RIP Gustavo
Thread started by
enso23 at 01.6.10 - 12:32 am
I'm sad to say that my co-worker at REI Manhattan Beach, Gustavo Ramirez, was killed Tuesday morning after colliding with a semi-truck in Long Beach. I don't live in Long Beach, but I do know that they have a great bike community. I really don't know much about organizing a ride in his honor, so any help or advice would be greatly appreciated. Also, I would like to put up a ghost bike and would like advice on how to best go about doing that.
I'm not sure this was the best place to post this, but I didn't know where else to post. Thanks.
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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_bike
Talk to the people in the forums, they should be able to help you.
We need a bike, some welding time, and some paint.
I am very sorry to hear about this, this kind of thing is far too common.
A ride to the ghost bike would be a good idea.
TheDude01.6.10 - 12:41 am
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the
ghostbikes.org site seems down......
***If you are looking for ghostbikes.org, and information on ghost
bikes, you have come to the right place; however due to technical
difficulties the site is currently down. We hope to be back soon, our
apologies for the inconvenience.***
braydon responding to a
comment by TheDude
01.6.10 - 12:45 am
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I forgot to post his picture before. He was a genuinely nice guy and will be missed by all that knew him.
enso2301.6.10 - 1:09 am
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god bless his soul if you need any help just contact me here or email me @ apsrideatyahoo.com
Xray01.6.10 - 3:14 am
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I just made my first Ghost Bike, and I live near L.B.
Man, this is really sad news, but I know first hand that there are some bad roads to bike in LBC. and that something like this can still happen even on roads with wide shoulders and bike lanes.
All I need for the Ghost Bike is an old bike. I can pick it up.
I think a ride is in order too, and I can help with that.
lesliecaldera(hat)sbcglobal(dot)net
The sooner we do the ride and install the bike, the better.
Creative Thing responding to a
comment by Xray
01.6.10 - 6:47 am
reply
Cyclist killed by truck had close ties to ex-councilman
Posted: 01/05/2010 12:56:24 PM PST (LB Press)
LONG BEACH - A 30-year-old cyclist was killed Tuesday in a collision with a big rig on Shoreline Drive, authorities said.
The victim, identified as Gustavo Ramirez of Long Beach, was riding his bicycle eastbound on Shoreline Drive at about 10:30 a.m. when he collided with a big rig at the corner of Shoreline Village Drive, said Officer Jackie Bezart, a Long Beach Police Department spokeswoman.
Ramirez was part of the family of former Councilman Rob Webb. The bicyclist made regular rides on the bicycle to the Queen Mary from Ramirez's residence in Belmont Shore, Webb said Tuesday night.
Randy Terrell, Webb's stepson, said Ramirez was an outdoors enthusiast and on occasion would ride his bicycle to work in Manhattan Beach.
"He died doing what he loved to do, bicycling," Terrell added.
Bezart said a preliminary investigation showed that Ramirez was entering the crosswalk on the south side of Shoreline when he collided with the big rig, which was turning right onto Shoreline Village.
Bezart said the bicycle crashed into the right side of the truck just behind the cab and was pulled from underneath the massive vehicle.
"It appears as though the bicyclist ran into the side of the semi," she said.
The investigation is ongoing, Bezart said, adding that authorities are looking into whether or not the bicyclist was distracted or possibly misjudged his speed.
The truck driver was not cited on Tuesday, she said.
The driver, who was not identified, said he was heading southbound on the Long Beach (710) Freeway when he missed the exit for the port area and ended up driving eastbound on Shoreline. The driver said he was attempting to turn right onto Shoreline Village Drive to make a U-turn and get back on the freeway when the accident occurred.
Within the past year, Ramirez had been
Gustavo Ramirez, 30 (Family photo)
involved in another accident in the Bixby Knolls area, according to Webb. A car had pulled in front of the bicyclist, injuring his right arm, he recalled.
Ramirez had been "unofficially adopted" by the Webb family after the bicyclist's mother died while he was in his late teens, Webb said.
At Tuesday's traffic site, a bicycle helmet, a pool of blood and a bicycle with a smashed front end could be seen in the crosswalk at the corner of Shoreline and Shoreline Village.
