Here in NYC, it’s the coldest it’s been in years (2F, -16.7C this morning) but those of you in places like Minnesota probably think this is April weather.
Speaking of Minnesota: Alex Pretti, a fellow cyclist was executed (let’s call it what it is) by ICE agents. One of the many memorial rides in his honor is, as best as I can tell, still scheduled to roll in Manhattan. I plan to be there.
As I am pedaling, I will also be thinking of another cyclist I’ve never met who was also senselessly killed. Last Thursday, a truck struck Patrick Franklin Sr, a longtime member of Florida’s Village Idiots cycling club and beloved member of the cycling, and Bradenton, community. He was 67 years old and riding alone on a non-club ride.
Sadly, Franklin’s fate is less shocking, but not for the difference (28 years) in age between them. Rather, as one club member said, “Florida is a death trap.” The so-callled Sunshine State has been, by far, the deadliest for cyclists for years.
He was 67. Alex was 39. But they both were cut down in the middle of their lives; so much of their journeys could have been ahead of them. I will ride for both of them.
