Heads Up All

Hey guys:

Really appreciate everyones enthusiasm in cycling, particularly as a group. We all understand there is a real risk but sometimes we need some of the realities so that we don't become complacent in our riding endeavors. Take care, pick your routes, ride defensively, and pay attention and you will likely be just fine.

Several riding communities, particularly one that I know has had several serious and fatal accidents very recently.

Read the enclosed http://www.the-signal.com/news/article/15558/

A few others riders hurt included a friend of my sister who was side swiped and ended up with a broken leg and a cousin who was mildly bruised with a driver mirror.

The rider death above is a tragedy. My brother, who recently began to know the rider who was killed, is distraught since he was growing very found of his newly developed friendship with this belgian transplant who has a wife at home expecting their first child. He and Sean were out ripping it up on the Tuesday night ride typically and Sean missed this weeks run and is in pain thinking about the family and the loss of a new relationship that ended too quickly. Sean is thankful there was not many more killed in this ride since it is typically 30 plus riders and not just 10. A positive is that he was seeking local Christian churches in his new home area and it appears he will recieve a warm life celebration and funeral service at Grace Baptist Church. A church I grew up with.

This post is not intended to be a downer but simply to be a reality check to remember the important parts of cycling; skills, awareness, riding smarts, and the importance of prayer and praise of Gods will in all of this. Be safe, pray for this unknown family, and my hope is that this fallen cyclist is in Paradise!

Take care and Viva Le Tour!