OMG..no.... Two local cyclists killed..third seriously wounded

[Tuckervill]

I didn't know that Matt and Christa had ties to Arkansas until I arrived at the Arkansas State Road Race this morning to drive lead vehicle. Many of the racers and organizers had ridden with Matt on the Tyson racing team. Others knew Christa from events and racing.

The Arkansas State Road Race began with a silent neutral start, in Matt and Christa's memory. An inscription was placed on the hardest hill so we could remember them once again.

There will be a Ride of Silence on Monday in Fayetteville, AR, in their memory, as well. (6:30 p.m., Holt Middle School).

Karen

[BabyBlueNTulsa]

I didn't know that Matt and Christa had ties to Arkansas until I arrived at the Arkansas State Road Race this morning to drive lead vehicle. Many of the racers and organizers had ridden with Matt on the Tyson racing team. Others knew Christa from events and racing.

The Arkansas State Road Race began with a silent neutral start, in Matt and Christa's memory. An inscription was placed on the hardest hill so we could remember them once again.

There will be a Ride of Silence on Monday in Fayetteville, AR, in their memory, as well. (6:30 p.m., Holt Middle School).

Karen

Oh gosh, that is really really nice. Both of them were really kind and well-liked.

[Tri Girl]

This is so tragic. I walked to the nearest BOK on Friday and donated a little to their fund. The teller is a cyclist and knew all about it. He said he lived in Tulsa and had ridden that road many times. He was shocked. That road is much like the highway I ride on (10 ft shoulder, light traffic, heavily traveled by cyclists).
They were doing nothing wrong and were murdered. So many scars are left on those still here dealing with it.

Our legal system is incredibly frustrating. You kill a cyclist and it's just a slap on the wrist. She had driven drunk before. She should have the book thrown at her and have many years in prison to sober up and contemplate her very bad decision. I feel for her too (don't pounce me). Her incredibly devastating decision that day murdered two people and changed hundreds of lives; that can't be an easy thing to live with for the rest of your life. She'll have to deal with that until her death.
My only hope is that some good will come of their deaths... whatever that may be.

[Tuckervill]

Today we hosted the Team Lewis & Clark Criterium as a follow up to the Arkansas State Road Race. People were there from Tulsa, and some of our team members who also raced with Christa, Matt and John. I got to hear some wonderful things about Christa. My teammate had spent a week in Colorado with Christa recently. Once again, the three of them were honored and remembered by tributes during the races, including wearing of special jerseys in their honor, and their names inscribed on the course.

Karen

[BabyBlueNTulsa]

That is really heartwarming. Thank you SO much for sharing. I'm guessing some of the BOT team (her teammates) were there? Matt's funeral is Tuesday over that way.



You know, there is such great love within our sport. Don't you wish more people would ride? The world could learn a lot.

[Tuckervill]

Yes, it was Cindy and Doug--I hesitate to put out their last names, but that should be enough for anyone who knows them.

Karen

[twin]

I am shocked at this horrific situation. We need to change our laws and the driver needs to pay for this crime. I am so sorry for the family and friends of these riders. I used to live in Tulsa and I am very familar with the area they were riding. It is an area that is ridden my many many cyclist. Its just so sad. In Norman a cyclist a few weeks ago was hit by a truck and has 16 broken bones and will have many surgeries and difficult days ahead. So so sad.

[BabyBlueNTulsa]

Yes, it was Cindy and Doug--I hesitate to put out their last names, but that should be enough for anyone who knows them.

Karen

Thanks Karen.

I went by the ghost bikes yesterday (Monday) and spent a little time thinking about/praying for them. It was more cathardic (sp?) than I thought itd be. People had been leaving pictures, Gu packets, Tulsa Tough cowbells, flowers and other momentos. Very touching. Before I left, I took a knee, crossed myself and said my goodbyes.

It should not have been...but we must all go on riding.

There is a group, Im' sure, who are planning to help push for stricter laws. I'm definitely going to join them and do anything I can to help.

P.S. Also nice to note... ALL cars gave us wide berth yesterday - everywhere.