[Sigh] A Ghost Bike for Tom Thomas

 A ghost bike was installed this morning. As if there have not been enough of them put in place during the first three months of 2022, and only a quarter way through the year. On 24 February Tom Thomas was struck from behind by a motorcyclist traveling at a high rate of speed. He died two days later. Thomas was a City of Upland booster extraordinaire, serving as an elected official on the city council, and was one of the founders of the popular Tour de Foothills, which began in 2005 and has been associated with the city for nearly its entire history. 

The local cycling community, many of whom knew Tom personally, turned out this morning to share a bit of time with Tom Thomas's family, pay respects, share memories, remember not just a cyclist, but a friend, husband, sibling, grandfather, coworker, associate. I would ask drivers to remember that that bicyclist you are about to speed past is not some incidental obstacle between you and your destination, she or he, is someone, someone whose life is entwined with the lives of so many others as friend, spouse, sibling, grandparent, coworker, associate. As we see time and again, your attention is critical.

Thanks to Richard Mayo whose seemingly tireless efforts for the cycling community brought this memorial ride and dedication about. Thanks to Mark Ceccarelli, whose Competitive Edge Cyclery once again, stepped forward to host at beginning and end. Thanks to everyone who took time from their day to show the family of Tom Thomas that the cycling community cares right along with them.

the gathering

before heading out for a World Cup qualifying race in Alabama, Jenna Rollman came by to show her support

Bill Velto, Mayor of Upland announced that a park downtown was to be named in Tom Thomas' honor (I believe that is what he said - passing motor traffic made if difficult to hear)

Mayor Velto and Richard Mayo

family of Tom Thomas

post ride refreshments courtesy of Competitive Edge