I hate to have to admit this but, I was not able to attend the 2010 Ride of Silence in AnnArbor Mi this past Wednesday evening. Had I been able to get an early start it might have worked out ok. But unfortunately there was a Haz-Mat situation on one of the major expressways between here and AnnArbor. Which caused our east-west highway (M59) to jam on the west side. When I realized that there was no-way I was going to get there in time for the start. I turned the truck around and headed back home.
I promise I will try to make it next year. And I will make it a point to allow extra time. Just in case some situation pops up.
So here is what I have been able to find out about the ride. First: About 50 riders participated in the ride. Second: The ride was a 6.6 mile loop. Not the 10 miles I thought it would be. Third: The ride was escorted my three AnnArbor bicycle officers Not a police car.This is a good thing because. I have heard that it is nearly impossible to drive a patrol car at 12 miles per hour.(I couldn`t do it)
Fourth: Some riders wore black arm bands In honor of friends or family killed in car- bike collisions. Others wore red arm bands signifying that they had been injured in a car-bike collision. Fifth: Kathleen Donahoe (one of the organizers)Instructed cyclists to be cautious while riding and to signal motorists. Also She spoke about a cyclist who was killed earlier in the day in Grand-Rapids Mi. The fatal collision involved a city dump truck. Sixth: The purpose of the Ride of Silence is to remind motorists to be aware of cyclists on the road. And hopefully respect their right to use public roads.(We are traffic too!)
That is pretty much all I know about the ride. When I read that only 50 riders participated I was surprised. AnnArbor is a very bicycle friendly town. There
are bike racks everywhere. And being a college town with lots of young people. Well, I just pictured a larger turn-out. But who the hell am I to criticize. I did not make it to the ride myself. So a few less people didn`t get the message? I don`t even like to think about the possible consequence of that.
So I make this pledge to myself, I will make it to the event next year "No Matter What". And I will talk about it on my blog and in my life in the weeks leading up to the ride. And I will proudly wear my Ride of Silence Tee-Shirt and explain what it is to anyone who asks.
Till next time, Ride Safe and remember to always Rescue-Restore&Recycle.
Cheers,Hugh
PS: Here are a few pics of the Le-Tour with the new saddle choice.
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