Woman cyclist missing on Silver Comet Trail

[Cindyloo]

I just read the article this morning that a woman went out to ride her bike yesterday evening on the Silver Comet Trail here in Atlanta and didn't come home. :( Her car was found at the trailhead. Please keep her in your thoughts as they search for her. It is sad when things like this happen....
Here is the link: http://www.wsbtv.com/news/9576152/detail.html

[skibum]

I saw that too. I don't ride there very often but I always think of it as a safe place to ride alone since there's usually so many people around. I guess you need to be careful no matter where you ride.

[Pedal Wench]

It's the ONE place that I always felt safe riding alone. Especially the section that she was on. She was riding on the more 'populated' sections of the trail - usually lots of other riders, walkers, runners, etc. I really never thought twice about riding alone out there. If I had no one else to ride with, that's where I always went. Until this is resolved, I think I'll stick to the roads...

[AllezGirl]

I hope she's found safe and sound. Please keep us posted.

We have a nice paved trail here and I've always felt very safe riding on it, however, there have been a few incidents on it recently that have made me question that.

[Denise223]

That's really frightening..... I hope that she is found safe & sound!!

There are so many crazy people in this world.....

God Bless Her!!

Denise

[DDH]

Wow, how sad. I hope they find her. Let us know if you hear anymore.

[Pedal Wench]

A friend of mine is doing the search and rescue (she has a dog trained in Canine S&R) so she'll let me know anything as it happens, and I'll let y'all know.

[cherinyc]

hello ladies - This really grabbed my attention. I found another article about this with some phone #'s and contact info within.
If you are familiar with this area/trail - please pass on this info to anyone within even 100 miles of it.
http://www.11alive.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=82474

[Bikingmomof3]

How dreadful. Please keep us updated.

[Cindyloo]

I have always felt pretty safe there too and I guess I still do since people also disappear from their homes, malls, etc. The area that she put in is very populated and is right near a Publix shopping center but as you get out about 20 miles it becomes a little more rural, crosses a couple of small dirt roads, passes a water treatment plant, and wooded areas. It also passes behind many houses along the way.

It just makes me nauseous when I read stories like this....:(

[wannaduacentury]

I saw the same thread(I'm in Ga). That's really sad and I hope they find her. Recently, a jogger was attacked on that same trail I think. Why can't those sick people leave folks alone to exercise in peace. That's what a lot of exercise is "solitude". My prayers go to her and her family.

[skibum]

I've been following this one closely and I am sad to say that the local news has reported that a body has been found just off the trail. No official confirmation but it is believed to be the body of the missing woman. Cause of death was not clear. For my own peace of mind, I am hoping it was just a tragic accident. There are a few spots on the trail where, if you were to lose control of your bike (trying to avoid a squirrel or something) and go off the trail into the woods, you could find yourself going down into a ravine. Maybe she just had a bad crash. My brain doesn't even want to consider the alternative right now.

[Denise223]

Skibum --
:( Reading your post made my heart hurt.... Please keep us informed, our news up here in Mass hasn't mentioned anything....

My prayers go out to her family....

I can't even imagine:( ...

Denise

[Cindyloo]

Yeah, I just read about it. There are areas that you can see tops of trees not too far off the path. I always make my DH ride on that side because I get squirrelly on high or narrow areas. Either way it's tragic but I am hoping for my faith in humanity and that it turns out to be a freak accident.

[Pedal Wench]

The latest reports say they found her body near the 14-mile mark. Well within the more popular (and populated) section of the trail, right near the Hiram trailhead. I'm going over that section in my head, and it all seems pretty flat there - no ravines or ditches nearby. This is so upsetting. I really can't believe that something could happen out there in broad daylight. I used to ride the length of the trail - even the remote sections - all winter long, when there was rarely ever anyone out there. I guess that's gonna stop.

[cherinyc]

As of 4:15PM EDT

SMYRNA, Ga. (AP) -- Officials in Paulding County found a woman's body Wednesday along the Silver Comet Trail, and a Smyrna Police Department spokesman said the body was believed to be that of a missing 54-year-old woman.

Jennifer Ewing of Sandy Springs had gone riding on the trail on Tuesday, but failed to return home.

