As cyclists, there are things we fear happening to ourselves and our bikes.
As for what can happen to ourselves, the dire scenarios almost always involve crashes and injuries. Perhaps the biggest fear for anyone who rides in traffic--as I, a city dweller, do almost daily--is getting "doored." It's happened to me three times--once when I was riding in a bike lane, and the worst incident two years ago, which resulted in 30 stitches.
Then there is the fear of what can happen to our bikes. Some scenarios, like crashes, can damage or destroy both our bodies and bikes. But when it comes to what can befall the bicycle, theft might be the primary concern for many cyclists.
Another nightmare scenario has less chance of happening to me because I don't drive. But, on those occasions when I've gone to a ride with someone who does, I worry when my bike is attached to a rack, no matter how solid. Bumper racks expose bikes to more harm because, well, another car bumping the bikes instead of the bumper will have more dire consequences for the bikes than the bumper. But even on the best roof racks, there is a chance of something knocking the bike off.
I don't know which kind of rack Dara Gannon was using when she drove to a three-day training ride. She was preparing for a Massacusetts-to-Washington DC ride that honors police officers killed in the line of duty, one of whom was her husband.
The Yarmouth, Massachusetts resident saw her white Specialized road bike with "Gannon" stickers on it fly off her car. As if that weren't bad enough, when she turned around to retrieve it, it was gone.
Dara Gannon with her bike.
Not surprisingly, the police in her Cape Cod community have taken interest in her case. She and they hope that whoever "found" the bicycle will return it, as it means more than just a pair of wheels and pedals to her: She has used it for other rides like the one for which she was training.
Anyone with information about her bike can call Chief Frederickson at 508-775-0445, ext. 2156, or e-mail him at ffrederickson@yarmouth.ma.us.
