Published: April 30, 2007 02:54 pm      

Local cyclists plan to take part in Ride of Silence

A local “Ride of Silence” is planned in Mineral Wells for May 16.

The event will take place beginning at 6:30 p.m. at 214 S.W. 26th Ave. at Dr. Ramsey’s parking lot adjacent to Palo Pinto General Hospital.

“We are riding in memory of all cyclists who have lost their lives riding on public roads,” said ride organizer Iris Stagner.

In May 2003, Chris Phelan organized the first Ride of Silence in Dallas after endurance cyclist Larry Schwartz was hit by the mirror of a passing bus and was killed. It was intended as a one-time event, but as word got out about the ride, many cyclists contacted Phelan with the desire to participate in this event.

Over 700 cyclists are killed each year while riding. The Ride of Silence is similar to a funeral procession. The ride will be slow (max 12 Miles/19 KM per hour). There will be no talking, only silence, to remember those killed; black armbands are worn their memory while red armbands are worn for those injured while riding.

Contact Stagner at (940) 745-1034 for more information.