"What we believe to be the body of Jennifer Ewing" has been found in Paulding County, Smyrna spokesman Sgt. Robert Harvey said. "The body has not been positively identified by the GBI."

Harvey said he believed Ewing's bicycle was also found, but said he had few details of the discovery somewhere in Paulding County.

[mimitabby]

uh oh. if they aren't saying "this was an accident" that probably means foul play was involved?

[WrensMom]

Oh my gosh, I just feel so awful for her and for her family:( :(

[redhot3368]

oh my goodness...that is just soo sad.

[Bikingmomof3]

Such terrible news. I had prayed she would have been found alive. :(

[Pedal Wench]

GBI is treating this as a criminal investigation, and my friend who works along with them has implied that it was intentional. I'll keep y'all posted. This is really shaking the local cycling community here. We're a pretty small bunch, and this is being felt deeply. I'm just so sad. I'm a member of a women's cycling club, and I can't help but wonder if this could have been prevented if she had been a member and could have found someone to ride with. However, I also hate that we need to group up to do somehting that should be able to be enjoyed alone. I loved going out there, putting my head down and putting in my own miles, at my own pace, for my own distance. I'm so upset by this. I really used the trail alot, particularly in winter when no one else liked to ride.

[skibum]

I'm with you on all of this PW. I usually ride with a group but sometimes I have my own schedule, my own goals, or just a desire for some solitude and will ride alone. Right now, I'm not sure that's such a good idea and, like you, I hate that I feel like I have to ride with someone else just to feel safe. I was planning to do a solo ride this Sunday (not on the Silver Comet). Until today, I wouldn't have thought twice about it. Now, I wonder if I should change my plans.

It's incredibly sad and I feel so bad for her family.

[spokewench]

That is absolutely horrible. I cry every time I hear stories like this one. Would the people who are obviously close enough to get news keep us in the loop?

I ride by myself frequently, always have and always will, but I know freak things can happen. I try to keep it in my mind that these are random acts and hope that my time is not up.

SO sad to hear this:(

[chickwhorips]

this is really sad. my heart and thoughts go out to family and friends.

[Lise]

This is such sad news. My heart goes out to her family, and all in the cycling community there.

It also reinforces the importance of wearing ID. I don't know if they truly couldn't identify her, or were holding off until the family had been informed. But how horrible to be unidentifyable.

So sorry for all.

[pooks]

What a tragedy. And it is scary. I've been tempted to go on a bike trail near me one of these days but it does have a lot of areas that with trees and dense foliage -- you can hear the traffic which runs adjacent to the trail but can't see it. And even though I used to walk it with my dog, the idea of going there these days leaves me a bit uneasy.

I think I need to follow my gut, at least until I can talk to people more familiar with the trail.

Please keep us posted about that poor woman and her family.

Maybe it will still end up being natural causes....

[skibum]

Maybe it will still end up being natural causes....

I wish that were the case... the evening news confirmed that she was killed:

"Police say they believe that Ewing was murdered -- and that her body showed signs of trauma. Officials say they first found her shorts around 10:30 a.m. Wednesday morning before finding her partially clothed body.

Officials say they believe it was a random murder and that they do have several leads."

For those who are interested in following the story, it has been on the front page of all our local news websites. Here's the links I've been checking:
http://www.wsbtv.com
http://www.ajc.com


I don't know if they truly couldn't identify her, or were holding off until the family had been informed.
Lise, I don't know if she had ID or not but I get the impression that they new who she was, they were just following official police procedure by not declaring it to be her until she had been positively identified and the family notified.

Such tragedy, I can't even begin to imagine what her family is going through.

[Cindyloo]

I absolutely feel sick about it. The cycling community is reeling and it is not fair that women can not ride bikes alone without worrying about being prey for some sick f*ck :mad: . Sorry but I am going through the "anger" phase right now. I don't know why this is affecting me so much today.

I thought that when they found the bike that maybe it was an accident, but now they are saying that the bike was found "somewhere in Paulding County" meaning not necessarily with her body. Also the latest I read said her shorts were found first and then her partially clothed body was found later. This isn't intended to upset you guys further but I just wanted to provide the details. The article did say that the police are following leads.

http://www.wsbtv.com/news/9576152/detail.html

[Aggie_Ama]

This is sick. A few years ago in a very sleepy community near here a college girl running went missing. She was in a quiet suburban neighborhood in broad daylight. I love to go running by myself, but I hate having to watch over my shoulder. One time I had to turn and go home because there was a shady looking man just sitting in his car watching the trail. I hate these random acts by sick individuals that put us women in fear.

