Park City’s Cyndi Schwandt, a pioneering and premier mountain bike racer, passed away following a mountain bike crash on June 10, 2019.
Schwandt won the Utah mountain bike series in 1987, 1989, 1990, 1991, and 1992, among many other victories. She also competed in several mountain bike world championships and numerous national championships, as well as in the pro-elite class in the NORBA National Series.
The following is a portion of her obituary provided by her family. We will have additional remembrances of Cyndi in an upcoming issue.
Cyndi Schwandt was just a few weeks away from turning 69 on July 11th when she died Monday, June 10th doing what she loved best, riding her bike on the trails in Park City. It was especially fitting that these were the very trails she pioneered to help create over the last 40 years, in the heart of the community she called home.
She was a force to be reckoned with, characterized by a quiet presence and unapologetic approach to life. The impact Cyndi made on the community will be forever remembered. Whether it was through her involvement as a Mountain Trails Ambassador, passion for the Adopt-A-Native Elder Program, or utilizing her masters degree in horticulture at Summit Community Garden, her love for Park City was apparent in her varied activities and avid volunteerism. She created a family that will miss her forever.
For those of you who knew Cyndi, she would hate being recognized as a National Champion Mountain Bike Racer, or for her achievements as one of the first women to compete at the professional level. In the winter, she traded her bike for Nordic skiing and could be found most days on the ski trails. In all seasons, she ate chocolate and wore purple. If we can’t praise Cyndi for her athletic accomplishments, let us remember instead the impact she had on the women she mentored and taught through Team Sugar to mountain bike over the last 15 years, or the help offered to friends in need that was truly remarkable. Through overarching kindness and mentorship of others, she truly transformed lives.
Cyndi is survived by her 91 year old mother, Willi; her baby brother Tom and his wife Amy; two nieces, Meghan and Sara; and her cat, Jas. All share the same amazing last name, Schwandt. We will miss you Cyndi.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to Mountain Trails Foundation.
For several years, While my Son Chris raced, I served as Medic and race official. Cyndi was one of the memorable people I was blessed to met and be friends with. We were a big band of gypsies back then… more like a crazy family.Cyndi will be missed.
Russ Williams
Liberty, MO