K9biker
12-28-2007, 09:21 AM
Ride for Ramon draws 100: Avid cyclist's death a reminder to not drink and drive
By Ivan Palacios
For Pacific Daily News
A year and a day ago, the tragic death of Ramon Oberiano, struck and killed by a car while on a morning ride with friends, sent the cycling community on Guam into shock. Yesterday, the Guam Cycling Federation held an anniversary ride to commemorate the late Oberiano.
Although the event was supposed to be a race, each of the riders and all of Oberiano's family members agreed to have a non-competitive ride to honor Oberiano. The more than 100 riders that participated rode in unison wearing yellow ribbons to place on a wreath at the memorial site in Piti.
At the crack of dawn, all the riders took off from MTB Outfitters in Hagåtña and made their way to the Polaris Point memorial site, escorted by the GPD's Highway Patrol. When they reached the memorial site, the riders joined in a small memorial service and prayer vigil. After paying their respects, the riders make their way back to MTB Outfitters for drinks and refreshments, where you could hear nothing but good comments and remarks about Oberiano.
Among the riders was Gov. Felix Camacho.
"This is a reminder to everybody on the roads to just be cautious and be aware that these cyclists are exposed to injury," Camacho stated.
"I am encouraging people to not drink and drive, especially during the holidays. Be mindful of others on the roads. This is a reminder of what drunken driving can do -- it can hurt people," Camacho also mentioned.
Event coordinator Tom Camacho recalled his friend and thanked everyone who helped.
"This ride was meant to honor Ramon and to pay him respects, it was a nice tribute to Ramon and his family. I would like to thank everybody who participated on the event, especially GPD, the Guam Cycling Federation for all their support, and wish them a Merry Christmas," Tom Camacho added.
Marieta Bello, Oberiano's sister-in-law and the family's designated spokeswoman, was appreciated the turnout.
" I am extremely overwhelmed with the outpouring of support by everyone in attendance, Ramon's death was not in vain. I just want the public to just be careful while driving and please don't drink and drive," Bello added.
"Ramon was very passionate about what he did, he left an important legacy to his wife and children and to the community as a whole. Let's all pull together and raise awareness about driving under the influence," Bello added.
By Ivan Palacios
For Pacific Daily News
A year and a day ago, the tragic death of Ramon Oberiano, struck and killed by a car while on a morning ride with friends, sent the cycling community on Guam into shock. Yesterday, the Guam Cycling Federation held an anniversary ride to commemorate the late Oberiano.
Although the event was supposed to be a race, each of the riders and all of Oberiano's family members agreed to have a non-competitive ride to honor Oberiano. The more than 100 riders that participated rode in unison wearing yellow ribbons to place on a wreath at the memorial site in Piti.
At the crack of dawn, all the riders took off from MTB Outfitters in Hagåtña and made their way to the Polaris Point memorial site, escorted by the GPD's Highway Patrol. When they reached the memorial site, the riders joined in a small memorial service and prayer vigil. After paying their respects, the riders make their way back to MTB Outfitters for drinks and refreshments, where you could hear nothing but good comments and remarks about Oberiano.
Among the riders was Gov. Felix Camacho.
"This is a reminder to everybody on the roads to just be cautious and be aware that these cyclists are exposed to injury," Camacho stated.
"I am encouraging people to not drink and drive, especially during the holidays. Be mindful of others on the roads. This is a reminder of what drunken driving can do -- it can hurt people," Camacho also mentioned.
Event coordinator Tom Camacho recalled his friend and thanked everyone who helped.
"This ride was meant to honor Ramon and to pay him respects, it was a nice tribute to Ramon and his family. I would like to thank everybody who participated on the event, especially GPD, the Guam Cycling Federation for all their support, and wish them a Merry Christmas," Tom Camacho added.
Marieta Bello, Oberiano's sister-in-law and the family's designated spokeswoman, was appreciated the turnout.
" I am extremely overwhelmed with the outpouring of support by everyone in attendance, Ramon's death was not in vain. I just want the public to just be careful while driving and please don't drink and drive," Bello added.
"Ramon was very passionate about what he did, he left an important legacy to his wife and children and to the community as a whole. Let's all pull together and raise awareness about driving under the influence," Bello added.