[Brandy]

:( This is such a sad story and it DOES suck that we have to worry about riding alone. It definitely makes me think twice about riding trails. While I generally feel safer since there is no traffic, I hadn't thought about how isolating it can be. I'm lucky to have a partner to cycle with, but when we can't ride together, I'll be sticking to the roads, where it's more populated.

[Pedal Wench]

The latest news isn't good. It's very upsetting, so read with caution: http://www.11alive.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=82521

I can't shake the sadness either. I've been crying all day, for a woman I've never met. But again - I know her - she could be me, or anyone of the other women I know and ride with. Skibum and I have run into each other on that very trail - good god, right in that area of the trail - each of us, riding alone. It could have been any one of us. I'm sorry, this has really shaken me to the core.

I know they have a few suspects, and I can only hope they catch him. Will I be able to ride alone again? I just don't know.

I hate to use this opportunity to advertise the club I'm in, but Sorella is up to over 85 members. It's open to women who ride on other teams - encourages them actually. It's just a good place to find someone to ride with. With so many women, you can always find someone to join you on a ride. Unfortunately, I don't always want to ride with people. (Yup, painfully shy and horribly introverted.)

I'm still just shaken about this. I was going to do a century out there on Sunday.

Skibum, please try to find someone to join you on your ride. A bunch of folks are meeting in Helen on Saturday to do the back 3 gaps, with a detour to Wolfpen too, so a modified 4-gap (Hogpen, Wolfpen, Jacks, and Unicoi) and there will be a vast variety of speeds, with regroups on teh summits. Think aobut joining us. A few of us are also riding on Sunday - not sure where, but I'll let you know.

[velogirl]

I don't ride bike paths, but I do mtn bike on deserted trails. On our women's mtn bike ride the other night, we were having a discussion about riding alone. Most of us do it on the open road all the time without any fear or hesitation. However, most of us also said that we wouldn't mtn bike alone. Why? Safety. The overwhelming feeling is that too many bad things can happen to you when no one's around to see. And, if something bad happens, no one might pass by to find you.

I know many less experienced riders like to ride on bike paths because they don't feel comfortable riding on the road. However, don't lull yourself into a sense of safety.

This is a tragic event and I hope you're all safe and aware when you ride!

[Brandy]

I know many less experienced riders like to ride on bike paths because they don't feel comfortable riding on the road. However, don't lull yourself into a sense of safety.


You're absolutely right. I was terrified to ride the roads and stuck mainly to the paths in the beginning. Fortunately one of them is a very and heavily travelled beach path. I did however, take off up the Santa Ana River Trail by myself once and reached an area that I wasn't comfortable in, and turned around quickly. It wasn't smart of me to be out there alone.

[dobielover1]

How tragic for her family. My heart goes out to them.

[Cindyloo]

I'm still very much bothered but have made peace with the situation overnight as it was tearing me up inside.

PW and skibum, are you the gals that blew me off the trail the other weekend? :D I would love to ride with you all sometime. I live on the south side of ATL and make it up to the trail 1-2 times a month right now.

[Pascale]

My thoughts go out to the family and to the local cycling community - it is indeed a horrific tragedy.


I know many less experienced riders like to ride on bike paths because they don't feel comfortable riding on the road. However, don't lull yourself into a sense of safety.


Again, we have a risk issue. Relatively, how many people are attacked on trails vs hit by cars each year? One incident hit us at our very souls, because it is an personal attack, I totally agree. But realistically, is one statistically safer than the other? And please, don't misunderstand, I am not trying to minmize this incident in the LEAST or imply that this woman is a statistic, or anyone else who is a victim of crime or accident.

I agree that nobody should be lulled into a false sense of safety - what we do have to do is decide which risks we are more willing to take on and are more comfortable with.

