Depending upon how we look at it, a finite period of time can either fly by or drag on for an eternity. Occasionally, both things seem to happen simultaneously; time can be both long and short, contingent only upon one’s perspective.
That’s how it seems with respect to the tragic death of Bike & Build cyclist, Christina Genco, whom I’ve written about on this blog in the past. She was struck and killed by a motor vehicle on June 6, 2011 while riding her bike through Alabama. She was leading a cross-country cycling trip with Bike & Build to benefit affordable housing groups like Habitat for Humanity.
It’s hard to believe that nearly two years have passed since her untimely death. I remember so clearly thinking about what had happened to her and writing about it. To use a timeworn cliché: it seems like only yesterday. Yet years have passed, almost without my knowledge, as I am reminded of Christina once again.
A year ago, one year after Christina’s death, the organization her family started to memorialize her and carry on her legacy held the first annual Christina Clarke Genco Mother’s Day Memorial Ride. As promised, one year later, they are holding the second annual Christina Clarke Genco Mother’s Day Memorial Ride.
This year’s memorial ride will be held on Sunday, May 12, 2013. It will commemorate Christina Genco’s life and raise funds for the Christina Clarke Genco Foundation. More specifically, “the Foundation has established three funds that target the following: 1) Affordable Housing; 2) Safe Biking; and 3) Women’s Lacrosse Scholarship. The majority of funds raised in the memorial ride will support affordable housing projects in partnership with Bike & Build and Habitat for Humanity.”
The Foundation is expecting this year’s ride to be an even bigger success than last year’s ride which saw “over 300 riders, over 100 volunteers, and the donation of $10,000 in support of Habitat for Humanity.” This year they are expecting 500 riders to participate.
Routes of varying distances will offer an opportunity for riders of different abilities to participate. Eite riders, recreational riders and families are all welcome. Four routes of 3.4, 17, 34, and 68 miles in length reflect the number 34 in honor of Christina’s lacrosse jersey number. All of the routes will begin at Newton City Hall, which is located in Newton, Massachusetts. Ride maps of all four routes have been posted for riders who want more detail about where the rides will take place.
Registration for the 2013 memorial ride has opened. Riders of all ability levels are encouraged to join a ride either with family, friends or by themselves if they’d like to meet some like-minded individuals in a friendly, cycling-oriented setting.
If you’re unable to ride, many volunteer opportunities exist as well. Opportunities range from ride marshals who help with minor mechanical repairs and injuries to rest stop crews, registration table assistants and assorted other activities related to organizing and running the event.
Aside from offering lots of fun, the day will be filled with food, music, prizes, and the joy of giving back to the community. In addition to the rides, and on a more serious note, a safe biking clinic will also be provided. Novice riders, and anyone interested in brushing up on their bike safety skills, should consider checking out the safe biking clinic.
For my many avid cyclist readers, please consider that this event is an excellent opportunity to honor the life of someone who died on her bike trying to do good things for others while doing good things for others yourselves. Also be sure to pass along the word about the 2013 Christina Clarke Genco Mother’s Day Memorial Ride to your cycling and non-cycling friends to help make this year’s memorial ride a smashing success.
