Death in the family

Day 4, June 25
Odessa to Spokane
75 miles

It is with tears and a heavy heart that I report that one of our little group of riders was killed today in an accident with a car. It happened on an open stretch of Washington State Highway 23 near Davenport, Washington, one of the safest-appearing sections of road we've traversed so far. The road was wide and lightly traveled. At one point I timed the interval between cars at 8 minutes. There was a wide bike lane on either side of the road. The weather was clear and hot.

Many details are not yet clear, and his name has not been released as police search for next of kin to deliver the sad news. We do know that he was struck in mid-day by a driver in her thirties who did not appear to be impaired by drugs or alcohol, police said. He was killed instantly by the impact.

I had ridden with the victim about an hour before the tragic accident, and we'd chatted about a son he was very proud of. A short time later, he was with a group of us at a water stop in a little town. When a local couple out on a walk came by, he engaged them. "Tell us about your town," he said, and we talked to the couple for pleasant several minutes until it was time to hit the road again.

Although I'd said in an earlier post there are three recumbent bikes and trikes on our cross-country ride, there were actually four. The victim was riding a Ryan Vanguard, one of the earliest commercial recumbent bikes available. It's an extremely long bike with the handlebar mounted under the seat. A rod connects the handlebar to the fork so the bike can be steered. He had purchased it directly from Dick Ryan, the builder, at least 15 years ago, he told me. Ryan later sold the company, and very few Vanguards are seen these days.

At a group meeting tonight, several riders wept as they told stories of our new friend, now gone forever. A sheriff's department chaplain brought some details of the accident and advice about how we can cope. The ride will go on. My wonderfully sensible wife told me on the phone that that some activities we really want to do merit taking clear risks. Otherwise, she said, "life's not worth living."

Comments

[Jim Rudnicki]

Bill,
Words fail me upon reading this post. Myh condolences and heartfelt support as the trek continues.

[Charles Mitchelmore]

What heart-breaking news, Bill. Ann's right, of course, but that doesn't make it any easier. Our thoughts and wishes are with you in a now even more difficult task.

Love,

Chuck and Laurana

[jr]

My most sincere condolences to the family of that rider. I recently lost my father but we had a few weeks warning before he went, I imagine it would be even harder not having had a warning.

It's very true that we regret the things we didn't do in life more than the things we did. Even if he didn't make it to the finish, I think it should bring some comfort that he was living his dream.

If the family allows it, please share any info regarding the rider when appropriate. We're a dedicated community, and I'd think a few of us would like to express our condolences...

[kurt ribak]

The victim, Phil B. Smith, was a much beloved figure on the WELL, one of the earliest (and still extant) online communities. He will be sorely missed.

He was known as a very entertaining guy, a very nice guy, and a devoted father.

[Scott Mauvais]

I only met him f2f twice, maybe three times but I always enjoyed reading his words. I learned so many things about topics that I didn't even know I was interested in.

Such a loss...

Safe passage, pbs.

[Ron Blair]

My sincere condolences to the family of the lost rider and to you and your co-riders. I read your blog and enjoy it. My you all continue to the end safely.

rjb

[Rich Thomas]

Jeez Bill, what a disaster! Please show some Day-Glo, fore and aft. Rich

[Mark Ballock]

Bill;

I'm very sorry to hear about the death of your fellow rider on this trip. Please give his family my condolences. It brings home how vulnerable riders are on the highways. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your group as you continue your journey.

Ride Long and Ride Safe

Mark Ballock

[Jim]

A couple of days ago on my tour an oncoming car four lanes away targeted me, swerving across the wide road and turning to keep pointed at me as I undertook evasive maneuvers. As long as the legal system fosters the perception that targeting bicyclists is without consequences such needless tragedies will continue unabated.

[Linda Martinez]

Condolences to Phil's family and to all of you who shared his sense of excitement and adventure on this trip. We all know we're vulnerable on our bikes so we have to be careful but still, there is no better way to experience our nation than from the seat of your bike. Take care, everyone, and savor the moment