[skibum]

Skibum, please try to find someone to join you on your ride. A bunch of folks are meeting in Helen on Saturday to do the back 3 gaps, with a detour to Wolfpen too, so a modified 4-gap (Hogpen, Wolfpen, Jacks, and Unicoi) and there will be a vast variety of speeds, with regroups on teh summits. Think aobut joining us. A few of us are also riding on Sunday - not sure where, but I'll let you know.
PW, I will find someone to ride with Sunday or will make other plans. I'm sure I'll ride alone sometime in the future but I'm still too shaken up about this to go out alone this weekend. Most of my riding buddies are doing the gaps on Sunday but it just won't work for me this week (or Saturday for that matter, but thanks for inviting me along). My goal for Sunday is to ride Silk Sheets starting around 11am. We can chat offline... if I don't find someone to ride with me on Sun, I may join in with whatever your group decides to do.

[Pedal Wench]

I woke up today, thinking that this whole situation was just a nightmare. That some maniac who attacked a woman I don't know couldn't change me, couldn't change how I go about my day. But it did. I know that we all take risks. The difference is that I know cycling is inherently dangerous. Accidents happen all the time. But, they're accidents. This was no accident. This shouldn't be on my list of risks. Flat tires, blow outs, falls - those are the risks we should just accept. This is different, and need to be dealt with differently.

I'm sure that in time, I'll be able to ride alone. I love my 'alone' time. I can feel like Superwoman, because I have no one to gauge my speed against. I hope that when they catch this monster that I'll be able to feel that way again.

Thanks everyone for letting us vent about this. It has really affected the local community. This is a very popular trail, and if people stop using it out of fear, then it really will become more of a problem.

SB - we'll talk.

Cindylou - it wasn't me blowing by you. First, I don't blow by much, except perhaps a turtle or two, and second, I haven't been out there in a month or so. And when I was there, I was alone - as usual!

[mimitabby]

Well, they're probably going to catch the moron who did it.
Sounds like he doesn't make real good choices in life.. and she fought
like a wild cat... Because she fought, there is probably lots of good DNA
evidence that will hang this guy.

[cherinyc]

I agree with you mimitabby - when i was updating my bf on this tragic story - (and he was again saying why I shouldn't have gone out on a new 20 mile route last night so close to dark)
I saw the positive being that she fought like hell. Good for her - I find everything I have read about her to be extremely inspirational - and sadly, had this tragedy not occurred, I would've probably never even heard of her.
Even inspiring through tragedy is still....inspiring.

And - the fact that she fought - will most definitely mean that there will be exclamatory evidence against this freak show that killed her. Granted I get a lot of my crime evidence info from my favorite shows (Law & Order, CSI, and Cold Case) but a lot of that stuff is still partially factual - right?

[DebW]

What a tragic event. My thoughts are with the family and those of you who live in the area.

Was this an area that someone could only get to by bike or foot? Would the perpetrator likely have been on a bike too? I usually assume that criminals are too lazy or out of shape on unskilled to commit crimes more than about a mile from a road. This rule seem to work pretty well for hiking and backpacking. Areas frequented by locals or accessible by car or ATV are considered unsafe for overnight stays by hikers. So is anyplace a road bike can get to potentially unsafe if not in a well-populated area?

[Pedal Wench]

From what I can figure out (and understand that I've done easily two thousand miles on this trail) this happened at a point that was about 1, 1.5 miles from parking lots/trailheads in either direction. I believe it was near a railroad crossing. There are houses right up along the trail in that section too.

Now, here are two thoughts that i'm putting together. A few weeks ago, I was out there (alone, again...) and right in this area was a bunch of police activity. Nothing like cruising along and coming around a bend to see a police cruiser in the middle of the trail. There were a few unmarked police cars off the side of the trail. I never heard what they were doing or what they were looking for. I wonder if something occurred then that gave them a clue to what happened on Tuesday, since they seem to already have a 'person of interest' in this case.

Edit to add: I always thought that this trail was pretty off in the woods, but I've recently realized that a major roadway runs right along side of it in most areas - probably just a couple of hundred feet away. The dense foliage keeps the road hidden from the trail, and unfortunately, the trail hidden from the road.

[cherinyc]

The area that she put in is very populated and is right near a Publix shopping center but as you get out about 20 miles it becomes a little more rural, crosses a couple of small dirt roads, passes a water treatment plant, and wooded areas. It also passes behind many houses along the way.


