Services set for fallen SOB

Dan Neumeister

A memorial service has been set Friday at Sugarleaf Winery for SOB, accomplished rider and winemaker Dan Neumeister who was killed Monday in a what police believe was a cager-caused crash on Earlysville Road.

Mr. Neumeister was the head winemaker at the North Garden winery and vineyard.

Mr. Neumeister was known for skill on track and being a regular road rider. He died Monday when an oncoming cager lost control of his car and crossed into Mr. Neumeister's lane.

The cager has been charged with DUI. The crash occurred at 2 p.m.

Many motorcyclists who knew the man with Zooki and "reptile" plates have shared stories of him. Jesse Thomas, of Cville Sportbikes, sent a remembrance by John Wegner:

"I remember Bee [Bee Brendan Johnson, of Tuning By Bee] telling me a story about eight years ago about this guy with a [Suzuki] TL1000R with video cameras mounted all over had just moved here from California. I thought at the time that was the coolest thing I'd ever heard, I need to meet this guy!! The years passed, I saw the bike around town a few times, but never was able to meet up with him. Then, this past Saturday, while riding minibikes at my buddy William's place, we heard the distinctive rumble of a 90 degree V-twin with race pipes coming up the gravel road from a distance away. The rider slowly came into view, he was on a blacked-out TLR, I immediately thought, "hey--that's the guy Bee had told me about years ago!" William introduced me to Dan. We got suited up for some hot laps on the minis and headed out on the dirt track. Dan, William, and I ripped around for the next few hours, sliding those minibikes for all they were worth, trading paint, taking periodic breaks to do some bench racing or to discuss heavy subjects like who ran the best track day, the finer points of VIR North vs. Full vs. Grand, or the best dual-sport adventure trails in Albermarle--just plain having a great time on gorgeous day.

"I am happy and sad, all in the same breath, to say that I met a great guy that day."

Mr. Thomas said Mr. Neumeister "was the kind of guy someone could meet just one time and know they had a friend for life."

According to his obituary in The Daily Progress, written by friends and family, "Dan was zealous about everything he did, from winemaking to motorcycle riding, lacrosse to long boarding. No one was more confident, vibrant or enthusiastic about his pursuits."

His obit lists survivors as including "his wife Adriane; parents, Steve Neumeister and Jan Harrison; sisters, Amy Marino and Anna Neumeister; brother, Aaron Davidsson; stepfather, Tom Harrison; nephew and niece, Matthew and Kylie Marino; and numerous friends and family that love him."