Diegomayra

Today was a normal day like any other day. I got home from work around 6pm. I start the ritual.
Run through the house grabbing jerseys, shorts, shoes, and putting on extra deodorant then running down the stairs to the garage.

Oh getting dressed first.

Im a novice rider, a fred I guess, why because I have only been riding 1.5months and I already ordered a Rock Racing jersey/bib combo. Anyway the story goes..

So my ride is a 2009 Allez. Entry level, R-540s, Stock I guess.

I get out the door as soon as possible heading on my usual country ride before dark.

I was running on fumes by mile 19.(Refer to link above) I was pushing myself to keep a 19mph average fighting a 10mph wind. Now I know for some of you , my ride is childs play, especially monsters like pcad, but I am just 1.5months in and I pride myself in my little excursions. I had to deviate my ride turning left onto Milnes Rd. where normally I would head southband to add another 5mi.

Well as I was riding I noticed something.

In the distance on the the left hand side of the road. A white bike??? I squinted to get a clearer picture. It appeared to be a lone bike. Forgotten? Way out in the country just propped up by itself on a country road? No, couldnt be , I must be trippin'.

The closer I got the worse I felt, like I had just swallowed a stone. Very disheartening to me.
Heres what I saw...





Modesto Bicyclist Killed In DUI Accident
Michael Richey, 46, of Modesto was killed in a Stanislaus County bicycle versus SUV accident on Sept. 30, the Modesto Bee reports. The SUV’s driver, Craig Kyle Nelson, 26, was reportedly arrested on suspicion of murder, driving under the influence, being under the influence of a controlled substance and driving with a suspended license. Even initial investigations by police officers yielded enough evidence of drug use, which led to the murder charge.

California Highway Patrol officials said the fatal bicycle accident occurred when Richey was riding his bike east on Milnes Road on the road’s dirt shoulder. Modesto resident Nelson was spotted by witnesses driving erratically in his white 1995 Jeep Grand Cherokee east on Milnes. CHP officials said Nelson drove the SUV on to the road’s shoulder where he hit Richey’s bicycle from behind. The impact from the crash threw Richey 50 feet from his bike.


Michael Richey

Bike was just put in remembrance of this great man. May 20th 2009 @ 5:45pm.


I was moved by this very much. I just thought I would share this with everyone here. I have mixed feelings about riding this route, but maybe if I convince myself to continue I may dropped a momento everytime I pass. Hopefully the continued upkeep and presence that this memorial offers will help improve rider saftey on this road.

However... There truly is nothing you can do when an intoxicated idiot gets behind the wheel.

RIP Michael Richey.

Gambutrol

interesting contrast against your black bicycle.