Lost in OK

So, I’ve been reading the comments sections of posts while doing research for OKCBicyclist.com.  Some of them, like the comments in this article, just make my blood boil to the point where I sometimes feel the overwhelming urge to reply.  In times like that, I should remember the following quote from Neil Stephenson:

Arguing with anonymous strangers on the Internet is a sucker’s game because they almost always turn out to be—or to be indistinguishable from—self-righteous sixteen-year-olds possessing infinite amounts of free time."

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From KFOR News Channel 4:

Another bicyclist was hit while riding. It happened about 6:30 p.m. Wednesday. As word spread in the cycling community, so did concern about the growing number of cyclists who are injured or killed because of a crash with a car. Wednesdays crash happened near Northwest 150th and Penn. Cyclist Zack Perkins was so seriously injured that paramedics rushed him to the hospital by medical helicopter.

via Competitive cyclist hit by car - KFOR.

Well, new isn’t entirely correct.  However, local cyclists and prominent OKC Bicyclist commenter Susan Lash has refashioned her “Life ~ Loves ~ Pursuits” blog as an excellent bicycle advocacy blog called For the Love of Bikes (http://www.loveofbikes.com/).  The site is packed with good cycling tips, local and national advocacy stories as well as personal stories of her tours and trips.  I highly recommend all area cyclists to bookmark this great resource.

Yeah, I know I only seem to be posting photos these days, but hey, at least I’m posting something . . .  Here are some pictures from the 2010 State Fair of Oklahoma:

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I know I tweeted about this possibility awhile back, but I’m just now getting the story published.  In any case, charges have been filed against James Hazzard in the death of Debra Miller:

A negligent homicide charge was filed Thursday against a man who drove off state highway 51 and killed a Stillwater bicyclist riding on the shoulder, District Attorney Rob Hudson said.

Edmond resident James Michael Hazzard, 20, could spend up to one year in a county jail if convicted of the misdemeanor charge.

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Here’s a nice article about sharing the road from a member of the OKC Police Department bicycle patrol.  This guy hits the attitude just right on how things should be out there on the road.  Of course, this is my favorite quote from the article:

Drivers should give cyclists even more than the required three feet when practical, Smith said.

via Cooler weather in Oklahoma could mean more cyclists | NewsOK.com.

Photo by: Michael Kesler

The following email was sent along to the Oklahoma Bicycle Society mailing list:

In Mid October we will be starting a bridge rehabilitation project for the City of Oklahoma City, which involves the re-habilitation of the truss bridge on the north side of Lake Overholser.

We will be removing the concrete deck and replacing the floor beams and related structural steel items and placing a new concrete deck.

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I’m always glad to see the Oklahoma cycling community coming together to remember those lost on the roads.  In this case, fellow riders have erected a bench to Beverly Duffield, a cyclist killed last year in a auto related crash:

Friends of avid cyclist Beverly Duffield gathered at one of her favorite trails Sunday to honor her life and remember the tragic circumstances of her death.

Duffield, 74, was hit and killed a year ago this month by an SUV that ran a stop sign. She was pronounced dead at the scene near a U.S. 75 exit ramp at 17th Street in Tulsa.

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On October 16th, a version of The Ride for Refuge will be held in Oklahoma City.  There will be 5, 15, 30 and 45 mile routes.  This is a fundraising ride which raises funds for displaced, vulnerable and exploited persons around the country and the world.  The ride will kick of at 8:00 AM at 1201 North Robinson Avenue here in OKC.  You can find full details about the ride at: http://www.rideforrefuge.org

Next weekend is the inaugural incarnation of the Race the Rail ride in Watonga, Oklahoma.   This 32.5 mile ride will pit your speed against the AT&L Railroad.  The registration fee is $35 dollars and all participants will receive food and drinks at rest stops, a commemorative cow bell and free admission to the Watonga Cheese Festival which is also on Saturday.  Online registration closes on the 7th (sorry, I’ve fallen behind a bit).  Full details can be found at: http://www.racetherail.com