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woaa, I had no idea. had been wondering where he was off to. Was just talking about his photos and hiss style on the last ride. Ride In Peace my Friend.
Sad news indeed; I had been wondering about him recently, too. He started doing Ridazz right around the same time I did (I first saw him on "The Dead Theatre Tour"), but it's been a while since I'd seen him on a ride. By the way, his first name was Mark.
So sad. I used to hang out with him on my early rides. He's the one who took my profile picture. I've been missing him on the rides, and now I know why. He was a great Ridah. We will miss him. He and his glowing recumbent is what inspired myself and many other to keep riding. I didn't really get to know him well. But he was a great man. What is his real name?
Condolences to the family. I remember seeing that recumbent with the glowing neon on the bottom. Just seeing him I knew I was were I wanted to be... with the greatest group of people ever.
Ride
In
Peace.
Aww. Man. Sooo sad. I remember seeing Glo Rider on some of my first MR rides and thinking how crazy his bike was! That was the 1st recumbent I ever saw up close, and he told me all about it. Super nice guy. R.I.P Glo! <3
This is definitely sad news. For the longest I was wondering where he was. You can never miss him on rides. On that trike... he was so low to the ground that when he finally got off that thing... he was a big guy. He would always let people give the trike a try cause he was the only with it. Always super friendly... unforgettable videos and photos.
My condolences to his family and friends. He will definitely be missed.
So sorry to hear this sad news. Mark was a rida that always made the ride more fun. I remember one of his last rides with us, he was letting anyone that wanted to ride his bike, to give a go at it. Even after one persons rode it accidentally off the curb, he was still letting people try it. Loved his contributions to the group.
I also was wondering where he's been. Just assumed he was busy with work or something.
Oh my god I was wondering what happened to him. Hadent see him on a ride in quite a while... I'm so sad to hear this. Rest in peace Glorider. damn.... man that hurts. He was really really good guy and his photos and videos were amazing. wow.
I'm hoping next 2nd Friday MR ride we can, at some point, pay tribute to Mark / Glo Rider - Let's all crack a beer for him and have some fun in his honor.
omg, this makes me really really sad. He was one of the first ridazz I met and talked to when I started Ridazz. It rained on one of my first rides, and he was there counting the ridazz. He was at 400+ when I rolled by him and asked him how many. I was wondering why I hadn't seen him or his pictures in a while.
Ride On buddy. I'm sure he's enjoying ridazz heaven, a place with a bunch of smooth roads with no cars, fields of mj and volcanos of fresh beer.
(my opinion) - Usually a Ghost bike is created for someone who was killed while on a bicycle, usually hit and runs, to bring awareness to drivers and the community about bicycle on the streets. I'm not sure if it would be appropriate to do that, if that is what you mean. I had the idea that we could just talk about him, give a moment of silence, and party in his memory - but not to take over whatever theme or idea somebody might have for the ride. Just my 2 cents.
This is really sad to hear. I was wondering why I hadn't seen him these last few months. Here's a shot I got of him at the July 2007 Midnight Ridazz "Sorcerers" ride:
Fuck, I remember this guy. He was the one person on a recumbent that you didn't have to worry about accidentally rear-ending (no offense, Benstrider). Friendly as hell, too, but you knew that already. Ride on, Mark/ Glo Rider.
This is an extreme blow to the community.
I saw some of his videos and always wondered when I would get to meet him in person to compare our rides.
Well, sucks he had to go out that way, but now he's in a better place, bombing down some celestial, MaryHill.
Does anyone have contact with his family. I'm guessing that the user noridda is related in some way. If we do this ride for him, as I think we should, we should let them know. Maybe work out some thing with them? All I know is that Glo Rider partied hard, through the night, with the rest of us.
I remember Glo Rider would cork from his recumbent! Not much more than two feet off the road, facing down the cars. Maybe making videos or taking cool pix at the same time.
