A memorial bicycle ride is planned Saturday morning in Martinez, California, for a Contra Costa Cycling Club cyclist killed on Monday.
Mark Pendleton, 49, was struck head-on by a hit-and-run driver between 5:30 and 6 p.m. on Monday. Reconstructing the collision from debris at the scene, investigators say Pendleton was heading south and when he was struck by a northbound dark truck or SUV that had crossed the double yellow line.
The city of Martinez is offering a $5,000 reward for information that leads to the arrest of the driver; a member of the Alto Velo Bicycle Racing Club in Los Altos has kicked in another $5,000.
Rode with sons
Friends say Pendleton started cycling after a doctor prescribed that his younger son, John Mark, take up the activity to recover from a knee operation. He competed in amateur races with his older son, Paul, and his wife, Denise, started riding with him.
He was returning from one of his favorite training ride routes when he was hit.
The public memorial ride is planned to start at 11 a.m. Saturday in front of the “9-11” memorial at the Martinez train station. Some 50 cyclists are expected to participate in the ride. A memorial service is scheduled for 1 p.m. at Connolly & Taylor, 4000 Alhambra Ave., in Martinez.
The East Bay Bicycle Coalition has placed a white ghost bicycle at the scene on McEwen Road, about .3 miles north of Franklin Canyon Road.
Although the collision didn't occur in Martinez, the city is offering the award because Pendleton was a long-time city resident and member of the local bicycle team. Anyone with information can call the CHP at 800-TELL-CHP or 925-646-4980.
El Tour de Tucson
Meanwhile, the hit-and-run driver in last weekend's El Tour crash contacted police through his attorney, according to the Arizona Daily Star. His name was released because he hasn't been arrested.
One of the 10 cyclists that struck the car making a left-turn, Gary Stuebe, 41, of Surprise, was transferred to St. Joseph's Hospital in Phoenix and is still in critical condition. CyclingNews reported Wednesday that he was still in a coma.
Picture posted on the Contra Costa Cycling Club website.
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