Local cyclists Vince Balvin and Reno Ferraro stopped their bikes for a moment to look at the wreckage. The two said they like to ride a 30-mile trek around the city each week, but normally try to avoid Shoreline because of speeding cars.
"It can be dangerous in this area," Balvin said. "People have to be more careful."
Me: Shoreline Drive is a wide ass street. I cycle through the intersection where this happened at least once a week and have never felt it was a dangerous area to cycle. I really can't imagine how this tragedy occurred, other than the truck shouldn't have been there in the first place.
Creative Thing01.6.10 - 7:09 am
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This so sad. I hate reading things like this, and it happens too often. Every time a rider dies I always think that could have been me, or anyone of us.
ToddAlmighty01.6.10 - 7:23 am
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I know right .... its always said to read things like this ....
OsnapsonJC responding to a
comment by ToddAlmighty
01.6.10 - 8:19 am
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Even though I'm in the valley I can supply a bike, welded and all if someone want's to come get it from me.
Let me know
Paul
rev106@yahoo.com
rev106 responding to a
comment by OsnapsonJC
01.6.10 - 8:26 am
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this breaks my heart.
i live in east hollywood but i was born and raised in the LBC.
enso23 if you have any questions or need help setting up a ride please get at me
my screen name@aol.com or (323) 793-566ate.
my condolences for your loss.
trickmilla01.6.10 - 10:28 am
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So, let me get this straight - the article is saying he got crushed by a massive right hook? And that it's somehow his fault for misjudging the speed or 'being distracted'? Isn't it usually the other way around? I encounter cars on a daily basis at intersections that misjudge how 'slow' a bicycle is going. This is just awful..
dusky01.6.10 - 10:37 am
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my condolences go to his family and friends.
Huey555 responding to a
comment by dusky
01.6.10 - 10:44 am
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I also have another bike, Leslie.
Joe Borfo responding to a
comment by Creative Thing
01.6.10 - 11:30 am
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Joe, since you are closer, can I pick up the bike this Saturday?
On my way to the Dark Century?
You home now?
Still riding with us on the DC?
Creative Thing responding to a
comment by Joe Borfo
01.6.10 - 1:27 pm
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Thanks for the bike offer, Rev106.
Unfortunately we'll probably need your bike sometime in the future, the way 2010 is shaping up so far.
Creative Thing01.6.10 - 1:29 pm
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Saturday is cool. I am working today. I won't be up to doing the DC right now, sorry. I am sick and broken from New Orleans.
Joe Borfo responding to a
comment by Creative Thing
01.6.10 - 1:30 pm
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This breaks my heart to read. Sounds like a very unfortunate turn of events and now someone is no longer with us. May he rest in peace.
-Dexter-01.6.10 - 2:04 pm
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Re: Accident, that truck had to have moved way out of the right turning lane to make that turn into that small side street, the driver stated that he missed his turn off the 710 fwy, since the article brought up Gustavo's previous accident I think it's slightly misleading the reader to think this was the cyclist fault,
Let's check the driver's record, at incidents like this he should by law have to be taken to get the clinic to get his Blood Alcohol Level checked and just out of curiosity I'd like to see if this driver was clean.
Leslie let me know how I can help.
dannyzuko01.6.10 - 2:51 pm
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Holy Shit! thank you for posting this. I feel sick. I worked with Gustavo and talked bikes with him all the time. I cannot believe it! I just saw him last week. He was hit a few months back and before that his old bike got stolen. He still rode all the time. He was a super great guy. This sucks. I am proud of the support of the Midnight Ridazz community. I will help with the ghost bike. I can get one tonight if necessary. Creative Thing, can you e-mail me please: bellrichardj at gmail thank you.
richbell01.6.10 - 3:30 pm
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thanks for all of the support. are there any LBC people that would like to help plan the route of a ride? above all i would like the ride to be safe and figure that LB riders know their city best. can someone or a small group either help me with the route planning? it would be even better if take care of the route planning and i will take on the task of coordinating. what would be a good day? i was thinking next friday, since the midnight ride is this friday.
enso2301.6.10 - 5:35 pm
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I have arranged to pick up a bike this Saturday from Joe Borfo, for the Ghost Bike.
