Ronald Dickie Jr - The voice of cycling rides off into the sunset

The voice of cycling has rode off into the sunset.

Such was the sentiment shared at the funeral of former TT cyclist and veteran event organiser and announcer Ronald Dickie at the Church of the Assumption in Maraval on Wednesday.

Dickie, 45, died on Friday after he suffered a stroke.

Paying special tribute was his sister Patrice Dickie-Ragbir, who honoured Dickie’s contributions to cycling and its development over the past three decades, and his humility as a loving, supportive sibling, husband and people person.

Dickie was popularly known locally and regionally for his unique talent as a cycling announcer at major events.

“He was the Mr microphone of Trini cycling. The Dennis Rodman of cycling for his bright colours, dyed hair blonde (in his younger years). He liked to party, quite a handful as a teenager. He was the voice of cycling. He’s rung the bell for his final lap,” said Dickie-Ragbir.

And despite his popularity in the cycling fraternity, Ronald’s sister reflected on some of their personal experiences.

“He had an unapologetic personality. He was the third of five children, a true middle child, and would do anything for us. He was our first responder. He was always there. We all raced. I was a champion too.

“He was my greatest supporter. His love for cycling was not a love at first sight. At the beginning, Ronald used to go and hide out at my uncle’s house when he used to be at training rides. But when he embraced cycling it became his life.”

Jon Paul Mouttet delivered the eulogy and read a letter written by Dickie’s wife Natalie Huggins-Dickie.

In it, she described his “overwhelming passion, selflessness and boundless commitment” to her and cycling.

Additionally, on Wednesday, former national cyclist and event promoter Michael Phillips also paid special tribute to his longtime friend by visiting the National Cycling Centre in Couva; a venue where Dickie’s voice will forever live on.

There, Phillips reminisced on their 36-year friendship and even sang a song, just off the track, in celebration and remembrance of the ex-TT rider.

Having both come from “cycling families”, Phillips and Dickie became friends from a young age. Phillips believes he played an unsuspecting but critical part in Dickie gravitating towards becoming an announcer for cycling events.

“In 2001, because the sport was in a bad way, Ronald and I decided we were going to do something large. I got Beacon to sponsor what was the West Indies vs The World Cycling series at that point in time. He ran away from work every day to help me.

“He started announcing because for that event, Colin Chambers, the usual announcer, and I, were doing other duties. I asked Ronald to help with that. I handed him the microphone and that was it! He had the perfect tone, a natural talent for it.

“To see him then go on to announcing for international events, it was something amazing to see. The ideal host.”

Former England international cyclist Peter Jacques also described Dickie as “a friend, a rival, champion, funny, intelligent, charismatic, fearless, husband, brother, uncle, adaptable, animated, audacious, driven, cheeky, leader, outgoing, motivated and above all a true Trini legend in his own rights.”