Kathys Memorial Ride Report
Well I arrived about 15 minutes before ride start there were 4 people there, two of whom were obviously not riding.
I thought, "I'm glad I came, there are so few here."
It was also very cold or what passes for cold here.
But as I got the bike down, checked the tires, found my full finger gloves riders came from every direction. Down the hill, through the park, both streets, bikes kept appearing.
Maury rode to ride start on their Calfee tandem, one of Kathys jerseys carefully folded and strapped to the stokers saddle.
We hugged and cried.
He said on his way there a driver rolled his window down and in a friendly way pointed at the bike
"hey buddy, you're missing something"
"yes, I miss her, she's dead"
Best to be honest at this time.
After a brief intro to the ride we set off. The only sound riders clipping in or out. We were not too far down when I heard someone ask if I was from TE (must be the AV vest and arm skins ). It was Deanna so we rode briefly together, I lost track of her at the memorial itself.
Thanks for letting me know about this and thanks TE.
At one point I fell back in the pack and could really see the line of riders, we went on and on. I heard someone say there were well over 100 riders, I'd guess far more.
Drivers and the community were aware of the ride; there was some honking (the short beep beeps of aproval not laying on the horn), a few cars flashed lights, others waved or gave thumbs up. I also was aware that as we got close to the church some cars would just drive next to us which felt like they were "protective" of us.
We got to the church and rolled in, my Mom was there. My Mom said she thinks this show of support must be very comforting to Kathys family. And she's been impressed by the kindness cyclists show to others and each other.
The service itself was very moving.
But I was telling Knott I'm having trouble right now with the whole pink fluffy clouds and safe with G** thang and she's safe with all the family that preceeded her.
Kathy, who was never mad at anybody and had a smile for everyone and every situation...I think she'd be p*ssed off. I know I am. I never got to ride with her. Can you believe we never did? "I think she's saying scr%w these wings, it's Dec 2 and perfect weather I should be riding with Maury"
Best to not get too philosophical here.
After the service and food I had to ride back. I'd been offered to put my bike in the back of someones car but felt like I needed a ride.
Club members told me the best thing would be hang out at the bike racks (Santa Rosa Cycling club brought racks and guarded our bikes) and find someone headed back to Howarth Park.
Did not take me long to find a very nice rider headed that way. We chatted as we rode back.
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Thank you all, from Maury
Hi all,
I'm Kathy's Fiance and Trek 420's cousin. I wanted to thank all of you for your love and support.
Losing Kathy so abruptly, and while things were so blissful for us, has been very hard. I'm an incurable optimist, but grief has a way of tinting everything.
Kathy loved life with so much passion that I feel a certain responsibility to honor her and our relationship by moving forward as best I can. I'm riding some and back to work. I've never been fond of being without a partner in life, however I'm finding the strength to be alone now. I need to remind myself that I've done the Terrible Two twice (Kathy riding the last few miles with me both times) and that I must have more inner strength than I sometimes feel. Right now just about everything brings up memories of her, and how memories are all I'll have of her now. I cry a bit then get on to the next task.
If you're in the area please give me a call and maybe we can take a ride. Riding is great therapy for me. MTB or road both fine. I know the roads and trails if you don't. HM. 707-579-9129/Cell 707-416-7244
Thanks again.
I'm happy to answer any questions you might have about Kathy or the accident.
