John Christopher Hardwicke

Born in Kingsport, Tennessee, he was the son of the late James Ernest Hardwicke Jr. and Annette Aigner Hardwicke.

He was predeceased by three brothers, Jim, Bobby and David, and a nephew, Jimmy.

He is survived by his sisters, Mary Ann Hardwicke (and her son Michael) and Susan Hardwicke; his niece Sheila Moore (and her husband Champe); his nephew David Hardwicke (and his wife Mckenna); and great-nieces Morgan White (and her husband Jack), Sullivan Corum, and Emory Moore.

Chris was a passionate cyclist, coach, entrepreneur and community builder whose life touched sports, fitness and the cultural life of several Southern cities.

A native of Columbia, SC, Chris discovered competitive cycling in the early 1970s and quickly rose from novice to the state’s top rider. Racing with his friend Phil Tomlin, he won multiple state championships, became one of very few Category 1 riders from South Carolina, and set enduring records — including an unofficial 462-mile day ride and a long standing Spartanburg to Mt. Mitchell mark. He competed and won races across the United States, undertook long solo cross country rides, and in 1978 became the only South Carolina winner of the Carolina Cup held in Greensboro, N.C.

In 1981 he founded Out Spokin’ Bicycles, investing in community cycling and cofounding the MS 150 Bike Ride. As a coach he was recognized nationally for innovation and leadership, helping field Team Out Spokin’, a small professional team that achieved outsized success. Later, following the sale of his business, he lived a nomadic life before settling in Asheville, NC, where he opened Be Here Now, an influential, non smoking music venue that helped shape the city’s cultural revival.

Returning to Columbia to care for his ill parents, Chris reinvented himself again in fitness. He founded Fit Fast, studied weight loss and training extensively, lectured widely, hosted a call in radio show, and helped develop athletes through modern, movement based training methods. Colleagues and media called him a “Renaissance Man” — a phrase used to describe his varied contributions to cycling, fitness and community life.

A private service will be held at a later date.

Memories may be shared at www.dunbarfunerals.com.