One of my first rides... I was my second ride (the one where we ended up at that one park in Hancock Park and the airship shined its lights on us while BBD played "Welcome to the Jungle"... he corked up 6th street in that low recumbent of his against these big ass cars... freaking no fear.
And yes... I remember him just counting away... he was up to 1200 i think.
I'll always remember the glow.... and that flag of his...
Sad news indeed, like many I was wondering what happened to him. I'm glad I had a chance to meet him. I remember both of us getting lost ,after a ride, and found ourselves on La Brea and Sunset. He was one of the fixtures of the early MR rides, he will be greatly missed.
so i'm a bit confused. the first photo of 'glo rider' looks like the guy that works at the bikerowave and carries that huge camera with him all the time. but the photo of the recumbent rider looks older. is it the same person or are my eyes googly?
Not sure exactly what pics you're referring to, and I don't know the guy at Bikerowave, but I don't believe it's the same guy. Glo Rider Mark was an older guy (50's ?) and lived in the valley, I believe.
You are thinking of Gern at the Bikerowave. It's two different ridazz. Gern works with in the movie industry and is real busy catching up from the strike. He was one of the major pieces in getting BBD's sound system up and running. He donated the sound system that is still in service delighting all the ridazz.
I really liked the route we took for Rollers B-day ride. I think we should have one or two spots away from traffic that we can stop and chill for a little while. The B-day mentioned had some great spots over looking LA.
That route has a pretty good hill (through Elysian Park) on it, but I'm game. We could start at Pioneer and end at Echo Park if we like.
I think that the shot of Glo Rider in the banner above may have been taken at Angel's Point in Elysian Park; I certainly remember him being on that ride.
Who knows where we can get a crap load of Chem-lights (aka Glow Sticks) for CHEAP? For the Rave Ride, there were about a zillion sticks being passed around, and stuck on everything... We want all kinds of lights and brights for this ride.
The 99cent stores and other $1.00 stores usually sell a pack of 20 sticks for $1.00. Thats where we bought them for the rave ride! They look incredible going down a dark street.
I received this response From Mark's family. I hope we get a good turn out, and I appreciate with whatever help you all can assist in making the ride come together. Get your glow stuff!
-----Original Message-----
Dear Joe,
Thank you for getting in touch with me. Our family is moved and honored by your and the ridazz words about Mark and by the upcoming glo ride. I'll spread the word to our riding friends.
Midnight Ridazz were truly a beloved community for him, and I think the glo ride is the kind of thing he would have heartily approved of! As you know, he was also an avid photographer, so maybe taking and posting a collection of those light-writing photos he liked would be a good tribute. His full name was Mark Amos Nealey (initials=MAN). He loved to ride and to drum, to shine his light and to make films.
Thank you also for asking about our documentary, "Preacher's Sons". There will be a screening next Thursday, April 3rd, at 7:00 at the Laemmle One Colorado in Pasadena. It's a benefit to help pay his medical expenses - $10 suggested donation. There's also a memorial service at 6:30 on Friday, the 4th, at Neighborhood Church in Pasadena (301 N. Orange Grove, just off the 210). All Ridazz welcome.
If you come to one or both events, please introduce yourself to me.
Peace,
C
Rev. Joe H. Borfo wrote:
Dear C,
My name is Joe, and I was a friend/acquaintance of Mark. I used to ride with him on the Midnight Ridazz rides. I will miss his company and so will many other of us who ride.
Firstly, I am curious about the progress of the Film you and he had been working on. I am interested in seeing the full version of this documentary, and I would like to know if there will ever be a screening?
Secondly, as you were a friend and colleague of Mark, I would like to express my condolences on your loss and let you know about the Memorial Ride that we plan on having for him on April 11th - More details are here : http://www.midnightridazz.com/viewStory.php?storyId=1126
We were wondering if there was anything special we could do for Mark at the Memorial? You knew him probably better than any of us, so that why I am asking. Also, if there is any way you could help me to pass on this information to other friends and family, it would be greatly appreciated.
