Two cyclists were killed by an allegedly impaired motorist last week. Tucsonan Ken Viera was one of them.
Viera organized a regular Monday ride and tomorrow’s ride will be in his memory.
Damion Alexander is organizing the ride and here’s what he had to say about Viera and the ride itself.
Ken was one of our special ambassodors of cycling. Many riders in Tucson owe there intorduction into cycling to his rides and encouragment from Ken. He was the type of guy who lead from the rear, making sure all the riders were together.
As Laurie Niemiec said ” I looked forward to a day off from work on Mondays due to a holiday because of his ride. He was so kind; he would pull off onto a side street to make sure those in the back of the pack (me) were okay and knew where to go.” Patrick Grant said about Ken “I live in Illinois and for the last two winters I’ve been in Tucson to cycle. Ken was the first person I contacted. I can’t believe how accommodating he and the other members of CCC are. His love of cycling and passion for helping newcomers were off the charts. He will be missed. Its little consolation knowing he died doing something he loved.”Jimmy Davis had this to say “I went on his rides quite a bit when I first started cycling. It was at beyond bread every Monday… Very sad he was an excellent person was always encouraging.” Michael Radcliff said “When I first started riding Ken taught me a lot about how to ride in a group. Super nice guy. He will be missed.
I can think of no better tribute to Ken than making sure that this Monday ride countinues to happen. I’m not sure of the size of the group, it might just be me, but I’ll be at Beyond Bread on Monday at 10AM, rain or shine, to pay tribute to a man who championed a passion that many of us share.
His ride left Beyond Bread (Oracle and Ina) at 10AM and was usually 25-35 miles. Monday route.. .Left lane on Oracle to Ina south, Ina to La Canada( we will definitly be stopping for a moment of reflection at Overton), Tangerine, Innovation Dr, Rancho Vistoso, w/option of Del Webb Loop; regroup@ Hohokam Park. Regular route back to BB for coffee, conversation, and camaraderie!
ken was my friend and best man at my wedding, he was always kind and we admire the way he lived his life and the faith he displayed…………Betty and I love him and will miss him dearly
This is so sad and moving. My thoughts go out to all of Ken’s friends and family.
Unlike my friend, Ken, I am not a Christian and therefore do not forgive this low-life that ran my friend down. I hope he spends the rest of his worthless life in rotting in prison.
I am so sad for Ken and his family. My heart goes out to all of them.
I was one of the people Ken helped to learn about riding in a group when I first started several years ago. My sincerest condolences to his family and friends. This is a genuine loss to the Tucson cycling community.