Ride of Silence on Wednesday, May 19th
Members of Velo et Cafe, and any other riders who would like to join us, will meet at 5:30 p.m. at the "Share the Road Memorial," located at the northeast corner of Depot Park, near the splashpark and the Depot and SE 4th St. roundabout to do a "Ride of Silence" ride.
This is a short, relaxed pace ride in memory of those who have been killed while cycling, both here, locally, and elsewhere. It is part of a national event held on May 19th each year that GCC has been a big part of in years past.
We begin at the "Share the Road Memorial" at Depot Park, which was built after 6 GCC Gliders were hit by a distracted driver on a ride to St. Augustine on 12/26/96, killing two integral members of the Gainesville cycling community. Parts of those riders' wrecked bikes are embedded in this sobering memorial... Hopefully, this memorial, as well as the cross that some wonderful person recently erected at our turn-around point, on the GHT at the intersection with CR-325, (where a young UF student was killed in 2008 while crossing that high speed road, apparently without stopping,) will serve to remind cyclists and drivers to ride and drive with care, as we share the roads... Too many cyclists (and pedestrians) are killed on our area and state roads! We need to remember these people, learn whatever we can from what happened, and work to advance awareness and policies to make these horrible tragedies less common...
There are 2 parking areas very near the memorial. There should be ample parking. We will roll out at about 5:45, after a few moments where people can comment if they would like to, and we will ride on the Gainesville-Hawthorne Trail to the intersection with CR-325. We will pause there, briefly at the cross, turn around, and ride back in silence. This will be a silent ride except for vocalizing any safety directions, (things like, "Slowing!" "Stopping!" etc.) We will probably ride at about 13-15 mph average. We will try to stay together. Once back at Depot Park, we may get something to eat, and raise a pint in memory of the people who are no longer able to. Will see how everyone feels about that. All are welcome. Call or text Kathy at 352-258-3541 with any questions about this ride.