Sincerely,
I'll post a ride for this on Friday, we will meet at the Gold Line stop by where the old bike oven was, and a sweet chill ride up to pasadena. I remember this route from the protest of "no riding 2 abreast in Pasadena" when counsel was banning bikes in groups.
I've got a route in mind now thanks to Danny Zuko.
I'm still debating on the start location. TBA
I buying a ton of glow sticks in bulk, I'm hoping people will want to chip in.
Mark's brother, Jason, was kind to write back to me about Mark.
I just have to share it with you:
----------------
"My name is Jason Nealey & I wanted to say how great it is that the Ridazz are dedicating this ride to Mark he really loved being part of your club/movement .
Mark loved listening to the blues , He was instrumental in my becoming a cyclist which I've passed on to many people as well, he gave me his Italian road bike when I turned 18 and I never looked back .
I ride road and mountain bike and wish we had an organization like yours here in Seattle .
Hope to see you at the memorial and or screening .
I'll make it a point to come and say Hi when the Ridazz are present , I read the forum RIP GloRider, it was so moving I had to share with my Mom she was also deeply moved by the sentiments of the people who knew him well and those who barely new him, got to see him riding in the Sorcerers witches and warlocks ride video and that was great .
Thanks Again ,
Jason Nealey "
------------------
I also have to say that I myself was affected by hearing about Mark's death - At the Sorcerers, Witches, & Warlocks Ride he spoke to me for a while at a rest point, and I remember vaguely that he mentioned he was diagnosed with cancer and he wasn't sure how things were going to turn out. I can't remember what I told him, but i was being positive... I had forgotten all about that conversation until recently.
I hope Ridazz can make the screening on Thurs, or the memorial on Fri.
I plan in doing both. There hasn't been a posting of the rides on the right here in regards to these two days. Is anyone planning on doing these two events? That's the movie and the services.
he's definately and old school rider. i exchanged hellos with him a few times. he even told me he'd watch my bike once while i went into a liquor store. He is an awesome soul and he will be missed. So sad to hear that he is no longer with us in this world. he has moved on to better cycling paths and highways full of beautiful weather and celestial paradises. Ride on in heaven GLO RIDER. WHEN I SAY RIDAZZ, YOU SAY...
So yeah a handful of us went to the movie last night and it was quite remarkable I have to say. You should go out and see "Preachers Sons" if you get the chance! I'm not sure when the next screening is... but yah... okee... can't wait for the Glo-Ride!!!
There's also a memorial service at 6:30 on Friday, the 4th, at Neighborhood Church in Pasadena (301 N. Orange Grove, just off the 210). All Ridazz welcome.
Mark was one of my dearest friends.
Lots of scotch between us.
And I was there with him on the movie theatre ride.
I spoke at his memorial and hardly lived through it.
The man was magic and lived as we all should
like children riding through the night
thank you Ridazz everywhere for keeping him GLOWING!
rp
You gave a great speech at Mark's memorial. Allan and I learned a lot about Mark by jut attending the service and seeing his amazing Documentary last night.
Mark was an awesome man. I hope I live a life as full as he did. It was shorter than it should have been, but his life was great, and I'm glad that the Midnight Ridazz were a part of it. He deserves a great ride next week in his honor.
So, I don't peep the MR site for a few weeks and this is what I see. Mark was totally cool and will be missed for sure. I had the pleasure of riding quite a bit of the Warriors ride with him. Color me there for his Ridazz Memorial ride and I'll even put some glow sticks on my bike.
I'm so honored I can be a part of this, it's gonna be magic. I'll come out in full glo-force. Thanks you guys for organizing this! And thanks, Marc, for being an inspiration to fight darkness!
Slap in a bit of Doctor John, will you?
Maybe some Deleney, Bonnie & Friends.
Creedence?
Feel free to E- mail C if you want.
