Why I’m Still Going To Ride My Bike [Guest Editorial]

An avid cyclist shares her thoughts on continuing to ride in the wake of the Kalamazoo tragedy.

At some point Janna and I became Facebook friends. To say Janna is an avid cyclist is an understatement- she has logged literally thousands of miles on two wheels, many of them fundraisers for cycling2give.

We've never met irl (in real life) but I sent her a message after reading a recent post and asked permission to share with you.

I want to thank everybody for your thoughts and concerns about the horrible bicycle incident in Kalamazoo. I'm grieving for all the victims I don't even know them. It could have been me.

I know all of you mean well when you tag me in posts about the incident. Again, I appreciate you thinking of me. I belong to a couple of cycling groups on Facebook and I have the latest information at all times , so tagging me in posts isn't necessary. It's actually making it worse. I'm seeing it plastered everywhere, and hearing it everywhere. It's like my heart was ripped open and breaks again every time. It's getting harder to fight back the tears.

And yes, I'm still going to ride my bike.

I'm still pedaling to Denver leaving on July 31st. I'm as safe as I can be, with flashing lights and a mirror so I can see who is approaching from behind me. I can't let this incident stop me from doing what I love. And when it's God's time to call me Home , I hope I'm on my bike. There be no other better way for me to be called Home - to be doing what I love. Let's face it, we're all going to have our day that will be our last - if my last day is on a bike then so be it.

So for now, please don't distract yourself when you're driving. Please don't drive under the influence of any alcohol or drug substance. Please please don't put yourself in a situation that this idiot put himself in. He cannot go back in time and fix it. It doesn't matter how sorry he is, he killed five people.

Please pray for me when you know I'm on my bike. Pray that God will wake up those are distracted, and pray that God will keep his head of protection around me. My children have a mother, my mom has a daughter, I have an amazing man and also friends that would have to live a life without me.

I'm going to keep pedaling on in memory of those in Kalamazoo.

‪#‎KalamazooStrong‬

Related Video: Kalamazoo's Ride of Silence