagnosed with lung cancer in early 2018.

“When Gavin started advertising his bikes for sale on the group, it was a clear sign he was getting his affairs in order and he was planning for the end,” said Mr Fordham, who lives in Town Square.

“He was still getting out and doing stuff in between his treatment which was very positive.

“I didn’t think he would buy another bike but when he told me he had I was very happy for him.

“I knew it was something he was very passionate about.

“Gavin took the illness and the treatment on the chin, all the radiotherapy and chemotherapy, he never showed how ill he was. He was very strong."

Last Friday when like the rest of the UAE, Mr Fordham was under isolation, he set out on a four hour bike ride from his home on a special indoor cycling machine.

Gavin texted him to wish him luck and have a joke, but gave no indication that would be the last time they would be in touch.

As there could be no funeral because of the coronavirus lockdown in the UK, his ashes will be brought back to Dubai to be scattered into the ocean.

“Just a few weeks ago Gavin put a post up on social media telling his friends not to worry if they didn’t hear from him for a few days as he was going into hospital,” said Mr Fordham.

“He did not want people to worry he may be exposed to coronavirus. He took it all in his stride.”

The Zwift ride for Gavin Smith is taking place on Saturday at 11am, UAE time.

Cyclists can join the ride by submitting a request to Andy Fordham (DXB) on the Zwift cycling app.