To any riders who knew Frank Merlo, Famous Bike Messenger of Chicago Fame, recently from Portland and Previously from Chicago. Born in Montclair NJ. He was involved in a fatal accident with a 75 year old woman. He died instantly. Frank was driving a Kalahari yellow 1995 gs1150 motorcycle. He arrived at one of the recent regional rallies with a cage for his dog built on to the back of his bike. Frank was always a kind person and looked out for the underdog. He lived a fuller 36 years than many of will live if we die in our nineties. I will be putting a memorial web page together soon. If you knew Frank and wish to contact me send e-mail to djfuturenature@aol.com. A memorial service is planned for April 18, 2002.

Peace, Paul

[early report from The Oregonian, 7.April.2002. Please bear in mind, accident reports can be fraught with factual errors]

Frank Merlo, 36, of Portland died in a motorcycle accident Tuesday on Southeast 28th Avenue near Southeast Tolman Street, Portland police said. About 9 p.m., Merlo was riding a 1995 BMW south on Southeast 28th when he and another motorcycle rider passed a car. Witnesses told police Merlo lost control of his bike, colliding with a 1989 Dodge minivan driven by Irene E. Allen, 75, of Portland, who was not injured. Authorities said Merlo died of chest injuries at the scene. The other motorcycle rider did not stop. Police do not know whether they were riding together. The accident is under investigation.