July 18, 2010 69 miles Rugby, ND

Last Friday my friend, Barbara Minnick, was doing what she loved to do - riding her recumbent on a long, flat stretch on a beautiful day with a light tailwind. Around noon our worst nightmare happened, as she was struck by a pickup truck that hit her back wheel.  The following link will explain.


http://www.kfyrtv.com/News_Stories.asp?news=41595

The accident was inexcusable and should never have happened. She has been my friend since 2007 when we did our first (of four) WomanTours trip together along the Mississippi River. The reality of her death has been devastating for all of us on this tour. Three of our group of 28 ladies who are from all over the country decided to return to their homes and families. The remainder of the group wants to complete the ride, believing that's what Barbara would choose to do. Her spirit is with us, and she is without a doubt in heaven with the Lord she loved.

We gathered this morning all dressed in our WT jerseys, and rode out together in silence for the first 20 miles. One of our group bought strands of black beads that we also wore. It was a beautiful morning with a 5-10 mph NW wind - just the kind of day any cyclist would love.

Ride on, Barbara, ride on with joy. . .