09/18/2026
Yesterday was Austin’s 81st birthday. Today is just another day, right?
No, today is another day to celebrate the life of an amazing man, a man who impacted our community greatly and gave it his all to firmly place kindness in our world. He laughed like no other, loved with all his heart, supported those he loved with the same passion and rode like a stallion through the streets he called home. He was truly a giant among us and had a soul of the kindest of kings.
10 years ago, I took these photos while we enjoyed a celebratory birthday ride together. We smiled the whole ride trough the NYC Burroughs, as we did every ride. Of course, I had my camera and Austin had his famous little point and shoot hanging around his neck. We shot each other the whole day and compared photos when we got back to his house in Newark.
It’s been many years since this day, and we had many more rides after this one, however, when I look at his smile while we were crossing the bridge, it sums up every moment we ever had on the asphalt together perfectly…pure childlike joy and rebellion.
Happy Heavenly Birthday, my dear MCMF Brother Austin Johnson
Love you. ❤️