She's probably good with that.
rp
a few times after a ride, I'd pull into the N.H. station and see him loading up his machine to go home....we'd always shout out the "MidnightRidazz"..."ride on" exchange, smile, wave, and go on our way...
I ordered some assorted glo sticks... if the box gets delivered on time today, I will have some to sell. Except to Funanu.... why dont you ask Riss!!!!!!!!!!
Sad. I just lost a good buddy from cancer in Feb. It sad to hear Mark went through the same thing. I had the pleasure of hanging out with him on some of the rides. You'll be missed. Tonight I'm riding for Mark, my friend Albert and cancer awarness. Peace!
I pitty da fool that takes the Westlake/MacArthur Park metro stop to get there. Alvarado doesn't have much of a shoulder and the freakin hills??? There's a real steep hill right before the 101 underpass. But don't take my word for it, do one of those elevation plots and check it out.
Best stop to take is Sunset/Vermont. It will be more downhill, there's a lane, the scenery, like minded ridazz on this street,.............. did I forget anything?
I did a MR search under Glo Rider, and I wanted to share a few excerpts from Mark Nealey's posts from a couple of years ago:
~
Thanks, What A Party!
Thread started by Glo Rider at 07.26.06 - 11:54 pm
"My virgin cruise with the Ridazz was "The Dead Theatre Ride."
I've been on six or seven rides now, and I can't think of many things that bring me more joy. I don't know who does all the work, and I understand that there are cost involved, so I just wanted to say thank you....
Anyway..... I really just wanted to say thank you! You've done an amazing thing here in the last two years, and I think you will start a movement around the country and probably the world, if we can keep from being shut out by the man.
- - - -
Teach Ridazz Culture
Thread started by Glo Rider at 08.15.06 - 9:18 pm
I love the idea of making the ridazz find out about the rides by visiting the website. This give you a chance to inform all of us about the culture of the Ridazz. What's cool, and what's not.
If we always gave a lane to cars when they were around, and didn't' ride though uncorked lights, the police may be more inclined to look the other way, although I'm sure that none of them would ever be happy to see us rolling through corked lights.
I love the party, and adding rules for the ride goes against the basic spirit of the night, but if we keep blocking lanes and freeway exits for too long the police will bring it all to a grinding halt, and I would hate that most of all.
But even with 1000 riders, if we obey the traffic laws, I don't think the police will have the right to bust us. I personally don't want to stop at every red light, but sometimes in higher traffic spots, it might be a good idea. I think adding the paragraph about this at the top of the web site is a good move, but maybe a more prominent version would be useful.
Anyone have more thoughts about this?
Peace
- - - -
(in a response to a question about his bike)
They call it a recumbent trike. A tadpole trike has 2 wheels in front. A delta trike has 2 wheels in back. The tadpole style lets me get a lower center of gravity, and flipping over becomes a little bit harder. They roll over if you take a turn too tight at speed, so lower is better and faster.
I try to ride to work at least twice a week. It's about 9 miles each way. I've learned to ride more vehicular, and take the lane if I'm worried about space. It's up to every rider to look out for themselves but with a regular bike I think it's harder. I always have 2 mirrors, and use them. I look so different that most drivers are afraid of running me over sol they swing way wide. The most dangerous place is waiting at a corner to cross in the crosswalk. Act like a car and they will treat you like a car.
Mark
- - - -
Glo Rider's Documentary
Thread started by Glo Rider at 06.25.07 - 8:59 pm
Hello fellow Ridazz. Please forgive this off topic post.
Many of you have been photographed by me over the last 2 years. You also might remember me as the tall guy riding the glowing blue recumbent tricycle.
I trying to shamelessly promote our upcoming feature length documentary, and I'm hoping some of you Ridazz will view our trailers on youtube or myspace, and leave comments about them.