I just made one for Donald Murphy, a rider killed by a car in Newport Beach, so I have the logistics down. It only takes a day or two to put it together with paint and a sign. I can also supply a cheap cable lock to secure the bike at the site.
It will be an honor for me to do this. I can also deliver the bike to the site, early on the day of the ride.
I vote for next Friday for the ride.
I can also do a spoke card. I'm thinking of a photo of Gustavo on one side and the Ghost Bike on the other side. Spoke cards will cost $15 for 30, or about 50 cents each. I don't have a job, so any financial help will be appreciated!
The Ghost Bike paint will cost $8 tops. That's it.
Thanks for your offer to help, Danny. Can you coordinate the ride?
Damn, I don't want to turn this into a regular thing. Two Ghost Bikes in 3 week. Its depressing.
Creative Thing responding to a
comment by enso23
01.6.10 - 6:50 pm
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Thanks Les for taking care of all of the details for the ghost cycle. My co-worker Rich and I were thinking of heading down to LB sometime Saturday to figure out a route for the ride on Friday the 15th. Anyone is welcome to come along on Saturday. I lived briefly in LB a long time ago and Rich commutes through there, but I am in no way an expert on LB streets. Any tips on good routes would be appreciated. Post here or e-mail me at enso23(at)hotmail(dot)com. Thanks.
enso2301.6.10 - 10:20 pm
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How about Gustavo's Queen Mary route? His family would know it.
RustyNipples01.6.10 - 11:07 pm
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Do you have a way to contact a family member who knew his route? As long as it is okay with them, it would be ideal if they could give me the route. I didn't participate in Ilya's ride a few years ago, but I believe they finished his ride home from work. After stopping at the ghostcycle, I thought it would be nice to finish Gustavo's ride home.
enso23 responding to a
comment by RustyNipples
01.7.10 - 12:02 am
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I think its a great idea.
i'd be honored to ride his route/ finish his ride.
trickmilla responding to a
comment by enso23
01.7.10 - 6:49 am
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RIP Gustavo - This is so sad. My thoughts go out to his family and friends. I'll definitely be there for the memorial ride. Please post info when it becomes available.
Akane01.7.10 - 10:18 am
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My condolences to Gustavo's friends and family at this difficult time. I will ride on the 15th and help out with $$.
Yoshiyahu01.7.10 - 1:04 pm
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I can help with the ride route, let me know,
If he lived in Belmont Shore a quick trip to Queen Mary and back would be a really nice and easy route.
dannyzuko01.7.10 - 1:10 pm
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Once we're firm on details, I can take care of media coverage of the ride (I used to work in PR). We can tie it into better bike lanes for the LBC and help everyone be safer in the future.
You know how intersections are named after cops killed in the line of duty? Let's name a new bike lane through Shoreline Village after Gustavo and start a new awareness tradition! His family are LB politicos, so this shouldn't be a problem. I'm certain they'd love to help the community honor him.
-g
RustyNipples01.7.10 - 9:50 pm
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Maybe contact the LACBC? Woody should know who to contact in that group... except he's in RI. I'll give my friend a call tomorrow and see what she thinks.
-Rev
deviaterev responding to a
comment by RustyNipples
01.8.10 - 12:04 am
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bump.
we need to firm this up asap. are we riding on friday the 15th?
RustyNipples responding to a
comment by deviaterev
01.8.10 - 9:01 pm
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I'm riding Saturday morning with a few people including Gustavo's roommate, who often rode Gustavo's Queen Mary route with him. We are going to check it out and make any adjustments to accommodate a group.
Also, I was contacted by a family member today and discovered the family was planning a ride of their own not knowing that I had started to organize a ride. He is a former city council member for the city of LB and expressed concern over the safety of a night ride. I assured him that rides are done at night in LA all of the time with no safety issues, but he seemed like he would prefer that the ride happened on Saturday the 16th during the day.
Ultimately, purpose of the ride is to show support for Gustavo and his family. If they would prefer that it happen on Saturday morning, then I will respect that and post the ride to happen at that time. I am meeting with his family member tomorrow morning after we ride the route and will discuss the best time to hold the ride. I will post the starting date and time tomorrow afternoon.
enso2301.9.10 - 12:04 am
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If its Saturday, I vote for morning.