Hi Deb - I understood from what Cindyloo was saying above, that the trail was a mix of areas - some populated, some not. My bf made a good point saying that (since the news says Jennifer rode this same route 3x/week) someone could've known about her routine - and was waiting for her at a certain desolate spot where they could strike w/o being seen or heard.
Often, the people who commit these types of crimes are very good at planning/strategizing their attacks.

[Nanci]

I've had scary encounters on three of the four trails I ride on. I don't know what the solution is. All of them are in populated areas, with roads very nearby (adjacent to, in sight of) the trail.

http://tinyurl.com/k94b9

This incident (only time I ever rode without a helmet- now have figured out how to get my hat under it- so you don't need to comment on that!) took place after I quit riding on another trail after I had a scary incident with a couple big teenagers (who were probably only thinking of robbery, not murder).

The creepy guy never confronted me, never harmed me or anyone that I know of, and I continue to see him at various points along this 46 mile trail, including within a couple miles of the isolated parking lot. I am still very unnerved by and very afraid of him.

[cherinyc]

Nanci - I always see on your avator (anyone know what that stands for?) that your location is North Central Florida. I spent most of my life in FL - Boca Raton, then Tallahassee, then St Augustine. I am curious about where you are referring to. Gainsville maybe?

[Nanci]

Alachua. I work in Gainesville. How could you leave??? :eek:

I am from MN, lived in CA for a year (HATED IT!!!) and went back to MN, then moved here for cave diving. I love it here.

[mimitabby]

Don't assume that criminal types have no bike skills, some of them use bikes as their only conveyance. My recently departed nephew was one of those.
He used to ride at night wearing black clothing to burgle houses to feed his crack habit. However, he was not violent.
I guess what i'm saying is don't assume criminals aren't comfortable on bikes.

[chickwhorips]

Granted I get a lot of my crime evidence info from my favorite shows (Law & Order, CSI, and Cold Case) but a lot of that stuff is still partially factual - right?

don't forgit new dectectives and other shows on the discovery channel or A&E. (csi junkie here)

if she fought like a wild dog, good for her. i hope that evdience brings this sick person/people down. sounds like she was a strong person all around. its to bad that bad things happen to good people.

[Nanci]

There is now mention of this on the Randonneuring list. A man contacted me about his fiance, or something, that lives in Atlanta, who is looking for people to ride with. She is qualified for RAAM this year. I told him how to hook her up with TE forums- maybe she will reveal herself soon! If so, I hope you local guys can maybe ride with her.

Nanci

[Eden]

Nanci - I always see on your avator (anyone know what that stands for?)

Its a word with an interesting past. The original meaning of an avatar is a physical manifestation of a god in the Hindu religion (generally as a human or animal). Somewhere in the early days of computers someone decided that it would be a good word to describe the little icon that a person chooses to represent themselves in the machine world. A lot of computer terms have been swiped from religion/mythology - deamon, sprite, avatar - I'll bet you could name a lot more.

[tulip]

Its a word with an interesting past. The original meaning of an avatar is a physical manifestation of a god in the Hindu religion (generally as a human or animal). Somewhere in the early days of computers someone decided that it would be a good word to describe the little icon that a person chooses to represent themselves in the machine world. A lot of computer terms have been swiped from religion/mythology - deamon, sprite, avatar - I'll bet you could name a lot more.

COOL! Thanks!

[cherinyc]

http://www.11alive.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=82582

Everyone stay safe!
cheri

[Bikingmomof3]

Thank you for the update Cheri.

[chickwhorips]

hopefully they have the right guy in custody

[Cindyloo]

An article I read at WSB TV said that when he was arrested he had a wound to his genital area that was bleeding profusely and was taken to the hospital. He told police at first that a prostitute had done it and then a wild animal. She was a fighter! I hope his ding-a-ling is still in the kudzu!

[SouthernBelle]

An article I read at WSB TV said that when he was arrested he had a wound to his genital area that was bleeding profusely and was taken to the hospital. He told police at first that a prostitute had done it and then a wild animal. She was a fighter! I hope his ding-a-ling is still in the kudzu!

That may be the best news to come out of this. Hopefully that will give authorities some good blood evidence.