ON YOUTUBE = http://www.youtube.com/preacherssons
ON MYSPACE = http://www.myspace.com/ preacherssons
OUR WEBSITE = http://www.preacherssons.com
No matter what you think about same-sex parenting, your assumptions will be challenged as you watch this compelling story unfold over the course of five years. The Stewarts are an unconventional family, with surprisingly conventional values. Their odyssey is intimate and moving; but it exists within a wider context of the national debate over same-sex marriage and adoption. This film presents a rich body of evidence that encourages thoughtful discussion of these hot-button topics.
We're editing now, and our film will be finished this fall. We're hoping to affect the debate in the upcoming presidential elections, and any comments you leave that help start that debate are very welcome.
Thanks for any time you spend on this.
Sincerely;
Glo Rider
aka Mark ~
- - - -
~
Anyway, thanks for reading. I think Mark's wise words should be reconsidered in regards to the future if Midnight Ridazz.
Also, please try to support his wishes to have his documentary succeed. I've seen it, and it is remarkable. Support by encouraging others to see it - (Have this screened at Bike Oven?) - And spread the word to get it into distribution.
STARTING LOCATION: Pioneer Chicken Parking Lot (Echo Park & Sunset)
Total Distance -18 miles
Right on Sunset
Right on Griffith Park Blvd.
Right on Hyperion
Stop at 7-11 (Rowena & Hyperion)
Continue on Hyperion (Becomes Glendale)
Left on San Fernando
Left on Los Feliz
Left on Riverside
Stop at Mulholland Fountain (Memorial & Group Photo)
Continue on Riverside
Left on Fletcher
Right on San Fernando
Left on Ave 26 (Becomes Daly)
Left on Main
Left on Mission
Stop at Lincoln Park (Plaza de la Raza)
Left on Mission
Right on Cesar Chavez
Left on Alameda
Right on 2nd
Right on Glendale
Stop at Echo Park (END)
I cant predict when we will be where, but the first main stop is at Mulholland Fountain (Los Feliz&Riverside) @ 10:30ish
Hey has anyone else tried the microwave trick? It works as long as it's warm, but it goes dim pretty quick. Basically like a battery. You can charge it back up by putting it in the microwave and it will get bright again.
So yeah it works like in the video, but only for 5-10 minutes.
I'll be three with a gang of glo lights and I still love puppies!!!!!!!!!!!!
Warm pockets of air.. Plenty of beers.. Good company.. Awesome tunes.. This is a ride that was memorable.. MR rocks.. GLORIDER rest in peace.. You will be missed.
The tunes-the long downhills beneath the over passes- the fine arches on the bridges- the craziness at the fountain- and finally, the ringing of the bell-
GloRider was absolutely with us last night.
What an excellent ride.
rp
GREAT RIDE!!! A really good turnout and it felt like a lot of people were either surprised or sad that it ended! I loved the downs and ups especially the one epic down the bridge. The polize drunk checkpoint and the closed roads ("just for us!") were awesome! Ridazz know how to party!!! Back to sleep now...
THANK YOU BORFO for putting together such an AWESOME ride in honor of our friend Glo Rider. He was definitely there with us riding along like he always did and always will... it was such a peaceful yet FUN ride.
I think that route was KILLER. felt like and old school Midnight Ridazz hitting the east side in a righteous way and the after party at Angels point with the special photos I can't wait to see. The FOUNTAIN!! HAHAHA!! So cool. Looked like about 500 Ridazz? 600?
Simply one of the best MRs in along time. For me, it had it all. I can't say enough about the effort that Rev. Borfo (and anyone else who helped) put into this one, the route, the playlist, the overall vibe was fantastic, but most of all thanks for making this a fitting and touching tribute to Glo Rider. I think it was one of those nights when our positive spirit was infectious.
It was very moving for me to meet Mark's daughters and speak with them for a few moments. It drove it home even more for me when I realized that Glo Rider and I were the same age; maybe that's older than a lot of the folks here, but life seems so short sometimes. None of us knows how long we have on this earth. Make the most of it and try to leave something positive behind.
It was great seeing all the tribes and cliques come together and show love for Glo Rider. We got somewhat spread out but it was nice to have a fast group for those who wanted to get into their drops.