I won't be able to make it if its after 10 am.
In any case, the Gost Bike will be there.
Creative Thing responding to a
comment by enso23
01.9.10 - 8:26 am
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RIP Gustavo Ramirez.
eric01.9.10 - 9:04 am
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RIP Gustavo Ramirez
Stories like these make me consider purchasing a helmet more and more each day eventhough I see one in the pic.
Weedwax01.9.10 - 9:24 am
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RIP Gustavo Ramirez .
and yes, helmets at all time please, peace.
SONNY responding to a
comment by Weedwax
01.9.10 - 1:34 pm
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The ride information is finally up. There are two rides posted. One on Friday night and the other on Saturday morning.
enso2301.11.10 - 10:32 am
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Very sorry for the loss of Gustavo
We posted your memorial ride,
http://www.ghostbikes.org/node/590 also visible from the homepage.
sorry the site was down -- but the server is now fixed and robust -- please contact us for any changes to the posting [at]
info [at] ghostbikes.org
Ellen
volunteer, nyc street memorial project
www.ghostbikes.org
LN01.11.10 - 8:34 pm
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Sorry to hear about the loss. Have heard but good things about this unfortunate soul. Southbay Cruisers have listed links and info on the upcoming 1/15/10 ride on www.southbaycruisers.com
Wild Johnny01.13.10 - 2:15 pm
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sorry, typo...should have said 'nothing but good things'
Wild Johnny01.13.10 - 2:16 pm
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We need to ALL please be more careful. Car drivers don't consider us riders..there for we as riders need to make a bigger effort to stay out of busy streets and remember we must ALWAYS MAKE IT HOME SAFE.
BuggyBabyBumper responding to a
comment by Wild Johnny
01.14.10 - 9:08 pm
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REST IN PIECE Gustavo
didnt know him but i also work at an REI and heard about this hours after it happened. im sorry and if there anything i can do let me know
i was supposed to cover a shift friday night out there but it was filled later so im trying to make the ride!
SAUCE MODE01.14.10 - 10:26 pm
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Rest In Peace Gustavo Ramirez..may your family be comforted and your spirit reunited with the earth !
KataCyklsLA2NY01.15.10 - 12:20 am
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I rode his memorial ride tonight and felt privileged to be able to take part in it. While I did not know Gustavo hearing the stories told by his friends where he died makes me regret I had no opportunity to get to know him - he lived just a few blocks away from me and died in a spot I ride by frequently on my daily commute.
Requiescat in pace Gustavo.
I'm reminded that being alive and being *present* in every sense of the word is a gift that sooner or later we all will lose.
Bests
Jon
jsavage01.15.10 - 11:20 pm
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Tanks to Joe Borfo for providing the bike and painting it.
The bike was installed yesterday at dawn.
Creative Thing01.16.10 - 8:02 am
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rest in paradise, fallen brother of the road
my heart goes out everyone that knew him
Migcycle01.16.10 - 8:25 pm
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HELP. Need another ghost bike. See the post titled GHOST BIKE NEEDED. Please help.
MaxieD responding to a
comment by Creative Thing
05.6.11 - 11:55 am
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hello enso23, my name is Alex and i'm a journalism student at CSU Long Beach. im currently working on a feature story on ht e ghost bike movement. i wanted to get some input on actual victims and te people who knew them, but mainly their reaction to the ghost bikes. will it be possible for a sort of interview? if so, please contact me at hernandeza387@gmail.com. thank you.
photo-on-wheels05.9.11 - 10:49 am
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The ghost bike is different for everyone, for me it's a reaction, not a "movement" We're just trying to say that we're getting creamed out here and we only have ourselves to look after each other.
Mr journalist you should just go look for blood elsewhere and proofread your posts, you sound like an idiot.
rev106 responding to a
comment by photo-on-wheels
05.10.11 - 9:24 am
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RIP
its always sad when a fellow cyclist gets killed while having fun riding their bikes
DETOXXX05.10.11 - 12:13 pm
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