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The Ride of Silence, Dallas TX

May 21, 2008

Yesterday was the second time I have ridden this memorial to cyclists. There was a powerful feeling of unity with the hundreds of strangers who silently rode the lake with me. I recommend the ride to everyone whether like me, you have no personal experience with road injuries, or you use this time of silence to think of friend(s) you want to honor.

After running the Ride of Silence at White Rock Lake in Dallas for the third year I have figured out the process and, even though we had a glitch with the parks dept. about construction at the start/finish area, we ended up using T. P. Hill and everything worked out just fine. I am impressed with the amount of wonderful cyclists who come out and support the ride. The riders were courteous and rode two abreast for the most part. I wish to thank the Dallas police, the parks dept. my Ride Marshals and parking lot volunteers, Doug the bagpiper ( who plays so well! ) and Coach Chris Phelan for his constant support. The D.A.T.E.S. tandem folks were out in force again and we had empty stoker seats. Their standing by the bagpiper, at the end as he played TAPS, was very moving. Bicycling Magazine was out to do a photo shoot of a few of us and we are looking forward to seeing the article about our ride. My respect for the Dallas cycling community is without equal. Thanks to all who participated!
Gail Spann, Event Director of the "Mother" ride, Ride of Silence. Dallas.

May 2007

Once again I wish to thank everyone for coming to the Ride of Silence in Dallas at White Rock Lake. We added a few new memorial aspects to the ride this year with the participation of D.A.T.E.S. ( Dallas Area Tandem Enthusiasts Society ). They left the stoker seat empty and had lilies and black ribbon, or helmets on them to signify the loss of a rider.
We also had a trumpeteer play TAPS at the end this year while still keeping the traditional bagpipes at the start with a rendition of Amazing Grace.
The ride marshals were a true help again this year, thanks to all that volunteered.
With fabulous weather it truly was an evening for pondering the loss of our friends....
Gail Spann
Event director

May 17, 2006

As the director of the Dallas White Rock Lake Ride of Silence I want to thank everyone for coming out and supporting our efforts. We had a bagpiper send us off with Amazing Grace, and we rode around the lake quietly. The ride marshals were a GREAT help in keeping people organized and from passing others. When we finished, we all lined up on either side as Coach Phelan, the founder of the ride, rode through with fist raised to the tune of Taps played by the bagpiper. Very moving and emotional. The Mayor of Dallas proclaimed it Ride of Silence Day.
LAB board and staff were there to ride, as was Bud Melton...Chair of the TBC. We had staff from the Mayor's office there also to ride.
BikeDFW board member, Michelle Holcomb, rode with us also.
Thanks again for making this ride such a huge success!
Gail P. Spann
Ride of Silence, Dallas

May 19, 2004

I would like to say that was one of the moving experiences I have come across in my cycling life. The turnout was tremendous and with a average speed of about 11mph around White Rock allowed me to see things you normally don't see on a regular 21 mph day (no speeding cars, no talking, no nothing). The rider line up at the completion gave me goose bumps with the fellow riders just nodding and acknowledging each other knowing the real reason for that moment. God Bless fellow cyclists and watch for the haters.89