The after-ride was also amazing. For those who don't know Angel's Point, YOU DON'T EVEN KNOW!
Big thanks to all that made this ride a special and memorable ride. Glo Rider would have been proud of us. It defiantly had a great vibe to it. Great job done by all involved. Borfo your effort was greatly appreciated. You rock my brother! Great route by Danny? Whoever put that together, awesome job! The play list rocked.
My memorable moments were riding through the sobriety checkpoint. LOL I know those cops were laughing at the spectacle! Riding down a nice chill downhill. Lincoln Plaza was awesome. And of course my fav was going up to Angel's Point. Great night, and for me the ride ended too soon. Would have loved to have rolled at least another hour. Still all and all I couldn't have asked for a better night spent honoring one of our ridazz.
Yeah, I missed out on Lincoln Park, and the 2nd street tunnel when I got a flat up in Lincoln Heights, but anyway, great ride. My legs havent spun that hard in a long time... Oh wait, not that long, they did last weekend too.. damn freak bikes.
I E-mailed a copy of it to them, but a hard copy would be far better.
Mark's girls were at the fountain and I know I'd be a lucky man to have that many people ride in a memorial to me.
Let alone any one of them be willing to climb the fountain!
One of the best rides I've been on. So much
fuckingfun.
fuckingfun.
fuckingfun.
fuckingfun.
fuckingfun.
fuckingfun.
fuckingfun.
fuckingfun.
fuckingfun.
fuckingfun.
fuckingfun.
fuckingfun.
fuckingfun.
I've been shopping around for the specific lights to make my recumbent glow.
I feel that since I wasn't able to make it down to the Friday ride, least I could do is light up the desert-darkness.
Yo Ridazz,
I am really bummed to miss tis one. But really happy to hear that it went so well. According to Rllrz this was one of the best rides in a while and the vive was appropriately soulful.
There's no doubt the at GloRider was smiling down on this one.
Yeah... those things would be awesome to just have on other rides. I remember Richie had something like those once on his MTB.. I wonder how long it lasted him...
Those glow sticks stood out on the night shots at the fountain... so purty.
That spot over looking Dodger Stadium was a perfect place to reflect on things. A warm breeze... seeing the glow from the bikes... just a perfect spot. Thank you ridazz for a memorable ride...
my 10 foot glo wire lasted all night on a single 9 volt battery-
They sell it by the foot and in a myriad of colors as well as with other options of intensities and voltages.
rp
ps. sorry about the double posts in the photo gallery- beginner's luck.
-->
Ridazz Roulette!
This is a notice for those of you who know the pony-tailed wild man trikester glo rider.
One of my favorites of his. Of course, I am in it.
Yeah, it's making me remember; not that long ago really, and yet wow, how things change.
I'm hoping next 2nd Friday MR ride we can, at some point, pay tribute to Mark / Glo Rider - Let's all crack a beer for him and have some fun in his honor. 
Roadblock,
The masthead made my day.
that first photo looks like this guy, so i was confused.
TREN WAY BUNNY GANG!
Mark was one of my dearest friends.
RP,
PLEASE NOTICE THE CHANGE OF THE START LOCATION:
Hokey spokes are a ripoff, this chick from MIT has these that peep like more.
My own attempt at glo-writing, offered up in memory of Glo Rider.
One Last Thing...
RIP Glo Rider
Big thanks to all that made this ride a special and memorable ride. Glo Rider would have been proud of us. It defiantly had a great vibe to it. Great job done by all involved. Borfo your effort was greatly appreciated. You rock my brother! Great route by Danny? Whoever put that together, awesome job! The play list rocked.
One of the best rides I've been on. So much
I agree, but try to invest in some E.L. Wire , It's much more environmentally friendly than chem sticks are, and it's much brighter too!
I can make a print of it tonight at work we have a nice printer there. I'll make it as big as the file size will allow. Probably 8x10. 