Pray for a cyclist today

I'm blessed to have the opportunity to ride my bicycle with the nicest bunch around. There is a core group of 8-10, but my extended cycling "family" includes dozens more.

We've ridden all over the country together, from the midwest to the south to the west. Through rain, impossibly steep rises, and long unending mountains we've stayed safe and had a great time.

Until about a week ago. On three different rides, 2 of them solo. Our group has suffered three tough tough accidents.

First Jim Frey. Out for a ride with some friends he was leading the group up Savage Hill -- a tough steep climb that levels, rises again, and yet again. The type of climb that is so steep, so hard, you actually pull your front wheel off of the ground. Which he did. He unfortunately leaned back and tipped over backwards, tearing his rotator cuff. He has surgery Wednesday @ 11:00 am.

And then Jim Derck. Out for a solo ride a pickup truck figured he could turn quickly before Jim reached the same spot on the road. He severely underestimated Jim's speed, forcing Jim to ditch into -- well a ditch -- to prevent from colliding with the vehicle. Jim is an emergency room doctor so at least he was in the best of care. Not yet confirmed but pretty sure there is at least one broken rib on the body, and definite damage to the bicycle as well. And no -- the truck did not stop.

And then Saturday we received even more bad news. Court was out on a solo ride when a driver decided that the stop sign at the intersection didn't apply to them. Plowing through the intersection, plowing through Court (who didn't have a stop sign, didn't have to stop). An 11 year old, no license, how did they get car keys?

This damage was more severe, but given the reality of running a stop sign God was certainly keeping an eye on Court. Two nights in the hospital, four or five broken ribs, and a 3" laceration of the liver. He won't be riding, or excercising, or working, for some time. But he is safe and alive.

These three are safe, confident, alert riders. Great guys all, always looking out for others. Jim Frey's accident was just an accident. But Jim and Court's were caused but a lack of consideration, a lack of care, and disrespect for others who use the roadway.

We try to control what we can, our own cycling habits, strength in numbers, watching what others on the road do. But we cannot control what you do, your lack of attention, your impatience, your desire to get to your destination just that one second sooner. Was it really that important?

Cyclists aren't angels -- we make mistakes, we run through signs. We are not always faultless.

But remember -- we are smaller and much more vulnerable. Give us a few feet, give us that additional second. Give us a chance.