It was a beautiful day for 11 riders ranging from 37 to 101 miles We started out going thru Manlius on the parade route and was given kudos by the parade announcer Greetings were given by kids and adults to us There were 4 century riders, Three in the 80's One metric And two doing the 37 ( a married couple) who rode to the start point

Only one incident was reported as witnessed by the ride leader Only 2 miles till the end, on Salt Springs Road, a blue van came out in front of Dale making a left turn Dale did a fishtail with a hard braking to avoid the tail end of the van, went down and off he went into the ditch at 30 mph I was at least 10 bike lengths behind There were several witnesses and one called 911 and said that a car hit a bike rider
Within a minute there were fire trucks, ambulance, and police on the scene Dale had emerged from the ditch and on was on all fours trying to compose himself I saw blood coming from his arm and hand I had motioned for the driver to return and she did Dale was saying he was OK and I think he wanted to just continue and finish the century but the police and ambulance wanted him to be checked over for unknown problems I talked to the woman and she said that a person she knows stopped to let her out of the complex and she made the left turn in front of Dale She said that she looked twice before turning Funny thing is that she is an OCC member So even our members can make bad choices as far as bike riders go

Dale didn't want to press charges so away everyone went Dale's bike stayed on the road and he went into the ditch Didn't know how he got out of the pedals Dale as Dale is wanted to finish the ride and get the 101 in What a guy At the parking lot Dale showed me his helmet and it was cracked in the back Right side brake was pushed in But Dale is OK with a few bruises

I have been on Dale on three of the July 4th centuries and two times a car made a turn in front of him on North Eagle Village Road, and on the same driveway He made quick stops and I near went into him But this time there was a crash Dale did have his flashing front light going

So be vigilent and tell Dale it is good to see him

and I am glad to see I still have an intact riding partner