[Trek420]

Cindyloo "He told police at first that a prostitute had done it and then a wild animal...."

He was right about that, she fought like a wild animal, like a mother bear.

This is so sad....but good for her.

There's a time to be nice and as women we have that conditioning in all things, and it's beautiful that we do.

But for her to be able to turn that off and rip body parts off....good for her, that's what you do. Keep moving keep moving keep moving.

She fought to survive, for her kids, family. If they caught the right guy there's going to be enough bits and parts of him on her and her on him.

[wannaduacentury]

Here's the link: I hope the justice system makes him pay for what he did to her and her family. and for putting fear into countless people who live there and use that recreational trail.


http://www.wsbtv.com/news/9593546/detail.html

[chickwhorips]

they better throw the book at him. the whole thing is just so unbelievable still.

[Denise223]

Nancy Grace is discussing this horrendous case, right now!

[Trek420]

Who's Nancy Grace? I read on BJ that there is a memorial ride planned August 5th?

[Pedal Wench]

Who's Nancy Grace? I read on BJ that there is a memorial ride planned August 5th?

We've heard that it was August 26. Please let me know if you hear anything more. The sooner, the better.

[Running Mommy]

Ok Girls, now we need to make this womans life mean something. We need to do something in her honor. There has to be a cause or something that we can come up that we can contribute to so this doesn't happen again. Even if our contribution saves one life. I think it's worth it. What if it were your life?

What can we do? We all live in different area's, so a memorial ride doesn't really work. Tho it is a great one for the local folks. I hope everyone within driving distance to the area makes a real effort to honor this woman. She could have been one of us. Heck, being an avid cyclist she may HAVE been. Even if she was just a lurker. Perhaps she has bought gear from TE before? Who knows. All I know is we all identify with her. From what I read, her life was alot like ours.
Let's honor her, and show her family that her life mean't something by doing something in her honor.
So let's put our collective brains together and figure out what to do.
I'll volunteer to help organize it.

[Brandy]

I agree Running Mommy...I'm not sure what to do, but I'd like to be involved.

[Trek420]

Running Mommy "What can we do? We all live in different area's, so a memorial ride doesn't really work."

we could ride at the same date and time?

[Brandy]

Running Mommy "What can we do? We all live in different area's, so a memorial ride doesn't really work."

we could ride at the same date and time?

I think that's a great idea Trek. Even if we can't ride at the same time, maybe we could each dedicate a ride to her memory. It sounds silly, but if we could each hold a little sign saying as much and have someone take a picture, we could assemble them in a slideshow and present it to the family. It may take a couple of weeks to get it together, but at least the family would know that the cycling communities across the world are remembering her. Just a thought, maybe someone else can come up with something more creative.

[tulip]

I think that's a great idea Trek. Even if we can't ride at the same time, maybe we could each dedicate a ride to her memory. It sounds silly, but if we could each hold a little sign saying as much and have someone take a picture, we could assemble them in a slideshow and present it to the family. It may take a couple of weeks to get it together, but at least the family would know that the cycling communities across the world are remembering her. Just a thought, maybe someone else can come up with something more creative.

Great idea, Brandy. If we get even a few of us in each city where we live to ride in Jennifer's memory, and send a montage of photos to her family, it would be great. It may also serve as a little protest against violence to women...but the main thing would be to honor Jennifer.

[Nanci]

We could do it the day of her official memorial ride. If it's the 26th, that's the first day of my vacation. Maybe my bike club group could ride "in her honor."

[pooks]

I like that idea, too.

[Pedal Wench]

If y'all do that, I'll try to contact our local papers to make sure they know that this is so much more than a local concern (with everyone's approval). This way, the family might know that the entire country/world is thinking about her. I'll be at whatever memorial ride gets put together, and I think the numbers are going to be staggering.

[Denise223]

I thought of Jennifer when we were out enjoying a beautiful ride today.


Originally posted by Brandy: It sounds silly, but if we could each hold a little sign saying as much and have someone take a picture, we could assemble them in a slideshow and present it to the family.

That doesn't sound silly at all Brandy, it's a wonderful idea.

