Memorial Ride

Last night, there was an 'Honor Guard Bicycle Ride' to honor and show support for a couple who were killed in an accident. Greg’s father, Gary Bruehler, had asked the cycling community to show their support in an email he sent to a friend. Myself, and about 300 hundred area cyclists showed up to ride.

Gregory Bruehler, 42, and his wife, Alexandra, 36, were riding tandem on Texas 16, about three miles north of Helotes at about 10:45 am, when a pickup that veered off the highway and plowed into them. The driver dragged the cyclists for about 200 feet before stopping. The accident killed Alexandria instantly and Greg died about an hour later after he was air lifted to an area hospital. The couple left behind a 7 year old daughter, Kylie.

The biggest insult to this story is that the driver was not charged, nor even received so much as a traffic ticket for his actions. This is truly tragic. These two seem to have so much to give and so much to live for.

Was he texting? Was he on the phone? What was the issue? Why was he distracted? Why did he go off the road? Driver inattention...is basically what it amounts to. I am outraged there's nothing we can do about drivers not paying attention here in Texas.

Last night I could not hold back my tears as I shook Gary’s hand. Greg’s father personally went down the line shaking everyone’s hand that showed up last night for the ride. It broke my heart to see little Kylie there in tears at the memorial service.

I did not personally know the couple, but wanted to show my support to the family. You can’t help but think that the next time this could be you. You can take all the precautions needed when out riding, but it will not matter if drivers do not keep their eyes on the road.