I don't know what the story is with Channel 5, hopefully it is on at 10, I really want to see it. They apparently tried calling right after I left work and I was riding down Minnehaha to meet with Sveden, Shanai, Hokan and a couple others to make sure that we're set for Saturday. Since I was riding, I didn't get to answer it, and I got an answering machine saying that they were closed for the night when I called back.

Edit: It looks like they posted this up today after I emailed them some links post-interview. I know the police released this information awhile ago, but it's good to see them putting it up online.

http://kstp.com/article/stories/S603802.shtml?cat=1

I will be riding the Root River Trail this weekend down south, but I will be thinkin' about the fallen this weekend and you all showing your support for our community. Much love.

Huh, didn't run. Or maybe I missed it when I was reading an email that made me cry.

They did find about 40sec to a minute to talk about how the pedestrian walkway on the 10th ave bridge was coming down on sunday, so it would be four lanes again.

It's six lanes, four for cars and two for bikes.

Maybe they'll run it in the morning. I'd hate to have to badmouth them on the internet for not supporting cyclists or something.

Edit: why did I say in each direction?

No, it wasn't run. We recorded it and I scanned through the entire broadcast twice to make sure I hadn't missed it. I hope it shows up tomorrow morning.

My friend in Louisville, KY just lost someone this week also:



She reported today that the girl's parent's took her off of life support.

Words to remember: please, y'all, wear helmets when you ride, be cautious on the roads, fight the good fight, hug hard, laugh loud, live it like you mean it. you won't get another try.

The Memorial ride was mentioned on KSTP this morning after the updated information about the vehicle that may have hit Jimmy Nissar.

Sounds like this is going to be huge...

I saw it on KSTP this morning as well. Didn't see an interview. They showed a map with info. on the ride. I'll be there for sure and I think another friend will be going.

I have to change my vote. A grass fire has once again popped up at work and we're drinking from the firehose.

I'll be stuck here for the entirety of the weekend.

I hope this is the right place to post. This is Jeff Bowar, Ginny Heuer's husband, the woman who was killed last Saturday at Summit and Snelling. I will not be able to ride as I am going out of town to be with family and friends, but I want to lend my support for the ride. It is another way to make people think about safety and slowing down to really look and see those we share the road with.

Her visitation and funeral was attended by about 1200 people - a testament to her love of life and love of friends and family. There is a huge hole in all our lives that makes no sense. She was to have left for Africa tomorrow as part of a mission trip that had been planned for many months.

I will continue to ride Summit Ave., albeit not right awway, and I will be working to get the city to repaint all the bike lane markings on the avenue, and I would like to see those small frontage roads where Ginny was struck closed down.

Again, thank you for your work.

Sincerely,

Jeff Bowar

Jeff,
Welcome and I am very sorry for your loss. Hopefully tomorrow's ride will be a strong reminder that we are out there whether they claim to see us or not.
Namaste,
Devin

A couple details:

1) Depending on turnout, there's a pretty strong possibility that we're going to need a megaphone at the start to talk to the riders and explain the route, how people need to behave, etc. Does anyone have a _real_ one that we could borrow? I know that lala has one, but I doubt it will be strong enough to reach a few hundred or more bikers. And there are 65 who said they'd show up just from the poll, I'm sure there are more that haven't replied. Please send an email to ghostbikempls [at] gmail [dot] com if you have one that we could use.

2) We are going to need some people to work as marshalls. I'm not sure how many, but if you are interested in helping keep this orderly and smooth, please show up at 10am for details.

Thanks to everyone for all your work and support on this. It's truly amazing to see the community coming together like this.

And Jeff, thank you for posting. There is part of me that worried that the families might not be OK with this, but it seemed like something that really needs to happen. I cannot imagine what you are going through right now, I just hope that this ride will help to bring some meaning and good from the senselessness of all this.

This is Jeff Bowar again. Above all, have a safe ride tomorrow. I'll check the media web sites for footage. They should cover this!

Good luck!

Jeff

Anyone know a source for orange ribbon or tape?
If yes, please post where, or buy some (and also
post about it) and you will be reimbursed at the ride.

Someone is bringing some orange tape. BTW, I think we will need a lot. Evil Jelly? Was that you bringing a roll?

In my hand I hold a roll of orange party-style ribbon....leftovers from a Halloween party a few years ago. Enough for many riders. I have to head out to work soon, but I can bring it with me! I'll be at Pizza Luce in St. Paul on Selby Ave, from 6pm till 4am. That being said, I won't be able to make it to the first stop in the morning, but me and a friend plan on joining up with the ride in Uptown. Let me know if you need it!