In Somber Solidarity

We came together to ride in memory of a cyclist, a member of our club, a woman whose life was stolen last Sunday by a man driving a Land Rover on a remote stretch of road: Ellen Le.

We are reminded that the difference between life and death can be a matter of seconds. Had Ellen or the driver been a few seconds faster or slower, they would not have arrived at that place on the road at that moment in time. That moment when he rounded a blind curve and struck her, head on.

More than a hundred cyclists assembled for a memorial ride—nearly 50 from our club alone. Many of us had never met Ellen; some traveled 50 miles or more to ride in her memory.

It could have been any of us on the road that day. It could have been someone on a motorcycle, or in another vehicle. It could have been no one at all. Tragically, it was Ellen.

We pinned yellow ribbons to our jerseys and set off in waves to avoid clogging the roads. Biking to and from the place where we gathered, I covered 40 contemplative miles.

Every day is precious. Do what you love, and do it with care.

And when you drive a vehicle that weighs in excess of two-and-a-half tons—when you drive any vehicle—do it with care. Stay in your lane.