The clouds parted and the air cleared just in time for several dozen riders to converge on the starting site for the Ride of Silence for 2007 in the upstate 7PM this evening. Representatives from the Greenville Spinners and Spartanburg Freewheelers, along with many other concerned area cyclists were on hand to pay tribute to the fallen brothers and sisters killed in traffic on their bicycles, as well as raise awareness for cyclists on area roads. Leading the way was Vince Barnhill, injured in a traffic incident last year, but now recovered enough to wave the flag for upstate riders seeking representation and recognition during rides.
We weren't setting any blistering pace, but that wasn't the point. We all wore black arm bands to respect the fallen, we rode single file approximately 10 yards separated, and we rode in complete silence.
It was the first time I had been on such a ride, both in purpose and in execution. I'm used to riding at least two-abreast and chatting to break through the efforts. Well, we weren't talking, we weren't near each other, and we weren't pushing it. What we were doing was making a great statement. The line of cyclists was really impressive, and man cars slowed as they passed, some even putting on hazard flashers out of respect. A great job by Kimberly Morgan and Richard Dillard in organizing this.Earlier today during my lunch hour I met Mendy at the pool for some (dreaded) swimming. I'm finding I'm much happier swimming for very long distances at moderate pace than I am for short high-intensity workouts. That may be due to swimming in my baggy beach trunks for training, but I do that on purpose to make swimming in the svelte blue man-hammock or a wetsuit much easier. But, it's wearing me out so much that I may not be getting in a full workout. Anyway, here's the stats:
100yd x 5 at a lazy 1m 33s/100yd average
50yd supine kick (which totally sucked after track yesterday)
50yd cool down
Had to wrap it up early to get back to a meeting at work. Oh well, I figured I'd get a long ride in before the Ride of Silence. No such luck, as it began raining about 5PM, and didn't break until about 6:30, which barely gave me enough time to drive there. Nuts! Maybe I can get a ride in tomorrow before I taper toward the Lake Murray Tri on Sunday. Oh wait, it's Pizza and Beer tomorrow at Mellow Mushroom for the Tri Clinic! w00t! Maybe Friday then...
5 comments:
At the very last minute Scott and I decided to get into the cycle class at the Y since it was raining pretty good at our house. Looks like we missed the best event of all.
Thanks for sharing the evenings details with us. Love the pictures as well. You were part of something important!! We also learned that this is a nationwide/annual event every year. How great is that!!
Like Robin, I didn't realize this was a national event either until I opened up the paper and saw they had one here. Some of the stories of injuries/deaths that they had made me cringe. How great to be a part of something like that! Nice pics!!
Those pictures hit me in the right spot. Thanks, David...
Looks like a good turn out, despite the predicted weather. Glad it cooperated, absolutely right before the beginning of the ride!
Thanks for the advice at the pool. I need all I can get, to get better. However, I'm getting more confident in the water. You're times are great!
Great job and a great cause! I don't know if drivers will ever change their ways, but if we can get governments to put in more bike-specific lanes and routes that would prevent a lot of accidents.
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