Sneaky Bastard

Last night, I rode with many other cyclists in the Ride of Silence in Thousand Oaks, CA. By my count, there were 70 riders participating, although I believe that number is low. Before the departure, J.C. spoke to the crowd, reminding us of the reason to assemble, and setting the proper tone. We tied ribbons to our arms. Black ribbons indicated that the wearer was mourning the loss of a fellow cyclists; a red ribbon that a person had been previously hit by a motor vehicle. Some wore both colors, but I think that wearing red has an implied message of mourning. We rode in silence. It was eerie being surrounded by so many cyclists, and hearing only the sounds of our bikes.

The Ventura County Sheriff’s Department was represented by at least three officers riding in the group on police bikes. I don’t know if they were on duty, or there in solidarity (or both). In any case, I think VCSD does a tremendous job. Of course, they don’t issue citations to all the people I would, but I’m a grumpy old man. Heh.

As usual, there were a couple of jackasses in attendance. I don’t know why so many fixed gear, big city bicycle messenger wannabes find it necessary to violate all the traffic laws and seek out confrontations with motor vehicle drivers. They had the stench of Critical Mass. For the most part, however, the event was conducted lawfully and with courtesy.

The CVC club site will have pictures from the event in the photo gallery. The local paper, Ventura County Star, reported about the event the previous day: Ride to Honor Killed, Injured Bicyclists. I imagine there will be another story to follow; I saw two news photographers there.