Perhaps we could have T-shirts made up with Jennifer's picture and a saying that "Her Beautiful Memory Lives On". It would be nice to find a company (or companies), to donate the T-shirts - which then can be purchased ? through a website, or 1-800 #. It would be wonderful if these t-shirts can be sold through various bicycle websites, and local bike shops, etc....

A fund could then be put together in Jennifer's honor, to help her family with finances, etc...

Running Mommy I think you've come up with a great idea.... Jennifer has really touched all of our lives, and no doubt touched lives throughout the world.

Have a peaceful evening.

Denise

[crazycanuck]

First, your hearts are in the right places...

The idea of people taking pictures of themselves with a small sign & then sending it to the family sounds fine to me. I'll do it-just let me know where to send it & will work on it.

I hate to tell you this but this crime wasn't reported down here in the major papers-It's nice you want people overseas to send their thoughts to the family but you need to realize that this is not news in some areas of the world. I checked The Australian, The CBC & the bbc...

Had I not read this post I wouldn't have known about the crime....Again, your hearts are in the right places...It's great you want people to know & make people aware of dangers to cyclists everywhere.

c

[fatbottomedgurl]

I'm all in.

[pooks]

If someone wants to organize a ride in Dallas, please announce it.

Otherwise I think even as individuals the idea of holding up a sign and taking pics of our rides is a great idea. Those who can bring several people together -- that's terrific. Otherwise, doing it singly works.

I don't think it makes any difference whether it was picked up by local news or not. I have no idea if it has been in Dallas newspapers. The fact is, the bicycling community knows and cares, and that's what we're saying.

[Trek420]

pooks "I don't think it makes any difference whether it was picked up by local news or not. I have no idea if it has been in Dallas newspapers. The fact is, the bicycling community knows and cares, and that's what we're saying."

has this been announced or suggested on BJ? Seems a good way to get the word out to a wider audience?

How would I get a photo to the family? I suppose they could be sent to her church? According to the paper that's Buckhead Church at 4967 Roswell Road.

I'd already been invited to an ALC ride that day, but just found out that it's the division training/meeting for the Aikido Association. More important Eva, a woman from Poland who I've trained with will be testing for 3rd degree black belt there. I think I should go and see that, I can take a picture there too if this collection is being done.

[pooks]

I think the idea is just being tossed around here, but if it were firmed up it shouldn't be too hard to get the word out to other forums, etc., right?

[Running Mommy]

Ok, I just got back from my tri in so cal and I was happy to see that we have a spark. I *may* have a line on inexpensive t-shirts that we could get screen printed and take a picture of ourselves in the tee with our bike.
I'm thinking of having it say " A woman should never be afraid to ride alone" and say "in memory of...." at the bottom. What do you gals think? I can look into it. Nothing fancy, just a nice simple tee. And I really like the idea of sending a picture to the family with a note of condolence. I think I'll also find a charity to send some $$ to in her name. I just want them to know she didn't die in vain.

[Bikingmomof3]

Keep us updated Running Mommy!

[Trek420]

did she have a favorite charity? It's often referenced in the obit.

there is an online guest book formed for people to post a message

http://www.legacy.com/Atlanta/Guestbook.asp?Page=GuestBook&PersonID=18695293

[cherinyc]

I want to keep following this case, to see what ends up happening with the law and/or safety precautions on trails, etc. I just read this update from 11 Alive news in Atlanta. It's very disturbing that this man was ever allowed to be free in this country.
http://11alive.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=82755

[JLD]

........It is as sad as the case of the young woman (Ardeth Woods), who was killed while riding her bike on a hot summer's day on our eastern pathway system here in Ottawa Ontario Canada. It took almost two years to get the bastard that did it--and it forever changed the way we look at cycling here in the nation's capitol. My heart goes out to her family--and may they find some peace in the good fortune the suspect has been caught.

[pooks]

I went back into this thread to find the links to post in my blog entry (http://planetpooks.wordpress.com/2006/09/22/if-attacked-fight-back/) today and ended up rereading the entire thread. I'm bumping it in case others want to as well. It brought tears to my eyes, especially following the links and remembering those days when we were waiting for more info and better news than we finally got.

Also, I think we should start a new thread tomorrow for people to post pics of themselves "riding for jenny" wherever we are.

Tomorrow's the day.

Remember Jenny.